As a student you need a phone that's reliable, affordable, has great battery life and doesn't cost a fortune. Here are the best student phones for 2026.
For travellers on a budget, the A35 offers water resistance (IP67), a solid camera, huge battery and dual SIM support — everything you need without the flagship price.
If your child wants an iPhone, the SE is the sensible starting point. Apple's Screen Time parental controls are excellent and the phone is fast enough to last several years.
The Pixel 7a is one of the best budget 5G camera phones. Google's processing delivers flagship-quality photos at a fraction of the cost.
A refurbished iPhone 14 gives you a recent Apple flagship — excellent camera, A15 chip, iOS 18 support and strong build quality — at a price well below new.
| Phone | Price | Battery | Best Student Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy A35 | ~£250 / $315-300 ✅ | 5,000mAh ✅ | Best all-round |
| iPhone SE 3rd Gen | ~£499 / $630 | Good | Best iPhone entry |
| Google Pixel 7a | ~£300 / $380-350 / $380-440 | Good | Best for photos |
| iPhone 14 (refurb) | ~£400 / $500 | Very good | Best value Apple |
The Samsung Galaxy A35 is one of the best student phones — reliable, affordable and with excellent battery life to get through a full day.
Both work well. iPhone is great if you already use Apple products. Android gives you more choice at lower price points.
Yes, especially for students. A refurbished iPhone or Samsung from a trusted seller with a warranty can save you hundreds of pounds.
Look for at least 4,500mAh. The Samsung Galaxy A35 with its 5,000mAh battery is especially good for getting through a full university day.