The number of children who own smartphones is on the rise these days. There are also more and more cases where children start using smartphones when they enter junior high school, or upgrade to a kids’ phone.
So, this time we will introduce recommended smartphones for junior high school students. We will also explain how to choose one, so please check it out.
Benefits of having a smartphone for junior high school students
One of the benefits of junior high school students having smartphones is that it is easy to keep an eye on them. You can contact them immediately when they come home from school or go out, and even in emergencies. By using the location information function, you can also find out where your child is.
Smartphones also play an important role as a means of communication with family and friends. Their strength is that they allow smooth interaction and information sharing with friends through messaging apps and calling functions. They can also be used efficiently to coordinate group contact and events, which is expected to improve junior high school students’ social skills.
Disadvantages of having a smartphone for junior high school students
When junior high school students use smartphones, the risk of coming into contact with strangers and getting into trouble cannot be ignored. There is also the possibility of causing major problems, such as the leakage of personal information on social media or posting inappropriate content.
In order to avoid these kinds of problems, it is important to set rules at home by discussing them with your children. We also recommend this as it will help them practice acquiring IT literacy.
How to choose a smartphone for junior high school students
Entry to the mid-range price range is recommended
For junior high school students, we recommend entry to mid-range price ranges. They are equipped with the functions necessary for everyday use such as calling, SNS, and web browsing, making them perfect for junior high school students who are getting their first smartphone. High-performance high-end models are expensive and overkill for basic use.
The entry-level model is recommended for those who want basic functions such as calling, messaging, and social media. It is inexpensive and keeps initial costs down, and its functions are simple, so even junior high school students who are not familiar with smartphones can use it with confidence.
The mid-range model has a good balance between price and performance, and is recommended for those who want to use it for a long time. It is attractive that it can be used for a wide range of purposes, such as playing light games and taking photos and videos, as well as for everyday use.
Check the monitoring function
When giving a smartphone to a junior high school student, be sure to check the monitoring function. The “parental control” function, which allows parents to check and limit their children’s usage, is important. By setting it up properly, you can prevent excessive smartphone use and access to inappropriate sites, so you can let your child have a smartphone with peace of mind.
Other useful features include a “usage time limit” that sets the amount of time that the smartphone can be used to prevent excessive use, and an “app management” feature that restricts the apps that children can download and blocks inappropriate websites.
You can set it on your iPhone or Android smartphone, or you can use your carrier’s “filtering service” or a usage restriction app. Both iPhone and Android have basic functions, so you can rest assured. Discuss with your child and decide on an appropriate level of restrictions.
Smartphone recommendations for junior high school students
Apple iPhone 16e
It is a budget version of the iPhone series. Although it is an entry-level model, it is equipped with the same A18 chip as the higher-end models, making it attractive for its excellent cost performance. It is reasonably priced and has a wide range of functions.
It features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, providing a vivid screen display. In addition, the main camera is equipped with the same “48MP Fusion” as the higher-end model, allowing you to take beautiful photos. This is a recommended model for enjoying entertainment as well.
Apple iPhone SE 3rd Generation
This is a compact and easy-to-use iPhone. Its dimensions are 138.4mm high x 67.3mm wide x 7.3mm thick, and it weighs just 144g. It’s easy to hold even for people with small hands, and can be operated comfortably with one hand.
Equipped with the same A15 Bionic chip as the iPhone 13 series, apps, games, and video viewing run smoothly. The simple operation system with a home button makes it easy to use even for first-time smartphone users.
Google Pixel 9a
This is the budget version of Google’s Google Pixel series. Despite its low price, it is characterized by the fact that it is equipped with the same Google Tensor G4 chip as the higher-end models. It has high processing power and can smoothly perform tasks such as photo editing, search, and translation using AI functions.
The 6.3-inch OLED display is particularly bright among the Pixel A series, and the screen is easy to see even outdoors. The battery lasts for more than 30 hours, so you can use it with confidence at school or on the go.
SHARP AQUOS wish5
This smartphone is simple and easy to use. It is equipped with a unique security alert function, and just by vibrating the device, a loud alarm sounds, and at the same time, it calls registered contacts and sends location information. It responds even when the device is in a bag, so you can be prepared in case of an emergency.
Another key point is its durability. It is equipped with waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof performance that complies with the procurement standards of the US Department of Defense. It can be safely used by junior high school students who do hard exercise such as long-distance commutes and club activities.
Sony Xperia 10 VI
This mid-range smartphone has an attractive lightweight and slim body. Equipped with the high-speed CPU “Snapdragon 6 Gen 1”, you can comfortably multitask, such as launching a learning app or messaging app while listening to music.
The 5000mAh large capacity battery allows for two days of continuous use with normal use such as social media and video viewing. With the company’s unique power saving technology, the continuous video playback time has increased by about 10% compared to the previous model. It is designed to last even if you tend to forget to charge it.
FCNT arrows We2
This is an entry-level smartphone in the arrows series developed by FCNT, formerly a Fujitsu subsidiary. The 6.1-inch HD+ display makes it comfortable to browse websites and watch videos. Another attractive feature is that processing performance can be improved by using part of the main storage as memory.
It uses a large-capacity 4500mAh battery, which is an improvement over the previous model. The unique technology developed in collaboration with Qnovo reduces battery deterioration. It is recommended because it reduces the frequency of replacement.
OPPO A3 5G
This smartphone offers an excellent balance between price and performance. The key point is that it is equipped with a large capacity 5100mAh battery, which is the largest in the series. The MediaTek Dimensity 6300 octa-core processor allows you to launch apps and play videos smoothly.
In addition, despite its slim body, it is highly shock-resistant. It protects your smartphone from drops and shocks in everyday life. This is a recommended model with excellent battery life and durability.
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G
This is a smartphone from the affordable Galaxy A series. The first mobile AI feature in the series, Awesome Intelligence, allows you to use the “Search by Box” feature, which allows you to search for information simply by surrounding it on the screen. This not only makes research more efficient, but also makes creative tasks such as photo editing smoother.
Another plus point is that it supports six generations of OS updates and six years of security updates. If you’re looking for a model that you can use for a long time, check it out.
For smartphones for junior high school students, we recommend entry-level or mid-range models. There are many low-cost models available from popular manufacturers such as Apple and Google, so if you are looking for a smartphone that combines price and performance, be sure to check them out.
