Cheapest Phones for Students – Top 5
Are you looking for the cheapest phones for students? Having a phone is essential for staying connected with classmates, accessing online resources, and keeping up with coursework.
However, buying a new phone can be costly, especially for students on a tight budget. That’s why it’s important to find a phone that offers good value for your money.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the cheapest phones for students. By finding a budget-friendly phone, you can save money while still having access to the technology you need for academic success. Let’s dive in and find the perfect phone for you!
The Importance of a Smartphone for Students
Smartphones have become a crucial part of our daily lives, and this is especially true for students. A smartphone is more than just a device for making phone calls and sending text messages.
It is a tool for learning, communication, and organization.
With the rise of mobile apps and the widespread availability of the internet, students can access information and resources from anywhere at any time. They can use their smartphones to research for assignments, read e-books, and take notes on-the-go.
Moreover, smartphones help students stay connected with their peers, teachers, and parents. Social media and messaging apps make it easier to collaborate on group projects, ask for help, and share information.
In addition, smartphones can serve as an organizer, allowing students to set reminders, schedule appointments, and keep track of deadlines.
All of these functions make smartphones indispensable for modern students, and with the availability of budget-friendly models, even those on a tight budget can access these essential tools.
Why Choose the Cheapest Phones for Students?
As a student, you’re probably always looking for ways to save money, and choosing the cheapest phone available can be a great way to do that.
Firstly, cheaper phones have come a long way in recent years and now offer many of the features that more expensive models do. This means that you can still get a quality device with a good camera, long battery life, and plenty of storage space, without having to break the bank.
Plus, with the rapid pace of technological advancements, a budget-friendly phone that you buy today might not even be too far behind the more expensive models released in the next couple of years.
Another reason to choose the cheapest phones for students is that they can be less of a target for theft.
Unfortunately, phones are a common target for theft, especially on college campuses. By choosing a cheaper model, you can reduce the risk of being targeted by thieves who are looking for expensive phones to steal.
In the event that your phone is lost or stolen, you’ll also be out less money if you’ve chosen a cheaper model.
Of course, it’s always important to take steps to protect your phone, like using a passcode or fingerprint recognition, but opting for a cheaper model can be an added layer of security.
Key Features to Look for in the Cheapest Phones for Students
When choosing the cheapest phone for students, it’s important to consider the key features that will best serve your needs. Here are some features to look out for:
- Battery Life: As a student, you’ll likely be using your phone for long periods of time, so it’s important to choose a phone with good battery life. Look for phones with batteries that last at least a full day on a single charge.
- Storage Space: You’ll want a phone with enough storage space to hold all of your apps, photos, and files. Consider phones with at least 32GB of storage, or look for phones with expandable storage options like a microSD card slot.
- Camera Quality: A good camera can be a valuable tool for students, especially for capturing photos of notes, documents, or whiteboards. Look for phones with cameras that have a resolution of at least 8 megapixels, and don’t forget to consider the front-facing camera if you plan to use video chat apps.
- Display Quality: You’ll be spending a lot of time looking at your phone’s screen, so it’s important to choose a phone with a good display. Look for phones with at least 720p resolution and a screen size that feels comfortable for you.
- Processor Speed and RAM: You’ll want a phone that can handle multiple apps and tasks at once without slowing down. Look for phones with at least 2GB of RAM and a processor speed of at least 1.4GHz.
Remember, while it’s important to consider these key features, it’s also important to prioritize what matters most to you.
For example, if you’re a heavy user of social media, you may prioritize a good camera over battery life. Make sure to do your research and compare models before making a decision.
Top 5 Cheapest Phones for Students
#1 – Motorola Moto G Power
Display: 6.6 inches (720X1600)
OS: Android 10
Camera: Triple camera – 48 megapixels, 2 megapixels, and 2 megapixels; Video records 1080p resolution
Processor: Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm), Octa-core (4×2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4×1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver)
Memory: 64GB Internal Storage, 4GB RAM, microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Battery: 5000 mAh
4G Network: Unlocked so you can choose your carrier. Compatible with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon networks. You may need to contact Sprint for activation on Sprint’s network. To use this Device on Verizon, first, provision your SIM through Verizon Wireless. Log in to your account on Verizon Wireless.
Price: $99.99 (Used) (Sold by Amazon Warehouse; Fulfilled by Amazon)
Check out the Lowest Price: Amazon.com
Pros:
- Large display size (6.6 inches)
- Triple camera system (48 megapixels, 2 megapixels, and 2 megapixels)
- Good performance (Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor)
- Large battery capacity (5000 mAh)
- Expandable storage (microSDXC slot)
- High RAM (4GB)
Cons:
- Limited internal storage (64GB)
The Motorola Moto G Power is a great phone for students who want a reliable smartphone at an affordable price.
As a student, having a phone with a large display, high-quality camera, and decent processing power is crucial for completing assignments, taking notes, and staying connected with classmates and professors.
The Motorola Moto G Power checks all these boxes while also being affordable, making it a great option for students who are looking to save money.
With a long-lasting 5000mAh battery, students can also rely on the Moto G Power to keep them connected throughout the day without having to worry about running out of battery life.
Overall, the Motorola Moto G Power is an excellent choice for students who want a reliable, high-quality phone at an affordable price.
#2 – BLU G50
Display: 5.5 inches (720 x 1440 pixels)
OS: Android 10.0 (Pie)
Camera: 13 megapixels; Video records 1080p resolution
Processor: Octa-Core 1.6GHz Processor with ARM Cortex-A55
Memory: 32GB Internal Memory, 2GB RAM, Micro SD up to 64GB
Battery: 4000 mAh
4G Network: 4G LTE (1/2/3/4/5/7/12/17/28) 3G: (850/900/1700/1900/2100): US compatibility with GSM Networks including, T-Mobile, Metro PCS, and others. (Not compatible with new AT&T or Cricket activations or with CDMA Networks like Verizon, Sprint, and Boost Mobile)
Price: $79.99
Check out the Lowest Price: Amazon.com
Pros:
- Very affordable price
- Large display size (5.5 inches)
- Decent camera (13 megapixels)
- Micro SD card slot for expanded storage
- Good Battery Life (4000 mAh)
Cons:
- Limited RAM (2GB)
- Limited internal storage (32GB)
The BLU G50 offers a great balance between affordability and functionality. Its compact size, decent display, and capable processor make it suitable for taking notes, studying, and running academic apps.
The phone’s long-lasting battery is also a big plus for students who are always on the go and need to stay connected.
Additionally, the ability to expand the storage with a microSD card is important for students who need to keep their class materials and projects organized and easily accessible.
Overall, the BLU G50 provides an excellent value for students who are looking for a reliable and affordable phone that can meet their academic needs.
#3 – BLU G50 Mega 2022
Display: 6.5 inches (720 x 1600 pixels)
OS: Android 11
Camera: Dual-camera, 12 megapixels and 12 megapixels; Video records 1080p resolution
Processor: Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75
Memory: 32GB Internal Memory, 3GB RAM, Micro SD up to 64GB
Battery: 4000 mAh
4G Network: 4G LTE (1/2/3/4/5/7/12/17/28) 3G: (850/900/1700/1900/2100): US compatibility with GSM Networks including, T-Mobile, Metro PCS, and others. (Not compatible with new AT&T or Cricket activations or with CDMA Networks like Verizon, Sprint, and Boost Mobile)
Price: $79.99
Check out the Lowest Price: Amazon.com
Pros
- Very affordable price
- Large display size (6.5 inches)
- Decent camera (13 megapixels and 2 megapixels)
- Micro SD card slot for expanded storage
- Good battery life (4000 mAh)
- High RAM (3GB)
Cons:
- Limited internal storage (32GB)
The BLU G50 Mega 2022 is an excellent budget phone option for students who need a device that can handle their academic needs without breaking the bank.
With its large 6.5-inch display and 720 x 1600 pixel resolution, students can easily view their notes, textbooks, and online lectures. The dual-camera system with 12 megapixels and 12 megapixels offers solid photo and video capabilities for capturing academic events and projects.
The phone’s 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card, provide enough space to store important class materials and apps.
With a long-lasting 4000 mAh battery, students can use the phone throughout the day without having to worry about running out of battery.
Overall, the BLU G50 Mega 2022 offers a good balance of affordability and functionality for students on a budget.
#4 – TCL 30 SE 2022
Display: 6.52 inches (720 x 1600 pixels)
OS: Android 12
Camera: Triple-camera, 50 megapixels, 2 megapixels and 2 megapixels; Video records 1080p resolution
Processor: Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm); Octa-core (4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4×1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)
Memory: 64GB Internal Memory, 4GB RAM, Micro SD up to 512GB
Battery: 5000 mAh
4G Network: Compatible with the T-Mobile and AT&T LTE networks. This device is currently not certified for use on Verizon. Not compatible with any CDMA networks. (Verizon, Straight talk,Tracfone, Spectrum, Xfinity, etc.)
Price: $159.99
Check out the Lowest Price: Amazon.com
Pros
- Large display size (6.5 inches)
- Excellent battery life (5000 mAh)
- Triple camera system (48 megapixels, 5 megapixels, and 2 megapixels)
- Dedicated microSD slot
- High RAM (4GB)
Cons:
- Limited internal storage (64GB)
- Higher Price
The TCL 30 SE 2022 is an excellent choice for students who are looking for an affordable phone that offers a wide range of features.
With its large 6.52-inch display and 720 x 1600 pixel resolution, students can easily read and view their academic material. The phone is powered by a Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 processor, which provides smooth and efficient performance for multitasking and running academic apps.
The dual-camera system with 48 megapixels and 5 megapixels offers good photo and video capabilities for capturing important moments, and the 4000 mAh battery provides enough power to last through the day.
Additionally, with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, the phone offers enough space to store important documents and class notes.
Overall, the TCL 30 SE 2022 is a great value for students who want a reliable and feature-packed phone without breaking the bank.
#5 – Moto G Pure
Display: 6.5 inches (720 x 1600 pixels)
OS: Android 11
Camera: Dual-camera, 13 megapixels and 2 megapixels; Video records 1080p resolution
Processor: Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm); Octa-core (4×2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4×1.5 GHz Cortex-A53)
Memory: 32GB Internal Memory, 3GB RAM, Micro SD with dedicated slot
Battery: 4000 mAh
4G Network: Carrier compatibility: AT&T: VoLTE, Verizon: VoLTE, T Mobile: VoLTE, WiFi Calling, Video Calling, Tracfone: GSM, Spectrum: VoLTE, WiFi Calling. Does not support: Boost: Republic Wireless, Tracfone (CDMA), Straight Talk Wireless (CDMA), Xfinity Wireless.
Price: $159.99
Check out the Lowest Price: Amazon.com
Pros
- Large display size (6.4 inches)
- Good camera system (48 megapixels, 2 megapixels, and 2 megapixels)
- Good battery life (4000 mAh)
- High RAM (3GB)
Cons:
- Limited internal storage (32GB)
- Higher Price
The Moto G Pure is an affordable smartphone that is perfect for students who are looking for a budget-friendly device.
Its 6.4-inch display is great for reading textbooks, taking notes, and browsing the web. With its powerful processor, the Moto G Pure can easily handle most academic apps, allowing students to stay organized and productive.
Additionally, the phone’s long-lasting battery ensures that students can use it throughout the day without needing to constantly charge it. Its 48-megapixel triple camera system is also great for capturing high-quality photos and videos for class projects or personal use.
Overall, the Moto G Pure offers an excellent balance of performance and affordability, making it a top choice for students who want a reliable smartphone that won’t break the bank.
Free or Low-cost Apps for the Cheapest Phones for Students
By using these low-cost apps, you can make the most of your budget-friendly phone and have all the tools you need to succeed as a student.
Plus, many of these apps are also available on desktop or tablet devices, so you can access your notes and files from anywhere. Here’s a list of some low-cost apps that can help you stay organized, take notes, and study without breaking the bank:
Utility Apps
- Evernote: Evernote is a note-taking app that allows you to organize your notes by topic and access them from anywhere. The basic version of the app is free, but you can upgrade to the premium version for additional features.
- Google Drive: Google Drive is a cloud storage service that allows you to store and access your files from anywhere. The basic version of the app is free and comes with 15GB of storage.
- Quizlet: Quizlet is a study app that allows you to create flashcards and quizzes to help you prepare for exams. The basic version of the app is free, but you can upgrade to Quizlet Plus for additional features.
- Forest: Forest is a productivity app that helps you stay focused and avoid distractions by planting a virtual tree for a set amount of time. The basic version of the app is free, but you can upgrade to Forest Pro for additional features.
- Google Classroom: Google Classroom is a free app that allows teachers and students to communicate, collaborate, and manage assignments online. The app is particularly useful for remote learning and online classes.
Language Apps
- Grammarly: Grammarly is a writing assistant app that can help you improve your writing skills by checking your grammar, spelling, and punctuation. The basic version of the app is free, but you can upgrade to Grammarly Premium for additional features.
- Duolingo: Duolingo is a language-learning app that offers a variety of languages to choose from. The basic version of the app is free and includes a range of lessons and exercises to help you learn and practice your language skills. You can also upgrade to Duolingo Plus for additional features.
- Memrise: Memrise is a language-learning app that uses flashcards and mnemonic devices to help you remember vocabulary and grammar rules. The app offers courses in over 20 languages, and it’s free to use, although there is a premium version available with additional features.
- HelloTalk: HelloTalk is a language exchange app that allows you to connect with native speakers of the language you’re learning. You can chat with them through the app, practice speaking and listening skills, and get feedback on your language abilities. The app is free to use, but there are in-app purchases available.
Math, Science, and Business Apps
- Khan Academy: Khan Academy is a popular app that offers free courses and tutorials on a wide range of subjects, including math, science, and computer programming. The app offers interactive lessons, quizzes, and practice exercises to help you learn at your own pace.
- Photomath: Photomath is a free math-solving app that allows you to take a picture of a math problem and get step-by-step solutions. The app covers a range of topics, including arithmetic, algebra, and calculus.
- Wolfram Alpha: Wolfram Alpha is a computational knowledge engine that can help you solve complex math problems, analyze data, and generate graphs and charts. The app offers a range of tools for math, science, and engineering.
- NASA: NASA offers a variety of free apps that can help you explore space and learn about science. Some of the apps include NASA App, NASA Earth Observations, and NASA Visualization Explorer.
- TED: TED offers a variety of free talks and videos on a wide range of subjects, including technology, science, and education. The app is a great resource for students looking to expand their knowledge and learn about new ideas and concepts.
- edX: edX is another online learning platform that offers free courses from top universities and institutions. The app features courses on a range of subjects, including science, engineering, and humanities.
- Coursera: Coursera offers free online courses from top universities and educational institutions. The app features courses on a wide range of subjects, including computer science, business, and humanities.
Tips on How to Take Care of the Cheapest Phones for Students
By following these tips, you can help protect your cheapest phone and keep it in good working condition for as long as possible. Remember, taking care of your phone can help extend its lifespan and save you money in the long run.
- Invest in a phone case: A good phone case can help protect your phone from scratches, cracks, and other damage. There are a variety of cases available, from heavy-duty cases designed for maximum protection to slim cases that provide basic protection.
- Use a screen protector: A screen protector can help prevent scratches and cracks on your phone’s screen. There are tempered glass screen protectors available that offer the most protection, but plastic screen protectors can also be effective.
- Be careful with your phone: This may seem obvious, but being careful with your phone can go a long way in protecting it. Avoid dropping it, don’t leave it in extreme temperatures, and don’t expose it to water or other liquids.
- Avoid downloading sketchy apps: Downloading apps from untrusted sources can put your phone at risk for malware and viruses. Stick to downloading apps from the official app store, and be wary of apps that ask for excessive permissions.
- Use a password or biometric lock: Adding a password or biometric lock to your phone can help prevent unauthorized access and protect your personal data.
- Keep your phone up to date: Regularly updating your phone’s software can help keep it secure and protect against vulnerabilities.
In Summary – Cheapest Phones for Students
A smartphone has become a necessity for students in this digital age, and there are many options available on the market to suit a range of budgets.
Opting for the cheapest phone does not necessarily mean compromising on quality or features, as there are plenty of budget-friendly options that offer great performance and functionality.
With the right combination of features and apps, a cheap phone can provide students with a valuable tool for learning, communication, and organization.
When shopping for a cheap phone, it’s important to consider your individual needs and priorities, such as camera quality, storage capacity, and battery life. It’s also important to take steps to protect your phone, such as investing in a case and screen protector, being careful with your phone, and avoiding downloading sketchy apps.
By choosing the right phone and taking care of it properly, students can benefit from a reliable and affordable tool for their academic and personal needs.
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