9 Easiest Cell Phones For Seniors To Use In 2022
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Cell phones have come a long way in recent years. They are no longer just for making calls; they can be used for a variety of purposes, including finding health services, playing games, and staying connected with friends and family.
If you’re a senior who’s been thinking about getting a cell phone, or if you’re looking for the perfect gift for a senior loved one, read on to learn more about the different types of cell phones available specifically for seniors. You’ll be surprised at how much these phones have to offer!
Key Takeaways
- There are all kinds of basic cell phones you can buy as a senior, from advanced smartphones to more basic flip phones.
- When choosing a cell phone, look for key features such as voice-to-text, emergency response features, and oversized keys.
- The best option when choosing major carriers is to find a cell phone company that offers a basic plan, short contract, or pay-as-you-go plans for maximum versatility.
Who Makes the Best Cell Phones for Seniors?
Looking for a simple flip phone? The best options are:
- AT&T Cingular Flip IV
- Consumer Cellular Link II
Tracfone LG Classic Flip - Alcatel Go-Flip 4
- Lively Jitterbug Flip2
If you’d rather upgrade to a more advanced smartphone, consider options like:
- Google Pixel 5A
- Apple Phone SE
- Motorola Moto G Styles
- Jitterbug Smart 3
Shopping for Cell Phones for Seniors Tips
Here are some tips for choosing the right cell phone plan and devices for older adults. Keep in touch with your family and friends without breaking the bank!
Consider a Flip Phone
Smartphones are fun and convenient, but the lack of a traditional keypad can make it harder to use. As you get older, reduced dexterity means it’s harder to navigate between the tiny, flat keys on an iPhone.
A flip phone can be a better alternative. You can opt for senior-friendly features like larger buttons, a black-and-white display for better readability, or other ergonomic designs. These phones are often easier to view if you have vision issues too.
Looking for another way to improve the viewing experience? Get a phone with a large screen or purchase an add-on magnifier. Larger screens make it easier to view texts, emails, and webpages, while add-on magnifiers work just like magnifying glasses but are meant specifically for smartphones.
Upgrade to a Long-Lasting Battery
When shopping for a new cell phone, there are plenty of places where you can cut back. You don’t have to get the biggest data package or the fanciest case. However, you should spring for a long-lasting battery.
Get a phone with a battery that can last at least one full day. Not having to charge up midday will be a welcome relief for seniors—particularly those who have places to be and things to do!
Opt for Voice Activated Features
If you do get a smartphone, make sure you choose one with voice-activated features. This will make it easier to dial familiar numbers and even convert text to speech. There are plenty of budget smartphones that offer voice-activated features.
Activate Emergency Alert Systems
This is really a sound decision for anyone shopping for a smartphone—not just seniors! And these Emergency Alert features can be activated on just about any phone.
On a Samsung, for instance, you can send SOS messages to four contacts. All you have to do is press the power button three times in a row, which is great in an emergency situation.
Don’t Forget About Audio
When considering accessibility, it’s not all about touch-free displays and enlarged fonts. You also need to consider how easy your phone is to hear. Some phones are compatible with hearing aids. However, not all are. So if this feature is a necessity, make sure your phone has it before you buy.
Skip the Phone Entirely
Can’t find what you want on a cell phone without breaking the bank? You might want to get a tablet instead.
Oftentimes, these are just as affordable as (or sometimes offered at a lower price than) smartphones. A miniature tablet isn’t much larger than a smartphone, but the enlarged screen will make it easier for seniors to get around visual challenges. There’s also a larger keyboard. You can still download apps like you normally would, too.
And if a tablet doesn’t fit the bill, a smartwatch might. Replacing a standard watch with a smartwatch is a great way to make one-touch responses easier. You can use your smartwatch to supplement your cell phone.
Extra Features
When shopping for your new cell phone, consider whether there are any “bonus” features you might like to include in your purchase. For example, you might want to get a phone that’s compatible with a stylus. This can make it easier to write and perform basic tasks on your phone.
Protect Against Damage
Make sure you get a case and screen protector. These will protect your phone in case you accidentally bump or drop it. You can also get a case with a more tactile finish that’s easier to hold.
Contracts
It’s not just about the specific kind of cell phone you buy but also the plan you sign up for. If you can, try to choose a cell phone plan with no long-term contracts. Plans that give you month-to-month billing options will give you the most flexibility and fewest expensive cancellation fees.
What is the Best Senior-Specific Phone Carrier?
As long as you’ve paid close attention to making sure the cell phone you buy checks off all the boxes listed above, you don’t necessarily need to sign up for a specific carrier. They’re all good choices.
That said, there are two wireless carriers that specialize in the senior market. These are Consumer Cellular and GreatCall. GreatCall works in conjunction with Verizon while Consumer Cellular works with AT&T and T-Mobile.
What makes these two wireless carriers so senior friendly? Both offer additional hardware with special sets of services for seniors. For instance, GreatCall’s phones allow you to order Lyft rides and other services by speaking to an operator rather than having to navigate an app. Consumer Cellular is also an excellent customer service provider.
Both wireless carriers offer features for health monitoring, including urgent response buttons and the ability to connect medical alert devices.
Best Cell Phones for Seniors: Smartphones
Giving a cell phone to your elderly parents can provide them with a sense of security and independence. Having a way to reach out for help in an emergency can be incredibly reassuring.
Here are some of the best phone options to help you stay connected.
1. Google Pixel 5A
This phone has a six-inch screen that makes it easy to operate with one hand. Its fingerprint recognition capabilities provide an added layer of security. Plus, it has a plastic body that’s more durable than other models. For ease of use, you can’t beat the big buttons you’ll find on this mobile phone.
You won’t have to compromise on all the best features of traditional smartphones, either. This one has a camera that takes remarkably high-resolution photos.
2. iPhone SE
With all the features of newer iPhone models but without the heft and size, the iPhone SE is another top contender. It’s lightweight and even has a home button for quick unlocking. It has plenty of senior-friendly features too, including an excellent camera, voice-to-text capabilities, and more. Also, it’s easy to make calls and send text messages on this phone.
3. Motorola Moto G Styles
This low-cost smartphone has phenomenal voice quality. It’s great for a senior experiencing hearing loss who wants to make crystal clear phone calls. Plus, the screen is more than six inches, making it easy to view.
4. Jitterbug Smart 3
This Jitterbug flip phone is designed specifically for seniors. It has all kinds of helpful additional features, including an excellent battery life and a large touch screen. It has voice dictation and even GPS locating services and medical services—great for dealing with an emergency.
Best Cell Phones for Seniors: Flip Phones
Many seniors find that having their own phone makes them feel more connected to the world. If you’re thinking about giving your parents a cell phone, or you’re a senior shopping for a cell phone for yourself, a flip phone is a good choice.
Although smartphones are technologically advanced and have everything you need right at your very fingertips, they can be tough to navigate. Flip phones are much easier for seniors to use. If you’re on the hunt for a new phone, consider one of our top picks.
1. AT&T Cingular Flip IV
With large buttons and a screen that supports high-resolution video (great for video chat), the Cingular Flip IV is a great cell phone for seniors. It has a fast-charge battery that offers up to three days of battery life.
2. Consumer Cellular Link II
This flip phone is a no-frills cell phone that’s perfect for seniors who want a simple phone that does the basics. It has large buttons and costs less than $75, making it one of the most affordable phones out there. Plus, AARP has member discounts for service plans on these phones.
3. Tracfone LG Classic Flip
Tracfone’s LG Classic Flip isn’t designed specifically for seniors, but at less than $20, this bare-bones phone is great for just about anyone. It has an SOS key to contact a preset emergency contact and various pay-as-you-go features.
4. Alcatel Go-Flip 4
From word dictation to added durability, this cell phone is perfect for seniors. At first glance, it looks like your regular, run-of-the-mill flip phone. However, it is compatible with all service providers and has large function keys, a curved back with an easy grip edge, and plenty of colors to choose from, too.
5. Lively Jitterbug Flip2
Another option by Jitterbug is the Lively Flip2. This phone is affordable and has a senior-friendly design. It has all kinds of helpful features to boot, including an urgent response button , a long battery life, an oversized keypad, and more.
The Bottom Line
If you’re a senior citizen, or have aging parents, it’s important to keep them connected and safe. Cell phones can play an important role in both of these areas, but there are some things to consider when choosing the right phone for your loved one. We hope our tips will help make the process easier for you.
