Shopping for a phone for back-to-school while on a tight budget? There’s one phone I would wholeheartedly recommend.

Shopping for a phone for back-to-school while on a tight budget? There’s one phone I would wholeheartedly recommend.

      Somewhere between the last day of school and the first day back, your phone stopped working. It could have cracked after a hard drop, or the battery might die by noon, or apps could take so long to open that by the time they do, you’ve forgotten your original purpose. You doubt it will last another school year, but with all the school supplies and expenses, only an affordable phone fits your budget right now.

      Fortunately, budget phones have improved greatly, featuring better screens, larger batteries, and more capable cameras compared to models from just a few years ago. As you prepare to return to school, it’s the perfect time to retire your old phone and get an upgrade. However, the timing isn’t ideal for the smartphone industry overall, which has significantly affected entry-level phones.

      The ongoing shortage of memory and storage has led some manufacturers to raise prices and has affected availability. In fact, one major manufacturer has completely exited the US market. This has left fewer options available, with only two phones that are clearly recommendable at budget pricing. Here are those suggestions, along with what has been eliminated from consideration this year.

      Samsung Galaxy A17: The most reliable budget option

      Samsung

      ProsConsSix years of OS and security updates, unmatched at this priceExynos 1330 is starting to feel outdated6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate4GB RAM in the base model is limiting5,000mAh battery lasts a full dayUltrawide and macro cameras are not particularly usefulCompatible with all US carriersIP54 rating only provides splash protection$35 upgrade to 256GB storage also boosts RAM to 8GB

      Samsung’s most affordable Galaxy A-series model is the choice I’d confidently recommend to a student in need of a dependable phone that will last through the next few years without breaking the bank. Samsung supports the Galaxy A17 with six years of OS and security updates, an unheard-of commitment for a $200 phone, making it the top budget choice currently.

      Its 6.7-inch AMOLED screen is stunning, and the 90Hz refresh rate offers a smoother experience if you're upgrading from an older 60Hz device. The front is protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, ensuring it can withstand drops that would shatter a cheaper display, while the durable plastic build feels solid in hand. The 5,000mAh battery can easily power through a full day without a midday recharge, but don’t expect top-tier performance.

      The Exynos 1330 chip is several generations old, which might cause occasional stutters when launching apps or scrolling, largely due to the 4GB RAM in the base version. Opting for the 256GB storage version for an additional $35 upgrades you to 8GB RAM, alleviating most performance issues and enhancing multitasking.

      The triple-camera setup on the back is primarily for marketing, with the 50MP main sensor handling most of the work while the additional two cameras are of little value. The phone has an IP54 rating that can withstand splashes but not full submersion, making it suitable for light spills or rain.

      These compromises are expected for devices under $300 and are not significant deal-breakers. More crucial is whether the phone you choose today remains functional, efficient throughout the day, and continues to receive updates by the time you graduate, and the Galaxy A17 excels in this regard. It is compatible with all carriers and stands as the more reliable of the two options discussed.

      TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro: A solid alternative, particularly for T-Mobile users

      TCL

      ProsCons8GB RAM and 256GB storage as standard$199.99 price requires T-Mobile or Metro signup; unlocked price is $329.99Larger 5,200mAh batteryCarrier compatibility information is unclearRequires verificationUnique NXTPAPER 120Hz displayTCL's software support does not match Samsung's durationIP68 rating allows for full immersion in water

      The TCL NXTPAPER 70 Pro is an excellent option for students who spend many hours looking at screens and want to protect their eyes during the semester. It comes with 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, a 5,200mAh battery, and an IP68 rating, which gives it a distinct advantage over the Galaxy A17.

      Its standout feature is the NXTPAPER display, which can switch between full color and a matte, paper-like Ink Mode at the touch of a button. The Ink Mode significantly reduces glare, making it particularly useful for students working through PDFs, textbooks, or lecture notes during late-night study sessions.

      However, the pricing comes with a significant condition. The $199.99 price point requires signing up for service with T-Mobile or Metro by T-Mobile. If you choose to purchase it unlocked, the price rises to $329.99. Additionally, TCL does not have the same track record as Samsung for software updates, which is another

Shopping for a phone for back-to-school while on a tight budget? There’s one phone I would wholeheartedly recommend. Shopping for a phone for back-to-school while on a tight budget? There’s one phone I would wholeheartedly recommend. Shopping for a phone for back-to-school while on a tight budget? There’s one phone I would wholeheartedly recommend. Shopping for a phone for back-to-school while on a tight budget? There’s one phone I would wholeheartedly recommend. Shopping for a phone for back-to-school while on a tight budget? There’s one phone I would wholeheartedly recommend.

Other articles

Anthropic's Claude Cowork may have the ability to break out of its local virtual machine and access credentials on a Mac. Security researchers demonstrated that Claude Cowork could take advantage of a Linux kernel vulnerability to break out of its VM sandbox and gain access to SSH keys and credentials on the host Mac. Google verifies increased prices for the Pixel 11 due to a sixfold rise in RAM expenses. Google VP Shakil Barkat states that the Pixel 11 series will have a higher price due to a sixfold increase in RAM costs, and the company is modifying Android to utilize less memory. Shopping for a phone for back-to-school while on a tight budget? There's one phone I can recommend without any reservations. Shopping for a phone for back-to-school while on a tight budget? There's one phone I can recommend without any reservations. Shopping for back to school typically involves choosing from a few reliable budget choices. This year, though, the selection is limited, with one standout recommendation for the upcoming school year, along with a strong alternative that has a specific drawback. If you enter the incorrect PIN 13 times, your Galaxy phone will be permanently locked. If you enter the incorrect PIN 13 times, your Galaxy phone will be permanently locked. Galaxy devices that come with One UI 9.0 will permanently lock after 13 unsuccessful PIN entries, making a factory reset the only method to regain access. Apple aims for WWDC 2027 to launch smart glasses but is still deliberating on the camera feature. Apple aims for WWDC 2027 to launch smart glasses but is still deliberating on the camera feature. Apple aims to introduce its first smart glasses at WWDC 2027, but is still uncertain about incorporating a camera due to increasing privacy concerns. According to JD Power, electric vehicle owners are more satisfied with their cars compared to those who drive gasoline vehicles. According to JD Power, electric vehicle owners are more satisfied with their cars compared to those who drive gasoline vehicles. JD Power's 2026 APEAL study revealed that electric vehicles surpassed combustion cars by 109 points in powertrain satisfaction and achieved the largest year-over-year improvements.

Shopping for a phone for back-to-school while on a tight budget? There’s one phone I would wholeheartedly recommend.

Shopping for back to school typically involves choosing from a few reliable budget-friendly choices. This year, though, the selection is limited, with one standout option I would suggest for the upcoming school year, along with a strong alternative that has a drawback.