AT&T and Samsung have launched the amiGO Jr. Phone, marking AT&T’s entry into the children’s phone market. This device addresses a common parental dilemma: when and how to give kids their first phone safely.

What Makes It Different

Rather than handing children a standard smartphone with minimal restrictions, the amiGO Jr. Phone prioritizes safety through comprehensive parental controls managed via the AT&T amiGO app. Built on Samsung’s Galaxy A17 5G hardware, it’s essentially a modified smartphone designed specifically for children under 12.

Key Parental Controls

Approval-Based Access: Parents must approve every app download and contact addition before kids can use them. This prevents unauthorized app installations and ensures children only communicate with known, approved individuals.

Real-Time Tracking: The phone includes live location sharing with Safe Zones that alert parents when children enter or leave designated areas like school or home. This provides peace of mind without constant check-ins.

School Mode: Parents can remotely schedule times to silence notifications and limit functionality during class hours, helping kids stay focused on learning rather than their devices.

Emergency Essentials: Even with restrictions active, the phone prioritizes core communication—calls and texts work while limiting distracting features like social media and web browsing.

Hardware Specifications

The device features quality Samsung components:

  • 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display (2340 x 1080)
  • Samsung Exynos 1330 processor
  • 50MP rear camera plus 5MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro, and 13MP front camera
  • 5,000mAh battery with 25W fast charging
  • IP54 dust and water resistance
  • 128GB storage (expandable to 1.5TB) with 4GB RAM
  • Runs Android 14

Affordability and Ecosystem

AT&T positions this competitively at $2.99/month on a 36-month installment plan (after bill credits) or approximately $210 outright. The pricing strategy challenges niche competitors like Gabb and Pinwheel.

The amiGO ecosystem extends beyond the phone with the amiGO Jr. Watch 2 ($2.99/month), offering communication and GPS tracking for younger children who don’t need a full smartphone yet.

The amiGO Jr. Phone provides a structured pathway for introducing children to smartphones. Parents maintain control over apps, contacts, screen time, and location while giving kids appropriate independence. The combination of Samsung’s reliable hardware, AT&T’s parental control software, and affordable pricing makes this a practical option for families navigating their child’s first phone experience.