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Best Cell Phones For Seniors Consumer Reports

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Talk And Text Phone Plans For Seniors

CES 2013 preview: Smart phones | Consumer Reports

Talk and text phone plans are for people who use their phones only for talking and texting. Theyre good for seniors who dont have smartphones or dont use their phones to download apps, watch videos or browse the internet. Many cell phone service providers offer customizable or unlimited talk and text plans. They are often less expensive than those that include data

Take These Steps Before You Buy

Once you have decided what type of cell phone is ideally suited for you or the senior in question, the needed and/or desired features, and the allotted budget, there are still several steps that should be taken before purchasing a cell phone. These include the following:

Research the Best Wireless Network Coverage

It is crucial to know which wireless network carriers are available in your area and which ones offer the best coverage. This is because you must have a strong cell signal in your home and other places you frequent in order for your cell phone to work well. If the signal is weak and the phone works poorly, it wont serve its intended purpose.

Ask friends and family in your area which cell phone carrier they use and if the phone service works well and is reliable. If you want an internet-capable cell phone, ask if they are happy with the internet speed. You could even take it a step further and ask to use their cell phone in your home to check reception, reliability, and speed. You can also find cell phone coverage in your area by checking a carriers coverage map online by zip code.

As a side note, not all cell phones are compatible with all wireless carrier networks.

Shop for Cell Phones Online & Compare Phones

Read Cell Phone Reviews and Check Their Ratings

Go to the Store for a Hands-On Experience

Consider a Cell Phones Return Policy

Learn Where to Get Help Setting up the Device & Learning to Navigate It

Is Consumer Cellulars Coverage Any Good

Consumer Cellular has two network partners: AT& T and T-Mobile. Customers can access one of those wireless networks, not both.

The network is chosen based on your location. Enter your ZIP code here to confirm coverage.

I tested Consumer Cellular using AT& Ts network. For my 30-day test, I had no issues with call and text performance from my location in Los Angeles, California.

For data needs, 5G speeds are available in many locations with a compatible device.

During my testing period, I conducted 10 data speed tests using the free Speedtest app, and the average 5G download speed wasmore than 70 Mbps.

Thats fast enough to stream video, browse the web and use apps without issues.

Read Also: Cable Tv For Low Income Seniors

Look For Mainstream Devices

Seniors dont always need specially designed technology. Mainstream gadgets are a good place to start because theyre often economical, easy to find, and designed for customization.

Smartphones are a prime example. Some phones, like the Jitterbug, are marketed specifically to older users, but ordinary Android devices and iPhones include a variety of powerful accessibility features, combined with high-quality screens and great performance. And they dont have to be expensive: There are many good, affordable phones in CRs ratings , and you can often find discounts on models from previous years.

On an iPhone, go to Settings > General > Accessibility and youll see many options, such as closed captioning on apps that support it and a built-in magnifier that uses the phones camera. You can also reduce the potentially confusing animations that play when apps open and close, boost the screen contrast or type size to make things easier to read, and more.

Android phones have a menu of similar functions, including TalkBack , which can be found under Settings > Advanced > Accessibility.

Check out other settings, as well, to adjust factors such as the size of icons and the brightness of the screen and to create contact lists for close relatives and medical providers.

Other Plans To Consider

Best Flip Phones For Seniors Reviews 2021 by AI Consumer Report ...

While senior-specific phone plans and senior discounts are great, they arent your only options. If youre looking for the absolute cheapest mobile phone plan available, youll want to check out Tello Mobile. Mint Mobile also offers incredibly low prices, including the cheapest option for an unlimited phone plan. And Visible offers four lines for $100 per month.

In addition to senior phone plans and senior discounts, here are three other plans to consider:

Shop Now!

Tello Mobile offers the cheapest cell phone plans Ive found, and it runs on T-Mobiles reliable network. You can get unlimited talk, text and 1GB of high-speed data for $10 monthly. If you dont need the 1GB of data, you can get an even cheaper plan with unlimited talk and text for just $8 per month. You can also bring your own phone to Tello if its eligible.

To learn more about Tello, be sure to check out our review. You can also visit Tellos website to begin building your perfect cheap cell phone plan.

If youre looking for another cheap prepaid phone plan on T-Mobiles network, also be sure to check out the new T-Mobile Connect plans. They also begin at $10 per month for 1GB of data.

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Coverage First: Verizon Wireless

  • either free Apple Arcade or Google Play Pass

The Do More bundle, in contrast, focuses on connectivity and instead offers:

  • one free international-roaming day a month
  • 600 GB of cloud storage
  • 50% off connected-device plans for hotspots, tablets, and smartwatches

Both represent a better value than Start Unlimited, but you can see how Verizon seems to believe that its coverage allows it to charge a premium.

Finally, Verizons $90 Get More Unlimited plan removes the 50 GB threshold on priority data , doubles the hotspot quota to 50 GB, adds unlimited priority data, and throws in a superset of the bonuses of Do More and Play More: the streaming-video bundle and either Apple Arcade or Google Play Pass, the added freebie of Apple Music, the monthly free TravelPass, the connected-device discount, and the cloud storage.

Verizon also offers a Just Kids plan you can add to your own: $40 or less, when added to an unlimited plan , gets unlimited data at 5 Mbps plus parental control and location tracking tools for you.

Verizon offers discounts to employees and members of designated companies and organizations only its military and veterans discount applies to unlimited plans. If you sign up for its Fios wired broadband, you can also qualify for a discount.

The Best Consumer Cellular Phones For Seniors

When looking at cell phone providers and their devices, everyone has unique needs. For seniors, the latest smartphone with novel features isnt the primary factor. More often than not seniors do not need plenty of data.

You can check out this simple mobile plans prepaid resource if you are having problems finding the right deal. In addition, we have put together these consumer cellular phones for seniors to help you save money on phone service as well as receive cell phones the elderly community can easily use.

With so many cell phones in the marketplace, finding the right mobile phones and cell phone service for seniors can be a daunting task. With the elderly community presenting dynamic needs for cell phones, it is vital to get an affordable phone that carries the right features for your lifestyle.

In that regard, here are AT& T phones for sale without contract. Every senior deserves to get the best discounts from cell phone providers. No provider does that well than consumer cellular plans for seniors.

Consumer cellular phones and plans are an edge over their competitors because their products are bespoke with seniors in mind. If you are an AARP member, subscribing to Consumer Cellular carries some discounts. For example, you may for a 30% discount on some of their devices.

  • FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
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    Why You Should Trust Us

    Ive covered the wireless industry since the late 1990smy first guide to cell phone service, written in 1998, devoted much ink to comparing analog and digital cellular. Ive tested smartphones and cell phone plans from all the major carriersthe historic foursome of AT& T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon, plus Nextel before thenfor the Washington Post, CNN Money, Discovery News, PCMag, VentureBeat, and others, and I now cover tech and telecom issues for Fast Company, USA Today, and other sites, including trade publications like Light Reading and FierceTelecom. And in July 2021, I put in more than a thousand miles of drive testing from Baltimore to Atlanta for PCMags Fastest Mobile Networks project.

    What To Know Before You Buy

    Talking Tech w/ Consumer Reports: Cell phone plans & buyout programs | Consumer Reports

    Youll need a Snapfon mobile plan to go with your ezFlip 4G. Monthly costs start at $10 for limited calling and unlimited texting. Plan to use your phone a lot? Unlimited talk and text cost just $15 per month. Add in a gig of data to surf the web, check Facebook, and send emails for only $5 more.

    Inside Tip: Our experts recently tested and researched 15 senior cell phones. Find out why Snapfon made it on our best cell phones for seniors list!

    Youll also need to decide if you want Snapfons sosPlus mobile monitoring service. It connects you to a 24/7 response agent who can contact your emergency contacts or other assistance. Its only $19.99 per month, and wed recommend it, especially for seniors who live alone.

    Also Check: Help For Seniors Home Repairs

    How To Pick The Best Cell Phone Plans For Seniors

    We found the best cell phone plans for seniors during the course of our research for the best cell phone plans overall. As a result, we’ve learned that there are a few factors to consider when choosing a cell phone plan aimed at seniors. Most of these plans tend to be more affordable with lower data caps, more flexible, and often offer special benefits.

    Some brands, such as AT& T and Verizon, offer discounted prices for seniors or packages specifically designed for people over a certain age. However, these can require you to live in the state of Florida. T-Mobile is unique among the major carriers in having no residency requirement for its best cell phone plan for seniors.

    If you don’t live in Florida, your best bet is to focus on what you need. Do you need something with a minimal amount of data and low costs? One of the best cell plans for seniors from Mint Mobile, Tello, or Ultra Mobile should be a good fit for you.

    Or, on the complete opposite end of the spectrum, T-Mobile offers up unlimited data plans. However, these are going to cost you a fair bit of cash to get. Consumer Cellular has an unlimited plan, too, but at $60 a month, it’s one of the pricier options.

    What Features Do I Want

    Everyones looking for different things in a phone. Think about what you want and need. Do you need a bright screen because of low vision? Do you wear hearing aids? If so, make sure the phone is compatible. What about medical alert capabilities? Some flip phones offer built-in fall detection, alerts, and assistance buttons.

    Other features you might want include large tactile buttons, a low-battery warning system, a high-quality camera, internet access, GPS, mobile hotspot, or durability.

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    Consider The Three Main Types Of Cell Phones

    Block Style

    The block phone, also called a candy bar-style phone, is rectangularly shaped with an exposed keypad and screen on the face of the phone. Due to the exposed keypad, pocket dialing can be an issue unless the keypad is locked when not in use. Candy-bar style phones are generally quite sturdy, but are also very basic and do not allow for internet access. For seniors who are not technologically advanced and mainly want a cell phone for calls and texts, candy bar-style phones can be a good option.

    FlipPhone

    A flip phone is a hinged cell phone that flips open to expose a keypad and screen. The hinged covering aids in protecting the screen from damage. But flipping it open could present a challenge for seniors with arthritis or who have difficulty performing tasks with their hands. Flip phones generally have limited features, but some do come equipped with a camera and the ability to access the internet. However, compared to smartphones, the internet speed is slow and the capabilities very basic.

    Smartphone

    Faqs About Cell Phones For Seniors

    Best Flip Phones For Seniors Reviews 2021 by AI Consumer Report ...

    How old do I have to be to purchase a senior phone?

    While you do not have to be a certain age to have a senior-focused cell phone, certain cell phone plans do have age requirements for discounts. For example, Sprints Unlimited55+ and Verizons 55+ Plan both offer unlimited data use and discounts on extra lines added on the plan. Also, some carriers offer discounts for AARP members, in which all people ages 50 and up are eligible for full membership.

    Do cell phone companies offer senior discounts?

    Cell phones labeled “for seniors are designed to be easy-to-use for anyone with mobility, vision, or cognitive difficulties that make it difficult to use a regular cell phone. Because of this, many of these cell phones feature larger buttons, an emergency alert to quickly call medical services, hands-free operation, and simpler controls than an average cell phone.

    How are senior cellphones different from regular cellphones?

    Cell phones labeled as senior cell phones are designed to be easily used by anyone who has trouble using a regular cellphone due to mobility, eyesight, or cognitive difficulties. Because of this, many of these cell phones feature larger buttons, an emergency alert to call medical services with one-touch, hands-free operation, and simpler controls than the regular touchscreen smartphone.

    What safety features do senior cellphones have?

    Do I have to be a certain age to have a senior phone and plan?

    Also Check: Wv Bureau Of Senior Services

    Best Smartphone For Seniors

    The Jitterbug Smart3, priced at $149.99, is as friendly to use as it is affordable. The phones list-style menu makes finding what you need easy and simple. The call performance, ease of setup and quality of smartphone features are ultimately what earned this phone high marks with Senior Living.

    Across 487 reviews, the device has earned a four-star rating and a 91 best sellers ranking on Amazon. If you want an all around great phone, this one is a steal.

    Speaking on the value of the phones helpful features, Aging Life Care Association board of directors member Kate Granigan said that devices like the Jitterbug Smart3 can make a big impact for older adults.

    Some of the features we find helpful when it comes to seniors and smartphones are GPS trackingespecially for seniors who wanderhaving contacts programmed into the phone so simply tapping on them can connect you, voice activation and games to stimulate brain health, Granigan told Forbes. I think the simplicity of some of these devices makes them very useful.

    Best Cellphones For Seniors A 2022 Guide

    In the modern age, having a mobile phone has become a must. But the options seem endless. Simply entering a phone store can feel overwhelming, especially for older adults who may be less focused on new tech. The good people at Senior Living have taken out the grunt work and made a list of the top cellphones for seniors.

    From the cheapest to the most intuitive, here are their top five picks for older adults in 2022:

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    Cell Phone Stores In Richmond Hill

    Find your nearest cell phone store in Richmond Hill, Ontario

    Amcall Wireless Times Square MallOffering: Rogers550 HWY 7 East, Unit A1, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3Z4905-882-8668

    9350 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 5G2905-737-9860

    Best Buy Canada Bayview GlenOffering: Bell, chatr, Fido, Koodo, Rogers, TELUS, Virgin Mobile3-225 High Tech Road, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 0A6905-695-3906

    Fido Store & Kiosk Hillcrest MallOffering: FidoZ011-9350 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 5G2905-780-8151

    4 Levendale Road, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 4H2905-237-WIND

    Freedom Mobile Store Hillcrest MallOffering: Freedom MobileZ007-9350 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 5G2289-475-5396

    Freedom Mobile Store Times Square MallOffering: Freedom MobileK3-550 Highway 7 East, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3Z4905-695-2888

    Koodo Authorized Dealer Hillcrest MallOffering: KoodoZ009-9350 Yonge St., Richmond Hill, ON L4C 5G2905-780-6639

    6-8910 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 0L7905-764-0310

    1070 Major Mackenzie Road East, Unit M2, Richmond Hill, ON L4S 1P3905-508-2907

    Smile Telecom Times Square MallOffering: Bell550 Hwy 7 East, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3Z4905-882-7401

    D005C 9350 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 5G2905-780-2351

    The Mobile Shop Richmond HillOffering: Bell, chatr, Fido, Koodo, PC Mobile, Rogers, TELUS, Virgin MobileLoblaws, 310 High Tec Rd, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 4R2905-763-2070

    #017A 9350 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 5G2844-763-0636

    Most Durable Phone For Seniors

    Prepaid Cell Phones | Consumer Reports

    If you have unsteady hands, are prone to falls or prone to dropping your phone, the Kyocera DuraXE has the durability you need while still being easy to navigate. This flip phone is military tested for dust, extreme temperatures, being dropped and being submerged in water.

    With a 4.5 rating across 57 reviews, the Kyocera DuraXE earned a 575 best seller ranking on Amazon. According to PC Mag, its also an editors choice.

    While Id like it to live a little more in the present in terms of messaging, Im happy to see its cloud-contact-syncing function, and its voice performance is reliable enough to make it an Editors Choice, Lead Mobile Analyst Sascha Segan said in his PC Mag review.

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