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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Aibu to want to get a iPhone for DD instead of a Samsung?

30 replies

Blinktwice · 21/06/2019 21:14

I’m getting DD her first phone. She’ll be starting secondary school in Sept and has been using a really old spare phone for the last few months (taking it to her after school activities)

DD saw a Samsung phone and fell in love with it. It’s strange - the phone just had a dummy screen iykwim. I don’t understand what she liked so much without even turning it on! DH and I both have iPhones. It makes so much sense to get one for her. Plenty of chargers around the house, syncing calendars, FaceTime - there are so many advantages. If I push, she’ll just say yes to what we say, but I really want her to be happy with the phone.

What to do?

OP posts:
needsleepzzz · 21/06/2019 21:16

Personally would get her an iPhone so you can use find my iPhone if needed

user1471539385 · 21/06/2019 21:16

The big selling point for iPhone, IMO, is the ability to monitor/ limit use through Screen Time. DD is in Year 7, and she knows that having a phone means being monitored for now.

NotSoThinLizzy · 21/06/2019 21:16

The main advantage I see here is you'll know how to work her phone if she gets an iPhone. Not that's theres much difference really. She might want that phone because its different to yours.

RB68 · 21/06/2019 21:17

Do not get her an iphone - they are lost, nicked, broken and bashed around - I would leave her with the old one for yr 1 and think about new for yr 8 or 9. The samsungs are great btw and most kids will have android unless everyone round you is minted

RB68 · 21/06/2019 21:18

android has find my phone function

Zampa · 21/06/2019 21:19

Android phones are generally far better than iPhones. However, as you are an iPhone family, I think you should probably stick with them.

DontBiteTheBoobThatFeedsYou · 21/06/2019 21:22

iPhone.

We I have iPhones and it would have been a massive PITA if DS got a Samsung.
It's so much easier to link up and keep and eye on them if you have the same phone.

Newcrossboy · 21/06/2019 21:24

iPhone. Much better and safer

Rockbird · 21/06/2019 21:25

Definitely iPhone. No idea where people get the idea that they have to cost a fortune. Of course you can buy used handsets for a reasonable cost just like anything else. DD1 has an iPhone SE which I'll upgrade for her when she moves up to secondary in September. As a previous poster said, it's perfect for screen time, find my phone etc. I can see exactly where she is and what she's up to all the time.

Pinkmouse6 · 21/06/2019 21:26

I’m a huge Apple fan, almost every piece of technology in our home is Apple. I love the fact they’re all synced, family Apple Music account, find my iPhone feature has all products connected, can monitor screen time etc.

I just find Apple’s software easier to use too. Every major tech head I’ve ever met claims Android is far superior but I tried an android phone once, it was terrible and I took it back after three days.

sergeilavrov · 21/06/2019 21:46

I'd probably get what she prefers, despite being an Apple girl myself. If it were up to my DH, he would get her the iPhone though, for ease and integration. I suspect Samsung's are a bit more hardy to knocks than an iPhone!

Littlebluebird123 · 21/06/2019 22:13

Screen time limits etc can all be done on Android phones too.

My preference is not Apple products but as you already have them it will be easier for you. And that does make a difference when teaching her how to use them, setting limits etc.
I would be wary of getting a newer model (of any phone) for a child though as they are more likely to break them, be a target for theft etc.

Gabrielknight · 21/06/2019 22:30

Get her the Samsung.... She won't be happy with an iPhone and will most likely moan....i would have at that age

MorningRichie · 21/06/2019 22:35

Would you be unreasonable to get her a black and white tv instead of an HD one? Yes.

So why go for old technology when she wants something better? I've spent 15 years in telecoms and like current tech, not something that has features that other makes released a couple of years ago.

IWannaSeeHowItEnds · 21/06/2019 22:36

I'd go android - it's her phone not yours. Apple are more expensive for lower specs.
Also it's a lot of money to spend so it would be better to get her what she really wants.

MyNewBearTotoro · 21/06/2019 22:36

Sounds like an iPhone would be much, much easier considering you and DP both have one. It’ll be easier to link up family calendars or share apps and you’ll know what you’re doing in terms of helping set it up and monitoring usage etc.

Is the phone a birthday gift or being bought as a treat now she’s about to start school? If it’s not a birthday gift I don’t think I would feel she has to choose it; At 11 a new phone of her own should be exciting whatever brand it is so I wouldn’t worry massively about the brand. Obviously at some point in the future she might decide she just HAS to have a certain type of Android phone, as teens tend to do, but it doesn’t sound like she’s at that point now so if it’s easier for you to get an iPhone just tell her that’s what she’s getting.

Nat6999 · 21/06/2019 22:52

Samsung, more phone for less money, my S8 broke last year & I bought a £240 J5 to put me on until i got it repaired, I was surprised how good it was, plus the expandable memory, kids fill their phones with loads of rubbish, photos, music etc. I had iPhones when smartphones first came out, I'm an android convert, I love them.

OralBElectricToothbrush · 21/06/2019 22:58

YABU. iPhones are shit and over priced.

delilahbucket · 21/06/2019 23:00

Just bought ds a Samsung but we have Android phones and we use Family Link to monitor usage. I would say it is best to go with whatever is most compatible in your household. GT an old model though.

BonnieBelleStarr · 21/06/2019 23:02

Maybe let her choose her own phone when she can pay for it herself?

MAXnot73 · 21/06/2019 23:03

I would say take her to a shop and let her have w play with a few models. See what she really likes. iPhone would obviously be easier but if she really prefers the Samsung then it's not unreasonable for her to have one.

Ignore all the iPhone slaters; clearly not intelligent enough to read the thread and answer you question properly. I don't know why people who don't have iPhones feel the need to do this anytime people ask about them, but it's really common on here!

There is a balance between each handset, take that and your DD's input to make your decision, not 'phones are shit' by some randomer!

huuskymam · 21/06/2019 23:08

My 15 year old switched from a Samsung to an iPhone and has regretted it since. He only changed because all his friends had iPhones.

LonelyAmongUs · 21/06/2019 23:18

YABVVU. I have an Android phone for personal use and my employer insists on using Jesus Phones iPhones, and I fucking hate how fiddly iPhones are to use.

BringOnTheScience · 21/06/2019 23:20

We're an Android family (all Samsungs) but I have to use an iphone for work.

I totally get that having the whole family on the same platform is easiest. But do let her fully explore all of the options so that she can decide which she prefers.

LassOfFyvie · 21/06/2019 23:22

Android is a much better operating system. I have an iPhone for work and I hate it. My personal phones have always been Android. The iPhone seems very basic and limited compared to Android. I currently have Samsung 10.