This paper explores the usefulness of smartphones in studies among the students of higher educational institutions. The study is based on a comparative assessment of students’ perception before and during COVID-19 situation. We use a panel dataset based on two rounds of survey conducted in Assam, India. Even though students used their smartphones extensively for studies during the lockdown period, we discovered that perception of smartphone’s has not changed much. Furthermore, offline learning is still the preferred choice. Therefore, we advise student’s counseling and guidance to ensure the proliferation and best possible use of smartphone for academic purposes.