Please Recommend a Small (but Still Half-Decent) Phone for a 12 Year Old

chewbot on 12/12/2019 - 13:47

Hi peeps,

I'm chasing recommendations for a phone for my 12 year old daughter. She will be starting high school next year and will be doing a combination of bus, walking and riding both to home and after school commitments. So we are going to finally give in and get her one. She has borrowed our $20 backup phone for orchestra commitments and travel but this is going to be a bit of a "coming of age" indulgence.

The thing is she is very small for her age. So it needs to be fairly compact.

I know she would love an iPhone. She has had an iPad at school for 3 years so as been indoctrinated into the apple ecosystem/cult and many of her friends already have one. So, an iPhone SE seems an obvious (albeit somewhat dated) choice.

I am keen to get her android. Partly because that's what I personally like, partly because I think she could benefit from more exposure to other operating systems, partly because I don't want her becoming an apple snob that won't communicate anyway other than iMessages or face-time.

But, I am struggling to find a good small android phone.

It certainly does not need to be the latest model, but would like it to still be officially supported.

Ideally it should have:

  • dimensions smaller than about 135mm by 65mm

  • semi-decent camera

  • slightly tough, ideally somewhat water resistant

  • $250 or less (but flexible if i find something that seems worth it and is a good "fit").

  • she really wants fingerprint id to unlock phone

There is probably a bit of wriggle room on the size, but as a reference point she finds my Galaxy S8 definitely too big.

The xperia compact range seem good in theory but not easily obtainable in Australia or at reasonable prices.

Hoping to get some good suggestions.

Also, if I do go the iphone route SE vs 6s vs 7?

And I would probably be getting a refurb or ex-demo which makes me a little worried about the non-replaceable battery.

Thoughts?

Thanks for any input.

Mobile Mobile Phone

Comments

  • happirt on 12/12/2019 - 13:55

    find an affordable iphone it will work better with her ipad and her friends.
    don't have to worry about it being compatible.

  • MrsJones on 12/12/2019 - 14:15
    +3

    SE is a great phone. Runs the latest iOS so you can put on screen time restrictions. I’d get one off eBay. Go for about $120-150

  • ThithLord on 12/12/2019 - 15:49
    +3

    I know she would love an iPhone. She has had an iPad at school for 3 years so as been indoctrinated into the apple ecosystem/cult and many of her friends already have one. So, an iPhone SE seems an obvious (albeit somewhat dated) choice.

    You can shove Android down her throat, she's still gonna prefer an iPhone. The iPhone SE would be perfect.

  • resisting the urge on 12/12/2019 - 17:57

    If you are intending to get a smart phone the only way to keep things semi sensible is to place it under control of a trustworthy Mobile Device Management package first, and to implement the controls necessary to ensure it (and she) is not abused by all the gangs, bots, trolls and other philth out on the 'net. Her worst friends and best enemies are enough of a problem and will be enabled via faecesbook and friendly candy-waving resources, so the time you spend researching and planning your plan is appropriate and can last is vital. It has to remain sustainable and over time and enable rather than restrict her. And if you fail, don't kick yourself too hard, you are not really supposed to succeed at preventing her being monetised and abused in a million ways or more- so teaching her about the tech and its risks to her, her friends and family is the most important insurance to invest in- and get right, first.

  • chewbot on 12/12/2019 - 19:09

    Thanks to everyone for all the advise.

    I do appreciate the input. Will get the iPhone se and try and get on top of the security/privacy/parental guidance stuff.

    Thanks again

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