The days of mobile phones being just for adults are long gone – recent figures from the National Literacy Trust suggest that 86% of school-age children own a mobile phone, and the age at which kids get a phone of their own is getting younger and younger.
So, if you’ve decided that it’s time for your child to get a mobile, here are some tips to help you find the right phone and tariff, keep their bills in check, and ensure their safety.
How to choose the best mobile phone for your child
It's easy to rack up a big mobile bill without realising you've done it - no matter your age. So a contract mobile phone probably isn’t always the best choice of phone for young kids.
Pay-as-you-go phones can be the best way to help keep costs under control. And as your child gets older, becomes more responsible and their usage increases, you might find that it’s cheaper to switch to a contract.
Alternatively, there are lots of great-value SIM only deals with unlimited calls and texts and a generous monthly data allowance. With SIM only, it's possible to sign up for a one-month rolling contract, so if your child's data usage gets out of hand you can easily cancel with 30 days notice and switch back to pay-as-you-go.
You don’t need to spend a lot to get a phone with all the features your child will want - there are some great options at a range of price points for teenagers and younger children.
Compare SIM only deals on Uswitch
Browse our full range of SIM only deals from various network providers to find the right deal for your child.
Best phones for teenagers
Teenagers will always want the latest and greatest - whether it’s clothes, game consoles, or smartphones. But the very best often costs a lot of money and, frankly, might not be suitable for teenagers in the first place.
1. iPhone 16e
With a starting price of £599, this might be a bit expensive for a teen’s phone, in which case the 2022 iPhone SE might be a better bet. But the iPhone 16e is by far the more capable phone.
It boasts the same processor as the iPhone 16, an OLED screen that’s bright and sharp, and artificial intelligence is onboard. Plus it outdoes the iPhone 16 in terms of battery life. Which is useful if you worry about your teenager’s phone dying and you not being able to reach them.
But it’s not quite as good as the standard iPhone 16. It only has one rear camera to the iPhone 16’s three, it doesn’t work with magnetic MagSafe charging accessories, and it’s not compatible with the faster wireless chargers available. But you might think these compromises are worth the £200 saving over the iPhone 16.
If you’re happy for your teenager to have an older iPhone, the iPhone SE could be a good bet. It came out in 2022, so is quite old now, but it still runs the same iOS software as newer iPhones, and has some of the same features. At £429 SIM free, it’s the cheapest iPhone around without buying second hand.
Compare iPhone 16e deals
Browse a range of handset contract offers for the iPhone 16e across multiple mobile networks.
2. Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
The Samsung Galaxy FE range is similar to the iPhone 16e in the sense that it’s a scaled-down version of Samsung’s flagship Galaxy range - at a cheaper price. This makes it another great option for a style-conscious teen that won’t break the bank for parents either.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE has a 6.4-inch screen, which is on the larger side, so it might be more suitable for older teens. It also comes in three different colours: graphite, cream and mint.
With a 120hz screen, a 12MP triple camera on the back and a 50MP selfie camera on the front, it’s ideal for scrolling, gaming, and social sites.
The S23 FE has an impressive battery, so you won’t have to worry about your child’s phone running out of power before the end of the day.
Since the S23 FE is 2023's model, it’s currently available on some very attractive pay monthly plans compared to newer versions, so your teenager can get a phone they’ll love to use without causing you a significant financial burden. The newer Galaxy S24 FE has a bigger screen and more powerful cameras, but it’s more expensive too (though still cheaper than the standard Samsung Galaxy S24).
Compare Samsung Galaxy S23 FE deals
Find a great S23 FE deal for you with our wide range of offers from different networks.
3. Refurbished iPhones
The iPhone 16e is likely the most affordable iPhone you can buy, but if that’s still outside the budget of what you were planning for your child’s smartphone, the next best, and cheaper, option is an older, refurbished iPhone.
On our refurbished iPhone page, we offer a number of different iPhone models ranging all the way from 2023’s iPhone 15 back to the 2018's XR. So you can save some money on a cheaper version and have a better impact on the environment by getting a second-hand device.
Compare refurbished iPhone deals
Save money on your child's next handset by choosing a refurbished iPhone deal.
Best first mobile phones for 11-year-olds and younger
Teenagers might demand a smartphone that they can show off, but when it comes to younger children a much simpler handset is more appropriate.
4. Nokia 105
For a cheap phone that you can contact your child on, look no further than the Nokia 105. It has a small 1.8-inch display, it’s a colourful blue, and it’s easy to use. Best of all, it costs less than £20.
The Nokia 105 doesn’t have a camera or internet connection, so you’re safe in the knowledge that your child won't see something inappropriate.
The Nokia 105 simply makes calls, and texts, and means you and your child can stay in contact. It also comes with some preloaded games, including everyone’s favourite classic mobile game - Snake, as well as an FM radio and even a handy torch.
5. Alcatel 1066G
Another cheap, simple phone that’s ideal for keeping in touch with your child is the Alcatel 1066G.
Easy to use and small enough to fit in little pockets and backpacks, the Alcatel 1066G’s bright 1.8-inch display and 12-key keyboard are simple for tiny fingers to navigate. This handset does include a camera, so it could be a good choice if you’re happy for your child to take fun pictures to show you. It also has useful features, including an FM radio, alarm clock, and torch.
And at a cost of less than £15 SIM free, it’s the ideal way to connect your child to a mobile phone without having to spend a lot of money.
Child safety on mobile phones
These days, mobiles aren’t just for calls and texts—most phones now allow you to go online, which can open up a whole new world of possibilities when it comes to keeping an eye on your child, who they’re talking to, and what they’re looking at.
Each mobile network will have its own policy on content protection and internet browsing, so it’s worth reading up on your network's mobile internet policy to see what protections they offer.
We have a comprehensive guide on how to keep your children safe online and the benefits and limits of parental control software.
What age should a child get a phone?
The age at which you give your child a mobile phone is up to you. The main reason for giving a child a phone is so that they can stay in touch with you and be contacted if needed. So we’d recommend giving children above the age of 6 a very simple mobile phone before moving onto a smartphone as they get older and enter their teens.
What is the best first mobile phone for a child?
If your child is in their teens and wants a real-deal smartphone, you can’t go wrong with the affordable iPhone SE, or the more capable – but also more expensive – iPhone 16e. For younger kids, we suggest something simple like the no-frills Nokia 105.
Should my child have a phone?
Mobile phones are a key part of our lives. They are vital for easy communication and staying in touch with family - and that includes children. Your child will almost certainly require a phone once in secondary school, but before then is up to you.
