The Mobile Phone Saving Network

Firefly Kid's Phone

Wireless/Mobile Phone/Cell Phone

Rated 3.0 out of 5

Finally, a phone that's fun and simple for kids, but also offers the safety and peace of mind that parents want. With fun lights and graphics, plus a kid-friendly design, the Firefly makes a great little sidekick for all your child's adventures. Parents will like the Firefly because it keeps kids in touch with them, while offering valuable security features. If you have Cingular Wireless service, and you've got kids, the Firefly deserves a serious look.

Take a closer look at the Firefly's functions.

Design
As far as cell phones go, it doesn't get much simpler than the Firefly. The small, egg-shaped device weighs just over 2 ounces and features a small monochrome screen and an internal antenna. Below the screen, there's no dialpad, just call send and end keys, a phone book key, and two shortcut dialing keys (also known as the Mom and Dad keys) that can be set to call parents at a single button press. Volume control keys are provided on the right side of the phone, and there's also a "fireworks" button here, which triggers the Firefly's fun lights. And to keep the fun factor high, the Firefly accepts a number of colored shells. Finally, a button on the right side of the phone serves as an emergency call button.

Calling Features
Because the Firefly is geared for kids in the 8-12 age range, simplicity is the name of the game. As mentioned, the phone makes it easy for kids to call Mom and Dad at the touch of a button. And for safety, the Firefly allows parents to strictly control all incoming and outgoing calls. Parents can preprogram a list of up to 20 approved numbers kids can call. Parents can also choose to block all incoming calls not on the list. These parental settings are protected by a code, so once the Firefly's phonebook is programmed, it cannot be changed (unless the code is entered). To quickly dial 911, a child can hold down the emergency call button for three seconds, then hit the send key. The Firefly also features an easy-to-use call waiting system that makes it a snap for kids to answer a call from Grandma while they're on the line with Dad. And last but not least, there's a missed call indicator and list.

Just for Fun
As mentioned, the Firefly will put on a light show at the press of a button. Lights are also displayed when making and receiving calls, during standby, and when the phone is charging. Kids can also choose from 12 ring tones, 5 screen animations, and 7 LCD screen backlight colors.

Vital Statistics
The Firefly weighs 2.12 ounces and measures 3.46 by 1.75 by 0.79 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 6 hours of digital talk time and up to 205 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the 850/1900 MHz GSM frequencies. The phone comes with a one-year limited warranty.

What's in the Box
Firefly phone, 30 Firefly minutes, travel charger, backpack clip, and user's manual for parents and children.

Features of Firefly Kid's Phone:

96 x 32 pixel display with 7-color backlight
incoming and outgoing call restrictions
interchangeable translucent shells and 12 fun ringtones
parental management of incoming and outgoing calls
up to 20 programmable numbers

Reviews:

Firefly review

Rating: 1

This was a great idea for kids and teens however, the product is expensive and doesn't work. After spending more than $100 for the phone and a dollar a minute for phone time, we tried to charge it up and use it and it didn't work. To make matters worse, the phone time that must be paid for in advance, is only good for two months before it expires. Go with a phone that has unlimited local minutes ... this one is a P.O.S.

Great For Teens (Why would a parent care about looks)

Rating: 5

I have a teen who ran up my cell bill to astronomical levels. I purchased this phone with my Cingular plan (not prepaid) and put in only family phone numbers and cell phones with Cingular unlimited mobile to mobile minutes. Now I don't have to worry that I can't (or other family members can't) reach her or she can't reach us in an emergency. The phone was easy to program. If you've ever had to enter your initials in a video game, you can handle it. Yes, we have areas where the phone doesn't work, but overall, it's a matter of peace of mind concerning her safety (in an emergency and when I'm ready to strangle her for going over the minutes). And no, she didn't care for the idea of having a kid phone, however, she is happy to have one after the problems with the cell phone bill...I simply don't understand everyone's hesitation in making a teen upset. If that teen runs up your phone bill more than once and you don't do anything to stop it, then you have it coming on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc time. Maybe, just maybe, mine will learn her lesson. The next 'normal' cell phone she gets is the one she will pay for. I love her dearly and don't want to worry about her being able to contact me, but I won't worry any more about opening the bill...

Great for kids under 12

Rating: 1

I bought this phone for my 10 yr old son who has no concept of time when he's running around outside. It was on sale at Toys R Us. The first one kept shutting off by itself. I called Firefly to verify that there is no auto shut-off. The exchanged phone works fine for now. I even activated the new phone with the original phone number. Sometimes, I don't get through on the first try but at least I'm not getting upset because my son missed his check-in time.

What I like: customer service is cool, you can refill minutes online and keep track of refills, parental controls, colorful shells.

What I don't like about this phone: no text messaging, entering in phone numbers/names is a pain because there is no keypad, regular price of phone is higher than regular price of a "real" phone.

Overall, I think this phone does exactly what it is supposed to do - be a communication device for younger kids. My son knows that this is not a toy and to use it for emergencies or when told. I wish I had a phone with parental controls for my 14 yr old but that's another review.

By Cingular