Giving your child their first phone can be an exciting moment, marking a new level of independence and responsibility. But with so many options available, choosing the right phone can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re on a budget. You want a device that’s safe, reliable, and won’t break the bank.
That’s where budget-friendly phones with parental controls come in. These devices offer a balance of affordability and features that let you manage screen time, track location, and filter inappropriate content.
This article will highlight three of the best cheap phones for kids, each offering unique benefits and price points. We’ll delve into their features, pros and cons, and how their parental controls can help you keep your child safe and connected.
Whether you’re looking for a basic phone for calls and texts, or something with a larger screen for browsing and games, these options will help you find the perfect fit for your child’s needs and your budget.
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| Item | Image | Where to buy | Rating | Read More | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nokia 2720 Flip | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jitterbug Flip2 | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unihertz Jelly 2 | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nokia 2720 Flip
A classic flip phone with a modern twist, the Nokia 2720 Flip is designed for ease of use and durability. It features a large display, a dedicated Google Assistant button, and a long-lasting battery.
Specifications :
- Display: 2.8-inch QVGA display
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 205
- RAM: 512MB
- Storage: 4GB (expandable via microSD)
- Battery: 1,500mAh
- Camera: 2MP rear camera
- Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2
- Operating System: KaiOS
Reasons to buy :
- Simple and easy to use: The flip phone design and large buttons make it perfect for kids who are learning to use a phone.
- Durable: The Nokia 2720 Flip is built to withstand drops and bumps.
- Long battery life: The 1,500mAh battery provides up to 27 days of standby time.
- Affordable: It's one of the most affordable 4G flip phones on the market.
Reasons to avoid :
- Limited features: The Nokia 2720 Flip lacks many of the features found on modern smartphones, such as a touchscreen, high-resolution camera, and a wide range of apps.
- Slow performance: The Snapdragon 205 processor can be slow, especially when multitasking.
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want a simple and durable phone for a child.
- You're looking for a phone with a long battery life.
- You're on a tight budget.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a phone with a wide range of features.
- You want a phone with fast performance.
- You're willing to spend more for a more advanced phone.
Bottom Line:
The Nokia 2720 Flip is a great option for parents looking for a simple and affordable phone for their child. It's easy to use, durable, and has a long battery life. However, if you need a phone with more features, you'll want to consider other options.
Jitterbug Flip2
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The Jitterbug Flip2 is a flip phone designed specifically for seniors, but it can also be a good choice for kids. It features large buttons, a clear display, and a variety of safety features.
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Specifications :
- Display: 2.8-inch QVGA display
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 210
- RAM: 512MB
- Storage: 4GB (expandable via microSD)
- Battery: 1,400mAh
- Camera: 2MP rear camera
- Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2
- Operating System: Jitterbug OS
Reasons to buy :
- Easy to use: The Jitterbug Flip2 has large buttons and a clear display, making it easy for kids to learn how to use a phone.
- Safety features: It includes features like a 5Star Urgent Response button and a built-in GPS, which can help parents keep track of their child's location.
- Affordable: It's a relatively inexpensive flip phone.
Reasons to avoid :
- Limited features: The Jitterbug Flip2 lacks many of the features found on modern smartphones, such as a touchscreen, high-resolution camera, and a wide range of apps.
- Slow performance: The Snapdragon 210 processor can be slow, especially when multitasking.
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want a phone with large buttons and a clear display for a child.
- You're looking for a phone with safety features.
- You're on a tight budget.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a phone with a wide range of features.
- You want a phone with fast performance.
- You're willing to spend more for a more advanced phone.
Bottom Line:
The Jitterbug Flip2 is a good option for parents who want a simple and affordable phone for their child, especially if they are looking for safety features. However, if you need a phone with more features, you'll want to consider other options. While it is marketed for seniors, the large buttons and ease of use make it a great option for young children who are just learning to use a phone.
Unihertz Jelly 2
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The Unihertz Jelly 2 is a small, pocket-friendly smartphone with a unique design. It's also surprisingly powerful, with a decent processor and a good camera.
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Specifications :
- Display: 2.45-inch 240 x 432 display
- Processor: MediaTek Helio A22
- RAM: 2GB or 3GB
- Storage: 16GB or 32GB (expandable via microSD)
- Battery: 1,500mAh
- Camera: 8MP rear camera, 2MP front camera
- Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0
- Operating System: Android 9 Pie
Reasons to buy :
- Small and portable: The Unihertz Jelly 2 is one of the smallest smartphones on the market, making it easy to fit in a pocket or a small backpack.
- Powerful for its size: The MediaTek Helio A22 processor provides decent performance for everyday tasks.
- Good camera: The 8MP rear camera takes surprisingly good photos and videos for a phone this small.
Reasons to avoid :
- Small display: The 2.45-inch display is too small for some users, especially those who are used to larger screens.
- Limited storage: The 16GB or 32GB storage options may not be enough for some users.
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want a small and portable smartphone.
- You're looking for a phone with a decent processor and camera.
- You need a phone that's durable.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a phone with a large display.
- You need a phone with a lot of storage space.
- You're not comfortable using a small phone.
Bottom Line:
The Unihertz Jelly 2 is a unique and interesting smartphone that's perfect for those who want a small, portable device. It's surprisingly powerful for its size, and it has a good camera. However, the small display and limited storage may be a deal-breaker for some users. The Jelly 2 is a fun, unique and affordable phone for kids, but it is important to note that the small size might make it a bit harder for young hands to handle.
So, there you have it – three top-notch phones perfect for your little ones, all without breaking the bank. Each option brings something unique to the table, whether it's the rugged build of the Galaxy XCover5 or the playful design of the Nokia 2720 Flip. Choosing the right phone depends on your child's age, needs, and your own preferences.
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Remember, while these phones offer great value for money, they're still just tools. It's crucial to set clear boundaries, establish healthy screen time habits, and engage in open conversations about online safety. A phone is only as good as the responsible use it gets.
Investing in a phone specifically designed for kids can bring peace of mind, knowing that you're equipping them with a device that's both safe and fun. It's a great way to introduce them to the digital world while keeping them protected and ensuring their online experiences are positive and enriching.
By carefully considering your child's needs and exploring these budget-friendly options, you can find the perfect phone that empowers their communication and exploration, while ensuring their safety and well-being in the digital landscape.
Amira 
Mohammed 
Reem