Two use cases:

1. Allowing the kids to call parents and no one else, without all the extra baggage that comes with a smartphone.

2. Multiple families getting together and deciding this is how their kids will communicate with each other (i.e. all agreeing not to get smartphones for their kids).

> But if I were 11-13yo and I got this when all my friends got an iPhone? I'd be furious.

If you've decided they're not getting a smartphone at that age, they'll be furious regardless. They may opt for this as an alternative. Up to the kids.