The Best Cell Phones for Teens

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By Pamela S. Stevens

Face it….teens require cell phones. If you are part of a growing population of the U.S. that does not have a land line phone, than your teen definitely require a cell phone. So, when your teen comes to you asking for a cell phone, which cell phone will work for them and you?

Teens use cell phones differently than adults, they use their phones not just for talking but for large volume text messaging, instant messaging, multimedia messaging and music. Of course with an Internet capable phone, they could also use their phone for networking on websites like MySpace and Facebook.

First Off, Cell Phone Text Lingo Basics for Parents

Text Messaging (SMS): Text only messages that do not require Internet access.

Multimedia Text Messaging (MMS): This is like text messaging except it includes the ability to send pictures, video or sound files. Some phones have “picture messaging,” which sends pictures and text.

Instant Messaging (IM): This utilizes popular message services like MSN, Yahoo, AOL or Google Talk to send messages through an Internet connection or through the cell phone’s technology that is set up to communicate with these popular services.

Here are a few phones from popular carriers that you might consider for your teen.

AT&T

• LGCU500v: This flip phone can take pictures, play music, check email and send multimedia text messages. It costs about $250, but you can get it cheaper with a signed agreement.
• MOTORAZR V3x: You can get this phone for under $100 with a signed agreement and mail-in rebate and it is a popular choice for teens. It can play music, has a camera, can send MMS messages and it can stream and display video.
• iPhone:You may have heard a lot of noise about the iPhone and it is one of the best music phones ever invented. However, it does not include the ability to capture video or send IMs. It also starts out at nearly $500, which is a bit pricey for the average teen phone.
• Blackberry Pearl: Versions of the Pearl are also available with T-Mobile. It is a traditional looking phone that comes in a variety of colors and has full multimedia messaging. It can send IMs through Yahoo, AOL and Windows Live. It also plays music and has advanced features like an HMTL Internet Browser and can be purchased for under $150 with a contract.

T-Mobile

• Sidekick: By far the most popular teen phone offered by T-Mobile is the Sidekick. It comes in a variety of colors and is built for messaging. It has a full QWERTY keyboard, plays music, can send IM through Yahoo, MSN and AOL and can send email. The newest version can be purchased for under $200 with a discount and rebate. Or the Sidekick ID can be acquired for under $100.
• Nokia 5300 Xpress Music: This phone plays a variety of music file types, supports stereo Bluetooth headsets and can send IM’s through Yahoo!, MSN, AOL or ICQ. It also plays FM radio, few phones offers this feature. This one is a great deal at less than $50 with applicable discounts. However, it is not an Internet phone.
• Motorola RAZR V3: Also supported by AT&T and others, this phone has a 4x digital zoom camera, picture messaging and instant messaging through Yahoo! and AIM. It is also cheap at under $50 with discounts and rebates.
• Motorola RIZR Z3: This phone can play music, send picture messages and IM through AOL, Yahoo!, MSN and ICQ. It also supports stereo Bluetooth headsets and can capture and display video. It costs less than $100.

Sprint

• MOTORAZR V3m: This slim phone is Sprint Music and TV enabled, takes pictures, supports IM and has a camcorder for capturing short video segments. It is available through Sprint for less than $30.
• Samsung Upstage: For under $100 this is great phone. It plays music and Sprint TV, is web and email capable and takes pictures. It is also a pretty cool looking phone, one side looks like a phone and the other side looks like an MP3 player.
• LG Fusic: This phone can play streaming music and video, has a camera and camcorder, has an FM transmitter and includes Bluetooth wireless technology. The Fusic can be purchased through Sprint for under $80. However, it does not appear to support IM.
• Samsung M500: This cell phone is Sprint Music and TV enabled, can send picture mail and is web and email capable. It is offered by Sprint for less than $80.

Verizon

• MOTORAZR V3m: Also available through Sprint, this phone is available in a variety of colors and supports VCAST music and video and has a camera. It support SMS, MMS and IM messaging and is low priced at under $50.
• LG Chocolate: This is a good looking music phone, has a camera and supports VCAST video and music. It comes in several colors and is priced less than $70.
• Verizon Wireless CDM 8945: This phone is not that unique looking, but it is free with a contract and can play music, video, has a camcorder and can even support video messaging.
• Samsung SCH-u540: This clam shell type flip phone has a camera, can play music, send emails and IM and is Bluetooth enabled. It cost less than $70 with a contract.

Other Considerations

• Unlimited Text: Many services include unlimited text services and if you have a teen you should really consider signing up for this service. Believe it or not, some teens send and receive hundreds of text messages per day! Although this seems excessive, it does not use minutes. Pricing varies, for example T-Mobile offers unlimited text messaging with their family plan for under $20.
• Chaperone or GPS Capable: Some services offer location services. This could be useful if you have an unruly teen that has a tendency to wander, with one of these services you can locate your teen and their phone easily.
• Internet Services: Full Internet access requires an extra monthly fee. With an Internet capable phone your teen can check email and access web pages.
• Phone Insurance: It may be a good idea to add extra insurance on your teen’s phone to protect your investment from theft or loss.
• Music Services: Some services offer music downloads and ringtones for a fee. Teens can run up your cell phone bill really fast with extras, make sure you set guidelines for these extra services.
• Extra Memory: Many phones support memory cards, so teens can store more of their favorite music and videos on their phone, most can support up to 2GB cards.

The above phones are great multimedia phones that offer many of the features that teens enjoy, however if none of the listed phones fit your budget you can opt for one of the free phones included with your provider’s contract. Most of the free phones currently offered include text messaging, picture messaging, a camera and basic phone features.

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