Do you have a child who has recently become a teenager? Have you been giving thought to buying them a mobile phone but aren’t exactly sure what you should be looking for? While it may not make much sense to invest in a mobile for a younger child, as they probably won’t use it much and you risk them breaking it, for a teenager it’s a totally different story. Teenagers will not only use their phone to communicate with friends, it can also give parents much needed peace of mind that they have a phone should they find themselves in an emergency situation.
But purchasing the “right” mobile for your teenager requires a whole different thought process in comparison to how you would approach buying one for yourself. Teens have entirely different habits, needs, and priorities, and that needs to be reflected in the mobile you choose. Then there is the fact that the budget will play into the decision, as you’re probably not keen to buy a top of the line device.
So, let’s take a look at a number of tips and advice that you can use during the shopping process. These will help you to narrow down your options so you can find something your teen will love and that you will feel confident purchasing.
Consider What They Will Be Using The Mobile For
The first place to start is to give thought to how your teenager will use their mobile device. Will it mainly be used for phone calls, text messages, taking photos, or surfing the Internet? Then again, maybe the answer is “all of the above”. The way in which they will use their phone will help to dictate which device is best for them, and help you to narrow down the options.
Device Storage Needs to be a Big Consideration
The next priority should be device storage. It’s really very simple, the more storage the mobile has, the better it will be for your teenager. It’s not likely you will hear someone complaining that their phone has “too much free space”. Instead, people always seem to be struggling to delete data and content in order to free up space. So, why not nip this issue in the bud before it has a chance to become a problem? Ideally you don’t want to be looking at any device with less than 32GB.
Ensure the Screen is Crisp and Large
Sure, you’re not looking for a tablet, but there’s a lot to be said for the larger mobile devices on the market today. Larger screens just make viewing content that much easier. Even sending messages, such as emails and texts, is easier on a larger screen. Since pretty much all devices are touchscreen now, a larger screen results in fewer mistakes made as you tap on the “keys”. You are less likely to tap on the wrong letter or item.
What is the Battery Life on a Full Charge?
A phone is only useful if it has battery left on it, so you also want to be on the lookout for devices that claim to have a long-lasting battery. Your teen should be able to get through at least one full day without having to charge it, and that’s with using it. Of course, in standby mode and without being used a mobile should be able to last days, if not a full week or more.
And for those times when they run the battery right down, a fast charge will also come in handy so that they can get back to using their device.
Android vs Apple iOS – Which One is Best?
Perhaps one of the biggest questions you’ll need to ask is whether or not you get an Android or an Apple iOS device. Both come with their own lists of pros and cons, so it’s not a matter of choosing the most obvious and simplest answer.
Here in the UK, Android devices are proving to be more popular as they make up 53.1% of the market. Meanwhile, Apple iOS devices make up 46.65% of the market. That doesn’t necessarily mean you should rush out and purchase an Android device simply because the majority is doing so, it’s just something to be mindful of.
Choose a Plan That Makes Sense for Their Needs
There is more to consider than just the phone as you also need to think about the right plan for your teenager. They may not need the same features and services you have. Instead, it’s likely that their list of must-haves is much shorter.
Some of the key plan features you may want to be on the lookout for are data that can be tethered to other family members, 30 day rolling plans so that you have the freedom and flexibility to cancel any time or make changes to the plan, no need for a credit check, and an out of bundle that is capped at zero so that when the bill arrives each month you won’t have any unpleasant surprises.
These are all the features that Lebara offers in its SIM only deals that are perfect for teenagers getting their first mobile. By taking the time to look into the best SIM only deals you’ll be able to find something that matches both your budget and your teenager’s wants and needs. You can even use the Lebara website to compare SIM only deals so that you can make an informed choice. This leaves no room for questions as to whether or not you’re getting the best deal out there.
It’s All About the Accessories
Then there are the accessories. While these may not seem like a big deal, for a teenager they can make or break the mobile you decide to purchase. Choosing a model that has lots of available accessories such as fun and affordable phone cases, screen protectors, a travel charger, compatibility with a charging dock, and more will really help to make the phone more appealing to them. Let’s face it; teenagers love to be able to keep up with friends, so having a device that allows for all the trending accessories is important.
Are There Any Parental Controls?
Finally, you may also want to look into any parental controls that the device offers. Not every mobile out there has these options, so this could take a little digging. Ideally you will want to find parental controls that address apps and specific features on the phone. You can then secure this content with a password.
Make an Informed Decision and Find the Right Mobile for Your Teen
By taking each of these points and tips into account, you’ll be able to wade through the many mobile options and find the one that is best suited to your teenager. Because there is a lot to consider, you may want to start your research well in advance, and even bring your teenager into the process and allow them to have some input into the decision.