It’s inevitable: come a certain age, children want a cell phone to communicate with their friends, play games, take photos, or surf the Web as they see fit. If you’re ready to equip your teen or tween with a mobile phone, check out our recommendations and get tips to help you find their perfect first device.
Criteria for selecting a telephone for your child
The risk of breakage, loss, or forgetting the device somewhere are more common among young users. So here are the things to consider when shopping for a cell phone for your child:
- Battery life
- Easy to use
- Sturdy case
- Price
- Water resistance
- Glass resistance
- Parental control
Our recommendations
1. Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
This mid-range mobile phone is a great first. Samsung’s reliability can be found at a very reasonable price. Its 5,000 mAh battery offers great autonomy, and recharges very quickly. 128 GB of memory is more than enough to store photos and videos. What's more, its Super AMOLED screen delivers sharp, fluid images that are perfect for gaming.
The Samsung Kids Mode app can be installed for younger children. This enables simplified configuration, including safe Web browsing.
Pros:
- High autonomy
- Ultra-fast charging
- 128 GB memory
- Super AMOLED screen
- Reliable brand
- Kids mode
- Price: $270 (or $7/month for 24 months with an eligible Mobile plan)
Order the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G online.
Cost-effective option: To save a few dollars, the previous model can be purchased in a refurbished version. Discover the certified refurbished Samsung Galaxy A14 5G.
2. Motorola moto g 2025
Similar to our previous suggestion, Motorola’s moto g 2025 offers excellent value for money. The phone also stores up to 128 GB, but you can add up to 1 TB of external storage! Its sturdiness and splash resistance are particularly attractive. The 5,000 mAh battery is long-lasting. The fluid display has a refresh rate of 120 Hz, which is twice the rate of other devices in this category. An increasingly rare asset: the device features a standard audio connector for wired headphones (less easy for children to lose!).
Pros:
- Long battery life
- Wide, fluid display
- Large storage capacity, expandable up to 1 TB
- Connector for wired headphones
- Price: $264 (or $11/month for 24 months with an eligible Mobile plan)
Order the Motorola g 2025 online.
3. TCL Flip
Yes, Flip’s are still trendy! In fact, they’re wonderful mobile phones to start with, because they have basic features and are more than affordable. The TCL Flip has an external and internal screen. Although it doesn’t fall into the “smartphone” category, it allows you to connect to a Wi-Fi network. Its battery lasts up to 14 days in sleep mode and up to 14 hours in conversation mode! What’s more, it’s one of the few clamshell phones on the market that supports VoLTE.
It's the device of choice if you want your child to use their phone primarily to make calls and send text messages (in other words, without fear of them spending hours on TikTok...).
Pros:
- Foldable (internal screen is protected when folded)
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Wi-Fi connection
- Excellent battery life
- Compatible with VoLTE
- Price: $96 (or $4/month for 24 months with an eligible Mobile plan)
4. Certified refurbished iPhone 13
Does your teen love iPhones, but you’re reluctant to give them this high-end device? Certified refurbished iPhones are a good compromise. These used devices undergo a rigorous refurbishment process that includes inspection, testing, resetting, and cleaning. In short, you can get an almost new Apple phone at a lower price with a one-year warranty.
Stocks vary, but a good model to start with is the iPhone 13. This model was launched in 2021. It features a bright Super Retina XDR display and contains a modern chip system (A15 Bionic, as found on the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus). The iPhone 13 can therefore look forward to many more years of performance.
Pros:
- Popular brand
- Fast processor
- Good resistance to water and dust
- Easy integration with other Apple devices and applications
- Good battery life (up to 19 hours of video playback)
- Price: $594 (or $15/month for 24 months with an eligible Mobile plan)
Order the certified refurbished iPhone 13 online.
Android or iPhone?
It’s ideal to choose a cell phone that’s compatible with your own mobile phone and connected home devices. In short, Android phones are compatible with more accessories. iPhones are generally more expensive but durable and easy to use.
Protect the phone right from purchase
It’s recommended that you purchase a case to protect the phone from drops and other hazards in inexperienced hands. Choosing a case is a very popular step for young people, who see it as an opportunity to express their personality! You will find countless online models and a nice selection in Videotron stores.
We also advise you to install a screen protector, which will protect the glass against scratches and cracks. See how to install a screen protector.
Finally, it might be a good idea to subscribe to the Mobile Device Protection Program. This program protects your device against damage not covered by the manufacturer, such as screen breakage and accidents.
At what age should you buy a cell phone for your child?
Experts agree that it’s up to parents to decide how to answer this tricky question, based on their own values. That said, the average age of first cell phone ownership is 12—often coinciding with the start of high school. While mobile phones will be banned in schools across Québec, they can be a convenient tool for communicating with your child when he or she is old enough to travel alone.
Some suggest taking the opportunity to instill healthy use habits, and even involve the child in paying for the phone or plan to introduce them to saving, for example. In any case, it's a personal decision to be made based on your beliefs, your budget, and your child’s maturity.
Ready to give it a try?
If you decide to go ahead with buying your child's first phone, you'll then need to choose a Mobile plan that suits their needs. Do you already have a Mobile subscription with Videotron? The family discount allows you to save $5 to $15 per month on each additional plan. And to help you make the right plan selection, check out our shopping tips. Let the adventure begin!
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Mis à jour 03-06-2025
Version 3.0
