Kids Choose Phones: Samsung’s Thin S25 Edge Wins Out

Kids Choose Phones: Samsung’s Thin S25 Edge Wins Out

In a delightful social experiment, a parent tasked their children with picking their own Christmas phones, setting clear but reasonable guidelines. The results? A surprising consensus emerged, landing on Samsung’s S25 Edge, a device that impressed with its balance of features and form factor, steering clear of foldable gimmicks and the perceived quirks of other platforms.

The premise was simple yet effective: let kids choose their own adventure, or in this case, their own smartphone, with a few crucial caveats. The budget was capped at CAD$2,000 (approximately USD$1,400), and crucially, any chosen device had to guarantee at least five years of both operating system and security updates. This immediately filtered out many niche or older models, ensuring the selected phones would be relevant and secure for years to come. The parent, acting as ‘Santa,’ wanted to avoid influencing the choices, even hiring an elf to present the options and guide the selection process without revealing costs.

The Contenders: A Diverse Field

The selection process began with a curated list of devices that met the criteria. Among the frontrunners were Google’s Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro, Apple’s iPhone 17 and the slimmer iPhone Air, and Samsung’s foldable Z Flip 7, alongside the S25 and S25 Edge. The initial predictions from the parent leaned towards the son choosing a more conventional Android device, perhaps the S25, while the daughter might lean towards the iPhone Air due to its compact size, or the Z Flip 7.

Google Pixel: A Strong Start, But Not the Winner

The Pixel 10 and 10 Pro were presented first. The elf highlighted the smooth 120Hz screens, excellent cameras, and the intuitive gesture navigation of the newer Android versions. While the children were impressed by the display fluidity and camera quality, a significant stumbling block for the Pixel line emerged: the prominent ‘G’ logo on the back. For one of the children, this branding was a dealbreaker, leading to their swift elimination from contention.

Apple iPhones: Familiarity and Form Factor

Next, the iPhones were introduced. The base iPhone 17 and the notably thin iPhone Air were put to the test. The children acknowledged the good cameras and the convenience of Apple’s ecosystem, particularly features like contact sharing via device proximity. However, the iPhone Air’s thinness, while praised by some, was also seen as ‘weird’ by one child, who preferred the feel of a thicker phone. The layout of the buttons and the aesthetic of the apps were also points of contention. Despite the allure of the Apple ecosystem, the children ultimately expressed a preference for other options, with one explicitly stating a dislike for Apple.

Samsung: Foldables and Sleek Designs

The Samsung lineup offered a different set of choices, including the Z Flip 7 foldable and the S25 and S25 Edge. The Z Flip 7’s ability to multitask when partially folded was demonstrated, along with the utility of its cover screen for quick notifications. However, concerns about its durability, particularly regarding dust and water resistance, were raised. The S25 and S25 Edge presented themselves as more conventional options. The S25 Edge, in particular, stood out for its thinness, higher resolution screen, and substantial battery life. While the Z Flip 7 was deemed too risky due to potential dust and water damage, the S25 Edge began to capture the children’s attention.

The Verdict: A Unified Choice

After much deliberation, the children arrived at a surprising consensus: both opted for the Samsung S25 Edge. The decision was driven by a combination of factors. The larger, higher-resolution screen was a significant draw. The phone’s thin profile, which was initially a characteristic of the iPhone Air, was also appreciated in the S25 Edge, but without the perceived ‘weirdness’ or ecosystem lock-in. Crucially, the S25 Edge offered a balance of features, a comfortable feel, and a straightforward smartphone experience, avoiding the gimmicks of foldables or the specific aesthetic preferences that ruled out other contenders.

The parent was particularly surprised by the outcome. Their initial prediction of the son choosing a standard S25 and the daughter considering an iPhone Air or Z Flip 7 was completely upended. The elimination of the Pixel phones due to the ‘G’ logo was unexpected, and the children’s firm stance against Apple was a significant deviation from what the parent might have anticipated.

Interestingly, the son was reportedly very close to choosing the iPhone Air, drawn to its slimness and feel, but ultimately decided against it, stating, ‘My dad wouldn’t want me to.’ This indicates a lingering awareness of the parent’s preferences, even in an experiment designed to minimize influence.

Who Should Care?

This experiment offers valuable insights for parents looking to purchase phones for their children. It demonstrates that children, when given structured choices and clear guidelines, can make informed decisions based on practical considerations like screen quality, battery life, and a comfortable user experience, rather than just brand name or price. For tech enthusiasts, it’s a fascinating look at how different smartphone design philosophies are perceived by a younger demographic. The success of the Samsung S25 Edge highlights a market for well-rounded, non-gimmicky devices that prioritize a premium feel and solid performance.

Specs & Key Features (Samsung S25 Edge)

• Display: High-resolution screen (specifics not detailed, but noted as higher than others)
• Design: Very thin and light form factor
• Battery: Substantial battery life
• Cameras: Multiple cameras, with noted post-processing
• Durability: Standard smartphone durability, not foldable
• Software Updates: Guaranteed 5 years of OS and security updates
• Price Point: Within the CAD$2,000 budget

Availability and Pricing

While the exact purchase price wasn’t revealed, the Samsung S25 Edge was selected within a budget of CAD$2,000 per phone. The availability would typically be through major electronics retailers and carrier stores. As the S25 and S25 Edge are not current models in the market (based on the transcript referencing older models like OnePlus 6T and potential iPhone 17), their availability might be limited to refurbished markets or older stock.

The experiment, conducted by the parent and their ‘elf,’ successfully navigated the complex decision-making process of choosing new phones for children, proving that sometimes, letting the kids take the reins, within sensible limits, leads to the most satisfying outcomes.

Source: I Let my Kids Pick ANY Phone for Christmas (YouTube)