Whether used to keep in touch with family and friends, as a source of entertainment or for safety reasons, more and more children are now using smartphones.

If you have decided it is time for your child to own a smartphone, or they are in need of a new one, then finding the right device can be tricky.

Children can be clumsy, and devices can easily be lost, stolen or broken, meaning that you may be reluctant to spend a lot of your hard-earned cash on a phone for your child.

However, there are many ways that you can select a more affordable device for your kids. One such way is to choose second-hand phones – pre-loved devices that are still in a good, useable condition, but cost much less money than a brand new mobile!

We take a look at some of the best smartphones that are suitable for kids.

Considerations for Children’s Devices

Phone Protection

If you have decided to get a smartphone for your child, then it is very important to also purchase a suitable, sturdy phone case and screen protector to help reduce damage from drops and bumps that are likely to occur in the hands of your child.

Safety

When looking for a smartphone for an adult, the likelihood is you want a device that can do everything! However, when it comes to phones for children, the opposite may be true.

When looking for a smartphone suitable for a child, you’ll want something with customisable restrictions or limited usage, so they don’t end up accessing things you don’t think are appropriate.

Apple Devices

For iPhones, parental controls can be put in place, including blocking or limiting specific apps, restricting settings and stopping the ability to purchase or download things.

Restrictions can be put in place for web searches, explicit content and gaming, allowing for more control over what your child is viewing on their phone.

Android Devices

While many Android devices will have their own settings, you can also use the Google Family Link app on most Android smartphones. The app lets you view your children’s activity, such as the apps they have looked at and for how long.

You will also be notified when your child tries to download an app – which they can only do with parental approval through the Google Family Link app.

The app has many other features, including being able to remotely lock the phone for a set amount of time, as well as having a GPS feature to keep track of their location.

As such, it is fairly easy to make any smartphone device more appropriate for your children. Below, we have shared some of the smartphones highly-recommended for children.

Nokia 1.3

The Nokia 1.3 is an excellent first smartphone. New, it costs less than £100, so you’ll be able to pick one of these up very cheaply second-hand if you have budget concerns.

It offers the same functionality as most other Android phones, running off the Android 10 Go operating system, allowing you to access all the apps you’d need.

The 5.7” HD+ display is smaller than many other smartphones available on the market at the moment, making it ideal for smaller hands.

The only downside to this phone is that it only offers 16GB of storage, which can restrict the number of apps and photos stored on the phone. Luckily, the device does support a MicroSD card up to 400GB, meaning that this issue can be easily resolved if needed.

Motorola Moto G8 Power

The Moto G8 Power is a fantastic budget smartphone for adults and kids alike. It has all the features your child will be after, including a decent 16MP camera and 6.4” display perfect for watching videos and films.

The biggest draw of this phone is the 5,000mAh battery, which is incredibly long-lasting, meaning your child will still be able to give you a call even when they’ve been playing games all day or have forgotten to charge it!

iPhone SE

iPhones have been consistently popular devices since their first release. While Apple’s devices are typically more expensive than Android smartphones, there are still some reasons why an iPhone can be considered a possibility for your child.

For one, if you have other Apple devices at home, then compatibility issues can be avoided, allowing your child to easily AirDrop things from their phone to your MacBook, for example.

Understandably, many parents are hesitant to buy their children an iPhone due to the cost, which is where the iPhone SE comes in handy. The SE is the latest iPhone, but it has been designed by Apple to be their most affordable device.

As it was only released this year (2020), you won’t have to worry about the phone becoming unsupported and stopping software updates as you do with older iPhone devices.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8

The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 is the perfect smartphone for creative children. While not the most budget-friendly option brand new, you can find this device at much more affordable prices second-hand.

The reason we mention creativity is the fact that this phone comes with an S pen – a stylus that can be used to jot down notes and draw. The device can become like an artist’s tablet, so kids who love to sketch can always have fun with this.

As well as being a great sketchpad, the 6.3” Quad HD+ screen is fantastic for watching Netflix or YouTube!

Samsung Galaxy M31

Another great option from Samsung is the Galaxy M31. This phone can last for up to 30 hours without needing to be recharged, making it the perfect device for kids who are constantly glued to their phones!

This smartphone is full of incredible features, including a 64MP camera, 6.4” display and 64GB of storage.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly smartphone suitable for your child, then we have an extensive range of affordable second-hand phones from a diverse selection of brands available right here!