Best first smartphone for a child in the UK (2026 Guide)
At some point, holding off stops working. School expects online access, their friends organise everything on apps, you’re getting fed up with passing messages back and forth. And... you're buying the first phone.
Most psychologists place it around 11 to 13, depending on maturity. That’s usually when kids can follow basic rules around screen time, privacy and who they talk to.
Now, the goal is to keep things simple and under control.
What matters when picking the first phone?
- Durability because the phone will get dropped eventually.
- Battery needs to last a full day.
- Size – smaller phones are just easier to handle.
- Straightforward software, where setting limits doesn’t turn into a hard task.
- Price, because first phones don’t stay pristine for long.
Which phones to look at?
Samsung![]()
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- Samsung Galaxy S20 - £242.21
- Samsung Galaxy S21 - from £250.19
- Samsung Galaxy A54 - £274.15
- Samsung Galaxy A71 - £179.66
Samsung isn’t known for making small phones but it’s still worth to investigate, considering durability, battery and price. Particularly, Samsung Galaxy A54 as it does everything needed without pushing into expensive territory.
Samsung Galaxy S20 and S21 are older flagships with better performance and better cameras, and still under £300.
However, if you’re looking for something cheaper, then for a first phone, the Galaxy A71 or older models in the A series could be the more sensible pick.
iPhones
- Apple iPhone 11 - £259.51
- Apple iPhone 12 - from £265.89
- Apple iPhone 12 mini - from £228.57
- Apple iPhone 13 mini - from £354.00
The iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 13 mini are probably the best fit here. Proper smartphones, but still small enough for a child to use comfortably.
If you want a bit more battery and screen, the iPhone 11 or 12 work, just keep in mind they’re noticeably bigger.
iOS also makes it easier to manage screen time, app limits and contacts without digging through settings.
Google Pixels
- Google Pixel 7a - £246.20
- Google Pixel 7 - from £275.48
- Google Pixel 6 - from £207.61
Pixels are about simplicity on Android. Clean interface, no clutter, easy to manage – these are the main reasons to pick one.
At just below £300, the Google Pixel 7 becomes one of the stronger options you’ve got. You’re getting flagship-level performance and a very clean interface, but still within a price range where replacing it isn’t a disaster.
The Google Pixel 7a and Google Pixel 6 sit around the same idea. Slightly different balance of performance and age, but all within that “safe” bracket where you’re not overcommitting.
Lesser-known brands
- OnePlus 9R - from £208.94
- vivo Y28 - from £206.28
- OPPO Reno 11 - from £240.88
These are often overlooked, but for a first phone, they can land in a very comfortable place. Price is the main reason. They tend to sit below newer flagships while still offering strong performance and solid build quality.
Build-wise, they’re sturdy enough for everyday use. Glass backs, aluminium frames, nothing flimsy. Paired with a case, they’ll handle the usual drops and knocks you’d expect.
Performance is more than enough. For messaging, school apps, photos and general use, they won’t struggle. In fact, they’ll often feel faster than typical budget phones, which means fewer complaints about lag.
Let’s summarise
If you’re shopping price-wise, go for the lesser known-brands, durability-wise - choose Samsung, software and safety-wise, go for an iPhone, and for some extra gadgets, turn to Google Pixel.
In the end, the right choice is the one that does the job, doesn’t overcomplicate things and won’t ruin your wallet the first time it gets dropped.
