INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The best phone for your kid can be hard to pick
When shopping for the most important little person in your life, it can start to feel like the most important decision
durability, function restrictions, GPS tracking, and cost
through Android and iOS.Since newer iPhones and Android phones running the latest operating systems come with ample parental controls build
in, parents should feel comfortable picking out these phones for teens and pre-teens at their discretion
All the details parents need for enabling parental controls on iPhones can be found here
Details on Android parental controls are available here.For the young ones:RelayWater resistantGPS trackingSlow deliveryCellular function
only in USThe Relay, by Republic Wireless, is an incredibly simple communication device meant just for kids
Mobile network connectivity is also limited to the US, but Wi-Fi will work internationally.For $149, the Relay comes in a bundle
resistanceVerizon onlyVerizon users in the US have an enticing option for their kids in the LG GizmoPal 2
This is a wrist communicator that your kids can get into
It has a colorful design, simple controls, and handy water resistance
not notice the call.The GizmoPal 2 is compatible with iOS and Android, and costs $79
For a newer model, Verizon also sells the LG Gizmo Gadget for $149.See the LG GizmoPal 2 hereFor pre-teens:Nokia 3310 3GCheap but not
everything your child needs to stay in touch, with calling and texting available
too childish, the BLU Tank Xtreme 2.4 is a good option
The plastic and rubber frame should be able to handle the occasional drop, and an IP65 rating means it can shrug off a splash of water now
and then.The BLU Tank Xtreme 2.4 has the basic talk and text your kid needs to stay in touch, and it has a long-lasting battery, so you
Availability is limited to the US, though UK users may be able to use this phone on the 900 and 1800 GSM bands.See the Blu Tank Xtreme 2.4
hereJitterbug FlipVery easy to useBig buttonsPricier than othersUS onlyThe same qualities that make the Jitterbug Flip a good choice for
seniors make it a good pick for your kids
It is incredibly simple to use, with basic calling and texting functions as well as a simple camera
The user interface sticks to large, easy-to-read text, and the buttons are easy to press
At $74, the Jitterbug Flip is a bit more expensive than the others, but you can rest assured that it will be a simple phone for your child
to get used to.See the Jitterbug Flip hereFor teens:Moto E5Full smartphone functionalityGreat budget optionFeatures vary by modelThe Moto E5
is not just one phone but rather a family of affordable phones with varying features
Despite their difference, they all make great budget picks for your teen
While many budget Android devices can be running on outdated hardware or software, the Moto E5 is up-to-date with recent processors and
The Moto E5 Play is toned down a little bit, making it more budget friendly at $99
In the UK, a standard Moto E5 and the Moto E5 Plus will be available in the near future
phone.See the Moto E5 hereGalaxy S8 ActiveDurableHigh functionalityPriceyLimited carriersIf you want to get your teen a highly capable
smartphone but worry they might destroy it and waste a lot of money, the Galaxy S8 Active is right up your alley
great, and the battery is forgiving if your teen forgets to charge it one night
All of that is packed into a chassis with an IP68 and MIL-STD-810G rating
In other words, it can handle a lot of carelessness
Sprint, ATT, and T-Mobile for $850
Customers on other networks and in the UK can look instead at the Galaxy S8 and any of the best Galaxy S8 cases.See the Galaxy S8 Active
hereiPhone SEAffordable iOS deviceGood performance and functionalityMay lose support in futureNot designed ruggedThe iPhone SE may not be
Fortunately, this is an issue that can easily be fixed with an affordable iPhone SE case.See the iPhone SE hereiPhone 7 or iPhone 8Good
you plan to buy a case (or your teen has proven themselves not too careless), the iPhone 7 or iPhone 8 make for good options as well
available through iOS will be enough to keep an eye on your teens use.Though the upfront price will be higher, software support for these
hereSee the iPhone 8 hereMoto Z2 PlayLong-lasting batteryCool Moto ModsWater repellentSomewhat priceyThe Moto Z2 Play fits nicely in the
middle as a pick for teens
It features mid-range hardware at a mid-range price
Moto Mods will also give your teen options for enhancing the features or their phone, such as adding a more advanced camera or doubling the
