First phone: how to choose the right one before the start of the school year?

The moment you were dreading has arrived… Your teenager has asked you for a smartphone. But between their desire for independence, your need to be able to reach them, and your fear of misuse, it can be difficult to find the right compromise. This guide will take you step by step through choosing a first phone suited to your needs, without sacrificing either your peace of mind or your budget. Should you give your teenager their first smartphone? The answer is, of course, specific to each parent. But starting middle school often marks a turning point in a child’s independence: traveling alone, extracurricular activities, new friends. A first phone can primarily meet a simple need: staying in touch. Staying in touch and knowing where they are: Being able to reach your child at any time and feel reassured about their location thanks to an integrated GPS remains parents’ primary motivation. A simple text to report a schedule change, a call in case of an unexpected event: the phone becomes an everyday safety tool. Supporting digital independence: Giving your child a first phone is also an opportunity to teach them how to use it gradually, with clear rules. Establishing a framework from the outset makes it easier to develop good digital habits, rather than discovering unstructured use later on. A tool that also makes parents’ daily lives easier: Coordinating schedules, sending a group message to organize a carpool, calling at the end of an activity: a middle-schooler’s phone quickly becomes a practical tool for the whole family. What type of first phone should you choose? There are two main types of phones to choose from, depending on the level of digital independence you want to give your child: The basic mobile phone (Featurephone / Dumbphone) : Without internet access, it covers essential functions: making calls, sending texts, and staying reachable. A reliable solution for a first phone experience, without the risks associated with social media or inappropriate content. The limited-access smartphone : An appealing compromise, with internet access that is strictly supervised by parental controls filtering apps and content. Your child gradually discovers the digital world, but always under your supervision. Choosing the right first phone depends above all on how much independence you want to give your child: gradual, supervised access or use deliberately limited to essential functions. What criteria should you consider when choosing a first phone for a teenager? Phone and messaging: the essential basics Above all, a first phone must fulfill its primary purpose: making calls and sending text messages. These simple uses meet 90% of a middle school student's actual needs. Outstanding durability and water resistance This criterion is too often underestimated, even though it should be one of the first on the list. A teenager's day is far from calm for a phone: Banned in most middle and high schools, the phone spends the day in a backpack, jostled among a pencil case, notebooks, a water bottle, and sports gear. Impacts, friction, crushing: the phone takes quite a beating without anyone realizing it. Drops are common: a phone slipping out of a pocket, falling from a locker, or ending up on the pavement when taken out of a bag. Rain on the way to school, a water bottle leaking in the bag... : even accidentally, their phone can easily get wet. A rugged smartphone, designed to withstand repeated drops and certified IP68 waterproof, handles this hectic daily life without damage, unlike a more fragile conventional smartphone. A real source of peace of mind for parents, who no longer have to repeatedly explain usage precautions and, above all, will not have to replace the phone after just one term. Long-lasting battery life to always stay reachable A teenager does not always remember to charge their phone. A battery life limited to one day increases the risk of the phone being switched off and unreachable. A long-lasting phone makes up for forgotten charging and ensures that the child remains reachable in all circumstances. Music, Streaming, Internet... Which access should be allowed? Certain uses, such as music or content streaming, can be enjoyed without posing any particular risk if they are properly configured to block content unsuitable for young audiences. Other school services, such as online report cards, as well as public transportation services, require an internet connection and a web browser to function. The aim is therefore not to block everything, but to adjust permissions according to the child’s maturity—an area where advanced parental controls make all the difference. Advanced parental controls: the non-negotiable feature For a first phone, this is not often the most sought-after criterion, and above all, it is not always the best understood. Yet advanced parental controls are essential for properly managing a child’s first digital experiences.  Good parental controls should make it possible to: Manage access to apps according to the child’s age Rely on the PEGI rating of apps (minimum age recommendation) to allow or block age-appropriate content Lock settings with a parental code, to prevent the child from changing anything Adjust permissions over time, as the child grows That is precisely what Crosscall’s advanced parental controls, available on all our smartphones, make possible. Which first Crosscall smartphone should you choose? STELLAR-M6: a first smartphone with peace of mind For families who want to give their teenager a true 5G smartphone that can withstand everyday life while keeping control over how it is used. Compact and elegant design Rugged and waterproof 35 hours of real-world use / 400 hours on standby Advanced Crosscall parental controls 5-year warranty, battery included Discover CORE-S5: The essential mobile phone For parents who prefer to delay access to a smartphone and choose a first mobile phone with essential communication features. Simple and practical  4G connectivity  Rugged and waterproof 10 days of standby time 5-year warranty, battery included Discover Comparison table STELLAR-M6 CORE-S5 Type Smartphone Mobile phone / Feature phone / Dumbphone Internet access Yes No Calls / SMS  Yes (5G) Yes (4G) GPS / Location Yes No Parental controls Yes No Drop resistance Up to 1.5 m Up to 1.8 m Water resistance IP68 – immersion for 30 minutes at up to 2 m IP68 – immersion for 30 minutes at up to 1.5 m Battery life 35 hours of talk time, 16 days on standby 12 hours of talk time, 10 days on standby Warranty 5 years, battery included 5 years, battery included How much should you budget for your teenager’s first phone? The “hidden” cost of entry-level smartphones When purchased, a classic entry-level smartphone seems economical and more than sufficient as a first phone. But its fragile design cannot withstand a teenager’s hectic daily routine: the phone gets left in the pocket of a backpack that is itself thrown on the ground, falls onto the floor, gets caught in the rain on the way to middle or high school… Not to mention children who simply leave their phone outside and eventually lose it. As a result, breakages and replacements occur during the school year. To limit damage, some parents invest in additional accessories such as cases, screen protectors, and lanyards, which push the total cost far beyond the initial purchase price. Why is investing in a durable first phone more cost-effective? A phone designed to withstand shocks, water, and the hectic daily use of a teenager drastically reduces replacement and repair costs.  Over several years, a robust model with a 5-year warranty is often a more reasonable investment than replacing a budget smartphone every year. Plus, there is no need for additional protective accessories. FAQ Which first phone should I choose for a middle-school student? It depends on the intended use: a supervised smartphone such as the STELLAR-M6 for gradual, controlled access to digital technology, or a classic mobile phone such as the CORE-S5 to delay internet access while keeping your child reachable. How can I protect a phone from damage? The best approach is to choose a device designed to withstand everyday use: IP68 certification for water resistance and repeated-drop resistance compliant with MIL-STD standards. This avoids having to buy multiple protective accessories, such as cases and screen protectors, which add to the initial cost. How much should I budget for a first phone? It’s a question of balance. A smartphone with essential features may not cost very much, but the cheapest models are often extremely fragile. It is therefore better to choose a durable device with a 5-year warranty rather than a model that needs replacing every year.  How do I set up parental controls for my child? It should filter apps according to their PEGI rating, lock settings with a code, and be easy to adjust over time as the child matures. Crosscall’s advanced parental controls are available on all our smartphones. What are the rules for using phones at middle school? Phones are prohibited during classes in most French middle and high schools and generally must remain switched off or stored in a bag during the day. Check with your child’s school for the exact rules.

Enterprise mobile fleet management: The complete guide to choosing the best business smartphones

The business smartphone is now established as the primary work tool for Frontline Workers—field employees who are often the least well-equipped despite making up a significant share of the workforce. Scanning a package, taking a customer's payment, or running a business application: mobile use goes beyond simple communication, making the mobile fleet a true productivity tool and a source of efficiency, versatility and security. But choosing the right smartphone remains complex: opting for the cheapest model often hides a higher total cost of ownership (TCO), while an unreliable fleet undermines efficiency in the field. This guide gives you the keys to understanding, structuring and optimizing the management of your business mobile fleet: definitions, challenges, selection criteria, MDM solutions, Android Enterprise certifications and total cost of ownership. Table of contents What is a business mobile fleet? Which professions? What are they used for? Who manages the mobile fleet? The essential criteria for choosing a business smartphone Durability Water resistance Battery life Warranty Integrated accessories and services ecosystem Repairability and availability of spare parts Software update policy Android Enterprise compatibility MDM compatibility Summary of selection criteria Why choose a certified Android Enterprise Gold Partner? What is an MDM? What is the true cost of a mobile fleet? Why choose Crosscall for your mobile fleet? FAQ What is a business mobile fleet? A business mobile fleet comprises all the mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, accessories) deployed and centrally managed to equip employees as part of their professional activities. Which professions? Historically intended for executives and sales staff, business smartphone fleets now primarily serve Frontline Workers—employees who work away from an office, on the move and as part of a team, in the field: Logistics and transport (drivers, delivery workers, dock workers) Retail and distribution (sales assistants, order pickers) Industry (production operators, maintenance technicians) Construction and building (site managers, workers) Healthcare (home healthcare workers, paramedics) Agriculture Outdoor sports and leisure Security and emergency services (security officers, firefighters) Local authorities and public services What are they used for? In addition to voice and data communications, these employees use business applications every day: reporting field information, geolocation, barcode scanning, form entry, taking photos for service reports, and viewing purchase orders or service forms. These use cases take place in demanding environments (bad weather, impacts, drops, long workdays) with intensive handling, as with Push-to-Talk use cases. Who manages the mobile fleet? Mobile fleet management varies according to the organization’s size and digital maturity: In small businesses (very small and small-to-medium-sized enterprises), it is often the managers themselves who oversee equipping their teams, looking for reliable equipment that is simple to deploy and immediately effective in the field—without unnecessary complexity. In larger companies, the IT department provides advanced technical expertise (hardware and software): compatibility with MDM (Mobile Device Management) solutions, integration with the business application ecosystem, data security, and compliance with Android Enterprise Recommended (AER) certifications. The Procurement or General Services department focuses on another area: controlling costs and maintaining the fleet, with a priority on responsive after-sales service and strong warranty terms to ensure controlled TCO over the long term. This diversity of user profiles explains why choosing a business smartphone cannot be reduced to a simple technical specification sheet: it must simultaneously address field-use requirements, IT security, and budget management, often handled by different stakeholders within the same organization. The essential criteria for choosing a business smartphone Choosing a business smartphone has nothing to do with choosing a consumer smartphone. Selection criteria must meet specific, field-based, intensive, and sometimes extreme use cases, while remaining reliable and high-performing over time, regardless of which employee uses it or how they use it within the organization. Durability Robustness is measured against precise standards, not marketing claims. Three benchmarks are worth knowing: MIL-STD-810H military standard : it tests resistance to shocks, vibrations, extreme temperatures, and humidity. A compliant smartphone must survive repeated drops. Our rugged smartphones are tested with repeated drops onto all 6 faces from heights of up to 2 meters. IK rating : this standard specifically measures resistance to impacts on the screen, an essential criterion that should not be overlooked, as broken screens are the leading reason for after-sales returns of professional smartphones. Operating temperature range : a rugged professional device must remain fully operational in the most challenging outdoor conditions, as well as in extreme industrial environments (cold rooms, boiler rooms, etc.). An ideal range is between -20°C and +60°C. Since 2025, a drop-resistance rating, graded from A to F, has also appeared on the new energy labels required by the European Union. All our models are rated A. Water resistance The IP68 ratings (dustproof and resistant to liquids during prolonged immersion) and IP69K ratings (high-pressure, high-temperature spray resistance) are essential whenever the device is used outdoors or in a humid environment. It is also important to check that this water resistance has been validated for all types of liquids, not just fresh water: salt water, chlorinated water, as well as oils and other industrial liquids. All Crosscall models are tested during prolonged 30-minute immersions at a depth of 2 meters, and in all types of liquids. Battery life A technician working in the field or a security guard on a 12-hour shift cannot depend on recharging during the day. Battery life measured in real-world use, rather than standby, is often overlooked when making a purchase, yet it is crucial in the field. Prioritize long battery life in real-world use: over 24 hours is still the bare minimum, but it is better to aim for several days of battery life. Our smartphones offer up to 80 hours of real-world battery life. Warranty The warranty period is a direct indication of the manufacturer’s confidence in the durability of its equipment. A 2-year warranty is the legal minimum; a 5-year warranty, including the battery, demonstrates a much stronger commitment to the device’s actual reliability and longevity; a key criterion for reducing the TCO of your fleet. Integrated accessories and services ecosystem Choosing a professional smartphone does not stop at the device itself. The ecosystem of accessories and services that accompanies it is equally decisive when managing a mobile fleet. Accessories designed for ergonomics and business continuity Some accessories make everyday work easier for employees in the field: body-worn attachment systems (holsters, vest clips), vehicle mounts, “multi-device” charging stations, or data transfer solutions. They do not transform how the smartphone is used, but they ensure it remains accessible and permanently available, without service interruptions or lost time in the field. Modules that transform the smartphone into a true business tool Other accessories go further: they literally transform how the device is used, replacing a standalone work tool. A scanner module, for example, can turn a smartphone into a professional handheld barcode scanner. As a result, a single device supports two distinct uses, considerably simplifying fleet management and reducing overall hardware investment accordingly. Integrated services for easier integration Finally, some professional services directly integrated into the smartphone make it easier to deploy new business applications in the company’s workflow, without having to worry about device compatibility. This approach enables IT teams to evolve fleet usage without multiplying devices or technical constraints. This ecosystem approach fully embraces modularity and versatility: a single smartphone can thus replace several different devices, making the fleet easier to manage, more cost-effective, and more sustainable over time. Repairability and availability of spare parts A professional smartphone should be repairable, not simply replaced. The indicators to check are: Availability of spare parts (screen, battery, connectors) Availability of a local after-sales service capable of handling repairs quickly Design modularity (standardized parts, easier disassembly) Since 2025, the European Union has required manufacturers to keep spare parts available for 7 years after the model’s release date. At Crosscall, this period is extended to 10 years. All our smartphone and tablet models have a repairability score of A or B, among the best scores on the market. Software update policy An unupdated smartphone is a security vulnerability waiting to happen. Check: The number of years of guaranteed major Android updates The frequency of security patches The manufacturer’s transparency regarding its software roadmap Since 2025, Europe has required a minimum of 5 years of software support for security and feature updates. At Crosscall, this period is extended to 7 years, subject to compatibility with future Android versions. Android Enterprise compatibility The smartphone must be Android Enterprise Recommended certified, guaranteeing compatibility with the fleet management solutions available on the market (see the dedicated section below). MDM compatibility If you have a large fleet, the device must be compatible with the main Mobile Device Management solutions (SOTI MobiControl, Microsoft Intune, VMware Workspace ONE…) so that fleet management can be centralized through a single solution. (see the dedicated section further down in the article)  Summary of selection criteria What to check Why it matters Ruggedness Detailed MIL-STD-810H standard, tested drop height, screen IK rating Reduces breakage rates, particularly for the screen Water resistance IP68 / IP69K certification, resistance to all types of liquids Reliability in humid, dusty environments Battery life Real-world battery life in use, not standby Service continuity without recharging, over several days Repairability Repairability score, parts availability, local after-sales service Reduces replacement costs and time Warranty Duration, including battery coverage Direct indicator of reliability and durability Accessories & services Ecosystem of accessories and add-on modules, business integration services Improved field usability, reduces the number of devices to manage, and simplifies the integration of business applications Updates Number of years covered, patch frequency Long-term security and compliance Android Enterprise "Recommended" certification Simplifies fleet deployment and management MDM compatibility Compatibility with the market’s leading solutions Centralize mobile fleet management  Why choose a certified Android Enterprise Gold Partner? Android Enterprise is Google's official program dedicated to professional Android use. It provides a set of APIs and standards that enable companies to deploy, configure, and secure Android devices at scale and consistently, regardless of the manufacturer. In practical terms, Android Enterprise provides: Simultaneous remote deployment Separation of professional and personal data  Enhanced data protection and privacy Centralized management of updates and applications Google distinguishes several levels of partnership for manufacturers. Gold Partner status is reserved for manufacturers that demonstrate a strong and ongoing commitment to the compatibility, security, and long-term support of their devices—a level of requirement above basic certification. Crosscall is an Android Enterprise Gold Partner. In practical terms, this means that our devices are designed, tested, and maintained to ensure lasting compatibility with fleet management tools, and that we work directly with Google on the evolution of our products. What is an MDM? An MDM (Mobile Device Management) is software that enables a company to remotely manage its entire fleet of mobile devices: configuration, application deployment, updates, security restrictions, geolocation, and remote wiping in the event of loss or theft. For example, an MDM can: Automatically deploying business applications to each new device Enforcing security policies (passwords, encryption, VPN) Monitoring fleet status in real time (battery, location, software version) and being able to carry out repairs or updates remotely  Locking or wiping a lost or stolen device Restricting device use to certain applications (kiosk mode) Some of the most widely used solutions on the French market include SOTI MobiControl, Microsoft Intune, and VMware Workspace ONE. Crosscall smartphones are compatible with the vast majority of MDM solutions on the market. In particular, we maintain a close technical partnership with SOTI, a leading provider, to ensure seamless integration and responsive technical support for our customers deploying this solution. What is the true cost of mobile fleet management? The purchase price of a smartphone represents only part of its total cost of ownership. The following cost categories should be included in a rigorous TCO calculation over a 5-year reference period (the standard Crosscall warranty period): Cost category With a consumer smartphone With a Crosscall rugged smartphone Breakage High breakage rate in intensive field use Significantly reduced breakage rate thanks to certified ruggedness Replacement Frequent early replacement Extended lifecycle, 5-year warranty, battery included Downtime Waiting time for parts / replacement, loss of productivity Local after-sales service in France, reduced turnaround times Repair High cost, sometimes not economically viable (replacement preferred) Design that promotes repairability Maintenance If the fleet is not uniform, significant support requirements and repeated training on new devices Fleet standardization, simplified MDM compatibility Renewal 2–3 years on average in intensive professional use 5 years and beyond Why choose Crosscall for your mobile fleet? Crosscall designs rugged professional smartphones built to meet the demands of businesses operating in the most challenging environments: Certified ruggedness beyond traditional military standards: resistance to repeated drops of up to 2 meters, operating temperatures from -20°C to +60°C IP68 / IP69K water resistance, suitable for damp and dusty environments and prolonged immersion in all types of liquids Up to 80 hours of real-world battery life for certain models, designed for jobs involving continuous mobility 5-year warranty, battery included which directly reflects our confidence in the durability of our products Android Enterprise Gold Partner certification and broad compatibility with the leading MDM solutions on the market Versatile use : our devices can replace several pieces of equipment (fixed workstation with X-Space, PTT radio, barcode scanner with X-Scan), reducing the number of devices to manage Local support in France : X-LAB R&D, dedicated technical support, and responsive after-sales service. A tailored approach adapted to the constraints of each sector A sustainable French brand, with a long-term commitment to repairability and spare-parts availability Extended lifespan for a lower TCO. The 5-year warranty, including the battery, means less breakage, fewer replacements, and lower maintenance costs.  Our customers report a significant reduction in their breakage rate and easier deployment after switching to a Crosscall fleet. Discover their testimonials. FAQ What is a mobile fleet? A company's mobile fleet is the set of mobile devices (smartphones, tablets) deployed and centrally managed to equip employees for their professional work. Which smartphone should you choose for a mobile fleet? The choice depends on actual usage conditions: an office environment or field conditions involving exposure to shocks, water, dust, and extreme temperatures. In the latter case, choose a rugged smartphone certified to MIL-STD-810H and IP68/IP69K. What is an MDM? An MDM (Mobile Device Management) is software for the centralized, remote management of mobile devices: application deployment, security, updates, geolocation, and more. It is an essential tool for IT teams managing large fleets of professional mobile devices. What is the average lifespan of a professional smartphone? It ranges from 2 to 3 years for a consumer smartphone in intensive use, compared with 5 years or more for a rugged smartphone backed by a warranty and a suitable spare-parts policy, as offered by Crosscall. How can you reduce the costs of a mobile fleet? By reducing the breakage rate with a rugged smartphone model, standardizing the fleet (one model, one OS), centralizing management and maintenance via an MDM, and planning investment based on TCO rather than just the unit purchase price. Which professions use a mobile fleet? Logistics and transport, retail, industry, construction, healthcare, security, agriculture, local authorities. All professions involving field mobility and the use of voice and data communications in their work. 

Crosscall and Telefónica team up for "5G Emergencies"

"5G Emergencias," a pioneering program to validate the evolution towards high-speed in emergency communications in Spain Crosscall and Telefónica were selected to deploy the "5G Emergencias" program, a large-scale European initiative aimed at testing and validating the contribution of 5G technology in emergency communications. Funded by the NextGenerationEU fund as part of the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan, the project aims to subject networks and terminals to real operational situations to draw concrete lessons for the evolution of critical communication systems. In Spain, the program is led by the Generalitat Valenciana, specifically by the Valencian Agency for Security and Emergency Response (AVSRE), which entrusts project coordination to Infraestructures i Serveis de Telecomunicacions i Certificació, S.A.U (ISTEC). These two public entities are involved in crisis management, rescue coordination, and the integration of technologies for civil protection.  A project rooted in a territory and its operational realities The program aims to evaluate the reliability and effectiveness of 5G technology through four test phases, each representative of real intervention conditions, diverse environments, and operational constraints. Dense urban environment – Valencia, La Cridà : management of a large urban event with risk of network saturation and multiple simultaneous communication flows.  Industrial zone – Almussafes : simulation of an accident involving chemical risk, in an environment with irregular network coverage and significant physical constraints for equipment.  Isolated natural environment – Benagéber Dam : simulation of a forest fire and an air accident, combining 5G/satellite connectivity, aerial and underwater drones, in areas where connectivity is not guaranteed.  Urban environment – Valencia, Emergency Coordination Center : simulation of solution deployment in a context directly related to operations, coordination, and intervention supervision.  The goal is to leave nothing to chance and to ensure that the program's conclusions accurately reflect operational reality in all its diversity.  "Our mission is to provide institutions with the best critical communication tools. This pioneering project clearly demonstrates that improving interoperability and data quality optimizes real-time decision-making." Juan De Mingo, Head of Sales – Crosscall CORE-Z5: a terminal designed for emergency communications In each of these four environments, Crosscall's CORE-Z5 was selected as one of the evaluated devices. Already deployed with numerous public organizations in Europe and awarded the title of "Best MCX Product of the Year" at Critical Communication World 2024, it was designed to meet the most critical operational requirements: Durability and waterproofing: IP68/IP69K and MIL-STD-810H certifications — resistant to prolonged immersion, shocks, vibrations, extreme temperatures, and dust. PTT Ready: integrated Push-to-Talk button, ensuring immediate availability and optimized ergonomics for instant communication between responders. Network performance: CORE-Z5 is designed to operate on 5G networks and private networks, leveraging the capabilities of "network slicing," ensuring a dedicated and prioritized network slice for emergency traffic, even in congested or high-demand environments. The CORE-Z5 is deployed alongside an ecosystem of accessories specifically designed for the field: the X-COMM, a Bluetooth micro-speaker for reliable hands-free communication; the X-POWER, a magnetic external battery that doubles the device's autonomy; and the X-POWERSTATION, a multi-device charging platform that ensures continuous availability between service shifts. Thanks to this terminal, Crosscall and Telefónica offer a comprehensive solution, combining network performance and equipment reliability in the field. Expected results for all of Europe The "5G Emergencias" program aims to generate concrete and applicable results at the European level. The conclusions from the various scenarios will be submitted to the European Commission in June 2026. The goal is to identify deployment models that can be replicated in other territories, taking into account local specificities while relying on a common technological foundation. This project highlights Crosscall's strong expertise in emergency communication, as well as its ability to support the evolution of uses and infrastructures on the ground at a European scale.