The best smartphones for adults aren’t the best phones for children. These phones are more focused on having only the essentials and not overwhelming your child with options.
This will vary depending on your child’s age. That is why we break down our list by age. Young children might only need a phone or tablet that allows them to text and call, but teens will want apps.
Although some phone manufacturers make smartphones specifically for children, most of our choices are simple to use for kids. Our selections are not limited to parental controls, but also consider durability, battery life and affordability.
As you think about what to do next, remember that the best tablet for kids might be the best option for your youngest user. We also reviewed the best smartphones for adults, which we have included in our list of high school teens.
If you’re already confused, don’t worry. For anyone other than the youngest child, the safest option is to use the latest iOS or Android10. Both operating systems offer excellent parental control features, so you can manage almost everything and give your children access to the best features.
Best phone for young children
1. Relay Screenless Phone
The best phone for children under 5 years old in the US
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 71g
Dimensions: 67.3×67.3×12.7mm
Colors: Blueberry and Mint. Brick
GPS: Yes
Battery Standby: up to 2 days
Storage: 1GB
REASONS to BUY
+Water resistance+GPS tracking
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
-Service fee-It’s huge
Relay is a GPS-enabled walkie talkie with push-totalk and not the familiar calling screen.
It has 4G LTE connectivity for US-wide coverage. You can also connect to Wi-Fi networks that you have set up in the parent application. The battery lasts for approximately two days.
Geo-fenced areas can be created from 50 to 200m in size. You will be notified if your child wanders off. The case is tough and water-resistant. There’s no need to worry about a screen breaking and rendering your Relay useless.
Downsides? The downsides are that it is only available as a contract for $9.99 per month (plus tax).
2. Xplora Go Clip
The best phone for children under 5 in the UK
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 31g
Dimensions: 43.3 x 38.8x 15.5mm
Colors: Pink, Blue, Black
GPS: Yes
Battery: 600mAh
Standby: 120 Hours
Talk time: 5 Hours
Display size: 1.3 inches
Camera: 0.3MP
Storage: 16MB
REASONS to BUY
+GPS tracking+Splashproof
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
-Limited network support -Clipped instead of worn
There are many Xploras. The Go Clip is the simplest. It can be attached to a belt or backpack using the carabiner hook. You can track your child’s movements via your smartphone app.
It is ideal for festivals and other places where children can wander, and you can also set up Safety Zones to notify you immediately if your child leaves.
Although the Go can be purchased SIM-free, you will need to supply a SIM card.
Pre-teens: Best phone
1. Nokia 3310 3G
Modern interpretation of a design icon
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 85g
Dimensions: 115.6x51x12.8mm
OS Series 30+
Screen size: 2.4-inch
Resolution: 240 x 320
Storage: 16MB
Battery: 1,200mAh
Camera: 2MP
REASONS to BUY
+Long battery life + Good balance of features
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
-No water resistance rating – Pricey feature phone
The original Nokia 3310, which was released in 2000, is a phone that we fondly remember. It was so sturdy that you would have to replace the floor if it fell. Although the new Nokia3310 3G doesn’t seem quite as tough, it’s still very chunky and makes a great phone for children.
The battery is brilliant with a remarkable one-month standby, a sharp, clear screen, a decent camera, and a customizable interface. However, there’s no way to get rid of pre-installed Twitter and Facebook icons.
The 3310 3G is a very affordable feature-phone, but it’s still quite expensive. There are many Nokias that can do the exact same thing as the 3310, but with a little less style.
2. Jitterbug Flip
This phone is simple and straightforward.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 133g
Dimensions: 119.4×55.9x 17.8mm
Internal Screen: 3.2 inches
External Screen: 1.44 inches
Storage: 1GB
Battery: 1,780mAh
Camera: 2MP
Colors: Graphite, Red
REASONS to BUY
+Retro style +Beautifully simple
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
-Relatively costly -Not at all cool
The Jitterbug flip was created for older users. However, the same features that make it great for Grandma also make it a great phone to use for younger users.
It’s not a new-fangled Facebook and Twitter, but big buttons with loudspeakers, a clear display, and a case that is very reminiscent of the Motorola Razr.
The camera is decent, but not great. The interface is easy to use.
The Flip is more expensive than other feature phones, and it only works with the GreatCall service in the US. However, it can be unlocked in the UK.
3. Nokia 105 v5
Simplicity and Snake are next to nothing
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 73g
Dimensions: 119×49.2×14.4mm
Screen Size: 1.77-inch
Resolution: 120 x 160
Storage: 1GB
Battery: 800mAh
Standby for one month
Talk time: 15 Hours
Colors: Black, Blue, Pink
REASONS to BUY
+Really affordable+Great battery life
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
-Very basic-2G only
We mean “cheap”, not cheap. At the time of writing, our local Argos is selling the phone for only PS17.95 (around 20 / AU$35). SIM-free.
It is very similar to the Nokia 3310 3G but it’s only 2G. This means that it can’t access the internet even though it really, really wants to. Instead, it focuses on the basics: calling, texting, and playing Snake.
It can talk for 15 hours or last a month, has a headphone socket and an FM radio that your child will never use. Also, it is available in black, blue, or pink.
The best phone for teens
1. iPhone SE (2020).
A durable, affordable iPhone for everyday use
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 148g
Dimensions: 138.4×67.3×7.3mm
OS: iOS 13
Screen size: 4.7-inch
Resolution: 750 x 1334
CPU: A13 Bionic
RAM: 3GB
Storage: 64/128/256GB
Battery: 1,821mAh
Rear camera 12MP
Front camera: 7MP
REASONS to BUY
+Cheapest iPhone+Software Updates for Years
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
Fragile glass is more expensive than Android options
Because it’s the cheapest and most affordable iPhone, the iPhone SE is the best choice for children. They won’t have to deal with a large phone and will be able to use it as much as they would with a larger model. It was released in 2020, which means that it will receive software updates for up to four years. Get your child a case for the fragile glass construction. There’s no reason why it shouldn’t last that long.
There are many accessories and cases available for the iPhone. Plus, the package comes with headphones. Your family can all use iPhones together, so your children won’t be left out of the family iMessage chat. You can also share files and photos easily via AirDrop.
While you could buy an older iPhone used, the SE is the best option if your goal is to purchase a new iPhone.
2. Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC
For a small price, you get a lot of specs.
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 215g
Dimensions: 165.3 x 76.6 x 9.4mm
OS: Android 10
Screen size: 6.67-inch
Resolution: 1080 x 2400
CPU: Snapdragon 732G
RAM: 6GB/8GB
Storage: 64GB/128GB
Battery: 5,160mAh
Rear camera: 64MP+13MP+2MP+2MP+2MP+2MP
Front camera: 20MP
REASONS to BUY
+Great gaming performance+120Hz screen
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
-Mediocre Camera
The Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC is a great option for your child if they want to play mobile games. Although it has a poor camera, it is able to deliver exceptional gaming performance and a long battery life.
It also has a 120Hz wide color gamut display which makes everything feel smooth and great to use. These little details will amaze your children, and they are very affordable.
Although it may look a bit basic and less premium than the Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC, it more than makes up for that where it matters.
3. Moto G10
Tremendous value
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 200g
Dimensions: 165.2 x 7.5.7 x 9.2mm
OS: Android 11
Screen size: 6.5-inch
Resolution: 720 x 1600
CPU: Snapdragon 460
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 64GB
Battery: 5,000mAh
Rear camera: 48MP +8MP + 2MP +2MP +2MP
Front camera: 8MP
REASONS to BUY
+Decent battery life+Android11 support
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
Low resolution, slow performance
The Moto G10 is cheap and cheerful and has all the features your child needs, but it doesn’t have any bells or whistles.
Although it has a slow performance and a poor camera, its sturdy build quality will make it difficult for even the most clumsy children to damage. It’ll also be supported by Android 11 so it will last for a long time.
4. iPhone 8
The iPhone that fits tight budgets
SPECIFICATIONS
Weight: 148g
Dimensions: 138.4×67.3×7.3mm
OS: iOS 13
Screen size: 4.7-inch
Resolution: 750 x 1334
CPU: A11 Bionic
RAM: 2GB
Storage: 64/256GB
Battery: 1,821mAh
Rear camera 12MP
Front camera: 7MP
REASONS to BUY
+Should be affordable+Tons available
RAISONS TO GET AWAY
-Showing your age-OS support won’t last long
The discontinued iPhone 8 is a good option if you don’t have the money for an iPhone. There are many cases available, and they’re still good enough for everyday use.
The camera is sturdy, wireless charging is available, and it comes with all the benefits for family members who use Apple products such as the iPad or Mac.
It won’t be supported beyond a year with software updates.
Our iPhone 8 Review
Are you thinking of insuring your child’s smartphone?
Although many phones are durable, it is important to remember that kids can be very picky about tech. is a comparison of the best contents insurance deals (opens in new window) in the UK. It provides coverage against theft, accidental damage, and loss.
