5 best smartphones to buy for kids in 2024

As your children get older, they also get a bit more independent. From moving around for after-school classes to hangout plans with their friends, you’ll want your kids to stay connected and in touch with you so you can keep track of their whereabouts and even coordinate basic things like picking them up or generally knowing what’s going on. All of this can be solved with a decent smartphone, and children themselves will want one to be able to text and call their friends.

Depending on the use cases and budgets, there are a number of options in the smartphone space which are suitable for children. Additionally, features on modern Android and iOS smartphones can also help you keep track of your kids whereabouts using location tracking, as well as generally being able to keep in touch using calls or messaging apps. Here are our top picks among smartphones and mobile phones for kids in 2024.

Best phones for students, children in 2024

1. Apple iPhone 14

2. OnePlus 12R

3. Redmi 13 5G

4. Nothing CMF Phone 1

5. Google Pixel 8a

1. Apple iPhone 14

If you’re a fan of iOS and have an iPhone yourself, you might even want to get your children started with an iPhone. The Apple iPhone 14 is a good starter phone, and is available at a considerably lower starting price than the current-generation iPhone models, thus making it a worthwhile option to consider as your child’s first smartphone.

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You get the benefits of iOS, including family member tracking through the Find My service and compatibility with the excellent Apple Watch series as well. You can also use the iMessage app to keep in touch with your kids, which gives you access to not only messaging using data, but also a wide range of emoji and other features.

2. OnePlus 12R

If you’re looking to get your child a decent smartphone without spending too much, the OnePlus 12R is a worthwhile pick in 2024. 

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, this smartphone gets a decent camera system, good performance, solid battery life, fast charging, and reliable software. Additionally, it’s a great option for gaming as well, and your kids will enjoy spending their free time playing games on this device. 

3. Redmi 13 5G

For those looking to get their children started with an affordable device, the Redmi 13 5G is worth a look. Priced affordably, the Redmi 13 features 5G connectivity, a decent entry-level processor which can help run the device reliably for basic functions such as calling and messaging.

There’s also a big 5000mAh battery which will help run the smartphone efficiently for many hours between charges. The phone is also IP53 dust and water resistant, and comes with memory card support.

4. Nothing CMF Phone 1

Another affordably priced smartphone, the Nothing CMF Phone 1 is a popular choice for young users thanks to its customisability, modern styling, and radically designed user interface.

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The device features a dual-camera setup, a decent entry-level processor, and interchangeable back panels which will let your teenager change the look and feel of the phone as per their preferences. The phone is also fairly solid and durable, making it a good pick for children and young adults.

5. Google Pixel 8a

If your child is a photography enthusiast, the Google Pixel 8a is a good mid-range smartphone to get them started on their hobby.

With the stock Android user interface and an excellent camera system for the price, the Google Pixel 8a is a reasonably-priced option with a strong focus on photography features and capabilities, especially the AI-based features such as magic eraser and photo unblur.

Go ahead and take your pick.