Seniors require a reliable smartphone in order to stay in contact with family and friends, take photos and respond quickly in times of emergencies. Furthermore, it must have an easy user interface and accessible features.
Seniors who experience sight problems will benefit from having larger screens; talk-to-text technology and physical keypads may provide help with hearing loss.
If you want to skip the reviews, we say get the Google Pixel 7 5G.
Best Smart Phones for Seniors Reviews
Apple iPhone 13
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR display. 5G Superfast downloads, high?quality streaming
- Cinematic mode in 1080p at 30 fps. Dolby Vision HDR video recording up to 4K at 60 fps. 2X Optical zoom...
- A15 Bionic chip. New 6-core CPU with 2 performance and 4 efficiency cores. New 4-core GPU. New 16-core...
- Up to 19 hours video playback. Face ID. Ceramic Shield front. Aerospace-grade aluminum
- Water resistant to a depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes. Compatible with MagSafe accessories and...
At Lively’s Jitterbug Smart3, our phones can meet a range of seniors’ needs without breaking the bank. When selecting a smartphone designed specifically for seniors, some key features should include large displays that are easy to read, intuitive interfaces, and accessibility settings that suit them all.
Selecting between flagship models with advanced features or simpler alternatives like Lively’s Jitterbug Smart3 will depend on their requirements as well as budget considerations.
The Apple iPhone 13 is an ideal option for most seniors due to its great design, free apps, and straightforward interface. Furthermore, its large, clear display is user-friendly for people with visual or hearing loss as well as having long battery life which makes charging much simpler than competing products.
The Jitterbug Flip 2 is an attractive alternative to an iPhone that runs on service from GreatCall, part of Verizon. Featuring a flip-open design that’s easy to open and close, a large 2.4-inch display, a text and icon-based menu system, and a built-in magnifier/voice assistant for hands-free calling/tasks as well as hands-free magnifying capabilities.
Alcatel Go Flip 4 is another clamshell smartphone designed specifically to meet the needs of seniors, featuring both an outer display that displays date and time information as well as an internal screen that allows users to navigate its features.
It boasts long battery life and makes using extra-loud modes more manageable for users with hearing or vision loss.
Keep in mind that smartphones can be complicated and challenging for senior users, even with built-in tools like speech-to-text or an accessible app menu.
Therefore, it may be more suitable to get them something simpler, such as a memory cell phone from Lively (an industry leader for phones tailored towards seniors) which typically have simpler user interfaces that may make setting them up easier.
Nokia XR20 5G
- Android OS upgrades until 2024 and a 2-year warranty. Advanced biometrics allow easy access to your...
- 6GB RAM / 128GB internal memory and MicroSD card support up to 512 GB
- Designed with durability in mind the XR20 withstands drops from up to 2 meters and provides the security...
- Rear 48MP dual camera with 13MP ultrawide lens and 8MP front-facing camera
- This device works with all GSM carriers including, but not limited to: AT&T, Boost, Cricket, H2O...
Smartphones provide seniors with an easier way to remain in contact with family and friends. A good device also provides email and web browsing capability, with long battery lives allowing users to go an entire day without worrying about charging up their battery.
When selecting the ideal cell phones for seniors, look for ones with large displays and easy-to-use software. Bright, easily visible displays with big enough buttons should be an essential feature; emergency buttons should also be provided in case of accidents or emergencies.
While smartphones with 5G capabilities may become more mainstream, seniors may not need this technology. While 5G may increase data speeds and battery drain, higher prices and battery drain may make 4G or 3G connectivity sufficient for most senior users.
Whenever buying a smartphone for an older person, select one with a large display and an easy operating system like Android. Android phones tend to be user-friendly with numerous apps available and are usually affordable; both features will appeal to seniors living on limited incomes.
Doro 8050 is an ideal senior-friendly smartphone. It features physical home buttons, rear emergency buttons, and software-based off-stock Android with extra quality-of-life improvements to provide familiarity for older users who know something about technology.
RAZ Memory Cell Phone offers another alternative with its similar appearance and large 6.5-inch display, featuring fingerprint authentication and voice control through Amazon Alexa for voice-enabled navigation – ideal for seniors who have difficulty typing or limited vocabulary, plus helpful tools such as a calculator, FM radio and flashlight built right in.
Furthermore, video calls are supported and there’s even an audible loudspeaker to ensure clarity during calls.
LIVELY Jitterbug Phones Smart3
- Easy-to-Use Cell Phone: With a large screen, list-based menu, and voice typing, the Jitterbug Smart3...
- Stay Connected: Staying connected with family and friends is easy with this cell phone's powerful...
- Lively Caring Team: Once phone is activated with Lively, the Lively Caring Team can connect you to Lively...
- Affordable: Get unlimited talk and text on your mobile phone for just 19.99/month with data plans as low...
- Why Lively: Lively offers Jitterbug cell phones for seniors, plus Lively medical alert systems to help...
People with limited vision or hearing may benefit more from purchasing a senior-specific phone than one designed for people familiar with advanced smartphones. There are plenty of devices on the market with features designed to keep seniors connected without needing complex technology.
Lively’s Jitterbug Smart3 smartphone is one of the most sought-after options, making an impactful statement about its commitment to senior-friendly technology and medical alert systems.
Featuring simplified smartphone capabilities with more modern features than an iPhone SE, the device can provide peace of mind to many seniors looking for modern phones for senior use.
The Smart3 is designed with all of the specifications expected of modern touchscreen phones in mind – such as its large 6.2-inch display, dual rear cameras, and GPS capabilities.
However, its senior-specific features such as 5Star Urgent Response button service, easy-to-read list menus, M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility and more make this phone particularly accessible for older adults aged 65 or over.
Apps available with this smartphone include standard Android applications that enable users to explore the internet, connect with family and friends through video calls or email, play games, and access various services – all available for just $96 upfront or through T-Mobile’s four-month payment plan.
If you want a Smart3, most big-box retailers offer it at a slightly discounted price. While Apple devices provide greater support, the Smart3 can still provide reliable performance with some user experience learning required for it to operate optimally.
Jitterbug Phones offer another great benefit in that they can be combined with various medical alert systems from Lively’s sister companies, making the phone compatible with emergency operators should something arise that requires prompt medical assistance, while family members can call to check on loved ones on an outing or for updates during activities.
This feature is particularly valuable if your elderly relative wanders off or needs prompt attention from medical professionals for medical conditions that need prompt intervention.
Moto G Power 2022
- Carrier compatibility: AT and T: VoLTE, Verizon: VoLTE, T Mobile: VoLTE, WiFi Calling, Video Calling,...
- Up to 3-day battery. Capture more of life without stopping to recharge thanks to a 5000 mAh battery.
- 50 MP camera system plus Dual Capture. Take professional-looking portraits and close-up photos, and tell...
- 128 GB built-in storage. Never give storage a second thought—hold hundreds of apps and videos or over...
- 6.5 HD plus display with 90 Hz refresh rate. Bring games, movies, and video chats to life on a fast and...
Finding an affordable smartphone suitable for senior use can be difficult without breaking the bank, but the Moto G Power 2022 stands out as an exceptional option that packs plenty of features into its price.
Running Android makes this device simple to use and update; its large display and user-friendly interface are among its many appealing qualities; plus it is available through multiple networks at an attractive price point.
Samsung Galaxy A23 provides seniors with numerous features tailored specifically for them, such as its large screen, simplified home page, one-touch icons that enable quick calling of friends or family, long-lasting battery power, and plenty of storage space – not forgetting its emergency button that connects in an emergency situation.
The Motorola Moto E4 Plus is another budget-friendly solution perfect for seniors. Featuring a large, bright display and easy-to-read interface that make using it straightforward, its affordable pricing and long battery life make it the ideal solution.
Furthermore, multiple carriers carry this phone so seniors can quickly find one they need.
Flip phones can be an excellent solution for seniors with physical limitations or vision issues, as they feature large displays with extra-large font sizes and built-in speech-to-text functionality.
GreatCall’s Jitterbug Flip is one such flip phone available through Verizon that could prove useful; its extra large, clear display makes for a clear user experience when texting frequently.
RAZ Memory Cell Phone is another great option, featuring a large 6.5-inch display and narrow bezels, similar to most smartphones – ensuring seniors won’t feel self-conscious having a “special” phone.
Furthermore, this model boasts both speakers on the back for hands-free calling as well as a microphone on the bottom edge to allow hands-free calling capabilities as well as USB charging port on the bottom edge for charging; making this phone particularly suitable for anyone having difficulty operating small buttons.
Google Pixel 7 5G
- Google Pixel 7 is powered by Google Tensor G2; it’s faster, more efficient, and more secure, with the...
- Unlocked Android 5G phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2];...
- Pixel’s Adaptive Battery can last over 24 hours; when Extreme Battery Saver is turned on, it can last...
- The 6.3-inch Pixel 7 display is super sharp, with rich, vivid colors; it’s fast and responsive for...
- Google Pixel 7 has wide and ultrawide lenses with up to 8x Super Res Zoom[5]; and Cinematic Blur brings...
Consideration must be given when choosing the ideal smartphone for seniors. Features to look out for when selecting one are large displays with easy-to-read text and an intuitive user interface, long battery life, and affordable pricing plans.
When sourcing smartphones it is essential that models suit both the senior’s budget and needs.
Seniors with poor eyesight or limited dexterity may benefit from using a simpler flip phone with large buttons and an intuitive menu layout, like those offered by Samsung and Alcatel.
These models tend to cost less than an iPhone while providing plenty of features that can be tailored to meet each individual user’s specific needs.
Consider whether or not your phone will provide access to the internet. Certain smartphones allow users to download apps that provide access to websites and online services like email and social media; these may prove particularly helpful for seniors looking to stay in contact with family and friends.
Furthermore, some phones feature digital assistants like Siri that respond to voice commands to assist with daily tasks.
When purchasing a smartphone for seniors, it’s essential to select a model with a secure lock screen that prevents unwanted calls or activities from taking place without your knowledge.
Furthermore, devices equipped with GPS tracking technology may help track its whereabouts if lost or stolen – some top models even include an emergency button to alert family, friends, and emergency services in an emergency situation.
As technology develops, more seniors are adopting smartphones. To ensure seniors can take full advantage of all its latest features, it’s crucial that they find a phone that matches up with their existing hardware and software.
Two main operating systems exist – iOS for Apple products while most other manufacturers use Android models; if unsure which operating system best fits, speak to someone from one carrier about their offerings.
Nokia G50 5G
- This Android 5G smartphone lets you choose or change carriers and data plans; compatible with GSM...
- Latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G Mobile Platform.
- 48MP camera setup with AI and video selfie stabilization
- Android 11
- 3 years of monthly security updates and 2 years of OS upgrades
Nokia’s G50 5G stands out as an exceptional budget phone. Not only is its low cost and promise of 5G connectivity enticing, but its strong camera, long battery life, and proven software offer round out this package perfectly.
The phone itself is also pretty sturdy, featuring a sturdy frame and smooth plastic back that should withstand rough handling from everyday users.
While its weight may exceed that of today’s smartphones, that may partly be down to its huge 6.82in display which makes this one of the largest on the market right now.
IPS LCD’s maximum resolution is still perfectly acceptable at 720p compared to more commonly seen Full HD; plus its 60Hz refresh rate makes for fast performance.
As an added perk, Nokia’s rear-facing triple-lens camera can capture some amazing shots as long as distortion is accepted.
The 48MP sensor can capture breathtaking detail in landscapes and other larger compositions while its telephoto lens will help capture distant subjects and its macro lens will enable close-ups of smaller items.
Though lacking an always-on feature, the Nokia G50 stands out among senior phones when it comes to battery life.
Boasting an enormous 5,000mAh cell, our tests revealed two full days of moderate usage when keeping network service connected throughout each day – and only using 20% of total capacity during standby.
Nokia’s Android 11 operating system is a delight to use, with an elegant and straightforward user experience that feels more mature than many custom user interfaces.
A standard headphone jack makes for an additional nice feature while its fast and reliable fingerprint sensor sits halfway up its right edge for convenient thumb reach.
SAMSUNG Galaxy S23
- CAPTURE THE NIGHT IN LOW LIGHT: Whether you’re headed to a concert or romantic night out, there’s no...
- HIGH CAMERA RESOLUTION: Create crystal-clear content worth sharing with the 50MP high-resolution camera...
- FASTEST MOBILE PROCESSOR AVAILABLE: Whether you’re working hard, playing hard or doing both at the same...
- UNLOCK SMOOTH GAMING: Game at full throttle and smoothly switch between apps; Get more done with our...
- POWER TO KEEP GOING: Whether you’re capturing a memory or catching up with friends, Galaxy S23 will be...
A vanilla Galaxy S23 is an outstanding phone that delivers Samsung’s premium experience at an accessible price point. Like last year’s S22, this version features a 6.1-inch display, fast 45W wired charging capability, and built-in storage that now starts at 256GB (Samsung doubled its base model this time around).
In addition, Samsung includes some of our favorite Android tweaks as part of their suite of software apps as well as S Pen support for stylus enthusiasts.
The main upgrade from last year lies beneath its surface: Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset is now installed in the S23, providing enhanced performance over its standard counterpart – keeping clock speeds similar while providing increased image processing power and greater efficiency.
While this new chipset might not make waves, it still represents a substantial upgrade over the Exynos-powered S22.
Samsung also included a larger 3900mAh battery this time around; combined with more efficient CPU performance and some software optimization magic from Samsung makes for an impressive performer away from power sources.
As with the S23 lineup of models, there is both a regular S23 and an Ultra model in this S23 lineup. While both smaller models are identical, the larger Ultra adds a curved 6.8-inch display and a more powerful battery.
Furthermore, this larger Ultra offers a more advanced main-plus-ultrawide-plus-telephoto camera setup as well as better video recording quality at higher resolutions.
The S23 Ultra is our pick as the ideal Galaxy phone for seniors. While still expensive, its upgrades help justify its cost.
Unfortunately, however, Samsung’s software can sometimes be irritating or slow down performance; but that shouldn’t ruin an otherwise great device.
Motorola Edge 2022
- Unlocked for the freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with AT and T, T-Mobile, and Verizon...
- Ultra-smooth 144 Hz display. Watch your favorite entertainment in true-to-life color on a fast and fluid...
- 50MP high-res camera system. Capture sharper photos with Ultra pixel technology and OIS, take ultra-wide...
- Unbelievable battery life plus blazing-fast charging. Go up to two days on a single charge, then fuel up...
- Powerful processor. Enjoy smooth gaming, ultra-wideband connectivity, and amazing camera experiences with...
The Motorola Edge 2022 is an affordable smartphone with an excellent display that’s worth taking a closer look for budget shoppers.
It boasts an excellent refresh rate for gaming, web browsing, and watching movies on its large screen while its battery provides all-day longevity – although this phone may come with some downsides it remains one of the best value phones currently available.
This non-Plus variant of the Edge may not win design awards, and that’s certainly not its intention. But its power lies in competing against more costly devices – particularly thanks to long battery life and great cameras.
This big 6.6-inch OLED boasts a 144Hz refresh rate for smooth gaming and site browsing, and HDR10 technology provides increased brightness and contrast.
Backed by an intelligent MediaTek Dimensity 1050 chip offering up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage – although by default only 6GB are allocated – as well as 15W Turbopower wireless charging (reverse wireless charging is also supported) making for an enjoyable user experience.
Motorola is making headlines by finally committing to providing three years of Android updates and bi-monthly security patches, an enormous step up from their prior policy of only offering updates every six months and one every other month for their affordable phones such as Pixels or Galaxy A devices from Samsung.
This development puts Motorola Edge ahead of other affordable handsets like Pixels or A devices from other vendors like Huawei.
Other highlights include a fast fingerprint reader that works better than Pixel 6A’s finicky under-display sensor and Peek Display feature that quickly allows you to dismiss or interact with notifications on an always-on display, easily customized according to your own personal needs.
Your Edge comes equipped with stereo speakers designed to deliver podcasts and YouTube videos clearly and smoothly, but the music sounds thin without detail.
Unfortunately, its lack of a headphone jack is becoming an increasing trend. Finally, its IP52 rating against splashes and dust is significantly lower than that offered by cheaper phones such as Google Pixel 6A or Samsung Galaxy A53 but protective cases can add extra safeguarding.
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