The best phones for kids: What are your options? (October 2019)

best phones for kids - motorola phone

Your child is ready for the first smartphone, and that’s great! There are plenty of cheap smartphones out there, with no shortage of great kid-friendly apps and games.

While you might hear pleas to get the latest iPhone or Galaxy, the reality is that kids often aren’t ready for the responsibility that comes with their first phone. The odds of them losing or breaking it are just too high. There aren’t too many notable Android phones out there made specifically for children, but we’ve managed to round up some inexpensive options perfect as your child’s first smartphone.

Without any further delay, here are the best phones for kids.

Editor’s note: We will be updating this list regularly as new devices launch.


1. Motorola Moto E6

Motorola Moto E6 hands on screen on

The latest entry in Motorola’s E line of budget smartphones, the Moto E6 is a perfect first smartphone for your kiddo. The plastic body ensures the phone can take some abuse if dropped, and the $149.99 price tag makes it so your wallet won’t feel the blow too much if the phone breaks.

The Moto E6 is also an all-around decent option. The phone features a 5.5-inch HD+ display, the Snapdragon 435 processor, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of expandable storage, a 3,000mAh battery, and Android 9 Pie.


Moto E6 specs:

  • Display: 5.5-inch, HD+
  • SoC: SD 435
  • RAM: 2GB
  • Storage: 16GB
  • Rear camera: 13MP
  • Front camera: 5MP
  • Battery: 3,000mAh
  • Software: Android 9 Pie

2. Motorola Moto G7 Power

If you think your kid can handle a bit more responsibility, the Moto G7 Power is a great option that can be had for a penny shy of $200 from Amazon. Its most important feature is a hefty 5,000mAh battery, which is sure to keep your kid within reach for much longer.

Also read: Moto G7 and Moto G7 Power review: The best affordable Android phones money can buy

It is by no means a powerhouse, but it can handle itself with a Snapdragon 632 processor, 3GB of RAM, and a large 6.2-inch display with a 1,570 x 720 resolution. These slightly nicer specs and larger screen will keep the little ones more entertained.


Moto G7 Power specs:

  • Display: 6.2-inch, HD+
  • SoC: SD 632
  • RAM: 3GB
  • Storage: 32GB
  • Rear camera: 12MP
  • Front camera: 8MP
  • Battery: 5,000mAh
  • Software: Android 9 Pie

3. LG Stylo 5

LG Stylo 5 Press RendersBoost Mobile

Another contender is the LG Stylo 5. With a $220 price tag, the phone isn’t the cheapest on this list. However, some carriers regularly feature deals on the Stylo 5 throughout the year.

Also read: Best LG phones you can buy

Kids will be drawn to the Stylo 5’s namesake: the stylus. With the stylus, kids can one-up their friends by drawing and even playing a game or two. The phone also features a big 3,500mAh, so parents won’t need to worry about it dying in the middle of the day.


LG Stylo 5 specs:

  • Display: 6.2-inch, FHD+
  • SoC: SD 450
  • RAM: 3GB
  • Storage: 32GB
  • Rear camera: 13MP
  • Front camera: 5MP
  • Battery: 3,500mAh
  • Software: Android 9 Pie

4. Samsung Galaxy A10e

galaxy A10e

Samsung is best known for its high-end Galaxy S10 and Galaxy Note 10, but those phones tend to be very expensive. Get your kid something much more affordable and still remain in Samsung’s world with the Galaxy A10e. The phone is available unlocked for $180, but you can often find it closer to $100 if you get it through a carrier.

It might be a low-end phone by Samsung’s standards, but the Galaxy A10e is plenty capable for your kids. The Exynos 7884 keeps things ticking, while the 32GB of storage and 3,000mAh battery are enough for taking plenty of pictures all day.


Samsung Galaxy A10e specs:

  • Display: 5.8-inch, HD+
  • SoC: Exynos 7884
  • RAM: 2GB
  • Storage: 32GB
  • Rear camera: 8MP
  • Front camera: 5MP
  • Battery: 3,000mAh
  • Software: Android 9 Pie

5. Samsung Galaxy S8 Active

This one is a bit long in the tooth, since the Samsung Galaxy S8 Active first launched in 2017. That said, it’s a great option for those who worry their kids will abuse their phones everywhere they go.

Also read: Samsung Galaxy S8 Active: Why?

That’s because the Galaxy S8 Active comes with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The phone also features a MIL-STD-810G rating for protection against drops and different environments. That means the Galaxy S8 Active should withstand many drops into water, onto the floor, and everything in between.

The Galaxy S8 Active is available on Amazon for around $250, but you can find it for as low as $140 if you look around a bit.


Samsung Galaxy S8 Active specs:

  • Display: 5.8-inch, QHD+
  • SoC: SD 835
  • RAM: 4GB
  • Storage: 64GB
  • Rear camera: 12MP
  • Front camera: 8MP
  • Battery: 4,000mAh
  • Software: Android 9 Pie

6. Apple iPhone 8

Apple iPhone 8 press render

We’re cheating a bit with this entry, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t bring up the iPhone. Teenagers love their iPhones, and your kid might be the odd one out without one. The good news is you don’t have to get the expensive iPhone 11 Pro Max — the regular iPhone 8 will do.

Also read: I spent the week with the iPhone 11 Pro Max: Here are my thoughts

Currently the cheapest iPhone still available from Apple, the iPhone 8 remains a capable smartphone. The A11 Bionic processor has aged well, though the 4.7-inch display is on the smaller side. There’s no Face ID, but Touch ID is still fast and supported by everything from banking to notes applications.

What’ll hurt the most is the price. Apple charges $449 and $499 for the 64 and 128GB versions, respectively. If you don’t want to pay that much, sellers on eBay and Swappa offer the phone for much less. Don’t forget to get a case, too. The front and back glass of the iPhone 8 don’t do well against concrete.


Apple iPhone 8 specs:

  • Display: 4.7-inch, HD+
  • SoC: Apple A11 Bionic
  • RAM: 2GB
  • Storage: 64/256GB
  • Rear camera: 12MP
  • Front camera: 7MP
  • Battery: 1,821mAh
  • Software: iOS 13

Did you like our picks? Are there other kid-friendly selections we should add? Let us know what you think in the comment section below and make sure to also check out our guide on how to make your Android phone safe for your kids.

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