Lizzie Smith

Lizzie Smith reviews the £279 OtherPhone after testing it with her 11-year-old daughter and 15-year-old son. The smartphone is designed to provide selected smartphone functions while restricting internet, social media, apps and screen time through parental controls and the Mumsnet-developed SafetyMode. Smith praises the device’s location tracking, app management, scheduled downtime and gradual relaxation of restrictions, saying it reduced screen-time arguments and eased her concerns about online safety. Her daughter liked the camera and audiobook features but found some safety settings overprotective, while her son praised the phone’s speed, simple interface, filters and resistance to attempts to access YouTube. Alternative first-phone recommendations include the Samsung Galaxy A15, Moto G15 and iPhone SE.