Whether you are a student looking for a new phone or buying a device for a student in your life, the right model will depend on a few different factors. You should see everything from the price point to the size, and you’ll need to know how the phone will be helpful for academic settings. We are sharing different models from the leading businesses to help make your buying choice a little easier.
Check out our picks for the best cell phone for students and some things that matter to find the right model!
Considerations for Choosing the Best Smartphones
The following are important things to consider when picking a new phone for a student:
Wants vs. Needs
Evaluate your or your student’s needs. While picking a new device based on features like color and how new the model is may be enticing, these are usually part of the ‘wants’ category. Focus instead on the ‘needs’ and ask yourself how the phone will come in handy for schoolwork.
Will the student need to connect with classmates for homework help or parents for after-school pickup? Will they need to use the phone’s internet access for studying purposes? Consider all your most pressing needs.
Brand
Another important consideration is the phone manufacturer. Before buying, see what other tech you or the student in your life has. The top smartphone businesses include:
- Samsung Galaxy
- Apple iPhone
- Google Pixel
- Motorola
If the student already uses tech from a brand, they are probably familiar with how the operating system works and may be able to link their devices to each other. For example, a student who already has an iPad could connect their Apple ID to a new iPhone and enjoy having data or work conveniently cross over between the two devices.
Operating System
When picking the best phone, be sure to compare Android versus iOS operating systems. Think about the student’s familiarity with the interface and how easy it is to use.
The operating system will also determine what apps the user can download. If the user needs applications for schoolwork, choose a device that can accommodate these needs. It’s also worth thinking about long-term software support – just to give you an example, the Samsung Galaxy A36 ships with Android 15 and has been promised 6 years of OS updates and security patches, which makes it a future-proof choice for students who want a device that will last through high school or college.
Budget
The price point is an important factor. Costs will depend on a few characteristics, like:
- Model
- Storage capacity
- Cameras
- Features
Whether you are a student or buying for one, you don’t have to spend a lot to get a great device. Phones under $300 – like the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G at just $199 – are a good choice for tight budgets. But the $400-$600 mid-range sweet spot has the best balance of performance and value for most students. You can also save an extra 20-40% by buying a certified refurbished smartphone instead of something brand new, and refurbished devices come backed by a 12-month warranty for added peace of mind.
Battery Life
Make sure that you look into battery life before buying a new smartphone. Some students leave for class in the morning and don’t return until the evening, which means they’ll need a device that can make it through a full day without dying.
Fortunately, student-friendly phones now offer great battery performance. The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G, as a quick example, delivers around 13 hours of active use on a single charge. For students who need quick top-ups between classes, fast charging is worth prioritizing – the Moto G Stylus 2025 supports 68W wired and 15W wireless charging with a 5,000mAh battery. The Moto G Power 2025’s TurboPower charging can give you as much as 9 hours of use from just 10 minutes plugged in.
Storage
Consider different storage options when picking a smartphone. The right storage capacity will depend on how the student will use the device. For example, if a high school student will use their phone for a videography class, they may need more gigabytes than a person who just needs to call their parents for pickup after practice.
Screen Quality
Display quality matters more than buyers often realize upfront, especially for students who use their phones for reading, studying, or watching educational content. Look for phones with high refresh rates and strong brightness levels for comfortable use indoors and out. The Samsung Galaxy A36, as another example, has a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED panel with up to 1,900 nits of brightness. The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G also features a smooth 120Hz display – a good option for extended screen time without eye strain.
Durability
Durability is an important factor because smartphones are an investment. Think about whether you or the student you’re buying for needs features like water resistance or a shatterproof screen.
Different models can vary in durability, so you might also want to buy a case for extra protection against accidents.
Best Apple(R) iPhone Models for Students
Apple(R) iPhones are great cell phones for students. They have so many helpful features. From watching screen time to jumping on a FaceTime call with friends for a study session, these smartphones have lots of benefits for those in school.
Check out our picks for the best iPhones for students:
iPhone SE (3rd Generation)
The Apple(R) iPhone SE (3rd Generation) is an awesome choice for students on a tight budget- it covers the essentials with features like:
- A single wide lens camera
- A FaceTime HD camera
- 15 hours of video playback
- Touch ID
The SE is compact with a 4.7-inch Retina HD display. The battery life is shorter than newer models, so it works best for students who don’t depend heavily on their phone throughout the school day. Because it skips the extra bells and whistles, it sits at one of the lowest price points in the iPhone lineup, which makes it a helpful pick for budget-conscious students.
It is available in three color options:
- Red
- Midnight
- Starlight
iPhone 15
The Apple(R) iPhone 15 is one of the best all-around iPhones for students who want a modern experience without jumping to the Pro tier- it has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, the Dynamic Island interface, and USB-C charging – a welcome upgrade for students already carrying USB-C cables for laptops and tablets.
Battery life comes in at as high as 20 hours of video playback, which makes it a reliable friend through long school days. The iPhone 15 is available in these colors:
- Pink
- Yellow
- Green
- Blue
- Black
Camera performance is strong with the 48MP main wide lens and 12MP ultra-wide, which makes it a good choice for students who take notes by photographing whiteboards, shoot content for class projects, or just want a great camera. Storage options include:
- 128 gigabytes
- 256 gigabytes
- 512 gigabytes
iPhone 14
If you’re looking for a middle-of-the-road iPhone for a student, the Apple(R) iPhone 14 hits a sweet spot between price and performance- it has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display and as high as 20 hours of video playback.
iPhone 14 models are available in the following colors:
- Midnight
- Starlight
- Blue
- Purple
- Red
- Yellow
With a 12MP main wide and 12MP ultra-wide camera system, these models manage photography and videography needs well. Storage options include:
- 128 gigabytes
- 256 gigabytes
- 512 gigabytes
The iPhone 14 has a moderate price point – especially when purchased certified refurbished; students can save 20-40% compared to buying new – and it’s a great choice for those who need reliable, up-to-date performance without overspending.
iPhone 13 Pro
For students who want a feature-rich iPhone without paying flagship-new prices, the Apple(R) iPhone 13 Pro remains a great value on the used and refurbished market- it has a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion adaptive refresh rate and as high as 22 hours of video playback. The 13 Pro is especially heavy duty, built with a ceramic shield front and a surgical-grade stainless steel body, and it’s water resistant for as high as 30 minutes at 6 meters.
Students who need to record videos or shoot quality photos for class projects will like the advanced triple-camera system on the rear, which includes:
- Telephoto
- Wide
- Ultra-wide
Storage options include:
- 128 gigabytes
- 256 gigabytes
- 512 gigabytes
- 1 terabyte
Best Samsung Galaxy Models for Students
While looking for the best smartphone for school, see our picks for the top Samsung smartphones for students:
Galaxy A16 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is one of the best entry-level Android phones for students on a tight budget, coming in at just $199 – it delivers performance for streaming lectures, taking notes, and staying connected without being too expensive. For students who need a reliable device without spending a fortune, this is a strong starting point.
Certified refurbished versions of popular Galaxy models can also be found for 20-40% less than new, usually backed up by 12-month warranties – making them an especially smart buy for students watching their spending.
Galaxy A25 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A25 5G is a mid-range pick for students who want a smoother, more premium experience without crossing into flagship pricing – it has a 120Hz display for fluid scrolling and around 13 hours of active battery life in testing – meaning it can outlast a full day of classes, studying, and everything in between.
For students with budgets under $600, the Galaxy A25 5G hits a sweet spot of performance, display quality, and battery endurance that few phones at this price can match.
Galaxy A36
Students who plan to use their phone for a few years should take a look at the Samsung Galaxy A36 – it ships with Android 15 and comes with a great commitment of 6 Android OS updates and 6 years of security patches – meaning a student picking this up could carry it all the way through college and beyond without worrying about software support.
The Galaxy A36 has a quality 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with as high as 1,900 nits of brightness, which makes it easy to read outdoors on the way to class or study in any lighting condition. For a mid-range device, the display quality alone makes it stand out from the competition.
Galaxy S22+
The Samsung Galaxy S22+ remains a strong option for students who want flagship-level features at a more accessible price point, and that’s also the case when buying certified refurbished. You can choose between 128GB and 256GB of storage and take advantage of three great rear cameras:
- 50-megapixel Wide
- 12-megapixel Ultra-wide
- 10-megapixel Tele 2x Optical
The 6.6-inch display is great for reading e-books or studying online, and the 4,500mAh battery is built to last through a full school day – it’s a well-rounded device that falls comfortably in the $400-$600 range when purchased refurbished – usually considered the sweet spot for students who want premium performance without paying full flagship prices.
Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G
College students who need storage and productivity features should consider the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G. Available with 128GB or 512GB of storage and compatible with 4G LTE and 5G, it has plenty of room for apps, documents, and media. Color options include:
- Mystic Bronze
- Mystic Black
- Mystic White
The Note 20 Ultra 5G has a 6.9-inch Infinity-O Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X edge display and comes with a Bluetooth S Pen stylus – a great choice for handwriting notes in class, annotating PDFs, or remotely controlling apps. For students who prioritize productivity and a large, beautiful screen, this model delivers.
Best Google Pixel Models for Students
Google’s Pixel series features great cameras and long battery life, which makes them a great choice for students in college or high school. Explore our top picks for the best Google Pixel models for students:
Pixel 6
The Google Pixel 6 features a great 6.4-inch display powered by Google’s Tensor chip, which delivers strong speed and camera performance. Its 4,614 mAh battery supports hours of use throughout the school day.
If you want an especially heavy duty phone, the Pixel 6 features Corning(R) Gorilla(R) Glass Victus™ cover glass, making it ideal for students on the go. Google also includes a fingerprint-resistant coating along with water and dust resistance.
You can choose from either 128 gigabytes or 256 gigabytes of storage. The Titan M2 security coprocessor can add extra protection for the user’s personal information and data – a feature students who store important documents will especially like.
These models feature two rear cameras: a 50-megapixel wide lens and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens. The Pixel 6 is available in the following colors:
- Stormy Black
- Kinda Coral
- Sorta Seafoam
Pixel 6a
The Google Pixel 6a has what makes the Pixel 6 great at a more budget-friendly price point – making it one of the smartest buys for students shopping refurbished. It has the same Google Tensor chip, a 6.1-inch OLED display, and a dual rear camera system with a 12.2-megapixel main lens and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide lens.
The Pixel 6a also includes the Titan M2 security coprocessor and supports as many as five years of security updates from its original launch – giving students exceptional lifespan from a mid-range device. With 128 gigabytes of storage and an IP67 water resistance rating, it’s a helpful and heavy duty choice for campus life.
Available colors include Chalk, Charcoal, and Sage.
Pixel 7a
The Google Pixel 7a is another strong option for students who want a compact, capable smartphone without overspending. It has a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, Google’s Tensor G2 chip, and a 64-megapixel main rear camera – an upgrade for students who use their phone to capture notes, presentations, or campus life.
The Pixel 7a also supports wireless charging and comes with an IP67 dust and water resistance rating. With 128 gigabytes of storage and strong software support, it delivers value when purchased certified refurbished – at 20-40% less than new retail pricing. Looking for more options? Check out our back-to-school tech guide for more student-friendly recommendations.
Available colors include Charcoal, Snow, Sea, and Coral.
Pixel 5
The Google Pixel 5 remains a budget-friendly option for students shopping the refurbished market. It supports 5G connectivity and has a 4,080 mAh battery capable of lasting through a full school day. The Pixel 5 includes an ultra-wide and wide-angle rear lens to support a number of photography needs.
These models are available in two colors, Just Black or Sorta Sage, and have 128 gigabytes of storage.
Explore Used Smartphones From Gazelle
If you’re looking to buy a smartphone, try Gazelle. We have a wide set of used phones, so you can get the features you want without overspending. You can depend on us for honest pricing.
We quality-check every device to ensure it’s ready for use. You can also feel good knowing you are making an environmentally-friendly choice by picking a used device instead of a brand new one. Certified refurbished phones are usually 20-40% cheaper than buying new and come backed by warranty coverage for added security. Gazelle has a 30-day return policy and you never have to worry about contracts or hidden fees. We make your shopping process easy with fast payments and free shipping. If you’re not sure which device to pick, check out our buying guides to help you find the best fit.
Do you want to learn more? Shop used phones from Gazelle or contact us !