What is the best starter phone for a child?

Ofcom research1 has revealed that 39% of 8-11-year-olds and 83% of 12-15-year-olds have access to their own smartphone – percentages that have increased year on year for the last five years.

Whether you're considering getting your child their own mobile phone for safety reasons, to keep them entertained or to contact their friends, when it comes to choosing the best phone for kids, there are lots of options to consider, so check out our phone guide now.

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Related blog: Best Phones Under £200

Samsung Galaxy A5 2017

If your child likes the look of the latest Samsung Galaxy S models, but you're not looking to spend too much, the Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 is an ideal choice. As a mid-range smartphone, it sits between the slightly more powerful Galaxy A7 2017 and lower Galaxy A3 2017 model, making it the perfect kids' smartphone. Its new waterproof protection, longer battery life and extra 1GB of RAM are enough to keep any kid going.

Pros:	Cons:
Excellent design Great AMOLED display Brilliant battery backup	Low light camera isn't as impressive

 

Apple iPhone SE

For those more favoured by the iOS operating system, the iPhone SE is a great way to get this popular brand without the heavy cost. Available in metallic golds and streamlined black, there's not a kid out there who won't like this phone's look. What's more, the larger storage options in this model are perfect for saving all their favourite music.

Pros:	Cons:
Improved battery life Touch ID Great software updates	No night mode Older design

 

Huawei P9

Very cheap for a full-feature smartphone, the Huawei P9 is a slim and stylish mobile with a 5.2-inch HD screen and good battery life. The specs aren't too powerful, but with a front 8MP and rear 12MP camera, it offers everything a child would want out of a smartphone. If desired, you can load on some parental software to keep them safe when surfing or downloading apps.

Pros:	Cons:
Great processor Brilliant fingerprint scanner Good dual camera	The design is a bit plain

 

Sony Xperia XA1

If you're looking for a children's mobile phone perfect for videos and games, then the Sony Xperia XA1 is for you. Its 5-inch borderless display makes for entertaining on those long car rides and lazy Sunday mornings. Not to mention the fun shades to choose from and the small price tag to go with it.

Pros:	Cons:
Strong camera Great battery life Sturdy build	Video quality isn't best Pricier

 

iPhone 6

If your household already uses a lot of Apple tech, getting them an iPhone to allow them to easily sync their music, files and apps across devices, makes sense. Unfortunately, iPhones don't come cheap, which is why the iPhone 6 is certainly the best choice, being a powerful machine that has a much lower price tag than the latest models.

Pros:	Cons:
Sleek design Strong performance Great battery life	No 4K recording No optimisation for larger screen

 

LG G6

On the larger side, but perfect for kids using their phones to take photographs and watch their favourite shows, is the LG G6. Some key features include its 13 MP camera, fingerprint scanner, water-resistant body and a 5.7-inch screen. Unlike a lot of newer models on the market, this device still has the standard headphone jack, keeping your kids in touch with their favourite tunes without any hassle.

Pros:	Cons:
Speedy performance Wireless charging SD card slot	Wireless charging The glass phone back can scratch

 

Samsung Galaxy J5

For parents looking for cheap phones for kids, the Galaxy J5 is a good option. Inexpensive, moderately powerful and featuring two good cameras and an excellent HD screen, the Galaxy J5 not only suits children's technology needs but your bank balance too. Its expandable storage space and sleek design mean you don't have to worry about your kid wanting an upgrade anytime soon either.

Pros:	Cons:
Good build quality Great battery life	Occasionally lags

Related blog: TikTok Safeguarding Tips For Parents

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Conclusion:

And we have so many more options on Envirofone, there are also plenty of tablet options and laptop options waiting for you. So quickly, take a look at what's available now. With our refurbished products, you pay less for more. Check out our Refurbished Guide to uncover more refurbished secrets!