iPhone 12 - The Best All-rounder As Your Child’s First Smartphone

What would you look for the most in your child’s first smartphone? Value. Value for money and value for features. The iPhone 12 delivers on both. Whether it’s going off to college, walking to school on their own for the first time, or signing up for after-school practices - you’ll find the best of connectivity and features in Apple’s iPhone 12. 

Known to be the ‘affordable flagship’ phone, the iPhone 12 is the perfect cross between price and features. For less than $350, you can make a tech investment for kids that is durable, upgraded, and easy to use on a daily basis. 

What Makes iPhone 12 the Best All-rounder? 

What makes the iPhone 12 the best all-rounder is its simplicity and ease of use. It’s just the right size, without the added bulk in other models, and is relatively straightforward for kids to use. 

Since they’re still understanding and navigating the tech world, starting this journey with an iPhone 12 seems almost intuitive. This simplicity and ease stems from three main areas:

Sleek and Simple Design 

Simplicity doesn’t mean your child will be using a dated phone. In fact, the flat-sided design on the latest iPhone 14 and its siblings was inaugurated by the iPhone 12. It’s a classic Apple aesthetic and is paired with a minimalist, modern overall look and feel. 

Unlike the later models, the iPhone 12 is a mid-sized phone measuring 5.78” in length and 2.82” in width. It’s lighter, smaller, and more ergonomic - making it easier to hold and use with one hand. 

New, User-Friendly Features 

Let’s take a look at some features that make this model a must-have for older kids. 

Brilliant Display, Handy Screen

At 6.1”, measured diagonally, the iPhone 12 is very handy. The screen and display are bright and clear with Super Retina XDR Display. It has a peak brightness of 1200 nits and a resolution of 1170 x 2532. 

Sturdy, Water and Dust Resistant 

Running to class, getting to practice on time, and biking across the street - all potential opportunities for children to drop their phones! While mishaps can happen anything, it helps to know that the iPhone 12 screen is coated with a ceramic shield which boosts its durability. 

Moreover, this model has an IP 68 rating - meaning, it is dust and water-resistant for up to 30 mins at a depth of 6 meters. So, in case it drops in a puddle or is exposed to rain while walking home - it should work just fine. 

Multiple Storage Options 

Depending on how old your child is and the way they will use the iPhone 12, you can choose from various storage configurations. It is available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256 GB. 

Long Battery Life

There aren’t a lot of phones on the market that can compare to an iPhone’s battery life. This iPhone 12 under consideration has 17 hours of video playback, 11 hours of streaming, and 65 hours of audio playback - making it a great option for educational podcasts and tutorial video streaming. 

Parental Control & Access 

Perhaps the most important feature you’re waiting to read up on is parental control and access. The Apple ecosystem is known for excellent compatibility with devices from the same brand. So you can take advantage of a number of features that ensure your child is using their first phone responsibly.

Apple Family Sharing Account

Family sharing is a very useful feature if all members are within the iOS ecosystem. You can follow the steps on Apple’s website for the exact steps to add a child (under 18 years) to the plan.

Once set up, your child can share access to purchases, storage, calendars, and invitations. For the purpose of parental control on the iPhone 12, you can turn on the ‘screen time’ option which we talk about next.

Screen Time & Downtime

Screen time tells you the number of hours your family member is spending on the phone. As a parent, you can set a limit to this number and control access to the apps downloaded and also propose a set duration of downtime. 

It helps to know that these limits promote healthy and responsible usage of a child’s first smartphone.

Content and Privacy Restrictions 

The content and privacy restrictions in this control panel help you manage the kind of content your child may be exposed to. You can restrict movies or TV shows above a certain rating, regulate iTunes and App Store purchases, and restrict explicit books or music. 

Refurbished iPhone 12 - A Smart Choice for a First Smartphone 

The refurbished iPhone market is a great place to start your hunt for an appropriate first phone for your child. It’s an expansive industry with a plethora of options - even those that aren’t manufactured anymore. 

Choosing refurbished iPhones also ensures you’re making an affordable purchase for a busy, not-so-perfect lifestyle. With children learning to be responsible for their own belongings and taking care of phones and laptops while commuting to and from school - refurbished iPhone picks are really the smart choice. 

When considering preloved iPhone options, make sure to check off these criteria from your list: 

Certified & 100% Functional 

Not all refurbished is the same. Look for ‘certified’ refurbished and 100% functional iPhones that are restored and cleaned using industry best practices. 

Comprehensive Warranty 

Does the refurbished iPhone 12 come with a comprehensive warranty? At Reebelo, we offer two tiers of coverage - a complimentary vendor warranty and an extended protection plan that will add comprehensive coverage to the refurbished iPhone 12 against accidental drops and spills. 

Return Window & Policy 

Reeblo offers 30 days of free returns across the US. In case you change your mind or decide that your child isn't ready for this purchase, you can simply return it for a full refund. 

Sustainable, Eco-Friendly, and All Good Vibes

Reebelo’s roots lie in good value and good values - a principle we all want to teach our kids. Exploring tech sustainability and refurbished electronics for your children’s first gadgets will set the right tone as they grow into responsible and caring humans.