Top 7 Smartphones for Kids in 2025 from $40 to $199
Best Smartphones for Kids in 2025: A Complete Buying Guide
Choosing the right smartphone for your child is an important decision. The perfect phone balances safety, usability, parental control, affordability, and your child’s maturity level. Whether you’re buying a first phone for a young child or upgrading for a responsible teen, this guide will help you find the best fit.
Below is a carefully curated comparison of the top 7 smartphones for kids in 2025, along with pricing, recommended age groups, and key safety features.
- 📱 1. Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
- Best for: Older kids/teens (12+)
- Why: Compact size, powerful A15 chip, long software support, great parental controls via Screen Time.
- Price: Approximately $159 for a renewed model on Amazon
- Pros: Reliable, great camera, access to Apple ecosystem.
- Cons: Pricier than basic kid-focused phones.
- 📱 2. Gabb Phone 3 Pro
- Best for: Younger kids (8–13)
- Why: No internet browser, social media, or app store. Purely designed for safety and communication.
- Price: Ranges from $40 to $199, depending on seller and condition
- Pros: Strong parental control, GPS tracking, no distractions.
- Cons: Limited functionality.
- 📱 3. Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
- Best for: Budget-conscious parents
- Why: Affordable yet decent performance, compatible with Samsung Kids Mode and Family Link.
- Price: Approximately $199.99 for a new unlocked model on Samsung’s official site
- Pros: Big screen, good battery, expandable storage.
- Cons: Slower updates, average camera.
- 📱 4. Pinwheel Slim 5
- Best for: Full parental control
- Why: Built with a custom interface for kids; parents control every app via caregiver portal.
- Price: $199 for a new device; $129 for pre-owned
- Pros: No app store, curated apps, secure messaging.
- Cons: Monthly subscription required.
- 📱 5. Google Pixel 6a
- Best for: Older kids who are tech-savvy
- Why: Excellent software, camera, and long-term Android updates with Family Link support.
- Price: Starts at $99 for used models; averages around $145 as of May 2025
- Pros: Clean UI, durable, excellent value.
- Cons: No headphone jack, mid-tier performance.
- 📱 6. Light Phone II
- Best for: Minimalist use
- Why: No apps, no browser—just calls, texts, and simple tools.
- Price: Approximately $199
- Pros: Extremely distraction-free.
- Cons: Very limited functionality (no photos, videos, etc.).
- 📱 7. Nokia G100
- Best for: Basic smartphone needs
- Why: Durable, inexpensive, and works with Android’s parental controls.
- Price: Starts at $38; average price around $41 as of May 2025
- Pros: Good battery life, sturdy build.
- Cons: Sluggish performance, limited camera quality.
✅ Tips for Choosing the Right Smartphone for Kids
1. 🎯 Match the Phone to Your Child’s Age
- Ages 6–9: Choose phones with limited features. Focus on basic communication, like Gabb Phone or Light Phone II.
- Ages 10–13: Look for phones with strong parental controls and moderate app access, like Pinwheel or Samsung Galaxy A14.
- Ages 14+: Older kids may need more functionality, so mid-range phones like iPhone SE or Pixel 6a are appropriate, with restrictions.
2. 🔐 Prioritize Parental Controls
- Must-have Features:
- App approval and screen time limits web filters location tracking remote phone locking or wipe in emergencies
- Apple Screen Time (for iPhones)
- Google Family Link (for Android)
- Third-party apps like Bark or Qustodio
3. 🛠️ Durability & Build Quality
- Kids drop phones—a lot!
- Choose devices with rugged build or buy a shockproof case.
- Consider water resistance if the child is very active or young.
4. 📵 Limit Access to Distracting Features
- Avoid phones with:
- Open access to YouTube, TikTok, or Snapchat
- App stores without parental approval
- Full web browsers (unless filtered)
Minimalist phones like Light Phone or Gabb are perfect for this.
5. 💰 Budget and Replacement Costs
- Kids may lose or damage phones. Start with a budget-friendly or refurbished model.
- Consider prepaid plans or kid-specific carriers like:
- Gabb Wireless
- Troomi
- Mint Mobile (Family Plans)
6. 📍 Location Tracking & Safety
- Ensure the phone includes GPS tracking.
- Bonus if it supports geofencing (alerts when child leaves a safe area).
7. ⚙️ Battery Life
- Long battery life is key—especially if the child forgets to charge regularly.
- Choose phones with 3000mAh+ batteries or battery saver modes.
8. 📞 Emergency Features
- Set up emergency contacts, SOS dialing, and medical info on the lock screen.
- Some kid phones have an SOS button (e.g., Pinwheel or Gabb).
9. 🧠 Teach Digital Responsibility
- Have a conversation about:
- Online behavior
- Cyberbullying
- Privacy (not sharing personal info or photos)
- Set a phone use contract with clear expectations.
10. 🔄 Future-Proofing
- If your child is growing quickly, buy a phone that:
- Supports newer apps
- Has long software support (iPhones are strong here)
- Can grow with the child for 2–3 years.
📊 Smartphone Comparison Table for Kids (2025)
| Phone | Best For | Price (USD) | Age Group | Parental Controls | Internet Access | Durability | GPS Tracking | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE (3rd Gen) | Teens, Apple users | $159 (renewed) | 12+ | ✅ Apple Screen Time | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Medium | ✅ Yes | Full-featured iPhone at a lower price |
| Gabb Phone 3 Pro | Young kids, safety | $40–199 | 8–13 | ✅ Built-in system | ❌ No browser | ✅ High | ✅ Yes | No app store, designed for kids |
| Samsung Galaxy A14 | Budget Android option | $199 | 10+ | ✅ Google Family Link | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Medium | ✅ Yes | Good value with expandable storage |
| Pinwheel Slim 5 | Full control & safety | $199 new / $129 | 8–14 | ✅ Caregiver Portal | ❌ No browser | ✅ High | ✅ Yes | Subscription-based kid OS |
| Google Pixel 6a | Tech-savvy teens | $99–145 (used) | 13+ | ✅ Google Family Link | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Medium | ✅ Yes | Clean Android, long updates |
| Light Phone II | Minimalist needs | $199 | 8–12 | ❌ Very limited | ❌ No | ✅ High | ❌ No | No apps, no distractions |
| Nokia G100 | Basic usage, cheap | $38–41 | 9–12 | ✅ Google Family Link | ✅ Yes | ✅ High | ✅ Yes | Great starter Android phone |
🧩 Final Thoughts: How to Choose the Right Phone for Your Child
The best phone for your child depends on their age, maturity, and how they plan to use it. Start with a focus on safety and control, especially for younger kids, and gradually allow more freedom as they grow.
Here’s a quick checklist before buying:
- ✅ Do you need GPS tracking and location alerts?
- ✅ Will you be using parental control tools (like Family Link or Screen Time)?
- ✅ Do you want to limit or allow app installations?
- ✅ Does your child need internet access or just texting/calling?
- ✅ What is your budget for the device and monthly plan?
Don’t forget to talk with your child about digital responsibility, including screen time limits, online safety, and appropriate behavior.
