Pinwheel Slim 6
A sleek, affordable smartphone for kids—with robust parental controls built in.
Quick Summary
The Pinwheel Slim 6 is a Motorola-based smartphone running a custom operating system built for child safety. It combines a familiar smartphone experience with powerful parental control features, such as app scheduling, contact approvals, text monitoring, and location tracking. Unlike most smartphones, it excludes social media and open internet browsing by default.
Ideal for families looking for a modern device with strong boundaries, it offers an appealing balance between functionality and protection—though it comes with a monthly subscription and lacks 5G connectivity.
Key Features at a Glance
6.67" IPS LCD Display
50MP Rear Camera + 8MP Front Camera
Up to 46 Hours Battery Life
64GB Storage / 4GB RAM
Not 5G Compatible
No Browser or Social Media Apps
Designed to Work with All Major Carriers
Pinwheel Caregiver Portal for Remote Management
App Store Curated by Child Development Experts
Who It’s For
Parents seeking a safe first smartphone for kids aged 8–14
Families who want full visibility and control without constant micromanaging
Kids ready for moderate functionality (camera, music, GPS), but not full digital independence
Families looking for a more affordable option than an iPhone or premium Android device
Design & Build
Sleek and Lightweight: Slim profile and modern Motorola design
Durable with Optional Cases: Multiple protective case options available
Headphone Jack + Bluetooth Support
Custom Android-Based OS (Pinwheel OS)
Parental Control Highlights
App Approvals with Ratings: Choose from 700+ vetted apps (Spotify, Kindle, Duolingo, etc.)
Contact Management: Control who your child can communicate with
Usage Schedules: Define screen time windows for each day
Visibility: Monitor messages, track activity, and receive safety alerts
Flexibility: Permissions can grow with your child’s maturity
Real-World Feedback
What Parents Appreciate:
“It feels like a regular smartphone to my daughter, but I have full control over how and when it’s used.”
– Parent of a 10-year-old
“I love that we can schedule downtime and bedtime hours. It saves so many arguments.”
– Verified buyer
“The curated app store helps us make confident decisions—no social media, no surprises.”
– First-time Pinwheel user
Things to Watch Out For:
“Setup took a bit of learning, especially balancing cell plans with the Pinwheel subscription.”
– Tech-savvy parent
“The phone felt a bit restrictive at first, and some apps like PowerSchool didn’t fully work due to sign-in issues.”
– Parent reviewer
“Without a case, the phone broke early. We now use a Pela case and haven’t had problems since.”
– Parent of 11-year-old
Pricing & Subscription
Device Price: ~$199 USD
Subscription Fee: AUD $26/month, AUD $75 quarterly, AUD $280/annually.
Our Take
The Pinwheel Slim 6 is a smart entry point into the world of connected devices for kids. Its well-designed operating system, strong parental tools, and sleek design make it a practical choice for families that want safety without sacrificing usability.
Though it requires initial setup time and an ongoing subscription, the investment pays off for families who prioritize digital boundaries and guided smartphone use.
Bottom Line
Great for families introducing smartphones to kids in a controlled, flexible way.
Not ideal for kids wanting full independence or families avoiding monthly tech subscriptions.