Key Takeaways
- The average age for a first phone is now 11.6 years old, with 53% of U.S. children owning a smartphone by age 11.
- Budget options range from $140-$600: The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G offers the best value for budget-conscious families, and the iPhone 16e provides the most comprehensive ecosystem for Apple families. The Gabb Phone 4 Pro delivers the safest starter option with limited features and no social media.
- Parental controls are essential for smartphone safety: Look for phones with built-in parental control features like Apple’s Screen Time, Google Family Link, or Samsung Digital Wellbeing to manage screen time, approve apps, filter content, and track location.
- Consider starting with limited-feature phones before full smartphones: the Gabb Phone 4 Pro or a Nokia 2780 flip phone offer calling, texting, and GPS tracking without web browsers or social media.
- Kidslox helps keep your kids safe on their devices: No matter what phone you buy for an 11-year-old, use parental control tools like Kidslox to keep them safe online.
Having a mobile phone seems to be priority number one for today’s kids.
Unfortunately, deciding the best first mobile phone for an 11-year-old is extremely difficult.
Parents struggle to know how best to approach mobile phones for kids.
On the one hand, the benefits of owning a phone can be great for an 11-year-old kid. On the other hand, there are many dangers and responsibilities that come with having a phone.
Parents can never be too cautious when it comes to kids and mobile phones. Yet, even if your primary concern is safety, there are many other benefits to having a phone.
There are lots of things to consider before deciding on the best first mobile phone for an 11-year-old kid, including their:
- Age and knowledge of technology
- Maturity level
- The need for speed (internet access)
- Your budget
If you are a parent looking to buy your 11-year-old’s first mobile phone, this guide is for you.
In this guide to buying the best first mobile phone for 11-year-olds, we will go over the pros and cons of buying a mobile phone for an 11-year-old. We will also discuss the different types of phones on the market and offer parents tips to navigate this tricky purchase decision.
Why Buy a First Mobile Phone for an 11-Year-Old?
It is common these days to see parents and kids alike carrying around mobile phones. It seems like everyone has a phone, including pre-teens. With phones so readily available, the temptation to give your kid their own phone can be compelling.
Recent research in 2025 shows that by age 11, more than half (53%) of children in the US now own a smartphone. That number jumped to 69% by age 12. The average age for a first phone is now 11.6 years old, reflecting how normalized mobile device ownership has become for younger teens.
Mobile phones are great tools because they help keep kids safe, organized, and even teach them responsibility.
Why Should I Get My 11-Year-Old a Phone?
A phone can be a kid’s best friend. It is a source of entertainment, but it also provides safety and helps them stay connected to their parents or guardians. A mobile phone would make your child feel like they are an adult with responsibilities like the big kids.
If you decide to get your 11-year-old kid a phone, you will also gain benefits. It is much easier to have a phone instead of spending time waiting for your kid outside of school or at their sports practice. Here are some of the benefits of having a phone for your kid.
1. Helps Keep Kids Safe
The best and easiest reason to buy a mobile phone for an 11-year-old is safety. Kids face many dangers these days, and having a mobile phone can help protect them. Kids should know how to use their phones in emergencies when they’re out on their own.
2. Helps Keep Kids Organized
Mobile phones can also help kids stay on top of their school work. Parents can download apps that keep track of homework assignments, class schedules, and deadlines. Kids won’t miss out on important information if they always have their phones with them.
3. Teaches Responsibility
Parents worry about kids having mobile phones because they see it as a challenging responsibility. In reality, a mobile phone can teach kids responsibility as they become more independent. If your kid takes care of their phone and uses it properly, then you know that you can trust them with other responsibilities too.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Mobile Phone for an 11-Year-Old
When you’re thinking about the best first mobile phone for an 11-year-old, there are many factors to take into consideration.
However, it’s essential to understand the pros and cons of buying a mobile phone for your kid, and how those benefits and drawbacks might vary depending on the type of phone you choose for your 11-year-old.
The pros and cons of buying a mobile phone for an 11-year-old are different depending on whether you’re looking at smartphones or more basic phones. Your kid’s age also needs to be considered when deciding between these two phone types.
Pros and Cons of Smartphones for 11-Year-Olds
The pros of buying a smartphone for your 11-year-old include the benefits of having a mobile phone in general.
With smartphones, kids can also access the internet, play games, download apps, and send messages to their friends. But this greater technology can increase the risks.
Smartphones are high on the list of pros because they offer so much to your child, but there are some downsides, too.
Since smartphones have internet access and downloadable apps, you might worry about kids being exposed to inappropriate content or other dangers.
Plus, mobile phones cost a lot of money, and you might not want to buy a smartphone if your kid is still too young for that level of responsibility.
When it comes to buying a first mobile phone for an 11-year-old kid, parents will need to decide carefully whether going with a smartphone is best for their child.
What Types of Phones are Available for 11-Year-Olds?
There are many different types of mobile phones available on the market today. Some are designed specifically for kids, while others aren’t. Before buying a phone for an 11-year-old, parents will need to decide what type of phone is best for their child, given their age and needs.
Two main types of phones are designed for children. The first type is a rugged, durable mobile phone for youngsters, while the second is a simpler model without all the bells and whistles.
Basic Kid’s Mobile Phones
If you’re thinking about buying a mobile phone for your 11-year-old kid, consider getting them a phone designed for kids.
There are many reasons why you might want to buy your child a kids’ mobile phone instead of an adult model.
While these types of phones don’t come with as many features as smartphones, they can still do everything kids need to do, like making and receiving calls and texts, taking pictures, playing games, and more.
These types of phones can also be helpful for parents because you don’t need to worry about kids accidentally making expensive calls or downloading apps that could cost a lot.
Plus, kids’ mobile phones are designed to withstand falls and being dropped in water, so they’re less likely to break if your child happens to drop it while out and about.
Simpler Mobile Phones for Kids
While plenty of kid-friendly phone tech is on the market, your child may be ready to make and take calls effectively.
In many ways, these types of mobile phones for kids are similar to those used by adults because they’ve been designed with features that specifically appeal to children.
Simpler mobile phones can be great because they allow your kid to keep in touch with you and their friends, but don’t come with all the bells and whistles of a smartphone.
These types of phones are good for older kids who need a basic phone to make and receive calls and texts, but aren’t ready for a smartphone yet.
Smartphones for Kids
Smartphones can be expensive and difficult for kids to handle (and expensive!). One alternative might be to buy your child a smartphone with parental controls.
These types of devices allow you to set limits on how much they can use the phone, who they can contact, and more.
This type of phone is ideal for older children (like an 11-year-old) because it gives them a bit of freedom while still allowing parents to monitor everything that they do on their phone.
What Features to Consider When Buying a First Mobile Phone for an 11-Year-Old
When you’re thinking about buying a mobile phone for your child, there are many different factors that you’ll need to consider.
1. Price
You’ll need to determine how much you’re willing to spend on your child’s first mobile phone. This will vary from person to person, depending on your budget, whether you plan to buy a simple or kid-friendly phone, and the features it comes with.
2. Age
Your child’s age will also play a role in the type of phone that you buy them. Younger children may not need all the features of smartphones, so it might be best to get them something basic instead.
3. Texting
Do they need a phone for texting?
If you’re buying your child their first mobile phone, chances are they don’t have many friends with one yet. It might be best to get them something that they can use to chat with their friends via text, especially if you feel like they’re ready for it at this age.
4. Calling
One of the most common reasons parents give their children phones is to be able to reach them at a moment’s notice. This feature is standard on all phones, though some offer cellular calls while others use Wi-Fi – potentially saving you money.
5. Other Features
Does your child need a phone with other features, like a camera? While these types of phones are typically more expensive, they can also be handy for parents because they allow them to give their kids some independence while still keeping tabs on what they’re doing.
6. Cellular vs. Wi-Fi
If your child needs a phone capable of making calls, you’ll need to decide whether or not they should have a phone that uses cellular data or Wi-Fi. Cellular service is more expensive, but it allows your child to make calls while they’re away from home, whereas Wi-Fi only works when they are near the network.
Best First Mobile Phone for an 11-Year-Old – Buyer’s Guide
Are you ready to buy your child their first mobile phone? In this list, we will break down today’s top picks for the best first mobile phone for an 11-year-old.
Best Overall Phone: iPhone 16e
The iPhone has a significant presence in the U.S. smartphone market, and many schools integrate iPads into their curricula.
This makes the Apple ecosystem familiar terrain for both parents and kids. The iPhone 16e leverages this familiarity, offering an operating system that most families are already comfortable navigating.
An Affordable Apple Experience (With a Price Increase)
Priced at $599 from Apple for the 128GB model (a $170 increase from the discontinued iPhone SE’s $429 price point), the iPhone 16e is now Apple’s entry-level option.
While more expensive than its predecessor, carrier deals often bring the price down to $299- $515, making it more accessible for families on a budget.
The iPhone 16e may lack some premium features, such as the Dynamic Island or a dual-camera system, but it fully integrates with Apple’s software ecosystem and supports Apple Intelligence features.
Balanced Features for Growing Minds
Children can stay connected through iMessage groups and FaceTime calls, and they can access a host of educational apps from the App Store. For parents concerned about screen time and safety, the iPhone 16e offers Screen Time controls and Find My device tracking.
The phone also includes essential safety features like Emergency SOS via satellite, Crash Detection, and Roadside Assistance via satellite.
Why the iPhone 16e is the Best Choice for Parents and Kids
The iPhone 16e offers a balanced package that caters to the needs of both parents and children. Its operating system is one that most families will already be familiar with, and it offers a suite of features that make communication easy and educational.
If you’re looking for a well-rounded phone that will meet the diverse needs of your 11-year-old while still offering the comforts of a familiar interface, the iPhone 16e should be your go-to choice.
Best Budget Smartphone: Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G offers excellent value for families seeking an affordable Android option.
Priced between $76 and $199, depending on carrier and retailer (with prepaid options sometimes as low as $40-$50), this phone delivers impressive features for its budget-friendly price.
Solid Performance and Long-Lasting Battery
With a large 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, the Galaxy A15 5G provides sharp visuals and smooth animations. The phone has 128GB of storage and 4GB of RAM. While it won’t compete with flagship devices, it handles everyday tasks like email, web browsing, and media playback with ease.
Parent-Friendly Features and Long-Term Support
What truly sets the Galaxy A15 5G apart is Samsung’s commitment to software updates: four years of OS upgrades and five years of security updates. This means your 11-year-old can keep this phone well into their teenage years without worrying about it becoming outdated or insecure.
The phone includes Samsung’s Digital Wellbeing features and can work with parental control apps. It features a 50MP main camera, 5MP ultra-wide camera, and a 3.5mm headphone jack – a rarity in modern smartphones.
Why Parents Should Consider the Galaxy A15 5G
For families not committed to the Apple ecosystem or looking for a more affordable option, the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G delivers excellent value.
Its combination of reliable performance, excellent battery life, expandable storage, and industry-leading update commitment makes it one of the best budget smartphones available for kids.
Best Starter Phone: Gabb Phone 4 Pro
The Gabb Phone is designed with a limited digital experience in mind. Unlike typical smartphones, it doesn’t come with a web browser, app store, or any social media options.
This restricted environment makes it a fantastic starter smartphone that enables basic connectivity between kids and parents, without the distractions and risks of unrestricted internet access.
Basic Features for Basic Needs
While the Gabb Phone may be limited in some aspects, it doesn’t compromise on what kids will actually need in a phone.
The Gabb Phone 4 Pro comes with front- and rear-facing cameras and GPS, enabling parents to track the phone’s location.
The Gabb Phone 4 Pro offers unlimited talk and text, Gabb Messenger for safe communication, and parent-enabled apps. Depending on the plan you choose, you can add features like Gabb Music, image and group texting, cloud backups, and even limited mobile data on the Advanced plan for older kids.
Ideal for First-Time Phone Users
While the Gabb Phone might not appeal to older kids who desire more advanced features, it’s perfect for 11-year-olds who are first-time phone users.
In this context, the phone’s limitations feel more like freedom, allowing them to communicate with friends and family without getting lost in the rabbit hole of endless apps and internet browsing.
Why Parents Should Consider the Gabb Phone
The Gabb Phone is an excellent stepping stone for young children transitioning into the world of mobile devices. Its limited features protect them from the overwhelming and sometimes risky aspects of the digital world, while still granting them a degree of independence.
The phone’s affordability (starting at $139.99), flexible plan options, and expert recommendations for its suitability for kids still learning to manage screen time make it a compelling choice for parents who want to introduce phone technology gradually.
Best Android Phone: Google Pixel 8a
The Google Pixel 8a brings together high-quality features and robust parental controls, all wrapped up in a budget-friendly package priced around $320-$499.
As Google’s current mid-range offering, it provides excellent value for families seeking a capable Android phone with strong longevity.
Built for Longevity and Durability
What sets the Google Pixel 8a apart from other mid-range phones is its practical features and long-term support. The phone features a vibrant OLED display, excellent battery life, and Google’s signature computational photography that produces stunning photos even with its more modest camera hardware.
The Pixel 8a has an IP67 rating, meaning it’s fully sealed against dust and can withstand water submersion up to 3 feet – great for accidental spills or puddle mishaps.
Parental Peace of Mind
For parents looking to manage their child’s screen time, app usage, and location data, Google’s Family Link provides a great solution.
It’s naturally integrated with the phone and offers an extensive set of controls to maintain a balanced digital experience for your child. You can set daily screen time limits, approve or block apps, manage in-app purchases, and track your child’s location.
Why the Google Pixel 8a is a Top Android Choice for Families
The Google Pixel 8a delivers reliable performance, a great camera system, and the cleanest Android experience available.
If you’re an Android family or just looking for a robust, budget-friendly phone with plenty of practical features and strong parental controls for your 11-year-old, the Google Pixel 8a should be at the top of your list.
Best Flip Phone: Nokia 2780
The Nokia 2780 is an unlocked flip phone, which means it’s compatible with nearly any carrier network. This gives parents the flexibility to choose a carrier that best suits their needs and budget.
Priced around $145, it remains an affordable option for families seeking a basic communication option without all the smartphone bells and whistles.
Limited by Design
Like a smartwatch, the Nokia 2780 provides direct access to call a child but purposely limits most other digital activities. It doesn’t support social media apps or other distracting features, making it a device focused on communication.
If your plan includes data, the phone supports basic web browsing and email, though these features aren’t optimized for a great user experience.
A Device for Direct Communication
The Nokia 2780 shines as a well-reviewed calling device. It is built to do one thing and do it well: make and receive calls. If the primary reason you want your 11-year-old to have a phone is to keep in touch when apart, this device excels at that.
Why Parents Should Consider the Nokia 2780
A flip phone may not be for every child, but for those who just need a basic device for direct communication with parents, it’s an excellent option.
It removes many of the digital distractions that come with fully-featured smartphones, allowing kids to focus on the real world around them, making it an ideal choice for parents concerned about screen time and internet safety.
What is the Best First Phone for a Kid?
When it comes to kids and phones, there are pros and cons to everything.
If your child is begging you for a phone, one of the best ways to introduce them to smartphone technology is to buy them a starter phone. The list above is a great way to introduce them to the world of phones.
Kids want phones, but not all parents are ready for the responsibility of getting their kids phones at such a young age. However, you can ensure you’re getting your child the best first phone for them with the right tips.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when it comes to buying a phone for your 11-year-old:
Know what capabilities you want in a phone.
Before going into the store, know what features and functions you want from a phone. You can do this by researching phones on your own or by asking friends and family what they recommend.
Understand how much the phone will cost you (to buy and replace).
There are many factors to keep in mind if you want to stay within budget. From the cost of the phone to monthly fees (if any), know what your options are before walking into a store.
Know how old your child is and their ability to use a phone.
Research the recommended age for each particular phone. Some phones are made for older kids, while others are made with a younger audience in mind.
Choose a plan that works best for you and your child.
Some kids’ phone plans have extra benefits that parents will appreciate, such as parental controls or additional safety features. There are also family plans that offer discounts when multiple people share one phone.
Which Phone Is Best for Your Child?
There are a lot of things to consider when buying a phone for your 11-year-old. From the cost to the safety features, and more.
The last thing you want is to get stuck with a phone that isn’t going to work well with your child’s needs – because once they have a phone, there is no going back!
With the right research and planning, you can find the perfect phone for your child in 2025 that will ensure they are getting to experience smartphone technology, but not overwhelmed by it!
Want to Learn More About Keeping Kids Safe Online?
Choosing the right phone is just the first step in helping your child navigate the digital world safely. At Kidslox, we’re committed to helping parents manage screen time, filter content, and monitor their children’s online activities across all devices.
Explore our guides, expert tips, and parental control solutions to create a healthier digital environment for your family!
FAQ
What is the best age to give a child their first phone?
The average age for a first phone is now 11.6 years old, with 53% of children owning a smartphone by age 11. But the right age depends on your child’s maturity level and their ability to handle responsibility. Consider starting with a basic or limited-feature phone before transitioning to a smartphone.
Should I get my 11-year-old a smartphone or a basic phone?
For first-time phone users, many parents prefer starting with a basic or limited-feature phone, such as the Gabb Phone or Nokia 2780, to teach responsibility without the distractions of social media and unrestricted internet access.
If you choose a smartphone, look for devices with strong parental controls, such as the iPhone 16e with Screen Time or the Google Pixel 8a with Family Link, to manage what your child can access.
How much should I spend on my child’s first phone?
First phones for 11-year-olds range from $140 for basic phones like the Nokia 2780 flip phone to $600 for the iPhone 16e. Budget-friendly smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G ($76-$199) or Gabb Phone 4 Pro ($139.99) offer excellent middle-ground options.
What parental controls should I look for in a phone for my 11-year-old?
Essential parental controls include screen time limits, app approval and blocking, content filtering, location tracking, and the ability to manage contacts. iPhones offer Screen Time controls and Find My tracking, while Android phones work with Google Family Link for comprehensive monitoring. Third-party parental control apps like Kidslox can provide additional features across multiple devices and operating systems.
Do kids’ phones need a data plan, or is Wi-Fi enough?
A cellular data plan allows your child to make calls, send texts, and access emergency services anywhere, not just where Wi-Fi is available. However, Wi-Fi-only phones can work well for younger children who are primarily at home or school, where Wi-Fi is accessible.
How can I protect my child from inappropriate content on their first smartphone?
Use built-in parental controls, such as Apple’s Screen Time or Google Family Link. Consider starting with limited-feature phones like the Gabb Phone that have no web browser or social media access. You can also use comprehensive parental control apps like Kidslox to monitor activity, block specific websites and apps, and set time limits across all your child’s devices.
