Pinwheel Phone Slim 6
Gadgets December 8, 2025
Like it or not kids are always going to want a phone at some stage, so what better way to teach them how to use one responiblily than with one specifically designed with their safety in mind. The Pinwheel Slim 6 is a sensible first phone for children. It looks and feels like a normal modern smartphone, but the software keeps things calm and controlled for both young users and parents. The phone is based on solid Motorola hardware while running the Pinwheel operating system, which focuses on safety, supervision and healthy digital habits.
The feature that will appeal to the parents is the Caregiver Portal, an online dashboard where guardians can manage almost every aspect of the phone. You can remotely choose which contacts are allowed, view messages and call history, set limits for use during school time or bedtime, and decide which apps can be installed. This makes the phone feel personal to the child while still keeping the adult fully in control. However it is worth noting this feature costs £15.99 per month.
The app library is another strong point. Instead of a completely open store, Pinwheel offers a large selection of approved apps that are suitable for different ages. There is no social media or open web browser by default, which reduces exposure to harmful or distracting content.
On the hardware side, the Slim 6 offers a large 6.67” HD display that is bright and clear. It has 64GB of storage with the option to add more with a memory card (up to 1TB), and 4GB of memory which is more than enough for everyday tasks. The main camera is 50MPs and performs reasonably well in most lighting conditions, and the front camera is 8MP which is suitable for video calls and selfies. The battery life is impressive and lasts up to 46 hours.
The phone works with all major UK networks and includes a GPS location feature for extra peace of mind. The only drawback is the required subscription for the parent controls, which adds an ongoing cost.
Overall, the Pinwheel Slim 6 is a thoughtful and reliable choice for families who want safety, independence and simplicity in a first phone. RRP £179
- Very strong parental controls through the Caregiver Portal
- Clear large screen that is easy for children to use
- Long lasting battery
- Good rear and front cameras
- Works with major UK networks
- Curated app store reduces risks and distractions
- GPS location feature provides peace of mind
- Requires a paid subscription for full parent controls
- Limited app choice compared with a normal smartphone
