AT&T has introduced the AmiGo Jr. Phone, a Samsung Galaxy A16 customized with parental controls for children. The device aims to balance connectivity and safety amid concerns over screen time and social media. It includes features like Safe Zones and School Mode to help parents manage usage.
AT&T's new AmiGo Jr. Phone addresses parental dilemmas in providing smartphones to children, combining Samsung hardware with AT&T's software for enhanced oversight. The phone is based on the Samsung Galaxy A16, released in January 2025, featuring a 6.7-inch display, 128GB storage, and a 5,000 mAh battery. Its rear cameras consist of a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 5-megapixel ultrawide, and a 2-megapixel macro lens, available exclusively in black.
Parents control the device via the AT&T AmiGo app on their iOS or Android phones, setting app limits, device settings, and screen time restrictions. Running on Android 16, the AmiGo software extends beyond standard Android controls with Safe Zones that alert when the phone enters or exits designated areas, and School Mode to limit distractions during focus times.
Priced at $3 per month over 36 months, the phone is available immediately through AT&T's online store, physical locations, and the MyAT&T app. It requires an unlimited data line starting at $61 monthly, plus a $35 activation fee. AT&T notes that 40% of its customers are parents, and its research shows 60% of parents with children up to age 12 view smartphones as essential for safety.
"After extensive, candid conversations with parents, we heard a clear message: This isn't just a device decision—it's a deeply personal one about trust, safety and staying connected," said Erin Scarborough, AT&T senior vice president of revenue management and commercialization. "Creating a kid's phone was the natural and overdue next step for us."
This launch follows trends in kid-focused devices, such as the HMD Fusion X1 showcased at last year's Mobile World Congress, amid studies suggesting children wait until age 13 for smartphones. AT&T also released the AmiGo Jr. Watch 2, a durable smartwatch integrated with the AmiGo system.
