The best iPhones for 12-year-olds, focusing on safe usage and entertainment.

Navigating the world of smartphones for a 12-year-old can be a daunting task for parents. You want a phone that’s safe, reliable, and fun, but you also want to ensure it’s age-appropriate and won’t break the bank. With so many options available, choosing the right iPhone can feel overwhelming. Fear not! We’ve compiled a list of the 20 best iPhones for 12-year-olds, considering factors like safety features, affordability, and kid-friendly apps.

This comprehensive guide offers a range of iPhones catering to different needs and budgets. From the budget-friendly iPhone SE to the powerful iPhone 14 Pro, we’ve got you covered. We’ve taken into account features like parental controls, screen time limits, and robust security measures to ensure your child’s safety and well-being. We’ve also included options with fun features like a good camera, gaming capabilities, and access to educational apps, making it a device they’ll actually enjoy using.

This article goes beyond just listing iPhones. We provide valuable insights into the specific features that make each phone ideal for a 12-year-old. We’ll guide you through the essential considerations for choosing the right iPhone, including factors like storage space, battery life, and camera quality. We’ll also address concerns about potential risks and provide tips for setting up parental controls and monitoring your child’s phone usage.

Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision and choose the perfect iPhone for your 12-year-old. With this guide, you can rest assured that you’re getting a phone that’s both safe and engaging, allowing your child to explore the digital world responsibly and have fun along the way.

QUICKLIST
Item	Image	Where to buy	Rating	Read More
iPhone SE (3rd generation)			N/A	Jump to Review
iPhone 13			N/A	Jump to Review
iPhone 14			N/A	Jump to Review
iPhone 12			N/A	Jump to Review
iPhone 11			N/A	Jump to Review
iPhone XR			N/A	Jump to Review
iPhone 13 mini			4.2 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
iPhone 14 Plus			4.3 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
iPhone 14 Pro			N/A	Jump to Review
iPhone XS			4.2 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
iPhone XS Max			N/A	Jump to Review
iPhone 12 mini			N/A	Jump to Review
iPhone 11 Pro			N/A	Jump to Review
iPhone 8 Plus			4.2 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
iPhone 8			4.0 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
iPhone 7 Plus			4.5 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review
iPhone 7			3.8 out of 5 stars	Jump to Review

Table of Contents

iPhone SE (3rd generation)

Dive deeper into 33 Best iPhone for Face Tracking: Advanced Features Compared

A compact and affordable iPhone with a powerful A15 Bionic chip.

Specifications :

Display: 4.7-inch Retina HD display
Processor: A15 Bionic chip
Storage: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Camera: Single 12MP wide-angle camera
Battery: Up to 15 hours of video playback
Price: Starting at $429

Reasons to buy :

Affordable price
Powerful A15 Bionic chip
Compact design
Great battery life

Reasons to avoid :

No Face ID
Small display size
Only one camera

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

You're on a budget and want a powerful iPhone.
You prefer a smaller phone.
You don't need a lot of cameras.

Don't buy it if:

You need a larger screen.
You want the latest and greatest features.
You want a phone with Face ID.

Bottom Line:

The iPhone SE (3rd generation) is a great option for budget-minded buyers who want a powerful iPhone with a familiar design. It's a great choice for those who prioritize performance and battery life over the latest bells and whistles.

iPhone 13

A well-rounded iPhone with a great camera system and excellent performance.

Check this blog on 15 Best iPhone for Teenagers: Cool and Functional

Specifications :

Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display
Processor: A15 Bionic chip
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Camera: Dual 12MP wide-angle and ultra-wide cameras
Battery: Up to 19 hours of video playback
Price: Starting at $599

Reasons to buy :

Great camera system
Excellent performance
Bright and vibrant display
Long battery life

Reasons to avoid :

Pricey compared to other iPhones
No telephoto lens
No 120Hz refresh rate

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

You want a well-rounded iPhone with a great camera.
You prioritize performance and battery life.
You're willing to pay a bit more for a premium experience.

Don't buy it if:

You're on a tight budget.
You need a phone with a telephoto lens.
You want the fastest refresh rate available.

Bottom Line:

The iPhone 13 is a solid choice for most people. It offers a great balance of features, performance, and battery life. If you're looking for a premium iPhone that won't break the bank, the iPhone 13 is a great option.

iPhone 14

The latest iPhone with a few key upgrades over the iPhone 13.

Specifications :

Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display
Processor: A16 Bionic chip
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Camera: Dual 12MP wide-angle and ultra-wide cameras
Battery: Up to 20 hours of video playback
Price: Starting at $799

Reasons to buy :

Powerful A16 Bionic chip
Improved camera system with a larger sensor
Safety features like crash detection and Emergency SOS via satellite
Longer battery life

Reasons to avoid :

Higher price than the iPhone 13
No major design changes
No 120Hz refresh rate

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

You want the latest and greatest iPhone.
You value performance and battery life.
You want the latest safety features.

Don't buy it if:

You're on a tight budget.
You're not interested in the latest safety features.
You want a phone with a 120Hz refresh rate.

Bottom Line:

The iPhone 14 is a worthy upgrade over the iPhone 13, offering improved performance, a better camera system, and new safety features. If you're looking for the latest and greatest iPhone, the iPhone 14 is a great choice.

iPhone 12

A stylish and powerful iPhone with a great camera system.

Specifications :

Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display
Processor: A14 Bionic chip
Storage: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Camera: Dual 12MP wide-angle and ultra-wide cameras
Battery: Up to 17 hours of video playback
Price: Starting at $599 (used)

Reasons to buy :

Stylish design
Powerful A14 Bionic chip
Great camera system
5G connectivity

Reasons to avoid :

No 120Hz refresh rate
No Face ID
Smaller battery than newer models

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

You want a stylish and powerful iPhone.
You prioritize camera quality.
You need 5G connectivity.

Don't buy it if:

You need the latest features.
You want the best possible battery life.
You're looking for a phone with a 120Hz refresh rate.

Bottom Line:

The iPhone 12 is a great option for those who want a powerful and stylish iPhone with a great camera system. It's a solid choice for those who don't need the latest and greatest features and are willing to sacrifice battery life for a more compact design.

iPhone 11

A solid iPhone with a great camera system and a great price.

Specifications :

Display: 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display
Processor: A13 Bionic chip
Storage: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Camera: Dual 12MP wide-angle and ultra-wide cameras
Battery: Up to 17 hours of video playback
Price: Starting at $499 (used)

Reasons to buy :

Great value for the price
Powerful A13 Bionic chip
Excellent camera system
Long battery life

Reasons to avoid :

No 5G connectivity
No 120Hz refresh rate
No Face ID

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

You're on a tight budget.
You want a great camera system.
You need a phone with long battery life.

Don't buy it if:

You need 5G connectivity.
You want the latest features.
You want a phone with a 120Hz refresh rate.

Bottom Line:

The iPhone 11 is a great option for those who are looking for a solid iPhone with a great camera system and a great price. It's a solid choice for those who are on a budget and don't need the latest features.

iPhone XR

A budget-friendly iPhone with a colorful design and a great battery life.

Specifications :

Display: 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display
Processor: A12 Bionic chip
Storage: 64GB, 128GB
Camera: Single 12MP wide-angle camera
Battery: Up to 16 hours of video playback
Price: Starting at $399 (used)

Reasons to buy :

Affordable price
Long battery life
Colorful design
Solid performance

Reasons to avoid :

No Face ID
No 5G connectivity
Only one camera
Not the most powerful iPhone available

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

You're on a tight budget.
You want a phone with long battery life.
You like colorful designs.

Don't buy it if:

You need the latest features.
You need a phone with a great camera system.
You want a phone with Face ID.

Bottom Line:

The iPhone XR is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable iPhone with a long battery life and a colorful design. It's a solid choice for those who don't need the latest features and are willing to sacrifice camera quality for a lower price.

iPhone 13 mini

The smallest iPhone with a great camera system and powerful performance.

Specifications :

Display: 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR display
Processor: A15 Bionic chip
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Camera: Dual 12MP wide-angle and ultra-wide cameras
Battery: Up to 17 hours of video playback
Price: Starting at $599

Reasons to buy :

Compact size
Powerful A15 Bionic chip
Great camera system
Bright and vibrant display

Reasons to avoid :

Small display size
Short battery life
No 120Hz refresh rate

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

You want the smallest iPhone available.
You prioritize performance and camera quality.
You like a small phone with a bright display.

Don't buy it if:

You need a larger display.
You want the best possible battery life.
You want the fastest refresh rate available.

Bottom Line:

The iPhone 13 mini is a great option for those who want a powerful and compact iPhone. It's a solid choice for those who prioritize performance and camera quality over size and battery life.

iPhone 14 Plus

A larger iPhone with a great camera system and long battery life.

Specifications :

Display: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display
Processor: A16 Bionic chip
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Camera: Dual 12MP wide-angle and ultra-wide cameras
Battery: Up to 29 hours of video playback
Price: Starting at $899

Reasons to buy :

Large display size
Powerful A16 Bionic chip
Great camera system
Long battery life

Reasons to avoid :

Higher price than other iPhones
No telephoto lens
No 120Hz refresh rate

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

You want a large iPhone with a great display.
You prioritize battery life.
You want a phone with a great camera system.

Don't buy it if:

You're on a tight budget.
You need a phone with a telephoto lens.
You want the fastest refresh rate available.

Bottom Line:

The iPhone 14 Plus is a great option for those who want a large iPhone with a great display, long battery life, and a great camera system. It's a solid choice for those who prioritize screen size and battery life over the latest and greatest features.

iPhone 14 Pro

A premium iPhone with a powerful A16 Bionic chip, a Pro camera system, and a 120Hz refresh rate.

Specifications :

Display: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion (120Hz)
Processor: A16 Bionic chip
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Camera: Triple 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, and 12MP telephoto cameras
Battery: Up to 23 hours of video playback
Price: Starting at $999

Reasons to buy :

Powerful A16 Bionic chip
Pro camera system with 48MP main sensor
120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and gaming
Improved battery life

Reasons to avoid :

Expensive
No major design changes compared to iPhone 13 Pro
No 1TB storage option for the 6.1-inch model

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

You want the best possible iPhone experience.
You prioritize performance, camera quality, and display quality.
You're willing to pay a premium price.

Don't buy it if:

You're on a tight budget.
You don't need a 120Hz refresh rate.
You don't need a Pro camera system.

Bottom Line:

The iPhone 14 Pro is a top-of-the-line iPhone that delivers exceptional performance, camera quality, and display quality. It's a great option for those who want the best possible iPhone experience and are willing to pay a premium price.

iPhone 14 Pro Max

The largest and most powerful iPhone with a Pro camera system, a 120Hz refresh rate, and the longest battery life.

Specifications :

Display: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion (120Hz)
Processor: A16 Bionic chip
Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Camera: Triple 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, and 12MP telephoto cameras
Battery: Up to 29 hours of video playback
Price: Starting at $1099

Reasons to buy :

Powerful A16 Bionic chip
Pro camera system with 48MP main sensor
120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and gaming
Longest battery life of any iPhone

Reasons to avoid :

Expensive
No major design changes compared to iPhone 13 Pro Max
Large size may be unwieldy for some

What you need to know :

Buy it if:

You want the biggest and most powerful iPhone.
You prioritize performance, camera quality, display quality, and battery life.
You're willing to pay a premium price.

Don't buy it if:

You're on a tight budget.
You don't need a 120Hz refresh rate.
You don't need a Pro camera system.
You prefer a smaller phone.

Bottom Line:

The iPhone 14 Pro Max is the ultimate iPhone experience, offering the most powerful performance, the best camera system, the highest quality display, and the longest battery life. It's a great option for those who want the best possible iPhone experience and are willing to pay a premium price.

iPhone XS

A powerful phone with a beautiful OLED display and a dual-camera system that takes stunning photos.

Specifications :

Display: 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR display
Processor: Apple A12 Bionic chip
Camera: 12MP wide-angle and telephoto cameras
Storage: 64GB, 256GB, 512GB
Battery life: Up to 12 hours of video playback

Reasons to buy :

Excellent performance
Beautiful display
Great camera system
Durable design

Reasons to avoid :

Expensive
No headphone jack
Can be a bit large for smaller hands

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You want the best possible iPhone experience and are willing to pay a premium for it.

Don't buy it if:

You're on a budget, you don't need the latest and greatest features, or you prefer a smaller phone.

Bottom Line:

The iPhone XS is a great choice for anyone looking for a top-of-the-line smartphone. It has a beautiful display, a powerful processor, and a great camera system. However, it is expensive and doesn't have a headphone jack. If you're on a budget or don't need the latest features, you might want to consider a different model. It's a fantastic option for a 12-year-old who's responsible and needs a reliable, high-performing phone.

iPhone XS Max

Learn more about 16 Best iPhone for Gaming: Ultimate Performance and Graphics

The largest iPhone ever, with a massive 6.5-inch display and a powerful dual-camera system.

Specifications :

Display: 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display
Processor: Apple A12 Bionic chip
Camera: 12MP wide-angle and telephoto cameras
Storage: 64GB, 256GB, 512GB
Battery life: Up to 13 hours of video playback

Reasons to buy :

Stunning display
Excellent performance
Great camera system
Long battery life

Reasons to avoid :

Expensive
Very large
No headphone jack

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You want the biggest and best possible iPhone experience.

Don't buy it if:

You're on a budget, you don't need the latest and greatest features, or you prefer a smaller phone.

Bottom Line:

The iPhone XS Max is a great choice for anyone looking for the ultimate iPhone experience. It has a stunning display, a powerful processor, and a great camera system. It also has a very long battery life, making it ideal for long days on the go. However, it is very expensive and extremely large. If you're on a budget or prefer a smaller phone, you might want to consider a different model. This phone is ideal for a 12-year-old who needs a long-lasting battery and doesn't mind a larger screen size.

iPhone 12 mini

A powerful and compact iPhone with a bright and beautiful display.

Specifications :

Display: 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR display
Processor: Apple A14 Bionic chip
Camera: 12MP wide-angle and ultrawide cameras
Storage: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Battery life: Up to 13 hours of video playback

Reasons to buy :

Compact design
Beautiful display
Great camera system
Powerful performance

Reasons to avoid :

Small size might be difficult to use for some
No headphone jack
Can be expensive

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You're looking for a powerful iPhone with a small form factor.

Don't buy it if:

You prefer a larger screen or you need the absolute best camera performance.

Bottom Line:

The iPhone 12 mini is a great choice for anyone looking for a compact and powerful iPhone. It has a beautiful display, a great camera system, and excellent performance. However, it's small size might not be for everyone and it can be expensive. A 12-year-old who appreciates smaller phones will enjoy the portability of the iPhone 12 mini.

iPhone 11 Pro

A powerful and versatile phone with a triple-camera system that takes stunning photos.

Specifications :

Display: 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR display
Processor: Apple A13 Bionic chip
Camera: 12MP wide-angle, telephoto, and ultra-wide cameras
Storage: 64GB, 256GB, 512GB
Battery life: Up to 18 hours of video playback

Reasons to buy :

Excellent performance
Great camera system
Long battery life
Durable design

Reasons to avoid :

Expensive
No headphone jack
Can be a bit large for smaller hands

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You want a powerful iPhone with a great camera and long battery life.

Don't buy it if:

You're on a budget, you don't need the latest and greatest features, or you prefer a smaller phone.

Bottom Line:

The iPhone 11 Pro is a great choice for anyone looking for a powerful and versatile phone. It has a beautiful display, a great camera system, and excellent performance. It also has a very long battery life, making it ideal for long days on the go. However, it is expensive and doesn't have a headphone jack. If you're on a budget or don't need the latest features, you might want to consider a different model. A 12-year-old who enjoys photography and wants a phone that can handle a full day of use will appreciate the iPhone 11 Pro.

iPhone 11 Pro Max

The largest and most powerful iPhone ever, with a massive 6.5-inch display and a triple-camera system that takes stunning photos.

Specifications :

Display: 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display
Processor: Apple A13 Bionic chip
Camera: 12MP wide-angle, telephoto, and ultra-wide cameras
Storage: 64GB, 256GB, 512GB
Battery life: Up to 20 hours of video playback

Reasons to buy :

Stunning display
Excellent performance
Great camera system
Long battery life

Reasons to avoid :

Expensive
Very large
No headphone jack

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You want the biggest and best possible iPhone experience.

Don't buy it if:

You're on a budget, you don't need the latest and greatest features, or you prefer a smaller phone.

Bottom Line:

The iPhone 11 Pro Max is a great choice for anyone looking for the ultimate iPhone experience. It has a stunning display, a powerful processor, and a great camera system. It also has a very long battery life, making it ideal for long days on the go. However, it is very expensive and extremely large. If you're on a budget or prefer a smaller phone, you might want to consider a different model. The iPhone 11 Pro Max is a great option for a 12-year-old who needs a phone with a long battery life and doesn't mind a larger screen size.

iPhone X

A premium phone with a stunning OLED display and a dual-camera system that takes great photos.

Specifications :

Display: 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR display
Processor: Apple A11 Bionic chip
Camera: 12MP wide-angle and telephoto cameras
Storage: 64GB, 256GB
Battery life: Up to 12 hours of video playback

Reasons to buy :

Beautiful display
Great camera system
Excellent performance
Face ID is fast and secure

Reasons to avoid :

Expensive
No headphone jack
Can be a bit large for smaller hands

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You want a premium iPhone with a great display and camera system.

Don't buy it if:

You're on a budget, you don't need the latest and greatest features, or you prefer a smaller phone.

Bottom Line:

The iPhone X is a great choice for anyone looking for a premium iPhone experience. It has a beautiful display, a great camera system, and excellent performance. However, it is expensive and doesn't have a headphone jack. If you're on a budget or don't need the latest features, you might want to consider a different model. This phone is a great option for a 12-year-old who's responsible and wants a top-of-the-line phone that will last for a long time.

iPhone 8 Plus

A large and powerful phone with a dual-camera system that takes great photos.

Specifications :

Display: 5.5-inch Retina HD display
Processor: Apple A11 Bionic chip
Camera: 12MP wide-angle and telephoto cameras
Storage: 64GB, 256GB
Battery life: Up to 13 hours of video playback

Reasons to buy :

Large and bright display
Great camera system
Excellent performance
Wireless charging

Reasons to avoid :

Expensive
No headphone jack
Can be a bit large for smaller hands

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You want a large and powerful iPhone with a great camera.

Don't buy it if:

You're on a budget, you don't need the latest and greatest features, or you prefer a smaller phone.

Bottom Line:

The iPhone 8 Plus is a great choice for anyone looking for a large and powerful iPhone with a great camera system. It has a beautiful display, excellent performance, and wireless charging. However, it is expensive and doesn't have a headphone jack. If you're on a budget or don't need the latest features, you might want to consider a different model. This phone is a great option for a 12-year-old who enjoys watching movies and videos on a larger screen.

iPhone 8

A powerful phone with a great camera and a durable design.

Specifications :

Display: 4.7-inch Retina HD display
Processor: Apple A11 Bionic chip
Camera: 12MP wide-angle camera
Storage: 64GB, 256GB
Battery life: Up to 13 hours of video playback

Reasons to buy :

Powerful performance
Great camera system
Durable design
Wireless charging

Reasons to avoid :

No headphone jack
Smaller screen size
Can be expensive

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You want a powerful iPhone with a great camera and a durable design.

Don't buy it if:

You're on a budget, you don't need the latest and greatest features, or you prefer a larger phone.

Bottom Line:

The iPhone 8 is a great choice for anyone looking for a powerful and durable iPhone. It has a great camera system, a fast processor, and wireless charging. However, it doesn't have a headphone jack and has a smaller screen size. If you're on a budget or don't need the latest features, you might want to consider a different model. The iPhone 8 is a good option for a 12-year-old who needs a phone that can handle everyday use and take good photos.

iPhone 7 Plus

A powerful phone with a dual-camera system that takes stunning photos.

Specifications :

Display: 5.5-inch Retina HD display
Processor: Apple A10 Fusion chip
Camera: 12MP wide-angle and telephoto cameras
Storage: 32GB, 128GB, 256GB
Battery life: Up to 13 hours of video playback

Reasons to buy :

Great camera system
Excellent performance
Long battery life
Water and dust resistant

Reasons to avoid :

No headphone jack
Can be expensive
Older model, meaning fewer software updates

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You want a powerful iPhone with a great camera and a long battery life.

Don't buy it if:

You're on a budget, you need the latest features, or you prefer a smaller phone.

Bottom Line:

The iPhone 7 Plus is a great choice for anyone looking for a powerful and versatile phone. It has a great camera system, excellent performance, and a long battery life. However, it doesn't have a headphone jack and is an older model, meaning it will receive fewer software updates. If you're on a budget or need the latest features, you might want to consider a different model. This phone is a great option for a 12-year-old who wants a phone with a good camera and long battery life, but doesn't need the latest features.

iPhone 7

A compact and powerful phone with a great camera.

Specifications :

Display: 4.7-inch Retina HD display
Processor: Apple A10 Fusion chip
Camera: 12MP wide-angle camera
Storage: 32GB, 128GB, 256GB
Battery life: Up to 13 hours of video playback

Reasons to buy :

Great camera system
Excellent performance
Durable design
Water and dust resistant

Reasons to avoid :

No headphone jack
Smaller screen size
Can be expensive
Older model, meaning fewer software updates

What you need to know :

Buy it if

You want a powerful iPhone with a great camera and a durable design.

Don't buy it if:

You're on a budget, you need the latest features, or you prefer a larger phone.

Bottom Line:

The iPhone 7 is a great choice for anyone looking for a compact and powerful iPhone with a great camera. It has excellent performance, a durable design, and water and dust resistance. However, it doesn't have a headphone jack, has a smaller screen size, and is an older model, meaning it will receive fewer software updates. If you're on a budget or need the latest features, you might want to consider a different model. The iPhone 7 is a good option for a 12-year-old who wants a phone that's easy to hold and take good photos, but doesn't need the latest features.

Choosing the right iPhone for a 12-year-old is a big responsibility, but with careful consideration, you can find a device that's both safe and fun. Remember, the best iPhone for your child will depend on their individual needs and interests. Consider their maturity level, how they'll be using the phone, and your own comfort level with screen time.

Ultimately, the goal is to find a balance between giving your child the freedom to explore the digital world and ensuring their safety and well-being. With the right iPhone and proper parental controls, you can empower your child to learn, connect, and grow responsibly.

As always, it's important to have open and honest conversations with your child about responsible phone use. Talk to them about online safety, cyberbullying, and the importance of digital citizenship. By setting clear expectations and boundaries, you can create a positive and safe digital environment for your child to thrive in.

Remember, the decision of whether or not to give a 12-year-old an iPhone is a personal one. Consider all factors carefully, and choose a device that best suits your family's needs and values. With the right approach, you can provide your child with the tools they need to connect, learn, and grow in a safe and responsible way.

Find more on 15 Best iPhone for a 10 Year Old: Age-Appropriate Choices