Phones 

• Display 3D models of science, history, and math concepts right on a desk

• Turn worksheets or posters into interactive AR lessons

• Allow students to complete short AR tasks during stations, group work, or independent learning

• Support quick, low-prep teaching moments

• Help visual learners better understand abstract or complex topics

• Enable creative student projects using AR creation tools

• Already available in most classrooms (BYOD)

• Works with almost every AR app we discussed

• Quick setup — open app, point camera, learn

• No extra hardware required

• Light and easy for students to hold

• Supports audio layers to reinforce AR content

• Smaller screen than tablets

• Battery drains faster during AR activities

• Class management needed if phones are personal devices

• Some older phones may not support advanced AR features

• Open an app

• Scan a QR code

• Follow simple on-screen instructions

• No coding, no technical setup.

• Light to Moderate AR
  Students see virtual objects through the phone screen while remaining fully aware of the classroom.

Great for quick visuals, demos, and small-group work.

Yes — very easily.

Most students already know how to use a phone camera. Even Grades 3–12 can use AR activities immediately with little instruction.

• Free if students already have phones (BYOD).

• School-owned phones: ~$300–$700 depending on model.

• Phones offer the lowest-cost entry into AR teaching.

These models have strong AR performance and work with most educational apps.

Apple (Best AR performance)

• iPhone 12 and up

• iPhone SE (budget option)

Android (Good budget options)

• Google Pixel 6 and up

• Samsung Galaxy S21 and up

• Samsung A54 (budget-friendly)

Older phones may still work, but performance varies.

This table is created by Napkin AI. 

Phones are the easiest, lowest-cost way to bring AR into your classroom, letting students explore 3D learning activities with simple apps and QR codes using devices they already know how to use.