Best iPhones for students

Picking out the best iPhone can be very challenging. While the iPhone 15 Pro Max is technically the best smartphone from Apple to buy now, it doesn’t mean it's the right pick for everyone. For instance, students with a tight budget might find older or refurbished models more suitable. The “best ” device choice varies based on personal preferences, meaning the highest-rated model may not align with what you should buy.

Over the years, Apple has launched many appealing smartphones. However, selecting a particular device for your use case can be a head-scratcher. This article lists the best iPhones for students, catering to different use cases.

Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the writer’s opinion.

Which are the best iPhones for students to buy now?

1) Most affordable: iPhone 12 refurbished

Budget-friendly device for students (Image via Amazon/Apple)

If you are on a tight budget, the refurbished iPhone 12 will be ideal. You can get it for around $449 on Apple's website. Despite being an old device, it can handle most everyday tasks and games well, thanks to the powerful A14 bionic chip.

Moreover, the tech giant typically supports its devices with software updates for five to seven years, so you can expect iOS updates for at least a few more years, making it more appealing to buy.

Specifications	iPhone 12
Screen size	6.1‑inch OLED
Display technology	Super Retina XDR display
Storage	Up to 256GB
Processor	A14 Bionic
Rear camera	Dual 12MP
Front camera	12MP
Security	Face ID
Battery	Up to 11 hours of video playback
Fast charging	Up to 50% charge in 30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher
Wireless charging	MagSafe up to 15W \|\| Qi up to 7.5W
Price	Available at $449 (refurbished)

The iPhone 12 is a fantastic option with an OLED screen with Super Retina XDR display technology offering great visual fidelity. Its battery and camera performance are respectable. Although you will miss out on some newer features, it is a decent pick for budget-conscious students.

Pros:

Can handle your daily tasks without many issues.
Will receive the latest OS updates for a few more years.

Cons:

Might not have the latest hardware configurations.

2) Pro features: iPhone 15 Pro Max

Flagship phone by Apple with tons of advanced features (Image via Apple)

If you want the very best machine to enjoy all the advanced technology, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is perfect. It packs a punch with an excellent 6.7-inch Super XDR OLED screen (with ProMotion), Dynamic Island, and a super powerful A17 Pro chipset. It can handle anything you throw at it without breaking any sweat.

Apple also significantly upgraded the iPhone. In their latest offering, the 15 Pro Max, the frames are built of titanium, the lightning port is replaced with USB-C, and you get an Action button, which can be programmed for several functions.

It also features a 5x zoom camera lens, which can give a similar result to a 120mm focal length on a professional camera. Another interesting feature is that you can enable or disable the Portrait mode in the Photos app. That means you can adjust the depth-of-field and focal point of the image you clicked earlier.

Specifications	iPhone 15 Pro Max
Screen size	6.7‑inch OLED
Display technology	Super Retina XDR display
Storage	Up to 1TB
Processor	A17 Pro
Rear camera	48MP + 12MP + 12MP
Front camera	12MP
Security	Face ID
Battery	Up to 29 hours of video playback
Fast charging	Up to 50% charge in 35 minutes with 20W adapter or higher
Wireless charging	MagSafe up to 15W \|\| Qi up to 15W
Price	Starts at $1,199

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is arguably the best smartphone in the market. However, it comes with a hefty price tag. Most importantly, it is Apple's latest flagship, which means it has all the latest features, including support for future Apple Intelligence tools in iOS 18.

Pros:

Is a significant improvement over its predecessor in almost every aspect.
Looks super gorgeous.
Packs a punch with all the latest advancements from Apple.

Cons:

Very expensive.

3) Best battery life: iPhone 15 Plus

The 15 Plus has the best battery (Image via Imagine Store)

The iPhone 15 Plus has the longest battery life in the iOS device lineup. Mrwhosetheboss, a reputable tech YouTuber, shared a battery test comparison of various Apple smartphones, including all the devices from the 15-series. The results show that the 15 Plus model can run up to 13 hours and 19 min before going all out.

Moreover, it boasts an impressive screen, a strong processor, and a decent camera. It's a fantastic device overall.

Specifications	iPhone 15 Plus
Screen size	6.7‑inch OLED
Display technology	Super Retina XDR display
Storage	Up to 512GB
Processor	A16 Bionic
Rear camera	48MP + 12MP
Front camera	12MP
Security	Face ID
Battery	Up to 26 hours of video playback
Fast charging	Up to 50% charge in 35 minutes with 20W adapter or higher
Wireless charging	MagSafe up to 15W \|\| Qi up to 15W
Price	Starts at $899

Every device has some tradeoff, and so does Apple's 15 Plus. Firstly, the refresh rate is limited to just 60Hz, and secondly, its charging speed is a bit lower than competitors. Besides, there are no other big deal breakers to skip this device from Apple.

Pros:

Battery life is exceptional.
Delivers smooth performance.

Cons:

Comes with a 60Hz display.
Changing speed could be faster.

These are some of the best phones from Apple that students can consider buying now. I have mentioned devices that excel in different areas and cater to unique individuals' preferences. You can pick whatever suits you the best.

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Edited by Adarsh J Kumar