AT&T and Samsung Introduce the AmiGo Jr., A Smartphone Built for Parental Peace of Mind

For many families, the decision to give a child a smartphone is fraught with tension. The need for connection and safety battles against concerns over screen time and online exposure. Today, AT&T is entering the market with a specific solution: the AmiGo Jr. Phone, developed in partnership with Samsung.

The device is a Samsung Galaxy A16, featuring a 6.7-inch screen, 128GB of storage, and a substantial battery. Its key differentiator is the integrated AmiGo software, which applies parental controls directly at the device level on Android 16. Through a companion app, parents can manage applications, set screen time limits, and establish digital boundaries that go beyond standard Android features. These include Safe Zones for location alerts and a School Mode to limit functionality during class hours.

"Our discussions with parents revealed this is more than a technical choice; it's about trust and connection," said Erin Scarborough, AT&T's senior vice president of revenue management. The company reports that 40% of its customer base are parents, with 60% of those with children under 12 viewing a smartphone as a safety necessity.

The AmiGo Jr. is available now for $3 monthly over 36 months, requiring an unlimited data line starting at $61 per month plus a $35 activation fee. While the hardware itself is not new—the Galaxy A16 launched last year—AT&T is betting that its deeply integrated management software will appeal to parents seeking a controlled introduction to technology. The company is also releasing an updated, more durable AmiGo Jr. Watch 2 that connects to the same ecosystem.

Source: CNET