Troomi Kids Smart Phone Review

The Troomi kids phone is designed to provide a safe and controlled digital experience for children. It offers a range of Samsung devices equipped with Troomi's proprietary KidSmart OS. With various plans that cater to kids' evolving needs, Troomi aims to balance safety with the functionality of a modern smartphone.

Troomi was selected as the best first phone in our inaugural Kids Safety Awards. 

Troomi offers two phone options for kids. The Samsung A13 LTE, priced around $150, and the Samsung A14 5G, around $200, are solid choices. You can buy the phones outright or take advantage of available financing. Finance plans range from around $47 to $80 per month.

Both Samsung phones come equipped with essential features for kids, including screen protectors, up to 1TB of expandable memory, GPS location services, and advanced cameras. The A14 stands out as the only 5G-compatible option, allowing for broader internet connectivity.

These phones are compatible with all of Troomi's family plans, which range from $20 to $30 per month. The plans include features such as text monitoring, picture and group texting, and access to the KidSafe browser and apps.

Troomi's service plans don't require a contract, which means you can start and stop service whenever you want without any penalties.

If you want protection beyond the Samsung manufacturer's warranty, Troomi offers extended warranty insurance for $6.95 per month. Don't wait too long to activate this option, as the extended warranty can be added to your plan only within the first 60 days after purchase.

When you get a Troomi kids smartphone, you get the tech of a Samsung phone. Troomi currently offers the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G. Previously, Troomi offered the A13 LTE and A14 5G. Get all the details about Troomi's current phone below.

Troomi sets families up for success with a closed network that parents can expand as kids grow. There's no app store or social media with Troomi, and parents are in charge of the apps that are downloaded onto their child's phone. Here's a rundown of some our favorite Troomi features:

• Device options: Over the years, Troomi has offered several Samsung models, including the A13 LTE and A14 5G,. Right now, they're offering the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G.
• KidSmart OS: Designed to grow with your child, the KidSmart OS initially restricts internet access but can gradually introduce more online capabilities through the Discover plan. This plan includes the KidSmart Safe Browser, vetted apps, and the ability to manage contacts and messaging features.
• Parental controls: Parents can set app time limits, approve all contacts, and monitor text messages. This level of control might seem invasive to some but provides peace of mind for others.
• App management: No app store exists, but parents can add approved apps from the Safe Apps Library through the parental portal. This ensures that all apps are appropriate and safe for children.
• Communication options: Troomi offers unlimited text and talk with all plans. But it lets parents control communication. You can set up text-only messaging, with the option to enable group chats and photo messaging as kids mature. Parents can read all text content to ensure safety.

Troomi has the most extensive app vetting we've seen. It utilizes its own safety experts and feedback from parents to determine which apps are safe for kids to use on a Troomi phone. Below, we break down how Troomi vets and approves apps.

Basic apps (available on all plans): Troomi ensures that your child can access essential apps even with the most basic plan. Parents have complete control over which of these basic apps are loaded onto the device and can set specific times of day and duration for their use. This level of control helps you manage your child's screen time and ensures that the apps are used in a balanced manner.

KidSmart® apps (available on the Discover plan): The Discover plan unlocks access to Troomi's award-winning KidSmart® Apps. The Troomi community highly recommends these apps, which have been carefully vetted to ensure they are educational, creative, and fun. Most KidSmart Apps are accessible only over Wi-Fi, adding an extra layer of security by limiting use to safe environments like home and school. Essential tools like GPS tracking and Google Maps remain available anytime, anywhere, providing necessary functionality while maintaining safety.

We recommend that parents educate kids about how to safely use public Wi-Fi, in case they're tempted to connect to networks when they're away from home or school.

Under review  apps (apps that are up for consideration by Troomi): 
Troomi's team of safety experts is always on the lookout for new apps recommended by the community. Each app undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets Troomi's high standards for safety and quality. This continuous review process means new apps are regularly added, expanding the variety and enriching your child's digital experience. Parents are encouraged to check back frequently to see the latest additions to the app library.

For our Troomi review, we compared its features and specs to other top kids smartphones. We conducted research, read reviews, and spoke to parents to find out how they like using Troomi smart phones for kids. Learn more about how we rank and review products on the SafeWise methodology page.

Troomi offers a robust solution for parents looking to introduce their children to mobile technology in a controlled and safe manner. While the upfront cost and paid warranty may be deterrents, the extensive parental controls and flexible plans make it a worthwhile investment for many families. If ensuring a safe digital environment for your child is a priority, Troomi is a strong contender for your child's first phone.

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