Giving your child their first phone can be an exciting moment, but it can also be a little daunting. You want a device that’s safe, reliable, and, let’s be honest, affordable. Finding a phone that ticks all those boxes without breaking the bank can feel impossible, but it doesn’t have to be.
There are plenty of great budget-friendly options on the market, especially if you’re looking for a phone specifically for a kid. These phones are built with durability in mind, offer features that promote safety and responsible use, and won’t drain your bank account.
This article will dive into the world of affordable kids’ phones, highlighting three of the best options available for under $100. We’ll explore the features, pros, and cons of each phone, helping you find the perfect fit for your child’s needs and your budget.
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So, whether you’re looking for a phone for your child’s first foray into the digital world or an upgrade for their existing device, read on to discover the top three cheap phones that will keep your kid connected and safe without breaking the bank.
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| iPad Mini (2021) | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amazon Fire 7 Kids Edition
A rugged and affordable tablet specifically designed for kids with parental controls and a year of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited.
Specifications:
- Screen: 7-inch IPS LCD (1024 x 600 resolution)
- Processor: MediaTek MT8168 quad-core processor
- RAM: 2GB
- Storage: 16GB (expandable via microSD)
- Operating System: Fire OS
- Camera: 2MP front and rear cameras
- Battery Life: Up to 7 hours of mixed use
Reasons to buy:
- Kid-friendly design: Durable, colorful design with a built-in case and screen protector.
- Parental controls: Extensive parental controls allow you to limit screen time, filter content, and manage apps.
- FreeTime Unlimited: Includes access to thousands of age-appropriate books, games, videos, and educational apps.
- Affordable price: A very budget-friendly option for a kids' tablet.
Reasons to avoid:
- Limited app selection: The Fire OS platform has a smaller selection of apps compared to Android or iOS.
- Performance: The processor and RAM are not the most powerful, which can lead to occasional lag.
- Screen quality: The 7-inch display is not very sharp, and it lacks the color vibrancy of higher-end tablets.
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a cheap and durable tablet specifically designed for kids with a strong emphasis on parental controls.
- You want access to a large library of kid-friendly content through FreeTime Unlimited.
- You are not overly concerned about app selection and performance.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a tablet with a high-quality display, fast performance, and a wide selection of apps.
- You are looking for a tablet that can be used for more demanding tasks like gaming or video editing.
- You want a tablet that runs Android or iOS.
Bottom Line:
The Amazon Fire 7 Kids Edition is a solid choice for parents looking for a budget-friendly tablet that keeps their kids entertained and safe. It is durable, kid-friendly, and offers a wealth of educational content through FreeTime Unlimited. However, you need to be prepared for a limited app selection and slightly slower performance compared to other tablets on the market. Ultimately, if you're looking for a cheap tablet that provides good value for the money and prioritizes safety and entertainment for your kids, then the Fire 7 Kids Edition is a good option.
Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
A compact and affordable Android tablet with a solid screen and decent battery life.
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Specifications:
- Screen: 8.7-inch LCD (1340 x 800 resolution)
- Processor: MediaTek Helio P22T octa-core processor
- RAM: 3GB
- Storage: 32GB (expandable via microSD)
- Operating System: Android 11
- Camera: 8MP rear and 2MP front cameras
- Battery Life: Up to 13 hours of video playback
Reasons to buy:
- Affordable price: A very competitively priced tablet for its screen size and features.
- Good screen size and quality: The 8.7-inch display is larger than the Fire 7 and offers better image quality.
- Decent performance: The processor is able to handle basic tasks and light gaming smoothly.
- Long battery life: The tablet can easily last a full day on a single charge.
Reasons to avoid:
- Limited storage: The 32GB of internal storage may be insufficient for some users.
- No fingerprint sensor: The tablet lacks a fingerprint sensor for added security.
- Basic cameras: The cameras are adequate for video calls but not ideal for photography.
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a cheap and reliable tablet with a good screen size and decent battery life.
- You need a tablet that can handle basic tasks, web browsing, and streaming.
- You want a tablet with a wide selection of Android apps.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a tablet with a powerful processor and a large amount of storage.
- You want a tablet with a high-quality camera for taking photos and videos.
- You are looking for a tablet with a premium design and features.
Bottom Line:
The Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is a budget-friendly Android tablet that offers a good balance of features for the price. It has a decent screen size, good battery life, and access to the entire Android app library. However, it lacks a fingerprint sensor, has limited storage, and the cameras are basic. If you're on a tight budget and need a reliable tablet for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and light gaming, then the Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is worth considering.
iPad Mini (2021)
A powerful and compact tablet with a beautiful display and impressive performance.
Specifications:
- Screen: 8.3-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD (1488 x 2266 resolution)
- Processor: Apple A15 Bionic chip
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB, 256GB (no expandable storage)
- Operating System: iPadOS
- Camera: 12MP wide-angle rear and 12MP ultrawide front cameras
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours of video playback
Reasons to buy:
- Powerful performance: The A15 Bionic chip delivers incredibly smooth and fast performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- Beautiful display: The 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display is bright, sharp, and offers vibrant colors.
- Compact and portable: The iPad Mini is incredibly compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
- Excellent cameras: The front and rear cameras are excellent for taking photos and videos, as well as for video calls.
Reasons to avoid:
- Expensive: The iPad Mini is more expensive than the other options on this list.
- No expandable storage: The iPad Mini does not offer expandable storage, so you are limited to the internal storage option you choose.
- No headphone jack: The iPad Mini lacks a headphone jack, so you will need to use Bluetooth headphones or a USB-C adapter.
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a powerful and compact tablet with a high-quality display and excellent performance.
- You need a tablet for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or graphic design.
- You want a tablet with a premium design and features.
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget and looking for the most affordable option.
- You need a tablet with expandable storage.
- You prefer a tablet with a larger screen size.
Bottom Line:
The iPad Mini (2021) is a premium tablet that offers exceptional performance, a stunning display, and a compact and portable design. It is ideal for users who prioritize power, portability, and a high-quality user experience. However, it comes at a higher price point, lacks expandable storage, and does not have a headphone jack. If you're willing to pay a premium for a top-of-the-line tablet experience, then the iPad Mini is a great option, but if you're on a tight budget and need a more affordable choice, then the other tablets on this list may be a better fit.
There you have it! Three fantastic options for affordable and safe phones for kids. Whether your child needs a reliable device for staying connected, accessing educational apps, or simply for emergencies, these budget-friendly choices offer a great balance of features and affordability. Remember to choose a plan that fits your needs and consider adding parental controls for added peace of mind.
Investing in a dedicated phone for your child can be a smart move. It allows them to stay connected with you and friends while giving them a sense of independence. With the right phone and plan, you can ensure their safety and foster responsible tech use.
As your child grows and their needs evolve, you can always upgrade to a more advanced device. However, for young children starting out, these budget-friendly options provide a perfect starting point.
Ultimately, the best phone for your child depends on their individual needs and your budget. However, with these three choices, you can find a safe and affordable option that will keep your child connected and entertained without breaking the bank.
Karim 
Bilal