Choosing your child's first smartphone is one of the more important parenting decisions of the modern era. You want something durable, safe, affordable, and capable enough to grow with them. Here's our guide to the best Samsung phones for kids and teenagers in the UK for 2025.
What to Look for in a Phone for Kids
- Durability: Robust build quality and a good protective case
- Battery life: Long-lasting so it's ready when needed
- Parental controls: Android's Google Family Link is comprehensive and free
- Affordability: No need to spend £500+ on a child's first phone
- 128GB minimum storage: Avoid running out of space quickly
Best Phones for Younger Children (Ages 8-12)
Samsung Galaxy A06 — £99.99 (Best Budget Option)
An excellent first smartphone. Affordable, simple to use, and with an all-day 5000mAh battery. Android's Google Family Link parental controls let parents approve app downloads, set screen time limits, track location, and lock the device at bedtime.
Samsung Galaxy A16 4G — £124.99 (Step Up)
Adds a 90Hz FHD+ display and triple camera — great for children who enjoy photography or are moving to secondary school and want something slightly more capable.
Best Phones for Teenagers (Ages 13-17)
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G — £150 (Best Budget 5G for Teens)
Teenagers will love 5G — faster streaming, faster downloads. The 50MP camera is great for TikTok and Instagram, and the 90Hz display is smooth for everyday use.
Samsung Galaxy A26 5G — £209.99 (Best Mid-Range for Teens)
For older teenagers, the A26 5G's Super AMOLED 120Hz display, OIS camera, and 6GB RAM provide a genuinely premium experience — ideal as a meaningful gift.
How to Set Up Google Family Link on Samsung
- Download Google Family Link on your own phone
- Create a Google account for your child (required if under 13)
- On your child's Samsung: Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls > Parental controls
- Follow the wizard to link to Family Link on your device
Phone Recommendations by Age
| Age | Recommended Phone | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 8-10 years | Samsung Galaxy A06 | £99.99 |
| 11-13 years | Samsung Galaxy A16 4G | £124.99 |
| 14-16 years | Samsung Galaxy A16 5G | £150 |
| 16-18 years | Samsung Galaxy A26 5G | £209.99 |
All phones are available brand new and unlocked from AZ Electronics, with 12-month warranty and free UK delivery on orders over £50.