There are plenty of quality phones out there, but if you're looking to buy a smartphone for someone younger, you may be wondering which are the best phones for kids. There comes a point where you'll want a way to stay in contact with them whenever they're out of the house, and they'll inevitably be after a phone for their own independence.
Depending on the age of the child, different phones are better suited than others. You may be after a simple, budget-friendly starter phone to begin with. Alternatively, you might be looking for a more durable upgrade that won't break like their last one.
The best phones for kids at a glance:
• Best overall phone for kids: Motorola G31 - View now on Amazon.co.uk
• Best tough phone for kids: Nokia G11 - View now on Amazon.co.uk
• Best Apple phone for kids: Apple iPhone 14 - View now on Amazon.co.uk
Regardless of your needs, there's bound to be a phone to fit your preferences. Whether you think they'll like Apple phones or Android ones, there are plenty to choose from. Luckily, we're here to help narrow down your choices.
We've gathered a group of our favourite phones for kids and examined their strengths and weaknesses, including factors like screen size and memory. We're confident that one of these will be just what you're looking for.
Best overall phone for kids
The Motorola G31 is a very solid all-rounder that won't disappoint. While an initial glance at the specs may make it seem quite average, the real strengths are in its screen quality and performance. The screen is vibrant and works brilliantly with videos, so it's a great pick if your young one spends a lot of time watching YouTube videos. If they're more of a mobile gamer, then the consistently quick processor will have no issue tackling whatever they want to play.
As for a downside, that would be the charging speed. While the Motorola G31 has quite a good battery capacity, and the charge retention is pleasantly good too, the actual time it takes to reach a full charge is fairly drawn out.
Pros
- Fantastic screen quality
- Reliable and speedy performance
Cons
- Charging speed could be a bit better
| Cellular technology | 4G |
| Screen size | 6.4" |
| Memory | 64 GB |
| Unlocked | Yes |
- Customer review: "Replacement phone for student son. Big screen, that is good. Uses to study university courses and YouTube and music…. and all that administration you have to do. The 5000mah battery is useful for all day and the next (when travelling). Good value."
Best tough phone for kids
Nokia is famous for the durability of their phones, so if your child has a tendency to drop theirs, then consider the Nokia G11. It's as tough and resilient as you would expect from the brand, and even the fairly large screen should endure more than a few drops. Beyond durability, the Nokia G11 also sports an impressive refresh rate, making it a surprisingly solid choice for streaming videos.
While 32 gigabytes isn't awful, it is very easily outclassed. If your child likes to download games often or takes a lot of videos and pictures, you may want to consider a similarly priced phone with better storage.
Pros
- Very durable
- Solid 90Hz refresh rate
Cons
- Memory storage is outclassed
| Cellular technology | 4G |
| Screen size | 6.5" |
| Memory | 32 GB |
| Unlocked | Yes |
- Customer review: "For what it is (an entry-level budget smartphone) it's definitely value in my opinion the screen is nice and clear the camera is capable, granted the sound is a little low but not too terribly low. Runs all the socials nicely & have had no problems with streaming."
Best phone for kids just for texts and calls
Another entry from Nokia, but one glance at the Nokia 105 should show how unique it is among the rest of this list. It's a very basic phone, reminiscent of the kind many of us remember. It's a rare sight in a world dominated by smartphones, but that's a strength; if you don't think they're ready for a smartphone, something simple and affordable like this is ideal.
It's super easy to make texts and calls, and the battery is quite impressive for the size. Of course, you won't be getting the quality of smartphone specs here, and the tiny screen could become annoying for some.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Very affordable
Cons
- Very small screen
| Cellular technology | 2G |
| Screen size | 1.8" |
| Memory | 1 GB |
| Unlocked | Yes |
- Customer review: "Very basic phone ideal for anyone who wants an inexpensive mobile for work that you won't get upset about if you break the screen or lose it. The main disadvantage in my opinion isn't it's basic nature but it's size."
Best value phone for kids
Although the Google Pixel 7a is not the cheapest choice on our list, we think it's absolutely a product of excellent value. Firstly, you're getting a charging included with it, a luxury that's becoming rarer as time goes on. Secondly, the specs here match phones that are a couple extra hundred more in terms of price.
You've got a brilliant 128 gigabytes of storage (which should be challenging for most to fill), a UI that's intuitive and easy to navigate, and it's compatible with 5G; what's not to love? Well, while we do appreciate the inclusion of the charger, it's far from being the fastest in terms of charging speed.
Pros
- Very good memory storage
- Easy to navigate
Cons
- Charging speed is so-so
| Cellular technology | 5G |
| Screen size | 6.1" |
| Memory | 128 GB |
| Unlocked | Yes |
- Customer review: "Great value for money mobile phone. By far the most user-friendly mobile phone I've had, and I've used a range of makes over the past 15 years or so."
Best Apple phone for kids
For those wanting to treat their child, the Apple iPhone 14 is a great pick. While it's worth noting that not everyone enjoys Apple's unique operating system, we think they'll still adore this phone and its quality camera. The dual cameras aren't just great for taking pictures, as the inclusion of an action mode helps you take very steady videos with ease.
The Apple iPhone 14 also has a fantastic battery life that retains charge reliably. One charge should last a whole day, even for the most avid video and mobile gaming fans.
Pros
- Camera is quite good
- Brilliant battery life
Cons
- Apple iOS isn't for everyone
| Cellular technology | 5G |
| Screen size | 6.1" |
| Memory | 128 GB |
| Unlocked | Yes |
- Customer review: "Bought for my daughter after the hand me down iPhone SE gen1 gave up. It is a nice phone. It is lighter than my iPhone 14 Pro Max which I do like. The camera is of good quality, but the Pro/Pro Max cameras are a lot better. Ideal for the younger members of the family."
FAQs
When should you give your child a phone?
There are a lot of answers to this, some of which can get quite complex. You may see some sources saying kids are ready for phones at around eight years old, whereas others tell you to wait until they start high school. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you think your child is ready for one.
Most social media platforms have a minimum age of 13, so keeping them away from smartphones may be best until then. However, if you want a way to keep in contact with them as they start to go outside on their own or with friends, a more basic phone is perfect for calls and texts to keep your mind at peace.
How do you manage screen time?
Many smartphones allow you to set parental controls, letting you set certain limits and requirements for apps, features, and even screen time.
This helps you make sure they're not glued to the screen 24/7 and gives you a chance to spend time with them without digital interference. Of course, it's important not to be too strict either; let them have their fun. You may also want to take their phone away before bed so they don't end up scrolling for hours instead of sleep; a practice us adults could also benefit from.
Kyle Purves is a Commercial Content Writer for What’s The Best, with an avid interest in all things gaming and tech.
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