The Best (Indestructible) Phones for Kids

The Best (Indestructible) Phones for Kids

by Jeremy Cleland

If you’ve ever had to replace a tablet screen after your toddler threw a fit, then you can imagine what might happen when your tween or teen starts to have a smartphone attached at the hip.

If only these phones could talk.

You’d hear stories about phones slipping out of pockets and tumbling down flights of stairs, being tossed to friends and crashing to the ground instead, and, yes, their expensive device taking an accidental swim in the bathroom.

So how can you select a mobile phone that will stand the test of time with your child? Sure, a standard flip phone eliminates the risk of breaking the screen, but most kids want a phone that enables Web browsing, easy texting and snapping photos — i.e. a smartphone.

To make the most of your investment — and not have to tap into the college fund to keep replacing destroyed smartphones — here are some models that can take a beating, or even a plunge, and keep on texting:

Kyocera DuraForce

If it’s good enough for the military, it should be good enough for a kid. Encased with tough rubber and plastic — with a long-lasting battery life, and a range of Android apps — it also can handle rugged environments from snow to rain, dust, extreme temperatures and shock. Plus, it’s waterproof versus just water-resistant.

Key durability feature

With all its ports closed, the DuraForce has certified dust-tight protection and can withstand water immersion in up to 6 feet for 30 minutes.

Advice to give your kids

Make sure the ports are closed before you head to the pool.

Samsung Galaxy S5

If your kids are active — and what kid isn’t? — this phone is designed for them. The Galaxy S5 has a high-definition screen and a 16-megapixel camera with built-in editing tools. Check out the OtterBox cover accessory for extra protection.

Key durability feature

Kids are sure to think the fingerprint scanner access to unlock the phone is really cool.

Advice to give your kids

Use the integrated S Health Log to track your heart rate and fitness goals.

Motorola Moto X

For your young media and selfie enthusiasts, the Moto X comes with a 13-megapixel camera and allows users to capture videos in high definition resolution. With a wireless charging option and the ability to get eight additional hours of power in just 15 minutes with its included TurboPower charger—overall the battery can last up to 24 hours.

Key durability feature

A water-repellent nano-coating helps protects the phone from moisture, though it’s not completely waterproof.

Advice to give your kids

The long battery life means you can’t claim you didn’t call mom back because your phone was dead.

Google Nexus 6

If your kid is all about Google apps, the Nexus 6 offers the latest Android updates and apps like Gmail, Chrome, Calendar and Hangout work together across your desktop and mobile devices. Its 6-inch Quad HD display provides great clarity for movies or games.

Key durability feature

The screen is made of Corning Gorilla Glass 3, which resists scratches and is tough to smash.

Advice to give your kids: Take care of the screen with waterproof spray treatment to keep oil and smudges at bay.

Jeremy Cleland has been a spokesperson for several Silicon Valley startups, like Tesla Motors, and spearheaded global stories about technology featured in media like Vice, Time magazine, Forbes and Wired.com. He’s also the dad to a 5-year-old who is already more tech-savvy than him.

TECHNOLOGY ...

Mobile Technology & Smartphones: "The Best (Indestructible) Phones for Kids"