The importance of maintaining relationships with those we care about most has become all the more clear in the wake of the pandemic. Distance and frequent travel can make communication between loved ones even more challenging, especially for seniors. Keep in touch no matter the distance or the time of day with a dependable and simple-to-use cell phone, especially if you aren’t used to complex smartphone interfaces. Choosing a smart cell phone that is suitable for seniors entails more than just looking for one with a large enough display. Improvements in mobile devices include volume-limiting features, text-zooming capabilities, and traditional button layouts. In this article, we will discuss the best smartphone for seniors Verizon, big button cell phone, and the best consumer cellular phone
Best Smart Phone for Seniors
For seniors, a smartphone can be a vital means of staying in touch with loved ones far away. However, as we get older, our requirements change slightly in terms of what kind of phone we need. A larger display, the option to magnify letters, an instant easy mode, crisp audio, an intuitive interface, plenty of storage for archiving precious family photos, a panic button, or even wireless charging that does away with cumbersome charger connections might all be game-changers. However, not everyone requires all these functions, so reading reviews from industry professionals is a good idea. We have sorted through the current crop of the best senior-friendly cell phones to make your decision a little less complex.
The ability of seniors to communicate with their loved ones via modern devices such as smartphones is crucial. Because isolation and social isolation are such serious problems for seniors, this is crucial. According to a recent poll conducted in the United Kingdom, hundreds of thousands of seniors regularly go an entire week without engaging in any meaningful social interaction. Since families and friends are typically dispersed across the country, this is a concerning number, and any means of bridging the communication gap and making keeping in touch simpler should be examined.
In fact, seniors have already embraced technology, and a recent survey found that one-third of older people say they would rather text than phone. Here are the best smartphones for seniors.
#1. Jitterbug Flip2
While the Lively Jitterbug Flip2 isn’t technically a smartphone, it does set a new standard for functionality thanks to its Alexa connectivity, dual-camera layout, and emphasis on security. It stands apart from regular flip phones because of its wide backlit keyboard, SOS emergency button, and straightforward menu structure.
The Jitterbug Flip2 is the most user-friendly of these smartphones. The phone’s capabilities, like calls, texts, the camera, and Alexa, can all be accessed via a straightforward list-based interface. The sound quality of my calls was always excellent.
The ability to use Alexa is one of the reasons People love Flip 2. You could make phone calls, send messages, and even query people with just my speech. For instance, I posed the question, “How many teaspoons are there in a cup?” to my Flip 2. To which my phone promptly replied, “There are 48 teaspoons in a cup.” This function was especially helpful for questions about the weather, the news, and other topical events.
The Jitterbug Flip2 comes with two different Lively service plans. You may get 300 monthly minutes for $14.99 plus $10 in texting credit. Talk and text as much as you like every month for just $19.99. The Health and Safety package, available for purchase with the Flip 2, transforms your phone into a fully functional medical alert system.
#2. Samsung Galaxy (Various Models)
Various Samsung Galaxy models received the majority of the votes. Safe Wise emphasized the size of the screen and the ease of use of a particular design. The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 features a large, 6.3-inch screen and a stylus for use with the display. With so much space at your disposal, the sky’s the limit. The iPhone 8-like accessibility settings let you enlarge text, magnify it, and hear it read aloud.
Also, the Samsung Galaxy S5 Active won the popular vote at the Assisted Living facility. If an elderly person in your life wants all the amazing features of a new Galaxy phone but you’re on a tight budget, consider this flagship model from Samsung’s Galaxy series. The S Health app syncs with its built-in heart rate sensor, making it one of the first of its kind. When you include the phone’s sturdy construction, you’ve got yourself a smartphone that’s perfect for seniors.
Senior Living staff recommended the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. The cutting-edge Galaxy S22 Ultra even has a camera capable of taking and sending stunning photographs. Amazing for keeping in touch with family and friends! The long battery life and scratch-resistant glass screen are our two favorite characteristics that make this phone great for seniors. Don’t worry if someone you care about is rough on gadgets. Its Gorilla Glass Victus+ display is extremely durable and resistant to shattering and scratching.
#3. Moto G Power
PC Mag wrote: “The 2022 edition of the Moto G Power Offers smooth performance and impressive battery life for $200.”
The quick charging and powerful battery also won over seniors. The Moto G Power is Motorola’s most affordable smartphone, and its lengthy battery life is our favorite feature. In a short amount of time, we grasped the rationale behind its moniker. A single charge may power that device for up to three days! Your parents won’t forget to charge it, so you don’t have to worry about that. Even if they do, it can be quickly recharged with its 10W output.
Android Central praised the Moto G Stylus, the Power’s similar twin, in a review. Accessibility features on Motorola devices are also quite good. With TalkBack, you can have your phone repeat aloud any text you tap on. In addition, you have the option to enable either large print or high-contrast text. Then, of course, there’s Google Assistant and other basic Android accessibility features like voice-to-text.
#4. Alcatel Go Flip 4
The Alcatel Go Flip 4’s minimalist clamshell appearance is the first thing you’ll notice. The phone’s design is similar to that of previous Alcatel models, with a smaller exterior screen for viewing the time and date and a bigger inside display for using the phone’s menus. Also, the Go Flip 4 stands out from the crowd thanks to its long battery life, crystal-clear calls, and app compatibility.
Furthermore, the Go Flip 4’s powerful loudspeaker made it easy to interact without using our hands during our tests. The Go Flip 4’s two-week battery life may appeal to people who forget to charge their smartphones. The phone’s app store was also quite useful. We were able to download a wide choice of free apps for seniors, such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and games, from the app store, which is normally only available on smartphones.
Also, the camera is the single major drawback of the Go Flip 4. With a resolution of only 2 megapixels, most of the photos we took came out blurry in comparison to those taken with the other phones on this list.
T-Mobile sells the Alcatel Go Flip 4 for $96 upfront or in $4 installments over the course of 24 months. The phone is also available at mass merchandisers, where it can be paired with whichever carrier the buyer chooses.
#5. Apple iPhone SE
Top Ten Reviews ranks the Apple iPhone SE as their top pick. Since it is an Apple product, you can anticipate user-friendly menus and a ton of free apps. However, this also implies that the phone can be configured with special modes for the visually or aurally impaired. This iPhone is designed to help even those with low vision navigate its simple menus, with options including a magnified display and text-to-speech translation. This phone is sure to get your attention with its blaring ringer and flashing LED alerts.
Indeed, even Android Central praised this Apple product. This may be an Android site but bear with us. When it comes to features for individuals with disabilities, Apple’s iPhones and iPads have always been at the forefront of the conversation. Voice-to-text, low-vision support, and hearing aid integration help hearing- and visually-impaired iPhone users.
Tech Radar appreciated having the flexibility to swap between a smartphone and an iPad. In addition, “seniors with an iPhone can also benefit from the nearly seamless transition between an iPhone and iPad whenever they might want an even larger screen.”
#6. Emporia Smart5
The Emporia Smart5 is among the best smartphones designed for seniors. The phone’s primary selling points are its easy-to-navigate home screen, its smart folio case with four physical buttons for answering calls, and its emergency call button on the rear, which summons a predefined list of five contacts. The phone is unusual in that it comes with a written manual that explains how to perform a few simple functions. A magnifier software and a tutorial app that demonstrate and explains how to use common touchscreen features like tapping and scrolling are included as well.
The Smart5 has a 5.5-inch screen, a camera, and splash resistance. It runs on full Android 10, so you can download any program from the Google Play Store, including banking and messaging apps. In addition to charging through USB-C, a charging cradle is available for purchase.
Unfortunately, the reduced experience disappears when you launch a third-party app. There isn’t a fingerprint reader, so you can’t use it with a financial app. You should replace Emporia as soon as it stops receiving updates to keep your data safe, as the company only guarantees two years of critical security patches from the date of purchase.
#7. Google Pixel 6a
The Pixel 6a from Google is a fantastic bargain, and it’s also very modifiable.
The phone boasts a sizable 6.1-inch display but is still manageable in size for a pocket. Additionally, it can withstand immersion in water for up to a meter for up to an hour, it is repairable by Google or third parties, and it has a respectable selection of third-party cases. It contains 128GB of storage, which is more than double the amount found in phones costing half as much.
Text and icons can be enlarged in the interface, and this feature extends to all apps. It is also possible to modify the home screen to your liking by rearranging the icons, deleting those you don’t need, adding widgets for your most-used contacts, and making them bigger and further apart for easy tapping.
There is a good variety of accessibility aids, such as large on-screen buttons for various controls and a screen magnifier, and you may choose between swiping and using on-screen buttons for navigation. The Pixel 6a will be secure to use until at least July 2026, thanks to Google’s five-year software support from release.
You’ll need to bring your own power adaptor and USB-C connection to charge it. For unlocking the phone or logging into banking apps, the in-screen fingerprint scanner is convenient, but it’s more finicky to operate than the iPhone’s large physical home button.
Why Do Seniors Need a Smartphone?
For many, the idea of not having access to a mobile phone is inconceivable. Restaurants are adopting quick-read (QR) codes and other mobile phone-required technology to provide contactless menus in light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Contactless payments can also be made with a smartphone’s virtual credit card at many different stores.
Moreover, a cell phone is one of the best and simplest ways for anyone, wherever they are in the world, to instantly communicate with anyone else. In a crisis, this link becomes invaluable.
In addition, some seniors may want a smartphone so they can:
- To capture their family and friends through photographs.
- Look up driving instructions at any address
- Browse through critiques of local eateries
- Learn what doctors, hospitals, and clinics are hearing from patients via email and other telephone apps.
- Keep tabs on their medication schedules
- Set reminders and alarms.
How to Choose the Best Smartphone for Seniors
Here are some tips for choosing the best smartphone for seniors.
#1. Check for Age-Friendly Options
Your visual, auditory, manual, and other abilities will determine which features are necessary. Consider:
- The screen’s resolution and proportions. Is there enough light? If the font size is too small, is there a way to enlarge it? Can the text be enlarged, if necessary?
- Ergonomic design. Can you easily operate the controls? If so, how simple is it to click them? Does it have facial recognition? If not, how secure is the phone in other ways?
- Speakers. How loud are the speakers? Do you need to cover your other ear to hear a call clearly, or do you hear it just fine?
- Whether or not it has a digital helper like Siri or OK, Google. Seniors who have trouble with dexterity or vision may prefer to give instructions verbally.
#2. Keep away from Contracts that Lock You In For Years
Long-term contracts are a common technique for phone companies to secure loyal clients and expand their customer base. As a result, until the contract end, switching phones can be a hassle. Getting a new phone installed if you don’t use the old one or simply prefer another model could be time-consuming and/or costly. In its place, it is recommended that you research and commit to short-term contracts or pay-as-you-go (prepaid) solutions.
The cameras on most contemporary cell phones are excellent. Some phones offer better cameras for use in low light, with features such as built-in light, the ability to zoom in and out, scan QR codes, and even front- and rear-facing cameras for use in face-to-face chitchat. While some of these near-universally available functions are exclusive to more expensive phones, most basic smartphones already include them.
There should be at least 12 hours of battery life on a smartphone, and ideally between 24 and 48 hours. As the battery ages and is continually used, its capacity to hold a charge declines, and it becomes necessary to charge the device more frequently. To extend the life of your battery, don’t leave your phone plugged in when it’s fully charged; unplug it.
Security options like fingerprint readers and passcodes are standard on many modern cell phones. If you have a good smartphone, it should have an “emergency” option that lets you dial emergency services like 911 without having to enter a password or use your fingerprint reader. Seniors, who are more likely to experience accidents and falls, can greatly benefit from the convenience of these emergency smartphone buttons, which allow them to quickly and conveniently summon assistance.
#4. Value and Durability
The brand, version, and features of the phone all affect its pricing and quality. Comparatively, less popular cell phones may be purchased for considerably less than an Apple iPhone, which can cost anywhere from $399 to well over $1,000.
There are some glass phones that are more prone to breaking and needing replacements, while there may be more affordable and ergonomic alternatives. A phone case and screen protector are both excellent ways to safeguard a pricey gadget. Keep in mind that, in order to entice you to sign up for the service or sign a contract, a provider may also offer discounts on phones. In addition, leasing a phone is an alternative to buying one outright.
#5. Phone Service Provider
Pick a provider that gives you the freedom to talk, text, and surf the web all on one convenient plan. In order to perform tasks such as finding a restaurant, watching a video, or chatting with loved ones, a smartphone must be connected to a data connection and service, such as WiFi. The more data that can be acquired, the better, especially for heavy users who intend to use their phones to their full potential.
If a phone service provider wants to offer you a plan, you should tell them how much you use the internet, how many phone calls you make, and how many text messages you send per month. You can locate the best cell phone plan for your needs by comparing offerings from different companies.
Consumer Cellular Phones for Seniors
Seniors frequently possess distinct requirements in relation to consumer cellular phones. It is quite probable that individuals primarily desire to maintain communication with their acquaintances and relatives, while exhibiting minimal interest in or necessity for the advanced functionalities that power-users, gamers, and productivity-oriented individuals, such as office workers or students, typically seek. Multiple companies provide cell phones that are specifically developed to cater to the needs of senior individuals. The optimal selection of cell phones for seniors is contingent upon their specific preferences, namely if they intend to utilize internet connectivity and popular applications, or only desire basic calling and texting functionalities for communication with their immediate contacts.
How Much Does a Senior-Friendly Cell Phone Cost?
Depending on the features and capabilities, the price of a senior-friendly cell phone might range from $49.99 to $149.99. The cost for seniors who want the latest and greatest Android or iOS device will be higher. Around $400 will get you a mid-range smartphone that’s more than capable of making calls, sending messages, and using instant messaging apps.
Seniors who are tech adept and want a 5G-enabled phone that can play games or stream high-definition media may have to shell out a lot more money. A good smartphone, however, can last for years and is an investment for the elderly. Many significant smartphone carriers offer contracts, allowing customers to purchase the phone and pay for it in monthly installments with either no or a small upfront cost. The price of the phone is rolled into the total cost of the texting and talking plan.
Overview of the Best Consumer Cellular Phones for Seniors
Consumer Cellular offers a wide variety of senior-friendly gadgets, so it’s difficult to go wrong. Consumer Cellular has the phone you’re looking for for seniors, whether it’s a high-end smartphone with all the bells and whistles or a simple flip phone. Over the years, the organization has focused on the specific requirements of senior citizens. Also, consumer cellular’s expanding product catalog now features useful tools like a tablet that facilitate communication between elderly people and their loved ones.
If you prefer to utilize your own device with your Consumer Cellular service, you are welcome to do so.
We think these two mobile devices are very noteworthy:
#1. Verve Snap Flip Phone
Consumer Cellular’s Verve Snap is one of the company’s entry-level smartphones designed with seniors in mind. This flip phone boasts a bright display, is compatible with hearing aids, and has a big, easy-to-use keypad for messaging and making calls. This phone is perfect if you’re seeking simplicity and value because it was designed with senior citizens in mind and doesn’t include a ton of unnecessary features. The call quality is satisfactory, allowing you to keep in touch with loved ones without difficulty. The Verve Snap is one of the cheapest smartphones currently available, retailing for around $69.
#2. Samsung Galaxy S22
If you’re looking for a smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S22 has a lot to offer. This smartphone excels in camera quality, screen brightness, and use with the S pen, plus it has more storage space and longer battery life than its competitors. It may be used with most hearing aids and is a manageable size for people of all ages. This is more expensive than average, coming in at a price of $1,199. In contrast to competing flagship smartphones, however, it offers reasonable value for the money. For those who would like to spread out their payments over a longer period of time, Consumer Cellular phones for seniors also offer a $49/month plan with a $23 initial deposit.
#3. GrandPad
Even though the GrandPad isn’t a phone, I feel it deserves some attention. The GrandPad has been praised for its ability to enable seniors who want to keep in touch through technology but have trouble seeing or using conventional tablets. This 8-inch smart tablet is incredibly user-friendly, and its high-definition screen and twin speakers make it ideal for keeping the whole family up-to-date and in touch. The 5-megapixel camera is also fantastic for video chatting and playing videos. The GrandPad can be purchased for $149 outright, or it can be financed with a $29 down payment and $5 monthly payments for 24 months.
What Is the Difference Between a Smart Phone and a Mobile Phone?
The mobile phone, often known as a cellular phone, is a small, affordable, and easily transportable communication device. A cell phone’s positive or negative effects on its user depend on how that user puts the device to use. To make the most of its benefits and avoid turning it into an addiction, we must keep in mind our goal of leading a stress-free life. Mobile operating systems are often clean and easy to use, with minimal opportunities to personalize settings like the virtual keyboard.
While smartphones are small, handheld computers that feature a touchscreen interface, an internet connection, and an operating system. They have been given the moniker “smartphones” to reflect their sophisticated nature. The first smartphone, either the HTC Dream or the T-mobile G1, appeared in 2007. It included a touchscreen, a multi-touch keyboard that moved out of the way, and a 3-megapixel camera.
To get the most out of its benefits and avoid becoming dependent on it, users should focus on improving their quality of life by reducing stress.
Best Smartphone for Seniors Verizon
The Apple iPhone 14 Pro series and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra are two of the most sought-after smartphones currently available. But those are hardly the only viable options for mobile devices. Apple and Samsung’s flagship devices may be the most popular, but there are many other options that provide a similar experience at a far lower price. And if you’re a Verizon customer with a Version plan, you’ve already got access to the greatest phones Verizon has to offer, including foldable phones, phones with larger-than-life displays, and phones that could give some flagships a run for their money. Here is the best smartphone for seniors at Verizon.
#1. Galaxy S23
The Galaxy S23 is quite impressive. This phone has more features than the average person would ever use, but it doesn’t make it any less astounding. Samsung upgraded the camera’s resolution to 200 megapixels from 108 megapixels and enhanced its color reproduction and dynamic range without changing its striking appearance or enormous 6.8-inch display from its predecessor. In addition, the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor has been tailored to Samsung’s devices, resulting in improved performance over the Galaxy S22 Ultra.
#2. Google Pixel 7 Pro
The Pixel 7 Pro by Google comes with an exceptional camera system, an aesthetically pleasing display, and seamless Android 13 software, all encased within a sophisticated glass and aluminum chassis. Moreover, it accomplishes this feat by effectively undercutting certain prominent competitors. While the phone in question may not possess the highest level of power and may benefit from improved battery longevity, it undeniably provides a commendable overall user experience that merits serious consideration.
#3. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 has a thinner profile than the Z Fold 4 because of its candy bar design, which can be folded down into a smaller square. It can be folded up to fit into a pocket with limited space but unfolded to reveal a huge 6.7-inch screen.
Similar to the Z Fold 4, the Flip line has seen upgrades throughout the years, with the most notable being an improved hinge technology and a decrease in the number of crease marks visible on the display. It has an upgraded camera system and a larger outside screen for seeing alerts.
Indeed, it is costly, and its battery life leaves much to be desired. However, we’ve had a lot of fun with this phone.
Most seniors have made the transition from first viewing cell phones with suspicion to a more positive attitude toward and use of the technology.
In 2021, 61% of Americans aged 65 and up reported using a mobile device. This is an increase of roughly 10% from 2012.
A cell phone with large buttons, for example, can be a boon to seniors with failing eyesight or shaky hands because of the era of adaptable technology.
The ubiquity of products like large-button cellphones designed specifically for the elderly is now the most striking feature.
Let’s take a look at some big button cell phones for seniors that are compatible with the needs of older people.
#1. RAZ Mobility Memory Cell Phone
Among the several senior-friendly phone options provided by RAX Mobility, the flagship product is the Memory Cell Phone, which was developed with the express intention of making life easier for people with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and similar conditions.
The phone does away with the standard keypad and can store up to 30 different contact images. Video and audio calls can be made. There is only one screen to look at, and no submenus to get lost in.
RAZ Emergency Service, which includes a speed dial for 911, is available for $9.99 a month.
The senior’s health and position can be relayed to responders, even if they are unable to communicate with the caller directly, thanks to this system.
Family members and other caretakers can also control the service from afar. The AARP Innovation Labs Connect & Thrive Competition in 2022 went to this phone.
#2. Ushining 4G LTE
There is no cell phone on the market that is easier to use for seniors while still providing the essentials.
When held down for more than three seconds, the prominently labeled SOS button on the front calls five different emergency contact numbers. In addition to charging by chord or dock, it also comes with a flashlight. A speakerphone feature is also available at your fingertips.
#3. Jitterbug Smart3 Smartphone for Seniors
To call the Jitterbug the “simplest smartphone ever” is an accurate statement. Use it for voice calls, text messages, video chats, and photo taking in a simplified version of the advanced iPhone and Android.
Users can select from a range of font sizes using user-defined parameters and can even supersize text by holding down on the screen. The primary menu is straightforward and simple to use.
The Lively brand, from which this phone hails, aims to please its elderly clientele with special features and assistance. Seniors should know that different activities use different amounts of data and have different associated costs.
What Is the Voice-Activated Phone for the Elderly?
The RealSAM Phone is operated by the utilization of straightforward voice commands. Individuals interact with RealSAM by tapping a substantial region on the screen of their mobile device and employing their spoken commands to initiate actions such as making phone calls, sending text messages, or utilizing the pre-installed personal assistant functionalities that are specifically meant to enhance daily life.
Is There a Cell Phone That Just Makes and Receives Calls?
The Light Phone prioritizes call functionality above all else, emphasizing simplicity through its minimalist form and clear operation. However, the Light Cell Phone encompasses several notable characteristics, which include: The fundamental operational capabilities: This device is a mobile phone that is specifically designed for the purpose of initiating and receiving telephone calls. One possible way to rewrite the user’s text to be more academic is: “The user’s
Bottom Line
When searching for a smartphone, seniors should keep in mind the following: pricing, quality, and mobile phone service provider; age-friendly features; and avoiding long-term contracts. Insurance coverage could be useful for safeguarding a mobile device. If you aren’t sure you need the latest and greatest smartphone, a feature phone may be your best bet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Phone Is Better for Seniors iPhone or Android?
Seniors who are already set up with iPads and Macs could benefit from the universal interoperability of Apple goods. In contrast, Android devices are more adaptable and compatible with a wider variety of hardware and software, including Windows PCs.
Does Verizon Have the Jitterbug Phone?
Yes. The Jitterbug Flip2 is compatible with the 4G LTE network from Verizon.
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