This post is brought to you by Pantech. All opinions are my own.

Pantech Vybe: Like a Fun Smartphone on Training Wheels for Kids

If your kids are anything like mine, chances are they’ve been begging you for a smartphone since the day they first formed words! Well, maybe not that early, but at 9 years old, my son has been asking me for one for at least two years now. The thing is, at 9, I don’t think he really needs a smartphone. I mean, I JUST got one myself like a month ago and I’m still trying to figure out all the features!

With Pantech Vybe, I feel like parents finally have a compromise between the expensive smartphones that their kids want and the basic phone we’d like to give them! It’s basically like a smartphone on training wheels!

What is the Pantech Vybe?

The Pantech Vybe is a quick messaging cell phone with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and a touchscreen face. It’s currently exclusive to AT&T network.

Pantech Vybe: Like a Fun Smartphone on Training Wheels for Kids

The slide-out keyboard makes it easy for kids (and adults!) to type out messages quickly. It even has shortcuts to your favorite social media networks. Plus, you can add photos, video and even voice memos to your text.

Pantech Vybe: Like a Fun Smartphone on Training Wheels for Kids

Jacob’s favorite feature is the touch screen, because he’s familiar with that platform from using my phone. The icons are big and bold, making them easier to access for younger kids. When you first turn on the phone, you’ll see the Facebook, Twitter, camera and picture apps on the main screen. It’s easy to add other tools. Just click the “add” button and choose the ones you want.

You can also add bookmarks to your favorite sites. I should bookmark my site for him!

Is it easy to use?

Pantech Vybe: Like a Fun Smartphone on Training Wheels for Kids

I wanted to see just how easy the Pantech Vybe would be to use for my son, so I charged it up, turned it on and handed it to him. I didn’t tell him anything about how to use it, aside from how to find his phone number. Within a few minutes he sent me a text from the other room. Sure beats hearing “MOMMMMM!” at the top of his lungs when he wants something!

Pantech Vybe: Like a Fun Smartphone on Training Wheels for Kids

Jacob does use Twitter, not so much to send messages but to keep up with all his favorite games and YouTube stars (basically, everyone who does live streaming for video games!). He likes the ease of checking it out on the phone because then he doesn’t have to switch tabs in his browser on his computer.

Other great features of the Pantech Vybe

While Jacob uses the above mentioned features the most, there are a few others that I really think deserve a mention.

  • AT&T Drive Mode: I love this option because with the click of a button you can turn off distractions while driving. Obviously, Jake doesn’t need this yet, as he’s years away from his driver’s license, but it’s a good feature if you have teens.
  • AT&T Family Map: Again, while Jake is usually with me, this is an incredibly handy little feature if you have teens! With the map, you can find out exactly where they are at any given time.
  • Dual-User Mode: The Pantech Vybe has two modes: the easy home screen mode and the advanced mode with more options. It’s a piece of cake to switch between the two.
  • Quick camera button: You don’t have to dig around for your camera on the Pantech Vybe. The dedicated button makes it easy to snap a photo or take a video. If you’re going to use it for a ton of pictures, though, I suggest adding some extra storage with a microSD card (expandable up to 32 GB).
  • Say-a-Command button: perfect for when you can’t use your hands! For Jake, this makes it easy to call his cousin when he’s in the middle of playing a game. The two of them chat on the phone while playing together online.

With so many great features that are easy to use, the Pantech Vybe really is a great first phone for kids. It’s also perfect for adults who want easy access to social media on the go but don’t really want (or need) an entire smartphone. Visit MyFirstPhone.com to learn more about the Vybe. Remember, it’s exclusive to those on AT&T networks. It retails for $199, but you can get it for $29.99 with a two-year contract. Or you can enter below to win it!

Pantech Vybe Giveaway

Enter below for a chance to win the Pantech Vybe! Giveaway is open to US residents age 18+ and ends on September 15th.

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