The best phones for kids and teens
For parents buying their child a phone, reliability and affordability are paramount. However, kids and teens can often yearn for the latest handset, irrespective of the price point or whether it meets the needs of a child’s first phone.
Whether you want to buy a handset outright, opt for a contract or go SIM-only, there are a large number of handsets on the market suitable for kids and teens. Explore our guide below and find the ideal phone to take them through their younger years.
iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
If you’re accustomed to Apple devices and want to go down that route for your kids, the iPhone SE is the best mid-range option. Whilst the iPhone SE is an affordable model, it doesn’t sacrifice any of the most important features needed to accommodate a young person.
This handset is incredibly lightweight and thin, with a 4.7” screen and Liquid Retina display that is vibrant for everyday use. The 12MP wide camera and 7MP front camera take good quality images, with Portrait mode, ample camera settings and editing capabilities to experiment with.
Impressively, this compact phone has a 2,018mAh battery that can last for around 12 hours of regular activity. Complete with 18W charging and wireless charging capabilities, this handset ticks all the boxes of a kid and teen-friendly phone.
Samsung Galaxy A25
Samsung have built an impressive legacy of mid-range smartphones when it comes to the A-Series, and the Galaxy A25 is no exception. The handset’s sleek design is built around a Gorilla Glass 5 front and plastic back which provide impressive durability, while the resolution of the AMOLED display is crisp and clear.
Particularly at its price point, the camera setup remains top-notch. A trio of 50MP, 8MP and 2MP cameras, alongside a 13MP selfie camera, perform brilliantly to deliver beautiful images in bright and low-light settings. The Galaxy A25 also boasts a 5,000mAh battery that can manage 13 hours of heavy usage, making this handset a reliable choice for kids and teens heading to school or out with friends.
Motorola Moto G13
The Motorola Moto G13 is the best handset choice if you’re on a tighter budget. Its smart design is available in Baby Blue and Mineral Grey, manufactured with a plastic body to maximise durability and provide a comfortable grip. The 6.5” AMOLED display provides vibrant, sharp colours while streaming and gaming.
The camera offering is also great for a smartphone at this price, with a 50MP, 8MP and 2MP rear camera array that is capable of snapping high-quality images. Most impressively, the 5,000mAh battery on the Moto G13 is on par with premium handsets and can easily last the day before needing a recharge.
Google Pixel 8
For a slightly more premium experience, the Google Pixel 8 is a stand-out device that shouldn’t be overlooked. Opting for the older version of a handset is a great way to enjoy advanced technology at a lower price, and the Google Pixel 8 has an array of high-end features that can keep the kids entertained.
The Pixel 8 is a powerful phone housed in a water and dust-resistant frame with an IP68 rating. The 6.2” Actua OLED display is equipped with a 120Hz refresh rate to ensure images and videos are incredibly smooth, and there’s also a Night Light feature for warming the colour of the display in the evening, so it’s easier on the eyes.
This is an incredibly customisable handset and is compatible with Android 15 for even more personalisation features.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G
Xiaomi are not to be overlooked when looking for a high-quality, mid-range handset, and the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G is a fantastic option for kids and teens seeking their first phone. Not only is the handset extremely light for everyday use, but the Gorilla Glass Victus shell ensures the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G is robust and protected from accidental drops.
The 6.6” 120Hz AMOLED screen is incredibly bright and detailed, producing amazing visuals whether your child is gaming or watching a video. There’s also the 200MP main camera, 8MP ultra-wide camera and 2MP macro camera for shooting stunning photos.
Its impressive 5,100mAh battery comes with 67W turbo charge, enabling the Redmi Note 13 Pro to recharge extremely quickly and last a day or two before needing to be plugged in.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE
Another fantastic handset from Samsung that meets all the criteria of a kid-friendly smartphone is the Galaxy S24 FE. Built around an aluminium frame and front & back glass panels, it has a more luxurious appearance while still being durable; perfect for teenagers who prefer the look of a high-end device.
With an IP68 rating, the Galaxy S24 FE is extremely resistant against dust and water, making it a great choice for young kids and teens with active and adventurous lifestyles. Alongside the high IP rating, this phone is also equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ and Gorilla Glass 5 for a truly durable handset.
Boasting a 6.7” Super AMOLED display, the Galaxy S24 FE is about as high-quality as it gets, with a vibrant and sharp screen that is ideal for daily use such as gaming, streaming and scrolling social media.
Whether you’re purchasing your child’s first or fifth phone, it’s important to make a decision that factors in affordability, practicality and safety. Once you’ve set up their device, our guide to the best parental control apps can help you manage their smartphone usage.