AT&T Launches amiGO Jr. Phone and Watch 2: Kid-Friendly Devices with Parental Controls

AT&T has entered the children's device market with the launch of two new products specifically designed for kids aged 12 and under: the amiGO Jr. Phone and amiGO Jr. Watch 2. These devices aim to provide parents with peace of mind through comprehensive monitoring and control features while giving children their first taste of mobile connectivity.

The amiGO Jr. Phone is essentially a customized version of the Samsung Galaxy A17 (5G), though some readers have pointed out it may actually be based on the Galaxy A16 5G model. Regardless of the exact base model, AT&T has heavily modified the device to make it suitable for younger users.

Parental Control Features

The standout feature of both devices is the amiGO app, which works on both Android and iOS devices, allowing parents to monitor and control their child's device from their own smartphone. The app offers a comprehensive suite of parental controls:

• Real-time location tracking: Parents can see their child's exact location at any time
• Safe Zones: Create geofenced areas and receive instant notifications if the child leaves these designated zones
• Activity monitoring: View step counts and battery status to ensure the device is being used appropriately
• Screen time management: Set limits on overall usage and specific app access
• School Mode: Automatically restrict certain features during school hours
• Schedule-based restrictions: Set custom rules for different times of day

Device Options

amiGO Jr. Phone

The smartphone option provides full functionality while maintaining parental oversight. It's essentially a locked-down Android device that gives parents complete control over what apps can be installed, who can be contacted, and how the device can be used.

amiGO Jr. Watch 2

For parents who prefer a more limited option, the Watch 2 offers core communication features without the full smartphone experience. The watch allows children to:

• Call and text with up to 30 pre-approved contacts
• Share their location with parents
• Access basic smartwatch features

The watch represents a middle ground between giving a child a full smartphone and providing no mobile connectivity at all.

Pricing and Availability

Both devices are available through AT&T's installment plans:

• amiGO Jr. Phone: $3 per month (plus taxes and fees) with a full retail price of $210
• amiGO Jr. Watch 2: $3 per month (plus taxes and fees) with a full retail price of $170

The devices are available directly from AT&T, with the phone and watch offered as separate purchases to suit different family needs and preferences.

Market Context

This launch positions AT&T in direct competition with other kid-focused mobile solutions like the XploraOne by HMD and Garmin's Bounce 2 kids smartwatch. The market for child-friendly devices has grown as parents seek ways to introduce their children to mobile technology while maintaining appropriate safeguards.

However, some industry observers have criticized these "custom" versions of entry-level Samsung devices as potentially misleading, suggesting they may be overpriced for the hardware provided. The debate centers on whether the added parental control software justifies the premium pricing over standard budget smartphones.

Target Audience

The devices are specifically marketed to parents of children 12 and under who want to provide their kids with mobile connectivity but are concerned about online safety, screen time, and appropriate usage. The amiGO ecosystem addresses these concerns by giving parents granular control over device functionality while still allowing children to communicate with family and approved contacts.

The launch reflects broader trends in the mobile industry toward more family-oriented services and devices, as carriers and manufacturers recognize the growing demand for solutions that balance connectivity with safety for younger users.