What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Cell Phones For Seniors
This type of cell phone has been designed to help the elderly and make them part of the hyper-connected world in which we live. Grandchildren can communicate with their grandparents and they can have a valuable tool if they need something or have an emergency. The following table shows the advantages and disadvantages of cell phones for seniors.
Advantage
- They are very resistant to falls and shocks.
- They are simple to learn how to use.
- They have a lot of autonomy.
- Older people have a safe, immediate, and accessible means of contact.
Disadvantages
- Many do not include an Internet connection.
- Cameras are usually very basic.
- They can quickly become obsolete.
- They do not have good security or privacy systems.
What Makes A Cell Phone Good For Seniors
To help seniors stay connected to a support system of caregivers, family, and medical professionals, cell phone companies often integrate assistive features intended just for them into modern devices. These features come in the form of apps, settings, and hardware functions.
Most phones that are not made specifically for seniors do not come with these kinds of features pre-installed or built into the hardware. However, smartphones furnished with a monthly data plan can download a nearly limitless array of apps and software that can make life easier and safer for senior citizens. Read below to learn about the most common mobile device features for older users.
Feature
Allows seniors to simultaneously contact multiple emergency contacts with the single push of a button
Hearing Aid Compatibility
Ensures seniors do not experience feedback issues when using a phone in combination with a hearing aid
Hearing and Visual Aids
Enables hearing and visually impaired seniors to use phones by incorporating screen magnification, heightened contrast, text-to-speech readouts, enlarged text, and more
Voice Command Features
Completes simple phone tasks, like making calls and opening apps, based on seniors voice commands
What Is The Button Normally Found On The Cover Of Cell Phones For Seniors
Many of the cell phones for seniors have an SOS button installed on the outer cover, that is, an emergency button. It works as follows: when you press it for a long time, the cell phone automatically starts calling contacts already preselected and configured in the system. If the first referral contact does not answer, move on to the next.
Read Also: Apartments For Seniors For Rent
Prepaid Cell Phone Plans For Seniors
A prepaid cell phone plan allows you to pay upfront for what you need each month, usually at an affordable price. These plans are ideal if you want to cut down on cost without sacrificing quality and coverageas well as reduce the risk of having any surprises on a bill at the end of the month. The numerous prepaid plan options on the market range from basic talk and text options to unlimited prepaid data plans.
Cell Phones For Seniors Company Reviews
There are dozens of cell phone companies in the market today. However, weve dug through the stacks of data to find the information you need. Our in-depth cell phone company analysis focuses on each cellular service providers plans, prices, phones, coverage, service, and much more.
We researched both the big names in cellular coverage and the smaller companies with no long-term contracts. From there we narrowed our list of top picks down to our five choices based on features and topics relevant to seniors to find the best options.
After our evaluation, we chose our top picks for cell phone companies: TracFone Wireless, GreatCall, and Pure TalkUSA . Each of these companies stood out from the competitors in different ways.
Recommended Reading: Senior Software Engineer Salary Google
Is The Nokia 2760 Flip A Good Phone
Overall, Nokia 2760 Flip is a nostalgic phone that becomes smarter. For a first-time internet user, the phone will be a good assistant to help transition to higher specs in the future.
However, we expect better quality from its speaker and camera. Still, the feature phone is made for making calls instead of entertaining its users.
Other than that, I found the phone very compact and responsive. It doesnt have much bloatware, and it comes with important apps pre-installed, like Youtube, Google Browser, and Google Maps.
The phone is available for $20 at Tracfone and $30 at Straight Talk. Hope this Nokia 2760 Flip review can help you decide better!
Nokia 2760 Flip Pros:
What Makes A Phone Great For Seniors
Lots of phones designed specifically for seniors have a few features in common.
Firstly, they usually have an emergency button, which someone can easily press when they’re in any kind of negative situation. This can be programmed to call emergency services, or a selected contact, or both, and it could feasibly save a life.
Secondly, the software is usually designed to be easier-to-use than standard operating systems, which means seniors can easily get to the functions they need without having to wrestle with app drawers, download stores, long menus and more.
Also Check: National Park Lifetime Pass For Seniors
What To Look For In The Best Phone For Seniors
As smartphones keep getting smarter and more complex, they also get more confusing for people who just want basic phone functionality. Luckily, seniors, and other people who like a simple, easy-to-use phone, dont have to fret: plenty of companies are still manufacturing simple mobile phones and cell phones for seniors.
The best cell phones for seniors are easy to read, simple to use, and equipped with extra safety features. Today, there are a variety of phones that you can choose from depending on your needs, preferences, and level of tech savvy: you can opt for a flip phone, a basic, function-first phone, or a smartphone or tablet with tools in place to make it more accessible to those with hearing or vision issues. Whatever your needs, youll enjoy being able to communicate using one of these 10 best cell phones for seniors.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5g
Flip phones boast a convenient folding form factor that fits easily into pockets and purses. There’s a 1.9-inch external display, and the device folds open to reveal a 6.7-inch 120Hz screen. At its core, a Snapdragon 888 chip offers buttery smooth multitasking for running the latest mobile software. The clamshell design makes the Galaxy Z Flip3 5G a compromise-free compact smartphone.
However, battery life isn’t as high as we’d like considering its steep price tag. And unlike most flagship Androids, the Z Flip3 5G lacks a zoom lens.
- Pros: 5G connectivity, microSD card slot, wallet-friendly
- Cons: Underpowered processor, average camera quality
45
Recommended Reading: Free Tax Filing 2022 For Seniors
Postpaid Plans Under $20
Here is a selection of postpaid plans from Canstar Blues database for $20 or less, listed in order of standard cost, lowest to highest, then by standard data allowance, largest to smallest. Compare postpaid mobile plans from a wider range of providers using our comparison tool. This table includes products with links to referral partners.
Should I Buy A Standard Or Special Phone
If you’ve got this far down onto the list, you might be unsure as to whether you should get a phone designed specially for seniors, or a standard consumer device above.
Your choice should depend on how tech-competent the user is. The senior-designed phones are great for technophobes, as they make accessing standard tools – like calls, texts and the like – really easy.
However if the user could manage more complicated settings, and might want to download extra apps, take great pictures and stream video, then maybe a standard device is better for them.
Don’t Miss: Council On Aging Services For Seniors
Further Insight Into Our Methodology
Like other mobile phones, cell phones for seniors come in many shapes and sizesit all depends on the persons needs. Flip and bar phones are almost always cheaper and have greater battery capacity, given their relative lack of battery-draining features. Smartphones, on the other hand, have larger screens and offer a number of helpful applications and settings for those who want to do more than just make calls and send texts. We also consider the kind of monitoring a phone offers.
After looking at a phone’s features, we consider a couple of additional traits. One of them is cost and coverage. We first consider whether the cell phone model is unlocked. Unlocked phones offer users a choice of carrier, which enables consumers to shop around for the best plan. However unlocked phones must generally be purchased upfront by the consumer, potentially making the total initial costs higher. We also look at how many carriers service each cell phone. Once we’re done with service plans, we look at a few more points regarding the cell phone’s cost.
Last but not least, we looked at customer support. Given how much older people depend on their phones, strong customer support and a solid consumer rating are highly important. Cell phones are everyday items and, in the case of an issue or malfunction, it is essential for companies to be able to provide answers and alternatives.
What Is The Most Reliable Cell Phone
The best phones you can buy today
- iPhone 13 Pro Max. The best phone overall. …
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. Samsung’s best phone. …
- iPhone 13. The best phone for the money. …
- Google Pixel 5a. The best budget camera phone. …
- iPhone 13 Pro. A powerhouse flagship with great battery life. …
- OnePlus 9 Pro. …
Read Also: Senior Citizen Apartment For Rent
Best Cell Phone For Seniors 2022
Google’s Pixel 5a is a fast and reliable pick for seniors.
Many senior citizens have used smartphones for a decade and like the same phones that younger demographics do. But if you’re new to smartphones â or you’re the relative of a Baby Boomer or Silent Generation person who needs help picking something accessible â we’re here to help. Likewise, some of you may have impairments or disabilities that make a standard phone difficult to use others may be on a limited retirement budget and may not have the money for anything fancy. Whatever your circumstances, here are the best phones for seniors to fit any scenario.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Fe
While Samsung phones arent made specifically for seniors, Samsung includes a simple feature. Dubbed Easy Mode, this setting is found on pretty much every modern Samsung device flagships, mid-range, and even budget offerings. Easy Mode enlarges the icons and puts pretty much everything within easy reach.
One of Samsungs best offerings right now is the Galaxy S21 FE. It has all the best specs and features we see in the Galaxy S21 series and comes with a very reasonable price point for a high-end smartphone. Senior citizens will enjoy a sleek design, superb performance, a gorgeous display, and more. More importantly, it also has Easy Mode.
Of course, youll have to enable Easy Mode first. Even if you arent particularly tech-savvy, enabling Easy Mode on a Samsung phone is not too tricky.
How to turn on Easy Mode on Samsung devices:
Recommended Reading: Do Seniors On Social Security Have To File Taxes
What Is The Easiest Phone For A Senior To Use
The phones we’ve listed here actually come in a little bit of a hierarchy.
The easiest phone for a senior to use will be a ‘feature phone’ as they have simple software, a long-lasting battery life and limited features.
Flip phones are the next step up, as they run very similarly, but there are also a few modern ones with 4G and various apps like WhatsApp and Facebook. They also might be a bit fiddly for certain users to unflip.
The hardest mobiles to use will be smartphones, as they can sometimes be complicated for technophobes to get their head arounds. Only pick one of these if you think the user can manage it – or has a young kid on hand to set it up for them!
About Our Trusted Experts
Adam Doud has been writing in the technology space for almost a decade. When he’s not hosting the Benefit of the Doud podcast, he’s playing with the latest phones, tablets, and laptops. When not working, he’s a cyclist, geocacher, and spends as much time outside as he can.
Andrew Hayward has been reviewing tech and games since 2006. He’s previously been published by TechRadar, Stuff, Polygon, Macworld, and was an editor for Mac|Life. He reviewed a big chunk of the phones on this roundup due to his specialty in smartphones and other mobile devices.
- What is Greatcall?
Greatcall is a mobile network virtual operator that uses Verizon’s network to deliver its own mobile service. Beyond that, Greatcall adds on services that are great for seniors including doctors, nurses, and associates who are there to assist seniors whenever they are needed.
- How do you activate Samsung’s Easy Mode?
Go to Settings, and search for “Easy Mode.” It’s typically located under the display settings. Easy Mode organizes your apps into three columns of buttons that are large and easy to see.
- Can you still get a phone on a contract?
That usually depends on the carrier. Most phone carriers won’t have “contracts,” but they will have multi-year payment plans, which is similar to the contracts we used to have with cellular service. Check your carrier to see if contracts are in place, or avoid the contract and buy an unlocked phone that can work with any carrier.
Lifewire / Andrew Hayward
Read Also: Medical Alert Necklace For Seniors
Great Screen And Usability At A Decent Price
Ushining Seniors Cell Phone is an easy to use basic cell phone that applies the latest operating system, larger fonts, clearer menu icons, surprisingly high volume and high-definition loudspeakers, It has a built-in audio, video player, Bluetooth, External FM audio, calculators, alarm clocks, calendars, and it can store up to 100 phone book entries. It is equipped with a charging dock, which is very convenient for the elderly to charge the phone.
You do not need a contract with any carriers to use this phone. It is compatible with AT& T and other prepaid or pay as you go SIM cards. This phone is also hearing aid compatible and has amplified speakerphone capabilities. This senior feature phone has an SOS button on the rear cover, setting 5 emergency contacts, allowing you immediately dialing to a preferred contact number in case of an emergency.
The battery has an extended life with 5-6 hours of talk time and up to 200 hours of standby time. This means it needs to be charged less than other phones that need to charge daily to keep power.
Can You Get A Cell Phone Without Texting
A new, minimalist phone is designed for people want to eliminate all that clutter, but still remain reachable. The size of a credit card, The Light Phone is about as stripped down as one can get: it can receive and make calls, store up to nine numbers, and tell the time. That’s it. No texting, email, or anything else.
Read Also: You Tube Yoga For Seniors
Prevent Phone Damage With The Right Accessory
As with any new tech, a sturdy case to accompany cell phones for seniors is almost a must-have. A more tactile finish on the case may be easier for older fingers to hold, and a screen protector offers extra protection in case of accidental drops and bumps.
Take a look at: The OtterBox family of phone cases includes options for both Android and iPhones as well as tablets.
Choose phones for seniors with features to help keep them connected.
Stay in touch with loved ones by giving you and them the ability to text, stream and share any time and any day. For older parents, grandparents and friends, key features offer empowerment and independence and boost peace of mind for everyone. Discover more Verizon phones for seniors with features that everyone can depend on.
You might also be interested in:
How To Choose The Best Cell Phone For Seniors
When choosing a cell phone, you should look for senior-specific features or designs with safety and emergency features. We suggest that you check the existing customer reviews and professional reviews. You should consider the price and if they have financing. Some companies have monthly payment plans on phones this can be an easy way to get into a phone.
Reliable service and wireless coverage are crucial you dont want the phone roaming when you need it most. Since seniors can be hard on devices by dropping them, sitting on them, and other wear and tear, look for something durable that can resist spills and water if you submerge it for a short time.
Check the cell phone plans sometimes they have senior-specific plans if not, decide on something you can manage for the agreements life.
Finally, search for a phone with long-lasting battery life and features like urgent care response buttons or hearing aid compatible models.
Recommended Reading: Old Friends Senior Dogs Sanctuary
A Solid Contestant From Apple
Do you want only the best for yourself or a senior loved one? It’s hard to do much better than the iPhone XR. It’s one of the most modern, sleekest phones around.
The XR is also the most affordable of its series and is used as a bridge between the iPhone 8 and the latest iPhones. Affordability is especially for seniors who are trying to make sure that they’re ready for retirement.
iPhones have been praised for years for being easy to use and of exceptional quality. Another reason to consider getting an iPhone is that they’re extremely popular. If the user ever finds themself in a restaurant or friend’s house without a charger, there’s a good chance that someone else’s iPhone charger isn’t far away.
If you use an iPad, then they can seamlessly integrate between their Apple devices too.
This iPhone model comes with a 6.1-inch touchscreen display and uses the latest operating system available. It also comes with a powerful 12 MP rear-facing camera.
Another great feature of the iPhone XR is that it comes in a variety of color options. It’s certainly one of the least dull smartphones around. And by making your phone a bright red or vibrant yellow, it will be easier to find when it slips through a crease in the couch or under a chair.