Choosing a Feature Phone
Why choose a feature phone?
Feature phones are a great alternative to a smartphone for children under 16. When paired with a no data sim card, they are an internet free way of encouraging independence, while keeping young people away from social media and the compulsive behaviours fostered by many apps.
Nokia 3210
HMD’s release of the 3210 under the Nokia brand is a step in the right direction for feature phones for young people. Unlike other 4G models, it does not come with Whatsapp and Facebook preinstalled. In fact there are no apps, or indeed the ability to download any, making this an ideal choice for parents who want a phone that can only make calls and texts.
Feature Phones
The Top 6 Feature Phones for under £100
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2G or 4G?
The difference between 2G and 4G phones relates to their ability to access the internet through cellular data. 2G phones cannot access the internet in a way that will enable internet messaging services (such as whatsapp) or social media apps.
4G feature phones often come with Facebook and Whatsapp as standard and need to be paired with a ‘no data’ sim card for an internet free experience.
A ‘Made for Children’ Smartphone
This Android phone has been heavily modified to give parents a smartphone option that is as safe as possible. It has it’s own curated version of the Play store, meaning that the apps available for download have been filtered to make them more appropriate for children and young people. As you would expect, there are no social media apps, and parents have full control, allowing them to authorise which apps can be downloaded onto the device
In addition there is no web browser, parents can manage their child’s contact list, monitor call and text histories and track their location using the built in GPS.
If you feel that a feature phone is too restrictive, or have older teenagers, and would like to investigate a smartphone option that provides a suite of parental controls, the Pinwheel would be a good place to start.
THE PHONE THAT GROWS WITH YOUR KIDS
A smartphone that puts the online safety of your child first.
- Stops nudity from being shown, shot, and stored
- Add and remove apps when kids are ready
- Peace of mind with location and communication safety features
- Includes a Casual Outfit and a Flashy Outfit for lighting selfies and photos
Alternatives to phones
Don’t want your child to have a phone at all? Try these options
KARRI
A walky-talky style device with a built in sim card and monthly subscription. It allows you to send messages from your phone to the KARRI and for your children to respond. Simple and effective, it also has a built in GPS tracker.
imoo
A smart watch with comprehensive parental controls, messaging, health tools, gps tracking and dual cameras for photos and video calls. It’s also waterproof for holiday fun. Requires a sim card but there’s no monthly fee for the companion parent app.
Xplora
This smart watch can send and receive voice messages and calls from parent-authorised contacts, has GPS tracking and can set ‘safe zones’ alerting you if they leave a defined location. Requires a sim card and has a monthly fee for the companion app.
Trackers
Want to track your child’s location on independent journeys? Our top picks of trackers.
AirTag
An Apple classic that works by utilising other people’s phones to mark its location. Won’t provide a second by second location but is a great option to track kids when they are traveling to and from school or activities.
Roam
A newer tracker that works in the same way as an Airtag but is both Android and Apple compatible. It also comes with a strap and a clip for attaching it to backpacks or other items without having to purchase additional accessories.
High End Alternatives
Lightphone 2
The major USP of the Lightphone brand is their e-ink ‘Kindle-esque’ screen, which unlike other phones, does not emit sleep-disrupting blue light. While offering the same functionality as the phones above, they can also be equipped with a map app for those who travel to unfamiliar locations frequently and require a map to get there.
At $299USD the Lightphone isn’t a cheap option, and it’s diminutive size (it’s a touch under 10cm tall) may not appeal to everyone. You’ll also need to check your sim card for compatibility as not all UK mobile networks are supported.
However, if you’re looking for a feature phone that supports maps, but not whatsapp and social media, this may be an option to explore further.
Punkt MP02
A second alternative for adults looking for a premium feature phone is the Punkt. It’s LCD display does not emit blue light, so will not disrupt sleep patterns, and it’s limited functionality is meant to help create a distraction free environment.
A streamlined and stylised alternative, it can be utilised as a hot spot in a two device system. Rather than having the internet easily available, the model suggested is to use it for connecting your laptop to the internet when out and about. The hope is that this will make going online a necessity rather than a habit.
Balance Phone
A first phone that helps your child learn healthy digital habits from day one. Built on Samsung’s A16. Give them the freedom to explore responsibly, and enjoy peace of mind knowing they’re safe.
Social Media, Streaming platforms, Games, Gambling and Pornography is not accessible on the Balance Phone.