Here comes that dreaded moment — your 12-year-old is asking for a phone.
Deciding what kind of phone is suitable for your kid is not easy, but putting off buying one isn’t an option either.
By middle school, most kids in your child’s class have phones, and yours might feel left out without one. Plus, they need it to stay in touch, work on school assignments, and gain a sense of independence.
But as a parent, you’re understandably worried about the risks—exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and the addictive pull of social media. These are real worries no parents want to deal with.
You want to keep your child safe while also giving them the tools they need to grow and connect responsibly.
In this article, we’ll share the 10 best phones for 12 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
It’s not easy to decide what phone to get for your kid, or whether to get one for them at all.
As this Pew Research report tells us, many parents cite technology as the reason that parenting is harder now than in the past.
With technology comes a host of worries including cyberbullying and online predators, not to mention constant distraction and access to violent and explicit content.
So if you’re feeling concerned about making this next purchase, it’s totally understandable.
The good news is that with comprehensive parental control apps, you can protect your child from dangers while giving them access to the advantages of phones.
We’ll discuss this in detail below.
Should I allow my 12-year-old to have a phone?
You are the best person to decide whether your child is ready for their first phone.
But, we can help you make an informed decision by taking you through what research and experts say.
First off, it might be reassuring to know that:
- Kids get their first phone at an average age of 12.2 years old. (Study link)
- By age 12, 71% of children have phones (Study link)
At this age, kids really feel the social pressure to get connected, and whether we like it or not, might even get bullied for not having a phone.
While the reasons for our kids not having a phone may be clear to us, they may not be as obvious for our 12-year-olds. In fact, they may see not having a phone as a kind of punishment.
And they’re not even necessarily looking for you to spend a lot of money — they just want to be connected:
But there’s more to it than social pressure.
Phones have a number of advantages. According to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, phones can help our kids:
- Communicate in emergency situations
- Boost social interaction skills
- Gain immediate knowledge for personal or academic use (think Google)
- Stay entertained through music and videos
Beyond this, as this research from Concordia University shows, phones can have important benefits for your child’s development, including promoting:
- Self-sufficiency, by helping them to learn to self-regulate their technology use.
- Digital literacy, by preparing them to engage with future technologies.
However, these advantages can only be gained if their digital usage is monitored and controlled.
The good news is that parental control apps are widely available. Some are built into phones to make kid-friendly models. Others are available as third-party apps that can be used on smartphones.
You don’t have to go on this journey alone!
In the next section, we’ll take you through a checklist to find the best parental control app to install on your kid’s phone.
What to look for in the best parental control app – Checklist
Not all parental control apps are created equal — some only come with basic screen time limits, while others offer comprehensive monitoring or real-time content filtering.
When looking for one, it’s important to choose one that best helps you meet your goal. For instance, if your goal is to just limit screen time, you can stick with the basic parental controls on iOS or Android phones or use free tools like Google Family Link.
However, if your goal is to protect your kids from harmful content and prevent sexting and other risky behaviors, we recommend looking for one that:
- Lets you choose which websites, apps, and specific URLs you’d like to block or allow
- Filters out explicit content on all websites in real-time, before it reaches your kids’ device
- Prevents sexting by alerting you whenever an inappropriate image is taken or received
- Allows you to set Internet downtimes where your kids won’t be able to access the Internet
- Monitors Internet, app, and social media usage
- Tracks your kid’s location
- Prevents kids from removing the app from their device
- Is 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.
What phone should a 12-year-old have?
When choosing a phone for a 12-year-old, it’s important to consider both their needs and your concerns as a parent.
The right phone strikes a balance between giving your child some independence and keeping them safe from potential risks.
Here’s a breakdown of the different types of phones you might consider:
|
Phone type |
Description |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Smartphone |
An Android or iOS- run touchscreen phone with internet connectivity and app access. |
The independence, self-sufficiency, and stimulation that come with an “adult” smartphone. Kids will be able to improve their digital literacy, use popular messaging apps, and follow their unique interests. |
Must have parental controls in place to ensure their safety to protect children from the potential harms of online content and social media. |
|
Durable flip phone |
A phone made to survive harsh conditions such as construction sites. |
Waterproof, dust-proof, and drop-proof. |
The bulky clamshell design may not be too desirable, particularly as kids get older. |
|
Kid-friendly phone |
Designed with kid safety in mind, this phone type has parental controls built in. |
A one-stop shop when it comes to giving your kids a safe first phone experience. Kid-friendly phones include pre-vetted apps, content monitoring, and location tracking, as well as a variety of other safety features. |
They’re likely to outgrow this phone type quickly, particularly if the model doesn’t give them access to popular messenger apps and an internet browser. Many don’t give you access to all the apps they may need for school, health monitoring, or personal interest. |
|
Also referred to as a feature phone or a minimalist phone, a dumb phone has a non-touch screen, limited or no internet access, and is designed to restrict addictive usage. |
Fewer distractions, less availability of harmful content, and in some cases cheaper than smartphones. |
Your child may get bullied or teased for having a minimalist phone. You may spend as much money on a dumb phone as you do on a smartphone and not have access to smartphone features. |
What is the average price range for a suitable phone for a 12-year-old?
The phones we recommend below start at $60.00 and go up to $799.00 — so the spectrum is wide.
Here are some stats:
- The average price for a smartphone in the U.S. in 2023 was $823. (Study link).
However, there are smartphones on our list that are far more affordable than this. (The Moto 5g, for example, is $249 and the budget-friendly Samsung A13 is under $200.)
You may also be able to get a smartphone for “free” when you sign up for a new contract or add a new line to an existing phone plan. Some providers also offer trade-in deals where you can get a significant discount on a new phone if you trade in an old one.
Another option is to give them an old smartphone of your own. That means you don’t have to fork out for a brand new phone and they may be happy to receive an “adult” phone as their first device.
- Dumb phones range in price from super cheap models for under $100 to the Light Phone III and Wisephone II which go for hundreds of dollars.
- Kid-friendly phones, like Gabb, Troomi, and Pinwheel, tend to come in at around the $200 mark, although Pinwheel offers models that are cheaper and way pricier than this.
The parental controls are built into these models but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re included in the cost. To access the Caregiver’s Portal for Pinwheel, for example, you have to pay $14.99.
10 Best Phones for 12-Year-Olds in 2024
Here are the best phones for 12-year-olds we’ll be reviewing, what they’re best for, and their features and costs.
Let’s dive in.
1. Samsung Galaxy Series A
Use it for: Budget-friendly smartphone for a responsible 12-year-old.
Overview:
The Samsung Galaxy A series are great starter smartphones for your kid.
They’re affordable (even cheaper than some dumb phones like The Light Phone and Wisephone that we discuss below) and come with great cameras, long battery life, vibrant displays, and solid performance.
Here’s a summary breakdown of each phone in the A 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.
And don’t let the image above fool you—each model in the series comes in many different colors like black, white, blue, red, green, and violet.
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 started 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. (Just be warned — it’s likely that they will quickly outgrow Samsung Kids, if they haven’t done so already.)
Parental Controls:
Samsung Kids offers some parental controls but does not include sexting prevention and AI filtering. For this, you’ll need Canopy.
Key Features:
- 5G connectivity which will allow teens to browse, connect and play without getting frustrated
- All the power of the Android OS
- AMOLED screen display that allows you to see your screen clearly indoors and outdoors
- Triple lens camera
- Up to 1TB storage space
Pros and Cons:
Kids will love the vibrant display and decent camera for photos and videos, while you’ll appreciate the strong parental controls available through Google Family Link.
The phone is durable enough to handle a few drops, making it great for younger users.
However, it’s not as fast as pricier models, so it might lag a bit with games or apps.
Plus, since it’s a full smartphone, there’s always the risk of distractions like social media and games. But you can offset this by installing a comprehensive parental control app like Canopy.
Pricing: Depending on the retailer, you can expect to pay in the region of:
- Samsung Galaxy A13: $150
- Samsung Galaxy A14: $150-$170
- Samsung Galaxy A15: $199.99
- Samsung Galaxy A25: $200-$300
- Samsung Galaxy A32: $299.99
Warranty: 12-month brand warranty
Plans and contracts: Choose your plan through Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile or UScellular or opt for Unlocked by Samsung which gives more freedom to choose.
2. iPhone SE
Use it for: An affordable, compact, and durable iPhone.
Overview:
The iPhone SE is a budget-friendly option without compromising on performance. It’s priced much lower than the latest iPhones but still packs a punch.
It has a compact design that’s easy for smaller hands to hold and is built with the same high-quality materials as more expensive iPhones. Plus, it’s water and dust-resistant, which is a huge plus if your kid is prone to accidents.
Despite its smaller size, the iPhone SE is equipped with the A13 Bionic chip, the same one found in the iPhone 11 series. This means it’s fast and capable of handling games, apps, and multitasking with ease.
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).
It’s compact and easy for kids to handle, with a 4.7-inch Retina display that’s perfect for watching videos, using educational apps, or staying in touch with family and friends.
However, there are some downsides. The iPhone SE, while powerful, has a smaller battery than larger models, so it might need more frequent charging, especially with heavy use.
The camera quality is also less than satisfactory compared to more expensive iPhone models and Android phones of the same price.
Pricing: from $200 for refurbished, from $499 for new
Warranty: 2 year limited warranty
Plans and contracts: Unlocked. Set up with any carrier or plan.
3. Moto 5G
Use it for: Kids who need a reliable phone for schoolwork, staying in touch, and exploring their interests online.
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. As with the other smartphones on our list, 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.
4. T-Mobile Revvl 6 Pro
Use it for: An affordable Android-operated phone for 12-year-olds in a T-Mobile family.
Overview:
The T-Mobile REVVL 6 Pro is an excellent budget-friendly smartphone for a 12-year-old who needs a reliable device without the hefty price tag.
It features a large 6.8-inch HD+ display, which is great for watching videos, using educational apps, and staying connected with family and friends.
The plastic build is sturdy yet lightweight, making it easy for smaller hands to handle without feeling too fragile.
The phone includes a 16-megapixel front camera and a four-camera setup on the back, including a 50-megapixel primary camera. While the camera quality isn’t on par with flagship devices, it’s more than sufficient for everyday photos and selfies, especially in good lighting.
The REVVL 6 Pro also offers features like face unlock, a fingerprint sensor, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, which adds to its appeal for younger users who are just getting used to smartphones. While it’s not water-resistant and the camera shutter may lag slightly, the overall package is hard to beat for under $250.
Why we like it:
The battery life on this phone is impressive — the 5,000 mAh battery means your child can use the phone throughout the day without needing to recharge.
Although it’s a T-Mobile phone, you can opt to unlock this phone for use with other carriers.
T-Mobile also offers some great deals on Revvl phones. You can opt to get the phone for $0 when you add a line to a plan that you currently have or trade in an eligible device on a Go5G Plus or Go5G plan. Find out the details here.
Parental controls:
You can install Canopy on the REVVL 6 to protect your kids while they are exploring the web.
Key Features:
- Standard features of Android OS
- 5G connectivity
- 6.5 inch HD+ display
- Quad camera
- 33 hours talk time
- Memory can be expanded to 2 TB
- Fingerprint sensor
- Headphone jack
Pros and Cons:
For a very decent price, you can give your child access to all the features they will need to explore the world of cell phones. They can practice taking pictures, develop their skills with educational apps, and watch their favorite shows without interruption.
The Revvl 6 Pro also has long-standing battery life. With a 5,000 mAh battery, it can easily last through the day, even with moderate use, meaning you won’t have to worry about it dying when your child needs it most.
Getting a smartphone for a younger child is always a risk. It’s vital that you put comprehensive parental controls in place so that you can monitor their usage, restrict dangerous apps, and remove elicit and violent content from their web browser. Luckily, Canopy is available through the Google Play Store.
Pricing: $199 or “free” with T-Mobile promotion
Warranty: Lifetime limited warranty — you’re covered for any manufacturer defaults as long as you have your phone.
Plan availability: T-Mobile offers the Metro Flex Plus plan for new and existing customers that includes your 5G phone for “free”. Read the details here. You can also opt to use this phone as part of a family plan.
5. CAT S22 Flip
Use it for: A durable flip phone for adventurous and sporty 12-year-olds.
Overview:
From the makers of construction and mining equipment, the Cat S22 Flip is a rugged, durable flip phone designed for tough environments.
It features a compact, clamshell design with a 2.8-inch main display and a 1.44-inch external screen.
The phone offers basic smartphone functionality, including 4G LTE connectivity, Android OS, and access to essential apps.
It’s water and dust-resistant, drop-proof, and has a long-lasting battery, making it perfect for kids who need a sturdy, reliable device for basic communication and safety.
Why we like it:
This phone hits a sweet spot between simplicity, affordability, and capability. Your child will be able to access the internet and use some of their favorite apps while still taking advantage of the addiction-breaking nature of the flip phone.
We also like how sturdy it is. With Cat S22, you won’t have to worry about broken screens, cracked exteriors, or water damage.
Parental controls: Cat S22 runs on Android 11 and is compatible with Canopy, our parental control app.
Key Features:
- LTE connectivity with T-Mobile
- Touch screen
- Thermal imaging camera
- App downloads through the Google Play Store
- Android features such as Google Maps, GMail, and
- Notifications on the external display
Pros and Cons:
Although it’s simple, this is an Android phone which means it comes with all the robust capabilities that entails, including access to the navigation, emails, and social media. And most specifically, you can install parental control protection.
The display is worth a mention. You can view notifications and messages on the outer display, meaning you don’t have to open the phone to see important messages.
One thing to be aware of is that the phone will slow down quite a lot if you install a lot of apps.
Another thing? Your kids may soon complain about having to have a bulky flip phone when their friends have iPhones.
Pricing: $59.98 to $75.99, depending on outlet
Warranty: 12-month warranty from the date of purchase
Plans and contracts: Unlocked T-Mobile phone. If you’re with another carrier, you will have to check compatibility. The phone does not work with AT&T or CDMA networks like Verizon or Sprint.
Like flip phones? Read out full guide to flip phones for kids here.
6. Nokia 2780 Flip
Use it for: A durable and affordable flip phone for adolescents.
Overview:
This is a flip phone for kids from a trusted brand name — you may very likely have had a similar option back in the day. Nokias have a reputation for being indestructible, and while this flip phone may not last as long as your Brick that never died, it’s of the same family.
Although the Nokia 2780 Flip is simple, it’s not dumb. Beyond text and calling, this phone allows you to download your favorite apps and browse the internet.
Why we like it:
Our favorite thing about this phone is the price. It’s one of the most affordable options in the market.
The sound quality of the calls is also crystal clear, so if you’re using this specifically to call your teen, it’s a great choice.
The Nokia 2780 Flip is also a good middle-ground phone that offers some smart features, such as internet browsing and apps, with the simplicity of the flip phone design.
Parental controls:
Unfortunately, most advanced parental control apps, like Canopy, work with the giant operating systems—Android and iOS.
That means that your parental control options are seriously limited when it comes to KaiOS based phones like this. KaiOS is the open source alternative to Android and iOS and is not as robust as its counterparts.
Key Features:
- VoLTE internet calling
- BlueTooth
- KaiOS
- Internet browser
- App downloads
- Photo and video capabilities
- FM radio
- Audio playback
- Headphone jack
Pros and Cons:
For the price, this phone offers a lot, including access to the internet and apps, as well as good sound quality for calling.
Our biggest concern is about the parental control capabilities of the phone. With your kids having access to the web, messengers, and social media, you simply can’t control what content they are able to engage with.
Pricing: $89.99
Warranty: Limited warranty of 12 months which covers the hardware of the phone.
Plans and contracts: Unlocked and works on multiple networks.
7. The Light Phone
Overview:
The Light Phone is a compact, sleek touch-screen phone without the distractions of a smartphone.
Originally designed for adults who want to “digital-detox”, 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.
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:
The Light Phone has an e-ink screen which does not emit blue light (unlike most LCD or LED screens).
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 The Light Phone comes 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
Pros and Cons:
While the Light Phone is a good option when it comes to simplicity, that perk is also its potential downfall. Its connectivity and useability are unreliable and it can bug out occasionally.
Although it’s improved in the Light Phone III, the battery life is not great, adding to the potential unreliability. So, it’s not a perfect option when it comes to staying connected to your kids. We’d recommend it as training wheels but not for a long journey.
The Light Phone is also relatively expensive (starts from $300) for the very limited features it offers.
That being said, if you’re looking for a simple phone that can also be used as a hotspot for other devices, this is a good option.
Pricing:
- Light Phone II: $299
- Light Phone III: $799 (Pre-Order $399)
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.
8. Wisephone
Overview:
The Wisephone II is a sleek subscription-based phone from Techless, a company that prides itself on making “health tech.” It’s a beautiful but “boring” phone that mimics the style of an iPhone and comes with its own phone carrier plans.
Techless’s proprietary WiseOS is specifically designed to provide a simple, user-friendly experience while prioritizing safety and focus.
This operating system includes only essential functions like calling, texting, and a basic camera, with no access to app stores or web browsers, significantly reducing the risk of exposure to inappropriate content.
It’s not totally dumb, however. With a good camera and GPS tracking, this phone comes with some of the perks of a smartphone.
It has an E-ink display, designed to reduce blue light exposure. Blue light is the kind of light that is emitted from digital devices.
While the research on the effect of blue light is inconclusive, we do know that it has a detrimental effect on kids’ sleep — so reducing the emission is a major plus point here.
The Family Portal also allows you some parental control from your own device, including location tracking and access to all their messages and call lists.
Why we like it:
If your kid wants an iPhone, but you’d like them to have a dumb phone, the Wisephone II is a good middle-ground.
They’ll get a phone that looks and feels like an iPhone, while you’ll be able to protect them from distracting apps and explicit content on the Internet.
We also like how the Wisephone II supports group chat messages, which means even if your kid doesn’t have a smartphone, they can still participate in family chats.
If that’s not enough, the Wisephone comes with their own proprietary music app which doesn’t include ads or explicit content recommendations.
With all this considered, the Wisephone is the most functional dumb phone on our list.
Parental Controls:
You can use the built-in parental controls through the Family Portal. You have no access to apps and internet browsers so won’t be able to add additional third-party parental controls.
Key Features:
- WiseOS operating system
- SMS messaging
- Phone calls
- USB-C for fast charging
- Basic tools like a clock, calculator, and notes
- Camera
- Maps with location tracker through the Family Portal
- Wifi
- Bluetooth connectivity
- No hotspot capabilities
Pros and Cons:
The pre-order for the Wisephone II is $399, which is quite high considering it’s a simple, limited phone.
But we like how the Wisephone II comes with their own phone carrier plans, so you won’t be locked into major carriers.
For instance, you can opt for their “Healthy” phone plan which includes:
- Unlimited calls and texts
- 5GB of data
- Tools like music, calculator, maps, phone, messages, camera, etc.
- Human customer support
- “Keep your phone number”
…all for just $50/month.
However, the Wisephone is only available as a pre-order right now, so we’ll need to wait and see whether it’s actually as good as it sounds.
Pricing: $399 (pre-order)
Warranty: 14-day return for any reason
Plan availability: Techless plans range from $24.99 and $69.99. Your monthly subscription also includes your cellphone service. Check out their plans here.
9. Pinwheel
Overview:
Pinwheel is an operating system designed specifically for kids that you can use with different types of phones and carriers.
If you want to keep your kids more digitally disconnected, Pinwheel’s OS can help you do so. It does not come with an Internet browser or social media.
It does come with safe, helpful apps out of the box, such as a calculator, flashlight, camera, and a vetted library of 1,000+ applications that you can add to your child’s device as needed.
Plus, parents get access to the Pinwheel Caregiver Portal where you can:
- Create a contact Safelist
- Monitor texts and calls
- Add or delete/restrict apps
- Manage screen time
- Track location
You can choose from five different phone types with Pinwheel OS already installed:
- Google Pixel 8A – for exceptional photo and video quality, fast speed for opening apps and images, and all-day battery life.
- Samsung Plus 4 – a premium smartphone with a minimum design and a durable build, perfect for your kids’ busiest days.
- Motorola Slim 6 – sleek, modern phone that is compatible with all major carriers, giving your child reliable technology at an affordable price.
- Rugged 3 – a durable smartphone for active kids who want extra protection from drops, dirt, and water.
- Genesis 1 – the cheapest option of all five.
Why we like it:
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 phone and managed through their Caregiver’s Portal.
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 best thing about Pinwheel is that it comes with comprehensive parental controls.
However, the Caregiver Portal is not free — you’ll have to pay an additional subscription fee of $14.99/month for your kid’s first phone, and $4.99/month for every additional phone.
Some parents love the Caregiver Portal:
Others, not so much.
The Caregiver Portal also does not come with real-time content filtering. Canopy is still your best choice if you want to protect your kids from explicit content before they even see it in the first place.
Pricing:
- Genesis 1: $99
- Slim: $199
- Rugged 3: $249
- Plus (5G): $329
- Pixel 8A: $599
Plans and contracts: Works with most major carriers
Warranty: Standard manufacturer’s warranty, dependent on the specific phone’s manufacturer.
10. Troomi
Overview:
Troomi phones are designed to give younger kids a smartphone experience while ensuring their safety.
The phones come without social media, addictive games, or unrestricted internet access, significantly reducing exposure to inappropriate content and online risks.
Instead, it comes with:
- Safelisted contacts
- GPS tracking
- AI text monitoring
- AI content alerts
- School-approved and vetted apps
- App time limits
- Safe browser
With their Discover Plan ($29.95 a month), your kids will have access to KidSmart® Apps, a collection of curated kid-friendly apps. (Most apps are available on WiFi only.)
Similar to Pinwheel, Troomi offers a Parent Portal where you can monitor your child’s screen time, approve apps, and track their location.
The design is durable and built to withstand the occasional drop or spill, making it perfect for active kids. Plus, the sleek look means your child will feel like they have a “real” phone.
Why we like it:
Our favorite thing about Troomi is that it has embraced AI monitoring for texts. That means that it is constantly monitoring your kids’ texts to check for inappropriate messaging, keeping them safe from predators and cyberbullies, and helping them make the right choices.
Parental controls: Built into the phone
Key Features:
- Vetted apps
- Safe internet browser
- GPS tracking
- App screen limits
- AI monitoring
- Safelisted contacts
- Unlimited texting
Pros and Cons:
KidSmart® Apps is a pro and a con when it comes to Troomi. We like that it provides kids with the opportunity to explore some smartphone features. But it’s only available on their most expensive plan. It’s also limiting — you may not be able to access the specific apps your child needs for their schoolwork or health needs.
Check out their plans and apps here to see if they are the right option for your family.
Pricing: Troomi Phone: $149, Troomi Phone Pro: $199
Warranty: Standard manufacturer’s warranty, dependent on the specific phone’s manufacturer
Available plans: Plans range from $13.95 to $29.95 a month.
Best Phones for 12-Year-Olds | More FAQs
Have more questions about choosing the best phone for your 12-year-old?
We answered them below:
What's a good phone for a 12 year old?
A good phone for a 12-year-old strikes the right balance between giving them some independence and keeping them safe.
The iPhone SE is a solid choice—it’s compact, easy to use, and has strong parental controls.
If you’re looking for an Android option, the Samsung Galaxy A series offers similar benefits at a budget-friendly price.
Both options provide the essentials like calling, texting, and access to educational apps, but with features that allow you to manage screen time and monitor usage.
Should a 12 year old have an iPhone?
Whether a 12-year-old should have an iPhone depends on your child’s maturity level and your comfort with giving them access to a smartphone.
The iPhone SE is a good option if you decide they’re ready, as it includes robust parental controls that let you monitor and limit what they can do.
iPhones also offer a smooth, user-friendly experience, which can make it easier for your child to navigate the device responsibly.
If you’re concerned about online dangers, you can install Canopy to block specific websites and apps, and filter out inappropriate content in real-time.
What are the top features to look for in a phone for a 12-year-old?
When choosing a phone for a 12-year-old, focus on these key features:
- Parental Controls: Essential for monitoring and managing screen time, app access, and online content.
- Durability: A phone with a sturdy build, preferably water and dust-resistant, to handle the rough and tumble of everyday use.
- Manageable Size: A device that’s easy for small hands to hold and navigate.
- Basic Communication: Reliable calling and texting capabilities.
- Limited Internet Access: Options to restrict or block browsing and social media to minimize distractions.
- Educational App Compatibility: Support for apps that aid in learning and development.
- GPS Tracking: A helpful feature to keep track of your child’s location.
Which operating system is more user-friendly for kids, iOS or Android?
iOS is generally more user-friendly for kids, thanks to its simple and intuitive interface.
Apple’s parental controls, like Family Sharing and Screen Time, are easy to set up and
use, making it a popular choice for younger users.
However, Android also offers a kid-friendly experience, especially with Google Family Link, which gives you a lot of flexibility in managing your child’s phone.
Both systems can be tailored to your child’s needs, but iOS tends to be a bit more straightforward for first-time users.
