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, 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 purchase the first mobile phone for your 11 year old, 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.
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 sport’s practice. Here are some of the benefits of having a phone for your kid.
1. Helps Keep Kids Safe
The easiest and best reason to buy a mobile phone for an 11-year-old kid 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 case of emergencies while 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 know 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 get 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 taken into account when deciding between these two types of phones.
Pros and Cons of Smartphones for 11 Year Olds
The pros of buying a smartphone for your 11 year old include all the benefits that come with 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 things that can be dangerous for them.
Plus, mobile phones can 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.
There are two main types of phones that are designed for children. The first type is a youngster mobile phone that is rugged and durable, 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, then you should consider getting them a phone that’s specifically designed for children.
There are many reasons why you might want to buy your child a kid’s 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, sometimes your child is ready to make and take calls effectively.
In many ways, these types of mobile phones for kids are similar to the ones that adults use because they’ve been made 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 who aren’t ready for smartphones yet.
Smartphones for Kids
Smartphones can be expensive and difficult for kids to handle (and expensive!). One alternative might be buying your child a smartphone that has parental controls on it.
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 and whether or not you plan to buy a simple or kid-friendly phone and the types of features that 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 that come with 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, then chances are they don’t have a lot of friends with mobile phones 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 that parents give their children phones is to have the ability to reach them at a moment’s notice. This feature is standard with all phones, though some offer cellular calls while others utilize WiFi – 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 very useful for parents because it allows 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 – 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 Budget Phone: Nokia 225 4G
Many parents who are looking for the best phones for 10 year-olds may be tempted to go with one of the more expensive devices available.
However, you don’t necessarily need to spend a lot of money to get something that your kid will like – and that will give you peace of mind.
The Nokia 225 4G is a great example of this. This phone offers everything that you need from a first mobile device without breaking the bank.
This is a no-frills phone. Small, lightweight, and offering cellular service so that kids don’t spend hours surfing the web on WiFi.
Parents Should Buy This Phone If:
- You’re looking for the first mobile phone that keeps costs down and helps kids learn how to use technology.
- You don’t want to spend a lot on your child’s first mobile device.
Best Flip Phone: Sunbeam F1
If you aren’t sure about whether or not your 11 year old is ready for a smartphone yet, you can always opt for a flip phone.
Offering durability and the ability to perform basic tasks like calling and texting, the flip phone is a popular choice among parents who aren’t sure if their child is ready for the technology of a smartphone.
The Sunbeam F1 has all the basic features of a regular mobile phone (making calls and texting), but it’s also extremely affordable at only $195.
The Sunbeam F1 does have a sturdy screen that can withstand the rough-and-tough usage of an 11 year old. It’s also smaller, so it fits in pockets and hands perfectly without being too bulky or heavy.
Best of all, the Sunbeam F1 offers three levels of restrictions that allow parents to control the type of content that their child can access and how much time they spend on their phone.
These features can help parents balance freedom with responsibility for 11 year olds who are just learning the ins and outs of mobile phones.
Parents Should Buy This Phone If:
- Their child doesn’t need a smartphone or is still learning about technology.
- You want a phone with a bit more long-term value.
- You want something with basic features and the ability to control usage and content.
Best Starter Smartphone: Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC
Is your 11 year old looking to move from a starter phone to a smartphone with more capabilities? Not sure if an Apple or Android phone is right for them?
The Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC is a perfect starter device for 11 year olds who are ready to venture into the world of smartphones.
Not only does this phone offer the freedom and flexibility that your child will need, but it’s incredibly affordable. This phone offers all of the features that you’d expect from a regular smartphone, including the ability to browse the web and access a wide variety of apps.
What’s great is that this phone doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, so you don’t have to break the bank just to get your child set up with all of their favorite features.
Parents Should Buy This Phone If:
- Their child is ready for a smartphone.
- You want to get your 11 year old the best starter phone that’s affordable.
- You need a smartphone starter for an 11 year old that they can learn with.
Best iPhone For Value: Apple iPhone SE (2020)
The 2020 version of the iPhone SE is the top pick on our list because it’s so affordable.
Even though it’s extremely compact, it doesn’t compromise on features. It has a FaceTime HD camera with Retina Flash for gorgeous selfies, an A9 chip with the power and capability of iPhone 6s plus, so it can handle all mainstream apps.
Plus, you still get the great battery life that Apple is known for. While top-of-the-line flagship iPhones can cost into the $1,000 range, this phone is a fraction of that cost, making it one of the best first choices for an 11 year old who just has to have an Apple phone.
Parents Should Buy This Phone If:
- Your child wants an Apple iPhone, and you’re okay with them having a smartphone.
- You know how to set up parental restrictions and are comfortable with iPhone tech.
- Your family uses Apple products already and wants to easily add a phone to the family plan
Best Cheap Android Phone: Samsung Galaxy A32 5G
If you would rather go Android instead of iPhone, this is the phone we recommend.
While it’s on the more expensive side for Android phones (which tend to be cheaper than iPhones), you get a lot of great features without breaking the bank.
The A32 5G comes with the bells and whistles that 11 year olds ant in a mobile phone.
This phone offers a crystal-clear display for watching videos and playing games. Plus, with over 13 hours of battery life, parents won’t have to worry about their kid’s phone dying quickly.
At $100 cheaper than the iPhone on our list, we think it’s a good choice for kids who want to spend their allowance on something else. Plus, it runs on Android OS, which offers similar features to an Apple iPhone.
Parents Should Buy This Phone If:
- Your child wants an Android phone and it’s within your budget.
- You don’t want to spend a ton on their first phone, but you still want to get them something with good features.
- You have family members who use Android.
Best Wearable Phone Tech: Verizon GizmoWatch 2
Wearable tech is all the rage, and if your 11 year old wants an Apple watch, this is where to start.
The GizmoWatch 2 is an inexpensive way for 11 year olds to play around with smartwatch technology that has access to all of their favorite apps. This is the perfect starter phone for kids who are into fitness trackers and want something more than what a basic watch can offer.
With built-in GPS location tracking and the ability to make and receive calls, this watch is the perfect starter phone for kids who want to get their feet wet with smartwatch technology.
Parents Should Buy This Phone If:
- Your child wants an Apple Watch and you don’t want to spend a ton of money.
- You want the ability to track your child’s location.
- Your child is interested in smartwatch technology.
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 go 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 are sharing one phone.
Conclusion
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 that will ensure they are getting to experience smartphone technology, but not overwhelmed by it.
