Smartphones have become useful tools for distance learning as you've got all the things you need in the palm of your hands.
Smartphones allow teachers and students to meet virtually and let everyone utilize and access tools and apps for learning.
Also, they help improve knowledge and research skills with the use of the internet. So, to help you get the best phone for your online class, we've created a buying guide and a list of the 10 best, reliable phones that you can buy online.
Quick List - Top Phones for Online Classes
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Table of Contents
Buying a phone to use for your online classes is not as daunting as buying a gaming phone because you'll only have to focus on the things or specs that make it convenient and reliable to survive the online school setting. So, keep on reading to know the main points that you'll need to consider before purchasing one.
The most important things to consider when buying a phone for online classes are its RAM and processor, as they're the main factors that make a phone process and work fast. Read further to know their importance and the recommended specs for the RAM capacity and processor.
RAM or random access memory determines the phone's speed. It is where active reading or writing applications are stored on a short-term basis to access quickly. Also, it is one of the most crucial specs of a phone that you'll be using for online classes, as it allows you to multitask and it allows the phone to run multiple apps smoothly.
If you're using your current phone for a year or a long time, you might notice that it became slower than before. That is because you installed a lot of apps in it, and those apps update from time to time, taking up a larger space on your phone. In this case, it's fine to go with 4GB RAM, especially if you'll install apps that don't require big RAM.
Still, it's recommended to opt for one with 6GB or 8GB RAM so that you'll be able to use the phone smoothly, regardless of the number of apps running in the background and how many apps you install in it. So, always remember that the higher the RAM, the faster and smoother the phone will operate.
The processor is the central hub of a phone and is also known as the CPU. Since it receives and executes every command, it affects the speed and performance of a phone. It also indicates how powerful and fast a phone is.
Getting a phone with a powerful and updated processor like MediaTek Dimensity 1200 or 1100, Qualcomm Snapdragon 700 series, Snapdragon 888, or A12 Bionic is recommended to ensure that it can process power-hungry tasks and that you'll be able to use the phone without lags.
Internal storage is where downloaded apps and files are stored by default. You can go for one with 32GB internal storage, but the number of apps you'll be able to install will be limited, especially if they're big. Also, you'll have to prioritize saving and storing important files over videos and applications that you won't be needing for an online class.
So, going for 64GB or 164GB of internal storage is recommended so that you won't have to worry about how much space an app takes when downloading it. With this, you'll surely be able to store a lot of big files and applications, and you can even install games or other essential apps that you'll need for your daily life or routine.
Since you're looking for a phone to use mainly for online classes, it's also important to ensure that the phone has LTE or 4G capability. Having this allows you to have a stable connection to the internet and is a great alternative in case the Wi-Fi connection gets disrupted in the middle of your class or research.
4G stands for fourth-generation data download speeds, and it can reach 100mbps to 300mbps as long as you have mobile data. This network is efficient and reliable for video or audio calls, accessing social media networks, and streaming media, which you often use for online classes.
Most teachers or professors require the students to turn their cameras on for the whole class. So, to look and appear better on screen, having a phone with a good camera quality is a plus. Also, activities and demonstrations are often done through videos or by capturing photos.
A 12 to 20MP camera quality allows you to take nice and clear photos, but if you often shoot videos for your school projects, then 48MP is excellent. Online classes usually take 6 to 8 hours, so another thing to consider is the phone's battery capacity. To use it continuously, opt for one with 4000mAh as it usually lasts up to 15 hours.
Phones these days come in larger screen sizes, making them perfect to use for online classes. Having a phone with a large screen size allows you to view or read presentations better and do more, especially when the phone has a split-screen feature.
Also, this is perfect when you use a stylus pen for taking notes and highlighting text with your phone. Most phones in the market come with a 1920x1080 screen resolution, which displays sharp images with more details captured and smooth video animations or movements.
On the other hand, those with 720x1280 screen resolution are still good enough for online class purposes; however, the images and videos will look less crisp and less detailed than those with a 1080p screen resolution.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Huawei Nova 5T | ![]() | The Ultimate Phone for Online Class | |
2 | Vivo S1Pro | ![]() | Has a High RAM and Internal Storage Capacity | |
3 | realme 6i | ![]() | The Best Budget-Friendly Phone for Multitasking and Gaming | |
4 | Xiaomi POCO M3 NFC | ![]() | A Powerful Phone With an Affordable Price | |
5 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 | ![]() | Has Low Blue Light and Reading Mode for Reading E-Books | |
6 | Apple iPhone XR | ![]() | An iPhone That’s Worth Your Investment | |
7 | Nokia 3.4 | ![]() | A Good Entry-Level Phone for Students | |
8 | OPPO A12 | ![]() | Has Blue Light Shield Protection and 3D Diamond Blaze Back Design | |
9 | Lenovo A8 | ![]() | Choose and Switch to the Fastest Data Connection With Its 3 SIM Card Slots | |
10 | Samsung Galaxy M11 | ![]() | A Large-Screen Phone With an Infinity-O-Display Camera Cutout |
Huawei Nova 5T is one of the most expensive phones on the list, but your purchase will surely be worth it as it has all the features that a phone for an online class should have. With Kirin 980 as its processor, plus a combo of 8GB RAM and 128GB internal storage, all the applications will run smoothly, so you can expect a lag-free experience.
Thanks to its GPU Turbo software, you'll get a smooth gaming experience and an improved battery life, perfect for relaxing after a long day of online classes. Slow charging slows down your life as a student because you need your phone almost every time.
But, with its 22.5w SuperCharge technology, you won't have to wait for hours as it charges 50% of its battery in just 30 minutes! Another unique feature is that it has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor that unlocks the phone in 0.3 seconds. Also, it has excellent camera quality with its 48MP rear camera and 32MP front camera, so you can capture crystal clear images.
Launched in 2019, Vivo S1Pro became one of the best Vivo phones because of its great specs and features. Today, its price has become affordable without losing its specs and features. Like the product in Rank 1, this phone comes with 128GB of internal storage, so it will surely fit or even exceed your online class needs.
Also, it uses Qualcomm SDM665 Snapdragon 665, a mid-tier processor, and its camera quality is ideal for taking pictures and for recording videos in high definition and resolution. With its bright display, it allows you to use it clearly, even under direct sunlight. What makes this phone stand out even more, is its alluring diamond pattern back design.
If you are looking for a phone to use for both multitasking and gaming, then Realme 6i is your best bet! Its Helio G80 processor stands out from the previous generations as it offers a 35% faster performance, greater display quality, and stable frame rate. This makes the phone lag-free even when you're using multiple apps or when you're gaming.
With its 48MP rear camera and 119 degrees ultra-wide-angle lens, you can capture high-quality images and videos, so it's ideal if you always take pictures or record videos for your school activities and projects. Also, you'll appear better on-screen with its 16MP front camera.
It has 3 SIM card slots for 2 SIM cards and 1 SD card, in case its 64GB internal storage is not enough for your apps and files. What also makes this phone great is that it has a 5000mAh battery capacity with an 18W quick charge feature, allowing you to optimize your time while studying and browsing.
On the hunt for a powerful phone that fits your budget? Consider your search done as Xiaomi POCO M3 NFC is here for you! It uses Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 to support multiple apps or games running simultaneously. Regarding its internal storage, you can choose between 128GB and 64GB depending on your needs as a student.
What makes this phone unique is its 6000mAh battery capacity. Thus, the battery can last 25% longer in a high-temperature room compared to other phones. Lastly, it has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and it comes with a 6.53 inches wide screen with 1080p screen resolution, allowing you to view presentations or pictures and watch videos in high definition.
Also, it has a reading mode 3.0 that's perfect to use when studying or reading e-books and uses Qualcomm Snapdragon 678 as its processor to support multiple running apps.
Just like the previous models, it has high-quality front and back cameras with various modes and customizable settings, and a wide screen for better viewing. It has a 33W flash charging and Mi Turbocharge features that charges 50% of its battery life in just 25 minutes. Lastly, its body is slim and light, making it easy and comfortable to hold.
If you're looking for the perfect iPhone to use for your studies, then the iPhone XR is best for you! Its A12 Bionic chip helps maintain its battery life, so you won't have to charge it often as it can get through a day on a single charge.
Moreover, it is compatible with Qi wireless charging, and it only takes 30 minutes to charge 50% of its power. It is also IP67 dust and water-resistant, so it can withstand light dunks and splashes. Plus, it has various sensor features such as Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, and barometer.
Its liquid retina display is backed with IPS technology, so it has better color reproduction and wider viewing angles and also displays brighter images while under direct sunlight. The only downside of this phone is that its camera quality is not that great as it only uses a single camera.
Nokia is one of the most excellent brands in the telecommunications industry. It is known as a brand that produces durable and long-lasting phones. So, if you want a Nokia phone to use for your online classes, this one is a great option.
Although it uses Qualcomm Snapdragon 460, an entry-level processor, it can still support you with your online meetings, activities, and studies. Its 64GB storage can be extended up to 512GB with a micro SD card, plus, it has dual SIM card slots.
However, take note that it only has 13MP for its back camera quality and 8MP for front camera quality, so it's not ideal for taking high-quality images and videos. Still, this is a great deal for study purposes.
Oppo is well-known for its excellent camera phones, but if you want the best Oppo phone to use mainly for your studies, then A12 is perfect for you. Its performance is too good for its price as it uses Mediatek Helio P35 with 4GB RAM and 64GB of internal storage, so you can also play games on it during your free time.
It has an eye-catching back design with its diamond texture that gives off a burst of color and light. The blue light shield protects your eyes; plus, it has a fingerprint and AI face unlock feature for added security. Also, it has Dirac Sound technology, which optimizes all types of sound systems and automatically switches between smart audio modes.
Even though Lenovo A8 was released in 2020, its features are still ideal for students today. What makes it unique from the other models on the list is that it has 3 SIM card slots, allowing you to choose and switch to the fastest data connection easily. Plus, it has 1 slot for a micro SD card.
Regarding its performance, it's reliable, and it allows you to do everything smoothly with its Mediatek Helio P22 processor and 4GB RAM. It has 64GB of internal storage, so you can install all the essential apps that you'll need for studying. Lastly, it has a 5000mAh long-lasting battery capacity, perfect for attending long online classes.
If you want another big-screen phone, Samsung's Galaxy 11 is a good choice. It's designed with an Infinity-O-Display camera cutout at the top, which widens the screen even more, and it comes with 720p screen resolution for a good viewing experience.
Also, it has a fingerprint sensor and faces unlock as a quick way to unlock the phone. Regarding its speed and performance, it uses Snapdragon 450 with 3GB RAM, so you might not be able to play heavy games on it. Also, take note that it only has 32GB RAM, so you'll have to prioritize installing essential apps for your online class.
You might still be adjusting to a new learning setting. To attend online classes and study with your phone comfortably, you might want to use phone accessories such as phone grips, stylus pens, and USB OTGs. So, for more guides and product recommendations, check our other articles below.
Author: Erika Nollora Ceguerra
No. 1: Huawei|Nova 5T
No. 2: Vivo|S1Pro
No. 3: realme|6i
No. 4: Xiaomi|POCO M3 NFC
No. 5: Xiaomi|Redmi Note 10
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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