Giving your 11-year-old their first phone is a big step, and it’s completely natural to feel a bit anxious about it.
On one hand, you want them to have a way to stay in touch with you at all times, whether they’re at school, a friend’s house, or just out and about.
On the other hand, you’re worried about phone addiction and harmful online content like cyberbullying, inappropriate material, and sexting.
We get it, and we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll share the 10 best phones for 11 year olds.
But before we do, let’s answer some questions we get frequently from Canopy users.
Frequently Asked | Read This Before Buying a Phone for Your Kids
Key considerations for parents
The research is clear — phone addiction can have all sorts of negative effects on our kids’ mental and physical health, including:
- Increasing feelings of insecurity, tension, and anxiety
- Prompting them to stay up too late at night
- Negatively impacting their mood
There’s also the danger of them:
- Having harmful interactions on social media
- Encountering inappropriate content online
Basically, there’s a lot to worry about.
But we live in a world where cellphones are a primary mode of communication—it’s just not possible to shield our children from them completely. Instead, the goal should be to nurture responsible, safe use.
We’ll take you through the top research-backed methods to do this.
Is it OK for a 11 year old to get a phone?
The short answer is yes, provided they are mature enough to know that getting a phone is a big responsibility.
In this study, Stanford researchers followed a group of adolescents for five years after they got their first phone (at an average age of 11).
They found that the age at which kids acquire phones is not linked to negative effects such as depression, sleep disturbance, and lower academic performance.
This is not to say that the negative effects don’t exist — they do. But there’s no correlation between the exact age kids get phones and the downsides they can have.
So, how do you know if your child is ready for a phone?
The young respondents (14 to 24 years old) to this 2022 survey reported that they got their phones at an average age of 12 — and that most of them got their first phones out of necessity rather than for social reasons.
This is what two of the respondents had to say about the question of when kids should get their first phone:
“Around 13 or when entering middle school, children become more independent and do things without their parents there. It’s important to be able to stay in touch with your parents.”
Another respondent commented:
“As soon as they need it honestly. If a child is frequently out and about (eg. community centers/clubs, friends, paper routes), has a situation where they need to contact their parent, has to wait after class, etc, then the actual age doesn’t matter much…”
And experts agree.
Clinical psychologist Jerry Bubrick, PhD, from the Child Mind Institute has this to say:
“I tell parents that it’s not so much about a particular age as it is about a kid’s social awareness and understanding of what the technology means.”
Phones give kids the opportunity to explore their interests on their own, which is a major step in becoming more independent and responsible. Their devices allow them to go to social gatherings, club meetings, and sporting events while staying connected to you.
Ultimately, it’s about making a decision that suits your family. Doing your research about the best phones available is the perfect place to start.
What is the safest phone for a 11-year-old?
A phone with robust parental controls will allow your child to explore the independence and stimulation that phones can bring without opening them up to dangers.
There are various ways to achieve this by getting your child a:
- Dumb phone
- Phone built with kid safety in mind
- Smartphone with third-party parental controls
Here’s a summary table to help you decide which type of phone to get for your kid:
Phone Type | Choose This If… |
Dumb phone |
|
Kid-safe phone |
|
Smartphone with Parental controls |
|
If you opt for either a dumb phone or a smartphone, you must install a comprehensive parental control app on it.
Comprehensive third-party parental control apps help you protect your child from the harms that come with smartphone usage. With one, you can:
✅ Teach children how to self-regulate their cell phone use.
✅ Have productive conversations about how to use technology responsibly.
✅ Filter out harmful content that they are not ready to see.
✅ Monitor their interactions and, in doing so, protect them from the dangers of cyberbullying and sexting.
So, what kind of parental control app should you install on your kid’s phone?
Let’s look at each in detail.
What to look for in the best parental control app – Checklist
The best parental control app will:
- Let you choose which websites, apps, and specific URLs you’d like to block or allow
- Filter out explicit content on all websites in real-time, before it reaches your kids’ device
- Prevent sexting by alerting you whenever an inappropriate image is taken or received
- Allow you to set Internet downtimes where your kids won’t be able to access the Internet
- Monitor Internet, app, and social media usage
- Track your kid’s location
- Prevent kids from removing the app from their device
- Be compatible with all your devices
💡Note: Our parental control app, Canopy, checks all these boxes. Sarah from Family Tech reviewed Canopy at length in this YouTube video.
How can I educate my 11-year-old about responsible phone usage?
First up, the fact that you are doing your research on responsible phone usage is already a plus point.
Here are some tips we recommend to encourage responsible usage:
- Make sure that you have comprehensive parental controls in place. This will help you monitor your child’s usage without having to hover over them. If anything inappropriate comes up, you can have a productive conversation with them before it turns into a bigger problem.
- Set screen time limits and talk to them about addictive behavior. Experts differ on what these limits should be. Some say no more than two hours a day (except for homework). The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry doesn’t recommend a specific number of hours but does say it’s important to limit screen time and promote healthy digital habits.
- Create Family Rules. According to MediaSmarts, research has shown that kids with household internet rules are less likely to do things like post contact info online, visit gambling sites, and seek out online pornography.
You decide what rules will work for your family. Some ideas include:
- Not meeting anyone in person that you have met online unless you have your parents’ permission.
- Asking an adult before downloading anything from the internet.
- Never being mean to anyone on the internet.
- Asking an adult before giving away any personal information.
10 Best Phones for 11-Year-Olds in 2024
Here are the best phones for 11-year-olds we’ll be reviewing, what they’re best for, and their features and costs.
Let’s dive in.
1. The Light Phone
Use it for: A compact, minimalist phone (that somewhat mimics an iPhone) without distracting apps or Internet browsers.
Overview:
The Light Phone is perfect if you want your kid to stay connected without all the distractions of a typical smartphone.
It only has the essentials: calls, texts, and an alarm clock. No internet, no social media, no games—just simple and safe communication. You will love the peace of mind it offers, knowing your kids won’t be exposed to online dangers.
You can choose to add on more “tools” for your kids (depending on what they need) from the Light Phone’s dashboard website. These tools include:
- An alarm
- A timer
- A calculator
- Directions
- A simple music player
- Notes / voice memo
- Calendar
- Podcasts
There’s also a headphone jack, bluetooth, 5G connectivity, and it can be used as a personal hotspot (if needed).
The latest offering, the Light Phone III has some extra features such as a camera and a faster processor. But if you’re looking for a phone with optimal user experience, this may not be it. (It’s made to limit use rather than promote it.)
Why we like it:
We’re a fan of the e-ink screen. Most cell screens are LCD or LED. These kinds of screens emit blue light.
The jury is out on whether blue light is harmful to all of us but research suggests that excess exposure could harm eye health, particularly in “light-sensitive populations” such as young children and older people.
We also like that it’s unlocked, meaning that you can use it with your current carrier or with Light Service, the company’s service plan.
Parental controls:
The Light Phone doesn’t come with any parental control features and you won’t be able to install a third-party app.
Key Features:
- Phone
- Text
- Voice to text
- Alarm
- Calculator
- QWERTY keyboard
- Flashlight
- Personal hotspot
- Bluetooth
- Headphone jack
Pricing:
- Light Phone II: $299
- Light Phone III: $799 (Pre-Order $499)
Pros and Cons:
For 11-year-olds, the Light Phone II can be a good option if you’re looking to minimize screen time and encourage your child to focus on the world around them. It’s designed to be used sparingly, helping kids disconnect from digital distractions. The voice-to-text feature can make texting a bit easier, even on its small screen, and the e-ink display is gentle on the eyes, which is a plus for young users.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The small size of the phone can make texting difficult for kids, and the lack of a reliable GPS might be a concern if you want to keep track of your child’s location.
The phone’s inconsistent call reception can also be frustrating, especially if you need to stay in touch regularly.
Users online also say there are occasional glitches and the battery life is short.
Warranty: The Light Phone can be returned within a year for manufacturer defects only.
Plans and contracts:
The Light Phone offers various service plans:
- $30 + tax / month (Unlimited calls and messages + 1 GB data)
- $45 + tax / month (Unlimited calls and messages + 5 GB data)
- $70 + tax / month (Unlimited calls, messages and data)
U.S. Light Phones come with a free SIM card. You can keep an existing number or get a new one.
The phone is unlocked so you can also use it with your current carrier.
2. Punkt MP02
Use it for: A simple dumb phone with a portable Internet connection.
Overview:
Originally designed for adults to reduce distractions, the Punkt MP02 also makes a great dumb phone for kids.
With its minimalist design, the MP02 focuses on essential functions like calls and texts, helping your child stay connected with you while avoiding the pitfalls of excessive screen time.
This phone encourages your child to be more present and engaged with the world around them, fostering healthy habits from an early age.
Plus, without the allure of games or internet browsing, you’ll have peace of mind knowing they’re not spending too much time on their device.
Punk MP02 does come with 46 LTE Internet connection which can be shared with a tablet or laptop. The Internet connection does not work on the phone itself.
The phone’s website says, “This two-device approach means that the Internet is something you dip into, rather than the other way round.”
Why we like it:
We like how Punkt doesn’t completely restrict Internet access, but allows your kids to use it on a nearby computer or tablet. This means if they need to do homework, quickly search up something, or use maps, they can do so.
We also like the privacy feature, Pigeon, which provides extra security for internet-based calls. This adds to the fact that dumb phones are intrinsically safer because you won’t be entering as much sensitive data into them (like bank details and private photos).
Plus, these phones make simplicity look good. Their product designer Jasper Morrison believes that “objects should never shout” — and he’s got that right with the straightforward design of the Punkt MP02.
Parental controls:
As Punkt MP02 is a dumb phone, you won’t be able to install additional parental control apps. But you can install a parental control app on the computer or tablet your kid will be using.
Key features:
- Voice calling through VoLTE (high-speed data connectivity for voice calling)
- Text (9 numbered keys with predictive text)
- LTE connected Hotspot so that you can go online on other devices
- Bluetooth and USB connectability
- Privacy software (Pigeon)
- Unique ringtones designed by Norwegian sound artist Kjetil Røst Nilsen.
- Transflective LCD screen, which uses less power and is easier to see in bright sunlight.
- Alarm clock
- Calendar
- Notes
Pros and Cons:
This phone has really good sound quality, and considering that’s what its main function is, it delivers on its promises. It’s also really to navigate.
Punkt MP02 prides itself on the “two-device approach,” meaning that you can use your phone as a hotspot to get online on your tablet/laptop. This is both a pro and a con when it comes to parental controls.
While it means that your kids should be safe from harmful content on the internet while they’re on their phones, there’s no guarantee that they are safe when on other devices.
The keyboard is a con for some users — its 9 numbered buttons may be less favorable than the QWERTY keyboard of the Light Phone, for example. It also doesn’t have voice-to-text.
Pricing: $319.00
Warranty: Guaranteed against manufacturing defaults for two years from date of purchase, and will cover repair or replacement.
Plans and contracts: The Punkt MP02 is unlocked meaning, technically, you should be able to use it with any carrier. However, this hasn’t been the case for all users so it’s worth checking in with your network before you make the purchase.
3. Sunbeam F1 Horizon
Use it for: A dumb phone that doesn’t come with distracting apps but still has basic modern features like navigation, music player, and picture messaging.
Overview:
The Sunbeam F1 Horizon is a fantastic option if you want to give your 11-year-old a phone that’s simple, safe, and free from the usual smartphone distractions.
This flip phone is all about the essentials — calling, texting, and a few useful tools like an alarm, calendar, and camera — without any internet, social media, or apps to worry about.
It’s easy for your child to use, with big buttons and a clear screen, plus it’s built tough enough to handle the typical bumps and drops.
You’ll also love the SOS emergency button for that extra peace of mind.
The unique thing about Sunbeam is that it’s highly customizable — it comes in 7 different models and you can choose one that offers as many or as few features as you need:
Why we like it:
We like that you get to choose the features that best suit your family’s lifestyle. Add or subtract features like cameras, picture messaging, and navigation.
You can also choose to have a touch screen which makes it a nice option for kids who are looking for a middle ground between dumb and smart phones.
It’s also relatively bug-free and doesn’t leave you high and dry by freezing or shutting down.
Parental controls:
While they’ve done a good job of keeping things simple, you won’t be able to install additional parental control apps on the Sunbeam.
Key Features:
That all depends on what model you get. I’ll take you through the features of the Bluebird here as it has the most extensive list. You can then choose which ones you’d like to forego:
- SMS
- Voice messaging
- Picture messaging
- Camera
- Music player
- Touch screen with QWERTY keyboard.
- Navigation using either Waze or Here.
- Hotspot
- Sound recorder
- Weather
Pros and Cons:
The biggest pro of the F1 Horizon Phone is its versatility. You have some choice of the features you want on your kid’s phone. It’s also built with your kids’ safety in mind.
Interestingly, the company is a startup launched by Mennonites who are looking for ways to help their community steer clear of illicit content on the internet. You can read their story here.
But the reality is that there isn’t a way to steer clear of all dangers. Since some versions of Sunbeam allow your kids to send pictures, making it difficult to protect them from the implications of sexting and cyberbullying.
They can also use it as a hotspot which means other devices that they use to access the internet are not protected completely from explicit content.
Pricing: The cheapest versions start from $249 (the Bluebird with hotspot capabilities and navigation), and can go up to $329.
Warranty: Return for refund minus a $30 processing fee within 30 days of receiving the phone.
Warranty lasts a year for manufacturing defects only. Phones can be exchanged for items of equal value. See their full policy here.
Plans and contracts: The phones are unlocked, so technically can be used with any network. However, they were designed to work with Verizon.
Like flip phones? Read out full guide to flip phones for kids here.
4. CAT S22 Flip
Use it for: A rugged, durable phone that’s perfect for an active 11-year-old.
Overview:
The CAT S22 Flip is a solid choice if you’re looking for a durable, no-nonsense phone for your 11-year-old that’s built to withstand rough handling while keeping things simple.
It’s easy to hold and use, thanks to its physical buttons and ergonomic design, which means your child won’t struggle with a slippery touchscreen. The phone’s flip mechanism is both satisfying and practical, protecting the screen when not in use.
While it’s technically a smartphone, the S22 Flip limits distractions by making it challenging to overuse apps or spend too much time on the screen, which is great for promoting healthier phone habits.
Why we like it:
At just $75, we love how affordable the CAT S22 Flip is. It’s also a phone that won’t break, no matter how roughly it’s handled.
We also like that there is a programmable button on the side of the phone which you can set to activate a bright flashlight. This can come in handy when your kid is hiking, camping, or if they’re in a dangerous situation.
Parental controls: You can download Canopy from Google Play Store.
Key Features:
- Dust and water-resistant
- Large, easy-to-type buttons
- Touch screen
- Outer display showing the date and time, incoming calls, and message notifications.
- Flashlight
- Front and rear-facing cameras
- Internet browser
- Access to Google Play Store to download apps
Pros and Cons:
Durability, durability, durability! It’s also got great sound quality for you to hear those “pick me up from soccer practice” calls loud and clear.
While you can download apps from the Google Play Store, loading too many might slow down the phone.
The phone is a bit bulky, which might make it less comfortable to carry in a pocket, especially for smaller hands.
Also it’s helpful to know that the S22 Flip runs on an older version of Android, which might not support the latest apps or features, and the camera is basic, so it won’t produce high-quality photos.
Pricing: $75.99, depending on outlet
Plans and contracts: Available through T-Mobile. Check compatibility with other carriers.
Warranty: 12-month warranty from date of purchase
5. Pinwheel
Use it for: A kid-friendly operating system that can be used on a selection of phones and carriers.
Overview:
Pinwheel is an operating system rather than a phone. You choose the phone and carrier, and they turn it into a safe phone for kids.
All these phones come with the Pinwheel OS installed which does not include social media apps or Internet browsers. Instead, it comes with:
- Basic call and texts
- Contact Safelist which blocks all stranger and spam communications
- Over 1,200 kid-safe apps vetted by professionals
- Caregiver Portal (for parents)
- GPS locator
On the Caregiver Portal, parents can:
- Approve and manage contacts on the safelist to block spam and unknown callers
- Select and manage apps from a therapist-approved app store
- Set different phone modes for specific times of the day
- Add routines and checklists to modes for reminders
- Track the child’s location via GPS
- Review and monitor text history and conversations with approved contacts.
Why we like it:
We like that Pinwheel offers the best of both worlds—your kids will get a stylish smartphone and you’ll get peace of mind knowing they can’t access internet browsers or social media.
You’ll also get full control over how you want to design your kid’s first phone. You can add-on apps that would benefit their learning or creativity (e.g. Duolingo for language learning), while restricting access to others like social media. You can even install an app like Zoom so they can attend online lessons.
And as your kid grows up, you can decide how and if to expand what they can access on their phone.
One key feature we love is the Focus Mode and scheduling. You can set specific times for different types of app access (e.g. educational apps during homework time, communication during after-school hours). This helps in creating a balanced routine for your child.
Parental Controls: Built into the device
Key Features:
- Pre-vetted apps
- Screentime management
- Text and call monitoring
- Safelist of contacts
- GPS and location monitoring
- Parental control removal prevention
Pros and Cons:
The Pinwheel system offers strong parental control without creating conflicts with your child, making it a great tool for teaching good technology habits.
It provides peace of mind with features like app management, screen time control, and location tracking.
However, it’s important to note that PInwheel does not come with real-time content filtering or sexting prevention, which Canopy offers.
Users online say setting up Pinwheel takes some time, but it’s straightforward once you’re familiar with it.
But the main downside is that location services don’t work if the phone has no cell coverage or is turned off.
As a starter phone, Pinwheel makes a great first-phone for kids, though older kids may eventually want a more traditional smartphone.
Pricing:
- Genesis 1: $99
- Slim: $199
- Rugged 3: $249
- Plus (5G): $329
- Pixel 8A: $599
Warranty: Standard manufacturer’s warranty, dependent on the specific phone’s manufacturer.
6. Troomi
Use it for: A touch screen kid-friendly smartphone built to keep young users safe and stimulated.
Overview:
Troomi is essentially a kid-safe Samsung that comes with:
- Safelisted Contacts
- GPS Tracking
- AI Text Monitoring
- AI Content Alerts
- Approved Apps
- App Timeframes
- Safe Browser
This means kids will not be able to access inappropriate content or addictive apps like games and social media, while still enjoying the perks of having a smartphone.
Similar to Pinwheel, Troomi also offers a Parent Portal where you can:
- View real-time GPS location of the phone and monitor vital stats like signal and battery strength.
- Monitor calls and texts, including reading text messages, pictures, and GIFs sent and received on the phone.
- Check blocked texts to ensure no unwanted contacts are attempting to reach your child.
- Add and remove contacts and apps from the phone, with access to KidSmart-approved apps like Google Maps, Amazon Music, and Disney+.
- Access school-related apps such as Class Dojo, Schoology, PowerSchool, Parent Square, and Google Classroom.
- Manage all settings through the web-based Parent Portal, which functions like an app when bookmarked on your device.
7. The Gabb Phone Plus
Use it for: A touchscreen phone with ONLY kid-friendly apps and features.
Overview:
The Gabb Phone Plus is designed to keep your child connected while minimizing screen time and eliminating the risks of internet access, social media, and YouTube.
The phone includes essential features like calling, texting, GPS tracking, and a few basic apps like:
- Calculator
- Calendar
- Camera
- Clock
- Contacts
- Gabb Cloud
- Gabb Messenger
- Gabb Music (subscription required)
- Gallery
- Phone
- My Files
- Notes
- Settings
You can also add on more apps such as:
- Gabb Maps
- Weather
- Bible Study
- Gospel Library (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
- Torah Study
- Quran
- Sora
The Gabb Phone Plus has a larger display than the original Gabb model, improved battery life, and includes Gabb Cloud for free cloud backups. It also supports photo and group messaging, which are built into the monthly plan.
It’s a simple, secure option that helps your child develop good tech habits without the distractions and dangers of a traditional smartphone.
Why we like it:
Gabb looks and feels like a regular smartphone but is completely kid-safe. They won’t be able to access inappropriate content or addictive apps like social media and games.
We particularly like the parental controls on Gabb Messenger. Parents can download Gabb Messenger Parent and be notified if any nudity is detected on a video call, it will immediately end and the parent will be notified.
We also appreciate its unique features such as Gabb Cloud (storage) and Gabb Guard (a spam blocker).
Parental Controls: Built into the phone.
Key Features:
- Unlimited talk and text
- GPS location services
- Gabb Messenger (unique messaging service)
- Gabb Music
- Camera and gallery
- Preinstalled apps such as a calculator, calendar, and notes.
- List of curated apps to choose from under categories such “education” and “bible study”
Pros and Cons:
The Gabb phone is good for basic call and text making it suitable for 11-year-olds or younger.
However, parents say the phone does not grow with their kids and does not teach them digital responsibility.
You cannot add on more apps or tools that kids might need for school, social interaction, or hobbies.
For instance, if your kid needs to use an educational app like Canva to turn in an assignment, they cannot do so on Gabb.
Parents also say the phone itself is of low quality, often breaking easily despite being in a case. And when it breaks, you’ll need to buy an overpriced replacement directly from Gabb.
In fact, Gabb is notorious for locking you into their ecosystem. For the phone to work, you’ll need to purchase a Gabb phone plan, and you can’t use the Sim card in another phone. This is frustrating if the Gabb phone plan doesn’t offer good coverage or if your kid lost their device.
Overall, while the Gabb Phone is good for basic calls and texts, it may not be the best long-term solution as your child’s needs grow.
Pricing:
- Gabb phone 4: $149.00 + Gabb Cellular Plan
- Gabb phone 4 Pro: $199.00 + Gabb Cellular Plan
Warranty: Gabb Warranty (covers damage from drops and spills): $4.99.
Plans and contracts: Plans range from $24.99 to $34.99, depending on the features and add-ons you would like to have access to. Month-to-month contracts are also available.
8. Samsung Galaxy A-Series
Use it for: A high-performance smartphone with built-in parental controls.
Overview:
If you’d like to give your child a smartphone rather than a dumb phone, the Samsung Galaxy A series is a great option.
They’re affordable (even cheaper than some dumb phones like Punkt and the Light Phone) and come with great cameras, long battery life, vibrant displays, and solid performance.
Here are the phones in the series:
- Galaxy A13: A budget-friendly option with a 6.5-inch display, quad-camera setup, and a long-lasting 5000mAh battery, perfect for basic tasks and casual use.
- Galaxy A14: An upgraded version of the A13, featuring a slightly improved processor and camera capabilities.
- Galaxy A15: Offers a 6.6-inch display with enhanced resolution, better camera quality, and faster processing power, suitable for multitasking and gaming.
- Galaxy A25: Comes with a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, quad-camera setup, powerful processor, and a 5000mAh battery, offering a balance of performance and affordability.
- Galaxy A32: A mid-range model with a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, superior camera system, and 5G connectivity.
Plus, you’ll get basic parental controls through Samsung Kids and Google Family Link (available for free). You can:
- Check your child’s phone usage time by day and app.
- Set screen time limits for each day of the week.
- Limit and manage content shown to your child through four different methods: Apps, Contact, Media and Music.
Why we like it:
For a similar price to many of the dumb phone options out there, you can get your child starting on their journey of using a smartphone responsibly. It runs well (on a Mediatek 6835 processor) and offers reliable 5G internet.
We also like Samsung Kids which offers educational content teaching kids coding and helping them develop their critical thinking skills. All of this is done with fun characters who make the learning environment enjoyable. (Be warned, by middle school, they might be on the verge of outgrowing their time with these goofy guides.)
Parental controls:
Samsung Kids does provide some basic parental controls like screen time management. For real-time content filtering and sexting prevention, download Canopy.
Key Features:
- 5G connectivity
- All the power of the Android OS
- AMOLED screen display — see your screen clearly indoors and outdoors
- Triple lens camera
- Up to 1TB storage space
Pros and Cons:
If you have an old Samsung lying around, you can trade it in for a discount on your new phone, making the purchase price even cheaper.
You can also purchase an unlocked Samsung phone which means you can use it with any network provider of your choice.
The downside? This phone may not be as durable as some of the other options on the list. If it goes for a bath with your kid, know that it’s not waterproof. It also has a plastic build which means it heats up more easily.
Also, it’s important to note that once your child turns 13, they are eligible to opt out of supervision.
This is due to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA) which expires once a child reaches the age of 13. It aims to recognize and respect the child’s increasing autonomy and privacy considerations as they grow older.
Pricing: From $199.99 to $399.99 through Samsung
Plans and contracts: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or UScellular or opt for Unlocked by Samsung which gives more freedom to choose.
Warranty: 12-month brand warranty
9. Moto 5G
Use it for: An affordable option for kids who need to access educational apps and sites for school.
Overview:
Powered by Android, the Moto 5G is a great option for a high-performance smartphone at a lower price.
Your kids will be able to take great pictures, stream their favorite content, and listen to music in surround sound. They’ll also have access to popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Messenger.
With its Snapdragon 480 5G platform, this phone is well-equipped to handle the adventures of curious children who love to use their phones to access educational apps, play games, and look up the answers to life’s most important questions.
Why we like it:
For the same price (if not less) as many of the dumb phones on the market, the Moto 5G offers your child a great intro to the world of smartphones.
It has solid performance (even when multiple apps are open at once), great audio-visuals, and good battery life.
Your kids may also be happy that it comes with a free pair of Motorola earbuds—Moto Buds Plus.
Parental controls:
Motorola smartphones come with parental controls and safety settings that can be accessed through the free Google Family Link app.
However, this is limited to just setting screen time limits, blocking or filtering apps and websites, and location tracking.
If you’d like more comprehensive protection like real-time content filtering, you can install Canopy through Google Play Store.
Key Features:
- 6.7 inches Full HD+ (2520 x 1080 pixels), 90Hz refresh rate
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 765
- Rear Camera: Quad-camera setup (48MP primary, 8MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, 2MP depth)
- Front Camera: Dual-camera setup (16MP primary, 8MP ultra-wide)
- 5G connection
- MediaTek Dimensity 7020 processor
- 128GB built-in storage with the option to add up to 1TB with a microSD
- Dolby Atmos (surround sound)
- Water-repellent coating
Pros and Cons:
With its vibrant display, 5G connection, and good battery life, the Moto 5G is a great phone to stream and play games on.
This is a pro and a con. While your kids will likely be thrilled, you will have to be vigilant about setting screen time limits. You can use either the built-in parental controls or Canopy to do so.
One of the major perks of going with Motorola is having access to Moto Care. It allows you to extend your standard limited warranty coverage or add additional coverage for accident damage. You can read about it here.
Pricing: $249.00
Plans and contracts: Unlocked. Check carrier compatibility here.
Warranty: Standard warranty which can be extended with Moto Care.
10. The iPhone SE
Use it for: An affordable, compact, and durable iPhone.
Overview:
If your child wants an iPhone and you’re willing to give them one, the iPhone SE is a great option. It offers all the perks of an iPhone without the complexity or high cost of more advanced models.
The 4.7-inch screen is just the right size for your child’s hands—easy to hold and use, but still big enough for apps, videos, and learning tools.
You’ll appreciate its durability, with water and dust resistance that can handle the inevitable drops or spills.
Apple’s strong parental controls make it easy for you to manage what your child can do on the phone. With Family Sharing and Screen Time, you can monitor their usage, set limits, and control which apps they can access. The simple Touch ID feature adds extra security.
The iPhone SE is compatible with all the apps in the App Store, so you can tailor it to your child’s needs with educational tools and games. P
lus, with regular software updates, this phone will stay up-to-date, giving you a reliable and safe option as your child grows.
Why we like it:
If you’re finding your teen is putting on the pressure for you to get them into the Apple family, the iPhone SE is a good inroad.
It’s also great as an “upgrade” phone from a dumb phone or a cheaper smartphone as your kid grows up.
Parental Controls:
The iPhone SE comes with excellent built-in parental controls like screen time, app limits, content and privacy restrictions, downtimes, and more.
But if you want more comprehensive parental control measures like blocking inappropriate content in real-time, Canopy is your best option.
Key Features:
- 4.7-inch Retina HD display
- A13 Bionic chip
- 12MP rear camera with Portrait mode, 4K video recording
- Water and dust resistant (IP67 rating)
- Fingerprint unlocking
- iOS 14
- Available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB models
Pros and Cons:
The iPhone SE is the best value deal if your kid wants an iPhone – it combines top-notch performance, excellent built-in parental control, strong battery life, and durability for an affordable price (especially if you get the refurbished ones from Amazon).
But the camera quality is low compared to more expensive iPhone models and Android phones of the same price.
Pricing: from $200 for refurbished, from $429 for new
Warranty: 2 year limited warranty
Plans and contracts: Unlocked. Set up with any 4G carrier or plan.
Best Phones for 11-Year-Olds | More FAQs
Have more questions about choosing the best phones for your 11-year-old?
We answered them below:
What features should I look for in a phone for an 11-year-old?
Here are the key features to look for in a phone for an 11-year-old:
- Parental Controls: Look for a phone that allows you to monitor and manage app usage, screen time, and content access.
- Durability: Choose a phone with a sturdy build, preferably water and dust resistant, to withstand drops and spills.
- Manageable Screen Size: Opt for a phone that fits comfortably in your child’s hands, making it easy to hold and navigate.
- Basic Communication: The phone should have reliable calling and texting capabilities.
- GPS Tracking: A phone with location tracking helps you keep an eye on your child’s whereabouts.
- Limited Internet Access: Consider phones that restrict or block internet browsing, social media, and games to minimize distractions.
- Battery Life: A phone with good battery life will last through the day without frequent recharging.
- Educational App Compatibility: Make sure the phone supports educational apps that can aid in your child’s learning.
Are iPhones good for 11 year olds?
The iPhone SE would make a good option for 11-year-olds as it’s affordable, durable, and comes with comprehensive parental controls like activity monitoring and screen time limits.
We don’t recommend the more advanced and expensive models however, as 11-year-olds are often clumsy and may break them.
Is there a phone to only talk and text?
Yes, there are phones designed specifically for basic communication, focusing only on calling and texting. Phones like the Gabb Phone or Light Phone II are excellent examples.
These phones are built to keep things simple and distraction-free, with no internet access, apps, or games.
They’re ideal if you want your child to have a phone solely for staying in touch with family and friends, without the risks associated with browsing the internet or using social media.
These types of phones help reinforce responsible phone habits while providing the essential functions of communication.
What is the best phone for an 11-year-old?
The best phone for an 11-year-old depends on your priorities, but a strong contender is the iPhone SE. It offers a balance of functionality, safety, and ease of use.
The iPhone SE is compact, durable, and comes with advanced parental controls, allowing you to manage your child’s phone usage effectively.
It’s compatible with a wide range of educational apps, making it a valuable tool for learning and communication.
If you’re looking for something simpler, Troomi is another excellent option, providing just the basics—calling and texting—without internet access, games, or social media.
Both options provide a safe and reliable experience tailored to the needs of younger users.
