Phones for students nowadays are no longer your basic talk-and-text devices. With the latest models, students can already accomplish so many tasks, from taking photos of notes to accessing files and documents in class. They can play games and watch movies during their downtime, too. Most importantly, phones are necessary for contacting their parents in case of an emergency.
Technological advancements have allowed parents and students to get great value from their phones. However, it can be confusing to pick the right one. We’re here to help with a buying guide that shows the points to consider when purchasing a phone for students. We’ve also curated a list of the 8 best phones you can buy for students in the Philippines today.
Quick List - Top Phones for Students
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
One vital aspect of choosing a phone is its display. Most phones today rely on touch input to navigate through their interface. Touchscreen phones are more colorful, responsive, and easy to use, even for younger students, thanks to their large screen size and high screen resolution. Many phones nowadays come with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, with screen sizes of 6.3” or higher.
However, for students who just need a phone for basic tasks like text messaging, calls, and browsing the web, a non-touch phone would suffice. To navigate this type of phone, you have to rely on the keypad allocated at the bottom of the display. Navigation may be difficult, but it can get the job done.
To determine if a phone has great value for students, inspect the components and capacity. Here are some components you must consider in choosing a phone.
The processor of your phone serves as the brain of the device. This component is crucial since it is designed to run the operating system and all its functions. With phones that have a slow, outdated processor, running some apps can feel sluggish. In contrast, a phone with a newly released processor allows smooth and fluid operation.
Your phone may run most of the apps smoothly, but if it has a limited amount of RAM, it won’t be able to keep minimized apps running, hindering you from multitasking.
Non-touch phones may already run effectively with around 1 GB of RAM. However, if you will be opting for a touchscreen phone, it must have at least 8 GB of RAM to keep most active and minimized apps running.
The file size of a document for school does not often exceed 1 MB. However, students often need to download many files, which can eat up a large amount of storage space over time. To ensure that the phone can last for a long time, you must go for one with at least 128 GB of storage. An option to expand its storage through an SD card is also a welcome feature for a phone.
Many phones used to require connecting to a charger at least twice a day. But with technological advancements, today's phones can now last for more than a day on a single charge. To enjoy a longer battery life while in school, students should go for devices with at least 3,500 mAh of battery capacity. This will ensure that they last for at least a day before having to be recharged.
For students, phones with cameras are essential because they can help capture notes from their classmates’ notebooks or from the board. These devices can also help them attend group meetings through video calls. To select the right phone for students, you must opt for one with rear and front cameras that boast at least 12 MP for clear image quality.
Some phones may also add useful features to enhance their cameras. One of these features is optical image stabilization, which helps make the shots and videos more stable and less shaky. AI image recognition is another feature that lets phones identify the type of shots you want to take and auto-optimize their colors, brightness, and other qualities.
Since students require constant communication with their families, they should bring a phone with stable network connectivity. For more than a decade, phones have been utilizing LTE and 4G networks to access the internet and make phone calls. With a full signal strength, 4G-enabled phones can reach download speeds of up to 300 Mbps.
The rollout of 5G networks in the country has also seen the continuous release of 5G-equipped phones in the market. If possible, get a phone with 5G network support. With this phone, you can maximize download speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps. You can also expect less lag when calling or playing games. You must, however, check first if your area supports 5G since it isn't available yet in all areas.
When choosing a phone for a student, you must fully understand your desired workflow and other devices available to you. The operating system of a phone, after all, can significantly impact its overall performance, value, and longevity.
Non-touch phones are often equipped with a lightweight operating system. One popular basic OS today is the S30+ OS, a software platform used by Nokia in most of its revived feature phones today. This OS is packed with text and call support, an internet browser, a camera, a music player, and even games. Just don’t expect phones with this OS to be super snappy and efficient.
Most phones right now use skinned Android OS as their primary software. Fortunately, Android phones for students are available at various price ranges. With these phones, you can maximize all the basic phone features alongside extra functionalities like multiple window support, seamless Google integration, and a customizable interface.
Apple is popular for baking in their software to their phones, laptops, and other similar products. And since they have full control over their products, their phones are expected to be fully optimized. They can also support tons of apps and seamless integration to other Apple devices. These phones, however, can be expensive.
Some students may be old enough to know how to maintain the security of their phones. However, others might not be as tech-savvy and would require a phone that can secure them from risks, breaches, and hacks. When choosing a phone, you must opt for one that allows users to register their fingerprints or facial features and use them as their unlocking mechanism.
Additionally, you must opt for a phone supported by at least two years of software and security support. Having proper support from the manufacturer can prevent your phone from being prone to cyberattacks. It can also make sure that the device will stay updated for a couple of years.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Infinix Note 12 | ![]() | Has a Huge Storage Space for Storing Files | |
2 | Nokia 8210 4G | ![]() | A Reincarnation of a Classic Phone Paired With 4G Connectivity | |
3 | Motorola moto EDGE 20 Pro | ![]() | Designed for Students Who Need Fast Data and Wi-Fi Connection | |
4 | Xiaomi POCO X4 Pro 5G | ![]() | Employs a Responsive Display for a Better Phone Experience | |
5 | Apple iPhone SE |3rd Gen (2022) | ![]() | Access the Apple Ecosystem Through This Compact Phone | |
6 | realme narzo 50 Pro 5G | ![]() | The Perfect Companion for Students Who Love to Play Games | |
7 | OPPO Reno8 Z 5G | ![]() | Integrates a Display That Prevents Eye Fatigue | |
8 | vivo Y35 | ![]() | Minimizes Phone Lag by Allowing Seamless RAM Expansion |
The number of documents, spreadsheets, and presentations that students often save can be quite heavy in one school term. And if you will be relying only on your phone, you may have to purchase the Infinix Note 12. One reason why it's a great pick for school purposes is its huge storage size. It packs 256GB of internal storage, allowing you to save as many files as you want.
Aside from that, this phone can also be your companion in terms of productivity, media consumption, and leisure. It features a Helio G96 processor that can run your apps smoothly. This processor also allows your phone to power XArena-Darlink 2.0, a feature that studies your usage patterns and subsequently optimizes your battery, memory, and temperature.
Nokia has been releasing classic phone models paired with new software and hardware for years. Its 8210 4G, for instance, is the brand's modern take on the 1999 classic phone under the same model. It may look retro, but it's built for modern needs and comes with 4G network connectivity that allows students to call their loved ones quickly and clearly.
And in true Nokia fashion, this phone has been tested rigorously for falls and exposure to elements, ensuring that it can last for a long time. Its small form factor also makes it pocketable. Students will love this phone for its long standby time, FM radio and built-in MP3 player support, clear camera, and big display.
Motorola's moto EDGE 20 Pro is the perfect choice for those who want to experience Android without heavy skin customizations. Its My UX lets you customize your phone's look without any restriction from the operating system. You can subsequently navigate through your phone smoothly thanks to its snappy, bright, and colorful 6.7" OLED 144Hz display.
This phone supports 5G network connectivity for faster download and upload speeds over data. It even features Wi-Fi 6, a technology that bumps up internet speeds and security features over a Wi-Fi connection. It also captures bright and detailed images through its 108 and 32 MP front and rear cameras. No wonder users say it offers great value for their money!
Students need a great device for taking notes, writing papers, and reading articles. It can also be used for capturing high-quality photos and playing media content. Fortunately, the POCO X4 Pro allows you to perform all these tasks fluidly through its powerful Snapdragon 695 processor. It is also paired with 8GB of RAM that can make app-switching buttery smooth.
More importantly, it has a Reading Mode 3.0 that allows you to adjust its display's color temperature to suit your eyesight-perfect for protecting your eyes while reading articles and browsing the internet! Aside from prioritizing safety, this phone also has a 120Hz AMOLED display for a truly snappy phone experience.
When it comes to iPhones, people would often assume that they come at very high prices. Thankfully, the latest iPhone SE provides a gateway for students who want to experience the Apple ecosystem without spending too much money. This new iteration of the SE lineup features a familiar chassis that coats an improved processor and better network connectivity.
This phone allows seamless switching between apps, which is great for students who want to jot down notes and continue their social media browsing. Its 4.7" Retina IPS display may be small, but it can still showcase crisp details when viewing texts and photos. It also comes with 5G connectivity, allowing students to browse the internet at high speeds.
Some students use their phones not only for productivity purposes but also for entertainment. The narzo 50 Pro 5G from realme, luckily, provides the needed hardware to support this. With its Dolby Atmos dual stereo speakers, you can enjoy the crisp and detailed sound when you play your music, videos, and games. The snappy processor also delivers excellent performance.
The 6.4-inch screen further enhances the viewing experience. Additionally, its 90Hz refresh rate and 360Hz touch sampling rate make this offering responsive when viewing content and playing games. Satisfied users are also happy about its long battery life and its slim, lightweight design.
If you want a phone that can look trendy for a long time, you may want to check out the Oppo Reno8 Z 5G. This phone features an Integrated OPPO Glow Design that makes its body appear shiny and unique. It likewise comes in a boxy design to make it easier for you to hold the device while making a phone call or capturing a photo of your friends in school.
This latest offering from Oppo features a 64 MP main camera to let you shoot bright and clear photos at any time of the day. Your selfies will also be fantastic, thanks to its 16 MP front camera. As for its display. This phone features a bright and colorful 6.4" AMOLED screen that has been certified to be safe for your eyes even with prolonged reading and content viewing.
Software customization and hardware optimization can be a great combo for phones since they allow students to fine-tune their devices based on their usage. By investing in the Vivo Y35, you can easily make your apps stay in the background for a long time through its Extended RAM 3.0 feature. This allows your phone to add virtual RAM, minimizing any lag.
Now, if you somehow forget to charge your Vivo phone before leaving your home, you can easily fill its battery with enough juice, thanks to its 44W FlashCharge technology. Also, charging it for 30 mins can already provide your phone with a 70% battery. It also has some security features, such as the face or fingerprint recognition to unlock your device.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
If you are looking for an affordable phone for online classes, you can take advantage of Infinix Note 12. At a low cost, this model exceeds all the specifications like a large screen, speedy processor, strong network data and Wi-Fi connectivity, and long battery life. You can also opt for offerings from Samsung, POCO, and realme. Check out our list above for more great options!
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Phones are helpful tools for students to complete their schoolwork. But with prolonged exposure and usage of these devices, some end up getting addicted, which can cause sleep deficit, stress, and anxiety. Some tips to prevent students from getting addicted to their phones are as follows:
Students can effectively use their phones to check their notes, review for their exams, and many more. However, there are many other devices that can help them finish their schoolwork faster. Check out our articles below for more helpful devices you can purchase for students!
Author: Christian Autor
Editor: R. Umlas
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Infinix|Note 12
No. 2: Nokia|8210 4G
No. 3: Motorola|moto EDGE 20 Pro
No. 4: Xiaomi|POCO X4 Pro 5G
No. 5: Apple|iPhone SE |3rd Gen (2022)
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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