Pinwheel Plus 5

A customisable smartphone that grows with your child—without games, browsers, or social media.

Quick Summary

The Pinwheel Plus 5 is a Samsung-based smartphone running a modified operating system designed specifically for kids. Unlike traditional smartphones, it offers no open internet access, no social media, and no app store on the device. Instead, parents use a Caregiver Portal to manage apps, contacts, screen time, and functionality.

With full smartphone hardware, it provides flexibility and future-proofing, but requires some up-front setup and includes a monthly subscription for parental control features.

Compatibility with Australia and New Zealand carriers

Australia

Yes: Optus, Telstra, Vodafone (and “most carriers” including 5G)

New Zealand

Currently unavailable in New Zealand.

Key Features at a Glance

6.7" Super AMOLED Display

Triple-Lens Camera: 50MP main, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro

5000mAh Battery with Fast Charging

128GB Storage + microSD Support (up to 1TB)

Fingerprint + Face Unlock

No Browser or Social Media

Parent-Managed App Store (1,200+ therapist-approved apps)

Remote Monitoring via Caregiver Portal

Fully Unlocked – Works with most carriers

Who It’s For

Families looking for a smartphone-grade device with strict safety controls

Parents who want a phone that adapts over time as their child matures

Children in middle school or high school who need select apps for school, music, or messaging

Households already managing screen time through structured routines

Design & Build

Premium Samsung hardware in a minimal, glossy design

Durable for daily use by kids and teens

Access to high-end features like fast charging and biometric unlock

Can be paired with optional third-party insurance (via Clyde)

Real-World Feedback

Curated online feedback distilled into key user sentiments.

What Parents Love:

“It’s a smartphone with boundaries. My child can use WhatsApp and Gmail, but can’t get lost in TikTok or YouTube.”

– Parent of 12-year-old

“The Caregiver Portal is fantastic. I set screen time schedules and approve apps from my laptop or phone.”

– Verified buyer

“The upfront effort pays off. After setup, managing the phone is easy—and the boundaries are built-in.”

– Review from digital wellness advocate

“Spotify and Kindle made this phone ‘cool enough’ for my kid, while I still keep full control.”

– Family with teens

Common Challenges:

“Setup was confusing at first—especially balancing cell service and the subscription.”

– First-time user

“My son’s friends made comments about his phone being different. But that wore off quickly.”

– Parent reviewer

“Receiving two-factor codes can be a hassle unless you temporarily loosen restrictions.”

– Tech-savvy parent

“$15/month for the Caregiver Portal is a must—but should be clearly explained at checkout.”

– Subscription concern

Pricing & Subscription

Device Cost: AUD $449

Caregiver Portal Subscription: AUD $26/month, AUD $75/ quarterly or AUD $280 annually. A 15% discount is available on additional phones

Where To Buy

Direct from the Pinwheel Australia website

Ideal Use Cases

A first smartphone for a child entering middle or high school

Families wanting long-term tech boundaries without battles

Households already on major networks (e.g. Telstra) wanting to add a kid-safe line

Parents who value growth-stage flexibility in app access and screen time

Our Take

The Pinwheel Plus 5 offers a smart compromise between a basic phone and a full smartphone. Its standout feature is the parental control system—well-structured and highly customisable, without the need to install third-party monitoring apps.

It does require some tech comfort and patience during setup, and it won’t be immune to occasional social friction if a child is the only one without a traditional smartphone. Still, the safety and gradual independence it supports make it a strong long-term investment in a child’s digital well-being.

What’s your experience of the Pinwheel Plus 5? If you have something to add, let us know!