Seniors need to get connected with their immediate family members, extended family members, retired colleagues, lifelong friends, health practitioners, and more. But the latest mobile phones, most wanted by the young generation, do not fulfil their needs, and seniors find them complicated and useless. That’s why we have found some of the best phones for seniors that they can consider for themselves.
Almost every senior citizen has some specific demands for a cellphone, which are:
- Loudspeakers (Because seniors have hearing problems)
- Easy-to-use operating system and interface (Because seniors are not tech-savvy)
- Large screens (Because seniors have bad eyesight)
- Large batteries (Because seniors find it tough to charge a mobile phone multiple times a day)
Here, we have brought the ten best phones for seniors, and every one of them is an easy-to-use mobile phone.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Smartphones for the Elderly People
1. Jitterbug Smart 3
Best Phone for Ease of Use – This phone for old people is specifically designed for seniors and priced so that you don’t feel like paying a hefty sum for a standard phone.
Its features are amazing, and you get a headphone jack, a long-lasting battery, and all of a modern phone’s capabilities. Also, it has a button on the back for emergency communication to close relatives, hospitals, or police.
The manufacturer designed the software while considering seniors’ needs. For example, seniors have bad eyesight and cannot see little icons or small texts. That’s why the company includes large icons for applications, and the text font size is also large by default.
Yes, its features are compatible with seniors’ requirements for a phone. But it is a very large device that does not fit easily in the pocket.
In short, Jitterbug Smart 3 is one of the best phones for the elderly, and it comes at a fair price of just above $100.
Pros
- Modern design
- Inexpensive
- Emergency button
Cons
- Fairly large
- Only available in the US
Features
- OS: Android 10.0
- Large 6.2-inch screen
- Simple, list-based menu
- Voice typing
- Video chat
- High-quality camera
- Long-lasting battery
- Powerful speaker
- Mobile internet access
- Brain Games keep your mind active
- How-to guides right on your phone
2. Doro 7030
Budget-Friendly Option – Sometimes seniors find it very difficult to handle a smartphone, but they also want to use modern apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and more. For that, the Doro 7030 is the best companion for seniors, and it is an elderly mobile phone by all means.
Seniors don’t have problems dialling any number on this phone because of its large buttons, and this phone has an assistance button that alerts the designated person in case of an emergency.
Also, the Doro 7030 has a long-lasting battery that fulfils its duty for over 24 hours on a single charge. Moreover, it has two cameras that allow seniors to capture quality moments.
Apart from its amazing features for seniors, this phone is a rare item in the market, and you can only find it in stores in the UK.
If you compare the Doro 7030’s price with other flip phones, you’ll find it a little expensive. But the assistive technology and modern apps justify its current price.
In short, Doro 7030 is one the best simple mobile phones that caters to the needs of the elderly in the best possible way.
Pros
- Includes some modern apps
- Long-lasting battery
Cons
- A little high price for a flip phone
- It available only in the UK
Features
- Assistance button
- Compatible with other Doro devices
- GPS
- HAC compatible
- Easy navigation
- 3MP camera
- 4G
- Torch
- Visual ring indicator
- Backlit keypad
- Clock
- Timer
- Calendar
3. GrandPad
Best Device for Seniors Who Love Technology – GrandPad is an easy-to-use phone and one of the best phones for Seniors. But you cannot unlock it to use it with other mobile carriers. You have to buy a phone contract from Consumer Cellular.
GrandPad is designed for seniors while keeping every factor in mind so that seniors can stay connected. Its software and user interface are so simple and a no-brainer that a person who has not used an Android or iOS device before can use it without complications.
Seniors need a big screen, simple navigation, and easy-to-use buttons. And GrandPad has all of them, along with a long-lasting battery that stays active for over 24 hours and can last for three days on average usage.
You can preload contacts and emails for your senior family members. Also, you can pair your Android or iOS phone with GrandPad and monitor everything remotely.
Moreover, you can restrict phone calls by enabling security. This way, your senior family member will receive calls only from approved contacts while saving them from spam callers and phishing attacks.
In short, GrandPad is an ideal smartphone for the elderly that covers their connectivity needs to the full extent while ensuring their security and well-being.
Pros
- Big screen and UI
- Simple interface
- You can manage it remotely
Cons
- You must buy a Consumer Cellular contract
- Over simple
Features
- 4G LTE enabled, no Wi-Fi needed
- Wireless charging
- Battery last for three days
- 5MP camera
- Preloaded photos and contacts
- Can restrict calls
- It can be monitored using another paired device
4. Doro 8050
Recommended Option with Assistive Technology – If you are living in the UK and need the best mobile phone for seniors, the Doro 8050 will satisfy you. Its software is Android-based, but the company tweaked it to meet the needs of the elderly. Also, there is a physical home button that simplifies everything for seniors. Moreover, there is a button on the back side of the phone for emergency communication. You can set the emergency button to the nearest hospital helpline, a close relative, or the police.
Doro 8050 appears like a standard smartphone. But it has a simple navigation system that allows the elderly to communicate and do everything without difficulty.
There is one drawback to this phone. You don’t have much internal storage. To cover it, you must buy an external microSD card. Doro 8050 supports up to 128 GB of external storage.
Pros
- Nice and small
- Headphone jack included
Cons
- It’s only available in the UK
- Too little internal storage
Features
- Display (cm): 8 cm
- Screen size diagonal (inches): 45 inch
- Display resolution: 1440 x 720 Pixel
- Display resolution mode: HD+
- Resolution of the built-in camera: 13 MP
- RAM: 2 GB
- Memory card slots: microSD card (up to 128 GB)
- SIM card version: Nano SIM
- SIM cards type: Single SIM
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Bluetooth: 4.2
- GSM standard: GSM/2G, UMTS/3G, LTE/4G
- LTE frequency: 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2600 MHz
- Battery capacity: 3000 mAh
5. Jitterbug Flip 2
Best Non-Smart Feature Phone – Jitterbug Flip 2 is an easy-to-use phone and the best device for seniors who don’t know how to use technology. It has big buttons and a long-lasting battery that removes many hurdles for elderly people. They can easily dial numbers and don’t have to charge their mobile too often.
The manufacturer designed the software, especially for old people, and included Amazon Alexa in the package. So, seniors can load functions using voice commands. In another sense, this mobile phone for the elderly can function completely using only voice commands.
Moreover, the manufacturer included a button on the back of the mobile for emergency communication.
From the point of view of price, this phone is highly affordable and costs only $74. But you can only get it in the US.
Pros
- Big buttons
- Long-lasting battery
Cons
- No internet
- It is only available in the US
Features
- Large screen and buttons
- Amazon Alexa
- Easy list-based menu
- Long-lasting battery
- Powerful speaker
- Urgent Response button
- Magnifier and flashlight
- 8MP camera
- One-touch speed dialling
6. Nokia 3310 3G
Good Button Phone Option – Almost every senior citizen finds it difficult to operate a smartphone. That’s why giving them non-smart feature phones with buttons is best.
Nokia has produced this phone specifically for elderly people, an easy-to-use phone with a long-lasting battery. In fact, its battery can provide power for 40 hours on continuous usage. Also, the standby time is 27 days on a single charge.
Its big buttons help elderly people to call, text, and use social media. Moreover, they can use its 5MP camera to take family photos whenever they want. Furthermore, this phone is durable enough to handle a dropdown from height. That’s why it’s a perfect choice for senior family members.
However, Nokia did not include assistive features in this device, and there is no emergency button for instant communication.
Pros
- Simple design
- Sturdy body
- Long battery life
Cons
- Rare availability
- expensive
Features
- Simple software
- Easy navigation
- Games
- 3G
- 4-inch screen
- QVAC resolution
- 5 MP camera
- Flashlight
- 40-hour playtime
- 27 days standby time
- Bluetooth
- Headphone jack
- 1200 mAH battery
- FM radio
- MicroSD slot supports up to 32 GB
7. iPhone SE 2020
Recommended 5G Phone Option – Apple has brought an easy-to-use and best phone for seniors in the form of an iPhone SE 2020. Also, it is compatible with 5G and has a lot of processing power.
iPhone SE 2020 has the same specifications as iPhone 8 and a little lower weight. Also, its battery is not as efficient as other Apple models. But from the point of view of performance and features, this device can offer everything.
In short, iPhone SE 2020 is a phone for those elderly people who want to transition from iPads to iPhones and want to indulge in all modern online activities.
Pros
- lightweight
- modern design
- low price
Cons
- Average battery life
- No headphone jacks
Features
- Weight: 148g
- Dimensions: 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3mm
- Display size: 4.7-inch
- Resolution: 750 x 1334
- Chipset: A13 Bionic
- RAM: GB
- Storage: 64/128/256GB
- Rear camera: 12MP
- Front camera: 7MP
- Pre-installed software: iOS 13
- Battery: 1,8210mAh
- Charging: 18W wired, 7.5W wireless
8. Nokia G10
Big Display Phone – If you need a senior’s phone in the UK or the US, Nokia G10 can be the best choice. It comes with a big display and massive batteries.
The performance is above par, and its A13 bionic chipset gives you greater processing power than other smartphones for the elderly. Also, its 12 MP front camera allows seniors to capture moments with high-quality images.
Nokia G10 offers two charging options: wired and wireless. Also, you’ll have multiple options in storage. You can choose 32, 64, or 128 GB storage while buying this handset for seniors.
Advanced chipsets, high storage, lithium-ion batteries, and high pixels are some reasons for the high prices of modern smartphones. But when you compare Nokia G10’s price with other standard smartphones, you’ll find Nokia G10 is affordable for the elderly.
Pros
- Big display
- Massive batteries
Cons
- Limited storage
- Troublesome fingerprint sensor
Features
- Operating System: Android™ 11
- OS upgrades:2 years of upgrades
- Internal storage:32 GB
- MicroSD card support up to:512 GB
- RAM:3 GB
- Bluetooth:5.0
- Headphone jack:3.5 mm
- Location: GPS/AGPS, GLONASS, Beidou
- USB connection: USB Type-C (USB 2.0) OTG
- WiFi:802.11 b/g/n
- [rear-camera]:13 MP Main + 2 MP Depth + 2 MP Macro
- Features: Portrait mode, Night mode, HDR, Beautification, Panorama, Watermark
- Front camera:8 MP
- Rear flash LED
9. Samsung Galaxy A32 5G
Best Phone for Seniors for Video Calls – Generally, 5G is not recommended for seniors because it eats too much battery power. Yet, those seniors who love video calls will love Samsung Galaxy A32 5G.
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G has an attractive design and durable body. Also, it has a large screen, which makes everything convenient for seniors.
Yes, Samsung Galaxy A32 5G has impressive features and everything. But it is an expensive phone, and seniors have the habit of misplacing or dropping their phones. That’s why any accidental damage can cost a lot of money.
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G comes with 64 GB storage, which is enough to cover every storage need for seniors. Plus, always consider how much storage you need before buying a smartphone. Otherwise, you may buy a phone that has too extra or too little storage.
Pros
- Loads of cameras
- Fairly large
Cons
- Expensive
- It’s hard to find it in the market
Features
- Android 11
- Single SIM
- 5G supported
- TFT LCD
- MicroSD slot
- 4GB RAM
- 64GB storage
- Quad cameras
- Headphone jack
- Loudspeaker
- Bluetooth
- Wi-Fi
- GPS
- 15W charging
10. Samsung Galaxy A12
Great Battery Phone – The best thing about Samsung Galaxy A12 is its long-lasting battery. Seniors have many things on their minds during their daily routine, and the last thing they want is to charge their mobiles frequently. In this regard, Samsung Galaxy A12 is the best because you can cover your whole day using it on a single charge.
Samsung Galaxy A12 delivers crystal clear audio through its loudspeakers. That’s why seniors can communicate with ease if they have hearing problems. Also, its camera is 16 MP with multiple lenses, delivering exceptional quality images and videos.
Moreover, a fingerprint sensor in the phone makes everything secure for seniors.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Fast charging
- 16 MP main camera
- Affordable
- Headphone jack
Cons
- No flashlight for the camera
Features
- 34 hours talk time; 16-day standby battery life
- Fast-charging option
- Fingerprint sensor
- 5-inch HD display
- Up to 1 TB in memory
- 16MP triple camera
- Built-in mobile apps
What is the Difference Between a Simple Feature Phone and a Smartphone?
A feature phone has a simple operating system that does not support add-ons and a limited processing power and storage capacity. Also, a features phone does not support advanced multimedia and internet connectivity options.
On the other hand, a smartphone provides everything that modern technology offers in a phone, such as multiple internet connectivity options, advanced cameras, multimedia, and external applications.
How to Choose the Best Phone for Seniors?
When you buy a phone for seniors without considering their needs, you end up buying the wrong phone for them. That’s why always buy a phone for seniors that have minimum problems and maximum convenience.
Why Should You Buy an Easy-to-Use Phone?
Modern smartphones come with all kinds of features and applications that look good for young people but confuse elderly people.
An easy-to-use phone helps seniors to stay connected and communicate without problems, such as dialling a number, reading a text, receiving a call, making a video call, and more.
What Features to Look for in a Simple Mobile Phone?
Every factor is explained in detail below.
Bigger Screen
Almost every senior finds it hard to read small text or comprehend small icons. That’s why they need a phone that has a big enough screen to show them everything in a big size. So, prefer phones with bigger screens for elderly people.
Large Battery
Seniors have many things on their minds and often forget to charge their phones. That’s why they need a phone that stays active on a single charge for at least 24 hours. So, they can only have to charge their phone once a day, preferably when they lay on their bed for the night.
Bigger Buttons
A small button phone will put seniors in difficulty, and they will dial the wrong numbers. So, buy them a phone that has bigger buttons.
Simple Interface and Operating System
Seniors are not tech-savvy. That’s why a complex interface and operating system confuse them. So, buy them a phone that has the easiest navigation, simple interface, and easy-to-use operating system.
Obviously, the Money/Budget
If you buy an expensive phone for seniors, they are most likely to drop it and damage it in a few months. As a result, there will be a loss of money. So, buy them an inexpensive phone to minimize the loss.
Strong Body and Build
Seniors often drop their phones. If you buy them a sturdy and strong-built phone, it’ll be less likely to break due to dropping. So, buy them a durable phone.
Easy-to-Use Home Key
Using a phone is a complex task for seniors, and they can get lost navigating the phone. That’s why they need to come back to the main screen without any difficulty. So, buy them a phone that has an easy-to-use home key.
Simple Phone with a Good Camera
Seniors love to video call their friends, family members, and colleagues. For that, they need a phone with a good camera. So, consider a good camera when buying a phone for seniors.
SOS Button for Immediate Call for Help
Seniors may need emergency medical services and help when no one is around. In such a case, mobile phones for seniors have an SOS button that sends a call to the designated person on the phone. So, consider the SOS button option phone while buying for seniors.
Conclusion
Buying a standard smartphone for seniors will never help them, and they’ll find it difficult to communicate. The best strategy is to buy a phone for seniors that cater to their needs. This post gives you the ten best available options and their plus points and drawbacks. So, choose the one that suits you the best.
