Smartphone for tween

June 5, 2020 4:50 PM

My kid is now a tween and she wants a phone. I don't want to buy a new one for reasons, so I'm looking for a decent used one that really doesn't need a cell phone plan. I'm thinking that her getting on the wireless network here at home, at grandma's, and the wireless network at her buddy's house where they spend a lot of time playing outdoors (she doesn't go into the house if you are wondering). What kind of service could she use that allows her to call us or text us (and vice versa)? Is there one? She had to create a Google account for online class meetings. Would that suffice?
posted by NoMich to Technology (18 answers total)

If you're in the iPhone ecosystem, then something like a used iPhone 7 or old SE. if you've got the money a new iPhone SE will last them well into the age when they start needing a phone properly. And the iMessage app that's the default for text messaging will work over WiFi without a plan.
posted by wotsac at 5:00 PM on June 5, 2020 [1 favorite]

It's true iMessage will work over wifi without a phone plan, but ONLY to other apple users. You cannot send a regular text (sms) or mms to other brands of phone.

I have an original google pixel I bought for about $100 and a $11.46/month (final cost with fees) cell plan on the Sprint network through GenMobile. A plan does not have to be expensive.
posted by fritley at 5:10 PM on June 5, 2020

When I was a young adult I bought myself an iPod touch, which almost was as good as a phone.

The thing is, it definitely required wifi to work. But no possibility of a sneaky sim card being added without your knowledge.
posted by freethefeet at 5:16 PM on June 5, 2020

Response by poster: She would be the only with an iPhone device. The spousal unit and I have Android phones
posted by NoMich at 5:58 PM on June 5, 2020

What's the issue with the simplest solution: just using WhatsApp or Telegram (etc. etc.) for call/text needs and not put a SIM in?
posted by turkeyphant at 6:06 PM on June 5, 2020

Phones dont have to be expensive, moto just announced this years budget models for 149/199 unlocked. the verge: 2020 moto budget phones i have last years 249 phone(moto g7) and its very solid. Will work for everything but text messaging and phone calls without service. Last years g7 play could probably be had cheaper.

There are plenty of app options that will work over WiFi for messaging/in app audio calls(not to phone numbers)/video chat, Facebook messenger, google duo/hangouts, etc etc etc. The only concern might be a few apps that want a sms code for verification/signup.

There are also very inexpensive very limited prepaid plans you could look into for actual voice/data service.
posted by TheAdamist at 6:25 PM on June 5, 2020 [1 favorite]

Google Voice makes calls and texts over WiFi for free and is available on any Android phone.
posted by flimflam at 6:33 PM on June 5, 2020 [2 favorites]

Yes, retract my iPod suggestion, would recommend staying same ecosystem
posted by freethefeet at 6:51 PM on June 5, 2020 [2 favorites]

I have an android phone. I use Google Voice to text over the internet. I use it without cell service. Can associate a phone number with it. They will give you a phone number to use so someone else, you, can text her phone
posted by AugustWest at 7:31 PM on June 5, 2020 [1 favorite]

Or you could use WhatsApp on an android which is the messenger of choice for many people not in the USA. Very easy to use, easily accessible over data or WiFi.
posted by raccoon409 at 7:55 PM on June 5, 2020

(I’d recommend the “Blu” brand which I bought years ago online for well under $100 because it was unlocked and worked internationally with whatever SIM card I bought. I can’t recommend a specific model because I’m sure what I had is outdated now.

You could also buy an old iPhone and install WhatsApp on that.
posted by raccoon409 at 7:57 PM on June 5, 2020

You cannot use WhatsApp without a real phone number.
posted by fritley at 8:06 PM on June 5, 2020 [4 favorites]

My niece has an old iPhone without cell service (so wifi only) and Messenger Kids. She calls family and classmates and makes weird videos she sends me and my mom. You can use Messenger on any phone and if you already have Facebook it should be too much hassle to manage. It supposedly makes phone calls too, but I've never used that.
posted by fiercekitten at 9:52 PM on June 5, 2020

Any unlocked android phone will work for this. You just need to make sure you get one that is fast enough to play the latest games or your child will get angry. Also a mini tablet would work if you kid carries a purse.
posted by srboisvert at 5:01 AM on June 6, 2020

If you do decide you can tolerate an iPhone, MeMail me. I have a 5s that I would give away to you. Am about to list it and a few other olds (iphone 3, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4S) on ebay.
posted by terrapin at 7:58 AM on June 6, 2020

A Nokia 3.1 is a very capable phone that can be bought for $139 new.

But if you specifically want to buy used, check out the Swappa page for used Nokia phones: https://swappa.com/mobile/nokia

As others have said, Google Voice can do calls and texts over Wi-Fi without a data plan.
posted by Tehhund at 12:22 PM on June 6, 2020

You can use WhatsApp on a wifi-only device; you just need to provide "a phone number". The device doesn't have to be a cell-enabled. However that cell number can not then be used by another WA account so it's best to use a number that will never need to use WA. Even a dumb phone number would work. [edited for clarity]
posted by TWinbrook8 at 2:05 PM on June 6, 2020

Response by poster: Thanks everyone! I ended up purchasing an unlocked Pixel 2 in good shape at a decent price.
posted by NoMich at 2:47 PM on June 7, 2020 [1 favorite]