Phones for Kids: 5 Top Picks for Parents

Choosing the ideal smartphone for your child can feel tricky, so we’re here to help you find a phone that checks all the boxes for your young ones. Naturally, some of the best-performing phones are going to be a bit more pricey, but we’ve also made sure to include a few options that are budget-friendly and provide a sturdy, reliable phone for younger kids. 

When we were picking the best possible first phone for kids, these criteria were at the top of our list:

• Parental Controls and Screen Time Limits: Whether it’s one of Apple’s iPhones or a Samsung Galaxy, phones with comprehensive parental control options can be beneficial. This includes setting screen time limits and monitoring app usage to ensure your child’s digital well-being.
• Social Media and App Store Access: Access to social media apps and the App Store is something to consider as a parent — phones like the iPhone or various Android phones offer customization to restrict or allow app downloads and social media usage.
• Durability and Battery Life: Kids can be tough on gadgets — a well-built phone with good battery life may be a longer-lasting choice. 
• Location and Safety Features: GPS tracking and location services are key for peace of mind. Features like Google Family Link or Verizon’s location services can help you keep tabs on your child’s whereabouts.
• Budget-Friendly Options: Basic flip phones can serve as sturdy, budget-friendly options that are appropriate for younger kids.
• Connectivity and Functionality: You can count on pretty much any new phone to offer these, but definitely check that the phones you're considering Phones with essential features like 5G, LTE, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi capabilities.
• The Right Fit for Different Ages: An iPhone might suit a middle schooler, while a simpler Android phone or a child’s phone with basic features might be better for younger kids.

Let’s take a look.

1. Apple iPhone 17

The Apple iPhone 17 is a great choice for technology-savvy older kids. It features a 6.3-inch XDR OLED display with thin bezels and 3,000 nits peak outdoor brightness, making it easy to see indoors and out. Apple's new A19 chip ensures smooth performance for gaming, educational apps, and social media browsing.

Parents will also appreciate iOS 26’s user-friendly interface and security features, including advanced parental controls, Screen Time, and Family Sharing options that let them monitor their children's app usage and set time limits. 

The iPhone 17 supports all-day battery life, with fast charging that can deliver up to 50% power in about 20 minutes when using a 40W power adapter or higher — making this the ideal choice for long school days or frequent field trips.

For young photographers, the 48MP Fusion camera system combines a main lens with a 2-times telephoto lens, while the new 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide camera captures even more detail than the previous generation. On the front, the 18MP Center Stage camera makes selfies and video calls even more engaging.

Also, the addition of Find My iPhone and other safety features can give parents peace of mind.

With its durable Ceramic Shield 2 glass (3-times better scratch resistance) and color options, the iPhone 17 is a reliable and stylish choice for young users.

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2. Samsung Galaxy S25

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is one of the company’s latest smartphones, and it’s a great choice if you want a device that feels fresh and future-proof without paying Galaxy S25 Ultra-level prices.

For the S25, Samsung gave its base Galaxy smartphone a big performance bump with 12GB of RAM and the new Snapdragon 8 Elite processor.

For kids, that means the S25 is more than equipped for games and educational apps. The 12MP front camera also provices clear video calls with friends and family, while the rear triple-camera system is great for capturing everyday activities, from after-school adventures to family trips.

Parents will also appreciate Samsung’s built-in parental controls and compatibility with Google Family Link, which make it simple to manage screen time and app usage. The 4,000 mAh battery should last through a school day depending on usage, and the Gorilla Glass Victus 2 build with IP68 water resistance helps protect against drops and spills.

Starting at $799, the Galaxy S25 is one of the best Android options for kids right now: powerful enough to keep up with them, and safe enough to give parents peace of mind.

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3. Samsung Galaxy S24

If you don’t need the very latest model, last generation's Samsung Galaxy S24 is still a great option.

The S24 hits that sweet spot between being tough enough to handle all your kids’ adventures while not being a "basic."

This Android phone has a great display and a fast processor, perfect for everything from playing their favorite games to using educational apps. Plus, with the parental controls, you can easily monitor how much screen time they’re getting and what apps they use. It’s handy when making sure they’re balancing screen time with getting out and about. The battery life should last throughout the school day and then some (depending how much your kid uses it, of course).

If you’re looking for a phone that can keep up with your tween’s social media use, they’ll love the Galaxy S24’s high-quality rear camera to capture and share funny or special moments, while the front camera lets them enjoy clear video calls with their friends and family.

As we mentioned with the Galaxy S25, parents with younger kids will apprecaite Samsung’s integration with apps like Google Family Link. It’s a smart choice for parents who want a top-tier phone without overspending on the premium versions of the S24.

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4. Google Pixel 10

The Google Pixel 10 is one of the latest entries in Google’s smartphone lineup, and it’s a smart pick if you want a device that’s simple, powerful, and built with plenty of kid-friendly tools.

Its bright 6.3-inch display makes text, games, and videos look sharp, while the new Tensor G5 chip and 12GB of RAM keep apps and other digital tools running smoothly.

Parents will especially like Google Family Link for managing screen time and app access for their kids, and the large 4,970 mAh battery can easily last through a school day. The Pixel 10 is also durable with Gorilla Glass and water resistance.

For kids who love photography, the triple-camera setup — including a new telephoto lens — takes clear, detailed shots. Starting at $799, the Pixel 10 brings a good balance of performance, safety, and fun, making it one of the best Android phones for kids. Not to mention, it will continue to receive seven years of software updates.

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5. Budget: iPhone 16e

The iPhone 16e is Apple’s most affordable iPhone, making it a great budget option for parents who want their kids to have an iPhone without the higher price tag.

Starting at $599, it costs $200 less than the standard iPhone 17 but still includes many great features, like a sharp 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display and the fast A18 chip.

Parents will appreciate that the iPhone 16e runs iOS 26 with Apple Intelligence and offers strong parental controls to manage screen time and app usage. It also supports Emergency SOS via satellite for extra peace of mind. With durable materials, long battery life, and 7.5W Qi wireless charging, the 16e can keep up with busy school days and activities.

The 48MP main camera also takes high-quality photos and videos, perfect for capturing important moments during sports practice or hangouts with friends.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to keep your child connected while staying inside the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 16e is an excellent way to go. However, it uses the older notch design, rather than the Dynamic Island found on the standard iPhone 16 and later models.

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The Bottom Line

As you can see, there are plenty of stellar phones for kids, whether you want to get them something with all the bells and whistles or a simpler phone used for emergencies. 

Want to look even further afield? Our free, unbiased Phone Deal Finder below can help you navigate and compare options across the wireless market. Just answer a few questions including what phones you’re considering and what your current model is, and we’ll find the best phone deals for your family based on your current plan and carrier.

Frequently Asked Questions

What phone is the best for a 10 year old?

For a 10-year-old, a basic phone like a flip phone or a kid-friendly smartphone, such as the Gabb Phone or Pinwheel, is best for safety, limited features, and parental control.

Which phone is best for an 11 year old?

For an 11-year-old, a simple phone like a flip phone or a budget smartphone with robust parental controls is ideal to ensure safety, limit screen time, and manage costs.

Which phone should a 13 year old have?

A 13-year-old should have a phone that balances functionality and safety, such as a mid-range smartphone with parental controls or a basic phone for calls and texting. Choices depend on needs, budget, and desired screen time limits, but a good option is the iPhone SE (2022).