Phones for Kids: 5 Top Picks for Parents (2026)

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 18 Pro

The Apple iPhone 18 Pro is a strong pick for tech-savvy older kids who want a phone that can keep up with them for years, not just months. It features a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion up to 120Hz, and the A20 Pro chip keeps everything from gaming to school apps to social media running smoothly without any lag.

Parents will appreciate iOS 27's new and expanded child safety features, on top of the usual lineup of Screen Time controls and Family Sharing options that let you monitor app usage and set time limits from your own device.

Battery life is built for a full day away from an outlet — up to 30 hours of use per charge — and fast charging gets the phone back to 50% in around 15 minutes, which is handy when your kid forgot to plug it in the night before a field trip.

For young photographers, the triple 48MP Fusion camera system includes a variable-aperture main lens, an ultrawide, and a telephoto with up to 8x optical-quality zoom, so they can experiment with real photography skills instead of just point-and-shoot snaps. The 18MP Center Stage front camera also makes video calls with grandparents or friends look sharp and clear.

Built-in safety features like Find My iPhone give parents an easy way to keep tabs on where the phone — and hopefully the kid attached to it — actually is.

And with a Ceramic Shield front offering 3x better scratch resistance than the iPhone 16 Pro, plus a Ceramic Shield back and four finishes to choose from (Burgundy, Glacier, Silver, and Black), the iPhone 18 Pro is durable enough, and stylish enough, to survive being a kid's daily driver.

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2. Samsung Galaxy S26

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is a great option if you want a current Samsung phone without stretching your budget to Ultra territory. It runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor with 12GB of RAM, so games and apps run smoothly without any issues.

The 12MP front camera is solid for video calls, and the rear triple-camera system handles everyday photos well — think school events, family outings, and field trips. The 4300 mAh battery gets through a full day of use, and with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and IP68 water resistance, it can handle the occasional drop or spill.

For parents, Samsung's built-in parental controls and Google Family Link compatibility make managing screen time and app usage pretty straightforward. At $899.99, it's a practical pick that doesn't cut too many corners.

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3. Samsung Galaxy S26

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is now over a year old, but it’s still a great choice if you want a device that feels fresh and future-proof.

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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4. Google Pixel 11

The Google Pixel 11 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 Super display, with peak brightness up to 3,000 nits, makes text, games, and videos look sharp, while the Tensor G6 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 4,985 mAh battery can easily last through a school day. The Pixel 11 is also durable, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

For kids who love photography, the triple-camera setup — a 48MP wide, 13MP ultrawide, and 10.8MP telephoto lens — takes clear, detailed shots. Starting at $899, the Pixel 11 brings a good balance of performance, safety, and fun, making it one of the best Android phones for kids.

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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).