Pinwheel phones start at $100 and offer parental control features.

There's a curated app store and call and text history.

While phones are inexpensive, the Pinwheel features are available through a quarterly or annual subscription, on top of a mobile data plan.

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Second grade feels too young to get a smartphone, yet my second-grader welcomes the idea with open arms. While she loves her Fitbit Ace LTE for communication and play, a phone gives her a sense of freedom that a heavily controlled wearable can't.

I tested a kids' smartphone from Pinwheel with her to give the idea a shot. Pinwheel phones are inexpensive Android phones with a subscription that gives parents control and ways to limit distractions. They exclude social media apps and web browsers to prevent exposure to inappropriate content and give adults management options for contacts and communication.

Getting the Pinwheel phone set up was challenging, as it arrived without a SIM card. There were some mishaps in setting up a review unit of this device that wouldn't have happened if I were a regular customer. However, it's worth noting that Pinwheel isn't a mobile service carrier, so you'd have to set up service with one or bring your own plan.

Pinwheel provides unlocked phones that work with most major carriers, but users can add a SIM card from Mint, US Mobile, or Ultra when checking out their cart. You'll also choose your Pinwheel subscription billing when you check out, which would be $50 quarterly or $175 yearly.