Best Budget Smartphones for Students

In today’s world, having a smartphone isn’t luxury. It is a requirement. And the smartphone needs to be really good – especially if you’re a student trying to keep yourself connected with the world, and with your studies. The high cost of smartphones however can be a challenge if you want many of the mid-rangers or the flagships. However, within the budget range, there are a couple of smartphones to consider that can be quite good and useful in your day to day activities. In this article, we explore the best budget smartphones for students in two price clusters – KES 10,000 to 14,000 and KES 19,000 to 22,000 – and the best from these that you should consider if you’re currently in the market for one. 

Budget Range 1: KES 10,000 to 14,000

For students looking for affordability without sacrificing performance, the KES 10,000 to 14,000 price range offers several noteworthy options. Notable is Infinix Smart 8, which has recently seen price reductions, making it even more attractive. The Smart 8 was originally priced at KES 11,599 and is now available for KES 10,599. 

Phones to consider:

• Infinix Smart 8: KES 10,599. Features a 6.56-inch HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate, 3/4GB RAM, 64GB storage, and a 5000mAh battery. It’s equipped with a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera, perfect for capturing clear photos and engaging in online classes. The model is currently in special limited offer till 31st May and you can buy it here.
• Redmi A3: KES 10,999. Offers a 6.71-inch HD+ display, 3GB RAM, 64GB storage, and a 5000mAh battery. It has an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera, suitable for photography and video conferencing.
• Vivo Y03: KES 12,999. Comes with a 6.56-inch HD+ display at 90Hz, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, and dual cameras (13MP rear, 5MP front), supported by a 5000mAh battery.
• OPPO A18: KES 13,999. Features a 6.56-inch display, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, with an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera, also boasting a 5000mAh battery.
• Realme C30S: KES 13,000. Includes a 6.5-inch HD+ display, 3GB RAM, 64GB storage, and cameras (8MP rear, 5MP front) with a 5000mAh battery. Unfortunately, this phone uses Micro-USB.

Budget Range 2: KES 19,000 to 22,000

Students with a slightly higher budget can opt for devices that offer enhanced features and superior performance and bigger memories for more great moments saving. The Infinix HOT 40i and Redmi 13C are standout choices in this category, each providing a compelling mix of features for their price. The Infinix HOT 40i has had a price drop from KES 19,299 to KES 18,299 with best affordability. 

Phones to consider:

• Infinix HOT 40i: KES 18,300. Boasts a 6.56-inch HD+ display, 8GB RAM, and a massive 256GB storage. It features a 32MP front camera and a 50MP rear camera, making it ideal for students who need high-quality visuals for both study and leisure. You can buy it here.
• Redmi 13C: KES 19,000. Comes with a 6.74-inch HD+ display, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, and dual rear cameras (50MP + 2MP), offering excellent multitasking capabilities and ample space for all educational materials.
• Samsung A05s: KES 21,000. Sports a 6.7-inch HD+ display, 4GB RAM, 128GB storage, dual cameras (50MP + 2MP rear, 5MP front), and a 5000mAh battery.
• OPPO A38: KES 22,000. Features a 6.56-inch HD+ display, 6GB RAM, 128GB storage, an 8MP front camera, and a 50MP rear camera, also with a 5000mAh battery.
• Vivo Y17s: KES 20,000. Provides a 6.56-inch HD+ display, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, a 50MP front camera, and 5000mAh battery.
• Realme C53: KES 20,000. Offers a 6.74-inch HD+ display, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, dual rear cameras (50MP + 2MP), and a 5000mAh battery.

Importance of Good Cameras, USB Type-C, and Software

Today’s students require smartphones that can do more than just make calls, or have apps; they need to capture important moments in high detail, scan documents, and participate in video calls. Modern budget smartphones come equipped with good quality cameras that are capable of handling these tasks with ease. Moreover, the inclusion of USB Type-C ports has been a game changer, providing faster data transfer and quicker charging times, which are crucial for students who are often on the go. If you’re a student, make sure you’re getting USB Type-C from the on-set. 

Also, the importance of a good display cannot be overstated for students who spend hours looking at their screens, reading materials, and watching educational videos. Budget smartphones now feature displays with higher refresh rates and better resolutions, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience. Alongside improved displays, these phones sport capable processors that efficiently handle multitasking, essential for students who use their phones for a variety of academic and leisure activities.

Modern budget phones also offer generous RAM and storage options, with many devices providing 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage. This allows students to store all their educational materials, apps, and multimedia without constantly worrying about running out of space. Additionally, fast charging capabilities mean that even a short charging session can provide hours of usage, which is perfect for students’ busy schedules.

Conclusion

Choosing the right smartphone within a budget is crucial for students. The phones listed here provide a range of options that cater to both basic and advanced needs, ensuring that every student can find a device that suits their requirements. Whether it’s for attending online classes, managing assignments, or leisure activities, these smartphones stand out as top choices in their respective price brackets. If you have devices in mind that haven’t been listed here, feel free to share them with us in the comment section below.