4 best first phones for kids

Your kids walking to school by themselves for the first time is an exciting (and scary) prospect. Knowing your kids have a starter phone in their pocket to contact you if they need to can make things a whole lot easier. But how do you choose the perfect first phone for kids?

Whether you prefer a basic phone for texts and calls only, or something a little more capable with parental controls, here are the best phones for kids according to our resident expert.

4. Your old phone

Let’s cover your first port of call: the old phone you’ve got in a drawer somewhere. The battery might not last as long as it used to, and it might be slow, but neither of these is a huge problem and it could make the perfect first phone for your child.

The most important thing here is to equip your child’s phone with a sturdy case and make sure it’s fully factory reset and updated to the latest version of its operating system.

You can use Family Sharing on iOS and Family Link on Android to set content restrictions, screen-time limits and other child-appropriate settings. Remember that older models may not have this feature, so you’ll need to research your phone to learn more. But if it’s your old phone, you should know a fair bit about it!

Finally, truly ancient models may not support current mobile networks or operating systems, so it’s worth testing the phone’s ability to connect to your SIM card before making further preparations.

If you’re planning on gifting your old phone to your kid, why not buy your next phone from giffgaff? Pick from our range of new and refurbished phones to find the right one for you.

3. Nokia G22

The Nokia G22 is a great first phone for kids and adults alike.

It offers a modern version of Android, version 12, which comes with good child safety features. And the phone should receive security updates for some time. The hardware here is solid too, with a modern design, a high refresh rate screen, expandable storage and an efficient chipset.

Best of all, these phones come with a free gel case and are user-reparable, allowing you to swap out broken parts or replace the battery rather than tossing the whole phone. Which is better for your wallet and better for the planet.

Buy a Nokia G22

2. iPhone SE 2020 (refurbished)

This iPhone is available from £149, making it a not-too-expensive starter phone for a child or teen.

It’s also a recent release, which means plenty more iOS updates to come, and a battery that’s likely to be in great shape. If it needs replacing down the line, Apple offers this for £69. You’re paying a little extra for an iPhone versus an Android alternative, but Apple’s child safety controls are excellent.

iPhone models have thousands of cases and accessories available. And of course, if your entire family has iPhones, then having your kid exist in the same ecosystem makes sense. Plus, the Find My iPhone feature is handy if your young one is prone to losing things.

Get a refurbished iPhone SE 2020

1. Google Pixel 6a

The last on my list of best phones for kids is the Google Pixel 6a. Google’s Pixel 6a is the company’s best-value model, with excellent performance, a top camera, four more years of software updates and even water resistance.

That makes it a great starter phone for an older child or teenager who needs a handset that can do it all, while still benefiting from strong parental controls.

The camera on this phone, which is among the very best you can find at the sub-£300 price point, is one of the best on the market right now. Perfect for TikTok and other social media fun.

Get a Google Pixel 6a

Best phones for kids this Christmas

giffgaff’s winter offers have dropped and among them are some great starter phone options that will make your kid’s Christmas.

Here are the best phones for kids, discounted in our winter sale from 14 December.

Samsung Galaxy S20 128 GB £319 £279

The Samsung Galaxy S20 128 GB is feature-packed, making it one of the more exciting first phones for kids this Christmas.

Its impressive camera capabilities allow kids to capture and share their experiences, while the sleek design and vibrant display enhance the overall user experience. Running on a customisable Android interface, parents can easily implement safety measures and restrictions.

The Samsung Galaxy S20’s powerful hardware ensures smooth performance, making it a suitable choice for kids who want a bit more from their first smartphone.

Shop for a refurbished Samsung Galaxy S20

iPhone 12 5G 64 GB £409 £359

The iPhone 12 5G 64GB is a top-tier if slightly pricier choice for a first phone for kids who want cutting-edge technology.

With 5G capabilities and the powerful A14 Bionic chip, this phone provides a fast and efficient user experience.

The iOS platform offers robust parental controls, allowing parents to manage and monitor their child’s smartphone usage. The iPhone 12’s modern design, impressive camera system, and seamless integration with other Apple devices make it a premium yet user-friendly choice for a kid’s starter phone.

Get a refurbished iPhone 12

Wrapping up

We hope you feel a little more confident in choosing a great first phone for your child. In fact, we hope you feel as confident as @FunDadDean.

@giffgaff

@Fun Dad Dean on purchasing your childs first phone with #giffgaff #uptogood

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If, like Dean, you’re in the market for a child-friendly phone plan to get your young ones started, why not check out our full range of flexible SIM only plans? No contract, no fuss.