BEST IPHONE FOR KIDS IN 2023
23 May 2023
Kids and phones can be a difficult subject to navigate. What age should children get a phone? Should you limit them to something basic or splash out on a smartphone that will last? Do they really need the latest iPhone?
Well, whilst getting them the latest iPhone might be a bit overkill, there are many reasons why iPhones are some of the best phones for kids. If you’re looking for the best iPhone for kids in 2023, here’s what you need to consider and which models you should choose.
What to consider when choosing the best iPhone for kids
1. Durability
This is perhaps the most important consideration when choosing a children’s iPhone. We all know how kids can be! Look for an iPhone with a sturdy build, dust and water resistance, and a toughened glass screen. Even with all this, you’ll probably still want to add a protective case to reduce the risk of breakages and might want to consider insurance too.
2. Size
The size of the iPhone is another thing to think about. A smaller model will be easier for smaller hands to operate and fit better in kid-sized pockets. However, if your child will be using the phone regularly to play games or watch YouTube, a phone with a larger screen might be preferable.
3. Affordability
You might like to keep costs down by purchasing your iPhone secondhand or from a store that sells refurbished iPhones. If you prefer to buy new, older iPhone models will be the cheapest – although you should check whether they offer all the features you want. You might decide to invest in a more recent model that will last longer.
3. Battery life
Battery life is another important thing to consider when choosing a kid’s iPhone. Watching videos and playing games eats into battery life, and children might not always remember to charge their devices. Selecting an iPhone with good battery life will decrease the likelihood of them running out of charge when they need to contact you.
4. Parental controls
Whichever model you choose, you should ensure it supports your desired parental controls on iPhone. For example, you will almost certainly want to limit a young child’s screen time and access to social media apps. For the best screen time controls, you’ll need an iPhone capable of running the latest version of iOS.
4. Phone plans
Once you’ve decided on the best kid’s iPhone, you’ll need to combine it with the best kid’s phone plan. At amaysim, we offer a range of SIM-only kid’s phone plans that are ideally suited to use with your child’s iPhone.
Top 5 Best iPhones for Kids
1. Best iPhone for kids
If you’re looking for the overall best iPhone for kids, the iPhone SE is it.
There have been several iterations of the iPhone SE. The latest model, the iPhone SE 2022, is the 3rd generation and replaces the iPhone SE 2020. It has an A15 Bionic chip which supports 1.2x faster graphics than the A13 Bionic, and better battery life than the 2nd gen.
There are several reasons why the iPhone SE is perfect for kids: it’s affordable, water-resistant, and has a fast 5G connection which should last your little one for years to come. Touch ID also ensures that only your child can open the device.
The size is small and easy for little hands to manage – although, keep in mind that the 4.7-inch display is significantly smaller than other iPhones on the market and might not be the best for watching videos.
The SE handset comes in Midnight, Starlight or ProductRed, (black, white and red to the rest of us). The bright red colour might even help prevent your child from misplacing it!
2. Best first iPhone for kids
As the most affordable option on our list, the iPhone 11 is a great first iPhone for younger kids. Even with its comparatively low price, it still performs well. It features a large 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, on which kids will love watching videos and movies in crystal clarity.
There’s also a dual 12MP camera system and an A13 Bionic chip, which might not make it as fast as the SE but is still more than sufficient for young users.
The iPhone 11 is durable with good dust and water resistance, and it boasts fast charging and long-lasting battery life – good news for kids who may forget to charge their phone regularly. It also has Face ID, which kids will undoubtedly enjoy using!
3. Best robust iPhone for kids
The iPhone 12 is another excellent, affordable choice for kids (especially since Apple discontinued the iPhone 12 Mini). Despite being released in 2020, the iPhone 12 offers plenty of impressive features that make it kid-friendly - including industry-leading durability.
This is largely thanks to its Ceramic Shield screen, which Apple says provides 4x better drop performance than previous models – perfect for accident-prone kids! It’s powered by the A14 Bionic chip and has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, which is perfect for watching videos and gaming.
As you would expect from a recent iPhone, the iPhone 12 is 5G-enabled, which gives children faster internet speeds and better connectivity for contacting you. Available in a range of colours, this is also a great iPhone for style-conscious kids.
4. Best iPhone for older kids
Are you looking for a more recent iPhone for an older child or teen? The iPhone 13 is an excellent choice.
The iPhone 13 has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display and is powered by the A15 Bionic chip with 4-core GPU, which means it’s more than up to advanced gaming and streaming tasks, and the battery life can support up to 19 hours of video playback.
The 12MP dual-camera system has improved low-light capabilities and Cinematic mode, which allows kids to indulge their creativity and video-making skills. The Ceramic Shield screen is resistant to damage from typical kid activities!
If your little one has smaller hands, the iPhone 13 Mini with a 5.4-inch display might be a good alternative.
5. Best kid’s iPhone for videos and gaming
As the latest and greatest iPhone currently on the market, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is the most expensive option. However, if you’re willing to splash the cash, this cutting-edge iPhone offers the most longevity.
That’s because it has all the latest technology and Apple features that your child could want. The 6.7-inch ProMotion Super Retina XDR screen and ‘Always-On’ display provide an exceptional viewing experience.
The next-generation A16 Bionic chip and incredible battery life of up to 29 hours video playback ensure the ultimate gaming performance. Advanced photography features include a 48MP main camera, super-stabilising action mode and low-light-maximising night mode, making it ideal for kids with a passion for photography and videography.
Due to its high price point and advanced features, this iPhone is only really suitable for older children. We recommend the iPhone 14 Pro Max as the best iPhone for teenagers with heavy video and gaming requirements.
FAQS
What age should a kid get an iPhone?
The age a kid should get an iPhone depends on the child and the circumstances. For example, do they regularly spend time away from you and might need to contact you in an emergency? Would it be helpful if they could communicate with you and their friends via iMessage? Are they mature enough to cope with the responsibility of an expensive phone?
Most people would agree that toddlers are too young for an iPhone (although a non-internet-enabled iPad could be a suitable alternative). Some, such as those who support the ‘wait until 8th’ campaign, would say you should wait to get your child a smartphone until they’re a teenager.
Others might argue that there are situations where a younger child needs a phone, and if you’re getting them one anyway, it might as well be something that will last them a few years. An iPhone should do that, if taken care of. As their parent or guardian, you know your child best, so trust your instincts.
Which iPhone is best for children?
Thanks to its small size, affordability and durability, we recommend the iPhone XE as the best iPhone for kids. The iPhone 13 is the best iPhone for teenagers, as it has more of the latest features and will last them longer, whilst still remaining affordable (for an iPhone!)
What type of mobile plans does amaysim offer?
Amaysim is a popular Australian mobile service provider that offers a wide range of prepaid sim cards to suit everyone's needs. Whether you are looking for a basic plan with just calls and texts or a high-speed data plan aimed at the heavy use crowd with unlimited international calls, amaysim has got you covered.
Their prepaid plans include unlimited talk and text within Australia, generous data allowances, and free international calls to select countries. You can choose from a variety of plan durations ranging from 7 days to 365 days, depending on your usage needs.
Amaysim also offers a range of data plans for tablets and laptops, as well as international roaming options. With access to the Optus 4G and 5G network, you can be assured of fast and reliable connection wherever you are.
How do I set up my child’s iPhone?
When you turn your child’s iPhone on for the first time, it will lead you through on-screen prompts to set it up. Some important things to make sure you do when setting up your child’s iPhone are:
1. Set up security
If the iPhone has Face ID or Touch ID security, you’ll need to set it up with your child and teach them how to use it. These features can be found under Settings.
2. Set parental controls
Head to Settings > Screen Time to set screen time and usage limits on apps and contacts, and to block inappropriate content. This is also where you can turn off iTunes and in-app purchases to avoid any unexpected bills!
3. Turn on location tracking
Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Share My Location and make sure Find My iPhone is toggled ‘on’. This will allow you to track your kid’s iPhone if it gets lost.
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