Finding the right iPhone for a teenager can be tricky. You want something that’s reliable, secure, and capable of handling daily use — without breaking the bank. In 2025, there’s no need to spend top dollar on the latest model when older iPhones can still offer excellent performance, strong camera quality, and years of software support. The key is choosing a model that balances affordability, durability, and modern features, making it a perfect fit for your teen’s needs.
Buying a Certified Used or Refurbished iPhone is one of the smartest ways to save money without sacrificing quality. These devices are inspected, tested, and restored to meet strict standards, ensuring they function like new. Certified models often come with a warranty, giving you peace of mind. Plus, the cost savings can be substantial — enough to invest in a higher-end model or accessories like a protective case and screen protector. Choosing refurbished also supports sustainability by reducing e-waste, making it a win-win for your wallet and the environment.
When choosing an iPhone for a teen, iOS support is critical. Apple’s latest iOS version includes important security updates, performance improvements, and new features that keep the phone secure and enjoyable to use. A phone stuck on an outdated iOS will eventually lose app compatibility and could be more vulnerable to security threats. To future-proof your purchase, look for a model that supports iOS 26 in 2025 and will continue receiving updates for at least a few more years. This ensures your teen’s phone remains safe, fast, and compatible with the apps they rely on every day.
| Feature | iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | March 2022 |
| Display | 4.7" Retina HD LCD |
| Processor | A15 Bionic |
| Main Camera | 12MP (wide) |
| Front Camera | 7MP |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| iOS Support in 2025 | iOS 26 (likely 4+ more years) |
| Battery Life | Up to 15 hours video playback |
| Current Price (Certified Used) | $160+ |
The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is the best overall choice for teens in 2025. With the A15 Bionic chip — the same processor used in the iPhone 13 series — it offers fast performance, better photography, and more years of iOS updates. It’s compact, durable, and affordable, making it ideal for parents who want a phone that will last without overspending.
| Feature | iPhone 11 |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | September 2019 |
| Display | 6.1" Liquid Retina HD LCD |
| Processor | A13 Bionic |
| Main Camera | Dual 12MP (wide + ultra-wide) |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| iOS Support in 2025 | iOS 26 (likely 1–2 more years) |
| Battery Life | Up to 17 hours video playback |
| Current Price (Certified Used) | $160+ |
The iPhone 11 is a great pick if your teen prefers a bigger screen for videos, gaming, and browsing. It offers solid camera performance and decent battery life, but since it’s older, it will stop getting iOS updates sooner than the SE (3rd Gen).
| Feature | iPhone SE (2nd Gen) |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | April 2020 |
| Display | 4.7" Retina HD LCD |
| Processor | A13 Bionic |
| Main Camera | 12MP (wide) |
| Front Camera | 7MP |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| iOS Support in 2025 | iOS 26 (likely 2–3 more years) |
| Battery Life | Up to 13 hours video playback |
| Current Price (Certified Used) | $120+ |
The iPhone SE (2nd Gen) is the most affordable option here. It’s still snappy for everyday use thanks to its A13 chip, but its shorter battery life and older hardware make it better for light use. It’s a solid choice if your main priority is keeping costs low.
It’s worth mentioning Apple’s parental control features, which are great for teens and parents. As a parent, you can see your kids’ activity from your own iPhone and set limits accordingly. All can be done on your iPhone remotely and conveniently. Apple’s parental control system, Screen Time, is one of the most comprehensive on any smartphone. While you can limit the Screen Time, you may also reward your teens with more Screen Time for certain activities (For Example: Exercise, Reading, etc.) For me, a parent, these features are lifesavers.
Below is a list of features with more details:
These controls are built into iOS and work seamlessly across all supported iPhones, making them an important factor when choosing a phone for teens.
While the iPhone 11 offers a bigger display and the iPhone SE (2nd Gen) wins on price, the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) strikes the best balance between performance, longevity, and cost. With the A15 Bionic chip, years of iOS support ahead, and a starting price around $160+, it’s a great investment for parents who want a reliable device their teens won’t outgrow too quickly.
Pair it with Apple’s built-in parental controls, and you’ll have both the peace of mind and value you’re looking for in 2025.
We recommend the iPhone SE (3rd Gen) because it offers the latest iOS support, fast performance, and years of future updates — all at a budget-friendly price.
Yes. A Certified Used or Refurbished iPhone can save you hundreds compared to buying new, while still offering excellent performance and warranty options from trusted sellers.
The iPhone 11, iPhone SE (2nd Gen), and iPhone SE (3rd Gen) all support iOS 26 in 2025, making them good options for teens.
Not necessarily. The iPhone 11 still performs well, has a large screen, and supports iOS 26. However, it was released in 2019, so it will stop receiving updates sooner than the iPhone SE (3rd Gen).
As of 2025, Certified Used or Refurbished models start at:
Apple’s Screen Time feature lets you set app limits, schedule downtime, filter content, approve purchases, and track location — all from your own device. These parental controls can even be configured for each app individually, making them highly flexible and effective.
The iPhone SE (3rd Gen), launched in 2022, should receive iOS updates for at least 4–5 more years, making it a long-lasting choice for teens in 2025.
The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) is the best choice for a 14-year-old. It’s powerful, future-proof, and affordable. Combined with Apple’s parental controls, parents can set app-specific limits to balance usage and responsibility.
The iPhone SE (3rd Gen) again stands out as the top pick thanks to its durability, performance, and years of iOS support. Parents can use Screen Time to restrict gaming or social media apps during school hours while still giving access to educational tools.
For younger teens, the iPhone SE (2nd Gen) may be the most budget-friendly option. It still runs iOS 26 in 2025 and gives parents the ability to manage screen time, app access, and web filtering — ensuring safety without overspending.
All modern iPhones that support the latest iOS, including the iPhone SE (2nd Gen), iPhone SE (3rd Gen), and iPhone 11, have Apple’s built-in Screen Time parental controls. These controls are some of the most advanced in the industry, letting parents manage each app individually, monitor usage, and set restrictions remotely.
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