Affordable and quality smartphones you can use for online classes

As learning shifted to blended/distance learning, demands for gadgets like laptops and smartphones increases. Parents, student, schools and teachers are looking for an affordable yet quality gadgets.

Meanwhile, a heavy-duty laptop may be needed for specialized courses like design and tech but a smartphone can be a great alternative if the course only requires the learner to join video calls, download documents, pdf files, and install a few apps.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has issued minimum specifications for ICT Equipment and Internet Services that teachers and learners in public elementary and secondary schools can use for distance learning in School Year 2020-2021.

Here are Smartphone Minimum Technical Specifications for DepEd Distance Learning:

Processor : Octa-core 2.0 GHz

Memory : 2 GB

Display : Size 6 inches

Display : Type IPS LCD Display

Display Resolution : 720 x 1520 Pixels

Storage : 32 GB

Camera : Front and Rear

Network : GSM / HSPA / LTE

: Wifi 802.11 b/g/n

: Bluetooth

SIM : Dual SIM

Interface : Micro USB or Type C

: 3.5mm Audio Jack

Operating System : Android 8.1

Preference : Preferably branded, and if volume may allow, casing should be Cyan Blue

: CMYK (71,53,0,12) as anti-fencing measure.

And here are some mobile phones below P7,000 you can use for online class:

Cherry Mobile Flare S8

Price: P3,999

The cheapest of the Flare series is the most affordable option on this list, but its specs can definitely compete. It comes with 32GB of storage (expandable up to 128GB), and 3GB of RAM. The camera is also not bad, at 13MP for the front camera, and dual rear 13MP + 2MP cameras.

Photo credit: shoppe.ph

Xiaomi Redmi 9A

Price: P4,690

More and more people are becoming fans of the Redmi smartphones because of the ease of use, and the 9A does not disappoint. It also has an impressive battery at 5,000mAh, and is even recommended for basic gaming. One reviewer even verified that the unit is perfect for Mobile Legends players.

Photo credit: unbox.ph

Realme C11

Price: P4,990

Another brand praised for its user experience and design, the Realme C11 is a "sulit" purchase really marketed for students. Their hashtag for this is #EntryLevelUp, and for good reason: it runs on a MediaTek Helio G35 chipset considering that it's below P5k. You also really get your money's worth with its battery life (5,000mAh), and overall user experience.

Photo credit: shopee.ph

Huawei Y5

Price: starts at P5,290

With its sleek design, the Huawei Y5 prides itself in its screen-to-body ratio, making it useful if you read notes on your phone a lot. It has a pretty dependable processor with a 3020 mAh-battery. You can also choose between two options: a 16GB and 32GB.

Photo credit: shopee.ph

Oppo A5s

Price: P6,990

A cheaper alternative to the Oppo A5, some would say this unit offers more in terms of value for money than its OG version. Similar to the Huawei Y5, this phone has a wider screen compared to similar models in its size and price range. The Oppo A5s is the most expensive reco on this list, but it comes with a powerful battery (4230mAh) and processor (MediaTek Helio P35 2.3GHz Octa-core).