Best Phones for Students
7 min read · Updated July 2026
Students need phones that last all day, take great photos, survive daily use, and won't drain the budget. These are our top picks.
Our picks
Pixel 9a
New $349 · Refurb $279
Best all-around student phone — great camera, huge battery, lowest price.
Pros
- +Best camera under $300
- +7 years of updates
- +5100mAh battery
Cons
- −Plastic build
- −No telephoto
Samsung
Galaxy A55
New $349 · Refurb $299
Large display and battery for media and note-taking.
Pros
- +Premium design
- +120Hz AMOLED
- +5000mAh battery
Cons
- −No wireless charging
- −Average low-light camera
Apple
iPhone 15
New $699 · Refurb $649 · Used $579
Best pick for students already using Mac or iPad.
Pros
- +USB-C
- +Strong resale value
- +48MP main camera
Cons
- −No ProMotion display
- −A16 chip — one generation behind
Buying advice
Battery life and durability matter more than benchmarks. The Pixel 9a is our default recommendation under $300. If you're in Apple's ecosystem, a refurbished iPhone 15 is worth the stretch. Avoid paying for features you won't use.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best cheap phone for students?+
The Pixel 9a refurbished offers the best combination of camera, battery, and price.
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