Apple

If you have the budget get iPhone 15. Kids love latest and new designed phones.

The iPhone SE is a great choice. It’s $400

I have an XR. And it works pretty good. And it has a good size screen , good for both games and apps . Make sure you get a good MB too. Like 154 or 256MB especially if he’s gonna have photos or games

May I recommend the iPhone 13. I have it for nearly two years and love it.

Good options are 13, or if you want him to have dynamic island, 14 Pro (don't buy regular 14) or 15 in my opinion. Other aren't really worth it.

Of course you can buy him a 15 pro if you're willing to shell out the extra money.

iPhone 15 is kinda not worth it. I mean any other phones would do the job so. If money is not a big deal then ofc go for it. But consider the money and the cost performance iPhone 13 related versions are so far what I think the best ones to have.

Tell him to go get a job, then after he buys it, ask him if it was worth it.

Give him a refurbished iphone SE1 2016. He’s just a kid.

Buy the iPhone 13

But why does he need a smartphone? Is it because his education demands it or all his friends have one and he wants it?

It is good to keep one updated in terms of technology and content but having a smartphone at such a young age is probably not a good idea. But if he insists, 13 or 14 series would do. Personally, he can make use of the iPad or a Galaxy Tab for both studying and movies or games. I remember sharing my phone with my brother when I was 16. It was a Sony K310i, oh man, the fun we had using that phone, having an IR blaster to transfer mp3 files haha.

get him the 15. he'll be able to use most of his USB accessories, including charging cables.

Used SE would be my way to go.

Time to teach him basic math: his bank account - price of the thing he wants = yes or no of him getting it.

Was he bullied for not having blue bubbles?

Get a new 15, best and latest.

Every iPhone is pretty much the same now days.

US cellular (midwest carrier) is doing a "free upgrade" promo. bring in any phone and get $830 credit towards a free phone. There's a lot of requirements to qualify for this promo (have to be on the right plan, have to be a US cellular customer, and a few other I don't remember rn) but this is how I got an Iphone 15 for "free" ($53 sales tax + $30 activation fee)

definitely a steal if you qualify for it.

Your son is too young for a phone

I had the 12 and jumped to the 15 (no plus, no pro)… and the difference is huge.

USB C. The back feels much more softer thanks to the frosted glass. Battery lasts all day. And the camera has a new 48mp sensor (rear cam). Photos are much more crispier. HDR is also improved much.

I’d recommend going for the 15 if you can. It’ll do him good for atleast the next 3-4 years just fine.

hey dad, it’s me. thank you so much, a 15 pro max will do.

/s

Get him a 15, I got one as well and it would be good for him to get USBC

get him the 15

He’d be good with an 8. Hell a 7 would work

SE 2020

Or not waste your money on garbage and get him a real phone

Start him off with an iPhone xr

An iPhone 13 and AirPods.

you can use https://www.plug.tech/ for cheap iphones, these are literally brand new condition with no noticable scratches.

Highly recommend, I have bought 3 iPhones from there. I got iPhone 11 for my kids and it works greats and supports all the latest apps.

Google “Apple Outlet.” Get an Apple refurbished phone. Full warranty, new battery, and eligible for AppleCare. Consider using the savings to get AppleCare. As far as iOS updates, my 2015 IPad Pro 12.9 still gets the latest updates. Don’t worry about negative comments about buying older models. The only true refurbished phones are from Apple.