15 Best Smartphones for Students: A Guide for Your Family

best smartphones
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Smartphones are a necessity, especially for students. With both schools and colleges offering online lectures and assignments online, the best smartphone for you is a priority.

In all honesty, a student life without a smartphone is hard to imagine. And due to this increased usage, some might not be satisfied with just a good smartphone.

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Apple vs. Samsung vs. Android

There has always been a debate between the top three smartphone carriers — Apple, Samsung, and Android — and which one of them has the best smartphone. Though many of these devices has the same processing units or camera capabilities, there are some differences between them. For instance, Android’s software has a lot more complex and customizable options, while Apple is more straightforward and easy to use.

Or, in terms of handset manufacturers Samsung is the global leader with a 32% market share, where Apple has 28%. The main point to take away though is that no one phone is “truly” better than the other, because it totally depends on the consumer buying the phone. The best smartphone then, is the one that fits your lifestyle the most.

Most Dependable Smartphone?

Again, the most dependable or best smartphone depends on the person buying it, and what they need the device for. If you need something with all high-end features, you may lean more towards an Apple or Samsung. But, if you want something for a good cost and still gets the work done, maybe you go with a brand like OnePlus or the Google Pixel. Though, there are some studies that say Apple is the most dependable, so your best smartphone may be an iPhone.

iPhone SE (2023)

In 2023, Apple came with the third generation of iPhone SE, a perfect device for those who want to own an iPhone but don’t want to break the bank. The 2023 edition has up to 2 hours more playback than the iPhone SE 2nd gen, and now has 5G capabilities. This phone is also one of the only that still has the Touch ID, so if you’re more comfortable with the button, then this phone is for you.

  • From $429

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

If you’re looking for a Samsung, but at a lower price than the other Galaxy editions, check out the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G. This phone doesn’t drain your bank account, and comes with a lot of interesting features. With its VDIS and wider OIS angle, you can film beautiful videos easily through automatic reframing and autofocus. Along with 128GB of internal storage, you’ll never run out of space for whatever you want on your phone.

  • From $449.99

OnePlus 10 Pro 5G

If you want an OnePlus device but cannot afford the newer OnePlus 11 model, the OnePlus 10 Pro is worth checking out. The smartphone comes with all the required features, including three separate cameras — the main camera, the telephoto camera, and the ultra-wide angle camera, giving you all the tools you need for a perfect photo. Along with its super fast charging time, this phone will you keep you on the go and outside, rather than waiting for the phone to reach 100%.

  • From $549

Also Read: 5 Safety Settings on Your iPhone You Probably Didn’t Know About

iPhone 13

The iPhone 13 is a cheaper alternative than immediately going to the newest iPhone 14 model, and still has a lot of benefits. Its 6.1-inch display allows you to view messages and videos with ease, with the Super Retina Display making everything you’re looking at crisp in detail. Its dual camera system with a 12MP main and Ultra Wide features allows you to take professional photos, all from the tap of your screen.

  • From $599

Oppo Find X5 Pro

The Find X5 Pro is undoubtedly the best smartphone ever manufactured by Oppo. The device offers all the top-notch specs, including extraordinary cameras. Combined with 5-Axis Stabilization, ICE 2.0 turns runners sprinting into a fragment in time, as clear as if they were not moving. Reviews also seem to hint at the battery issue being resolved from the X2 Pro, making this a viable option for students.

  • From $687.99

OnePlus 11 5G

Over the past few years, OnePlus has gained a lot of recognition in the smartphone market. The brand is known for providing high-end features at a nominal price. The OnePlus 11 5G is the brands latest handset in 2023. If you constantly to remember to charge your phone at the last minute, the 80W wired charging capabilities will boost your phone fast, so you can get back to exploring. The OnePlus also has an incredible display with a 6.7″ AMOLED with 120Hz and Dolby Vision support.

  • From $699.99

Samsung Galaxy S23 / S23 Plus

The Galaxy S23 series is probably the best flagship phone available on the market today. The smartphones under the S23 series are S23 and S23. This eco-friendly phone is crafted partly from recycled glass and ocean-bound plastic, making it impactful not only to your school day but to the environment. This phone also comes with one of the best cameras on the market with a 50MP wide-angle camera, perfect for all sorts of photography.

  • From $799.99/$1119.99

Motorola Edge Plus (2023)

The sales of Motorola devices went downhill as the competition increased, but the company has made a comeback with its Edge Plus. The device comes with a host of features, including a 6.7 inch OLED HD+ display, which makes the screen look sharper, and a triple rear camera set, which delivers high-end photography. To add icing on the cake, the device also features blazing 5G speed, which makes it the perfect device to download streams or shows in seconds.

  • From $799.99

iPhone 14 / 14 Pro

Apple has been a leader in the smartphone market since the launch of its first iPhone that came in 2007. Some people might feel that the device is overpriced, especially when you can get similar features on other phones for a lesser price. But if you are looking for a device that offers a smooth and simple UI without any pop-up advertisements or clutter, the iPhone should be the ideal choice for you. The iPhone 14 and Pro are the two flagship devices by Apple featuring high-end specs, from a great display to an outstanding camera.

  • From $799/$999

Read More: 8 Simple Ways to Clean Up Your Apple Mac Computer and Optimize Its Speed

Xiaomi 13 Pro

If you’re looking for a phone that doesn’t have the well-known brand name but still has leading technology, explore the Xiaomi 13 Pro. Containing the leading Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, you can play all day and still have a charge. Once your battery does run out, just plug it in with the 120W HyperCharge cord and be at 100% in only 19 minutes. The Xiaomi’s screen also presents incredible detail and responsiveness with the WQHD+ dynamic 120Hz AMOLED display, making this a true contender against brands like Apple or Samsung.

  • From $861.99

Google Pixel 7 Pro

Google continues to make its way into the cellphone industry with the Google Pixel 7 Pro. With a 6.7″ display you can play games or watch videos with ease, and with its beyond 24-hour battery life, you can go all day without needing to charge. Its various camera specs also make for a sharp photo, and make the newest version of the Google Pixel a real contender compared to other companies.

  • From $899

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4

Have you ever wanted to combine a flip phone with the newer cellphones? With the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 this dream becomes a reality. This compact phone unfolds to a 6.7″ inch display, and with its Ultra Thin Glass the phone is extremely durable. And if you happen to get the phone wet, its IPX8 water resistance will keep the water out, and you money in your pocket.

  • From $909.99

Sony Xperia 5 IV

In the previous decade, Sony tried making a comeback in the smartphone industry but ended up failing. But the company has turned the tide, coming out with the new Sony Xperia 5 IV. The device comes with top-end features. If you are someone who is looking for an excellent camera package, 5G connectivity, and all in a relatively compact device, this phone is for you.

  • From $999.99

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is one of the costliest phones offered by Samsung. The device comes with cutting-edge features like a 200MP camera, 5000mAh battery, 120-hertz display, and 5g support. However, the features of the device make it a lot costlier than the level of usage you might have as a student. In fact, you might be spending a lot more on features that you might not even use. Given that, if you want a smartphone that screams top-end features, you should check out the Galaxy S23 Ultra.

  • From $1379.99

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

Similar to the Z Flip 4, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 folds in on itself to make it more compact. The main difference though is the phone opens to have a similar “phone” right next to it, making the screen size an incredible 7.6″ and an ultimate work space. It can also make for the perfect movie screen, which you can tilt to your liking and leave on the table unsupported. But, this phone does come with a pretty hefty price, so only those dedicated to their phones and willing to pay for these features should consider buying the Z Fold 4.

  • From $1669.99

Whatever phone you decide to choose, make sure its in your budget and has the specs you need for school. The phone market is full of different companies trying to sell “the best smartphone” but in reality, the best smartphone is the one that will help you the most in your future endeavors.

Allison is a seasoned writer with five years of experience in editorial roles throughout the publishing industry. She graduated... More about Allison Curley

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