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Best Smartphones For Seniors 2021

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Oukitel Wp: A Big Battery To Forget To Charge It

Best Cordless Phones for Seniors in 2021

This smartphone has a reinforced shell to withstand drops and spilled coffee cups.

Among its strengths, we will note its 8000 mAh battery which ensures an autonomy of several days.

This is done at the expense of its weight.

Its 5.5 “screen is also protected by reinforced glass to ensure its longevity. It is powered by a Quad-Core processor with 4 GB of RAM memory and 32 GB of free space to store photos and mobile apps It is guaranteed waterproof according to the IP68 standard.

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Top Cell Phones For Seniors

1. GreatCall Lively Flip

The best value for your money, priced at $99.99 Monthly plan starting at $14.99/month

For most seniors, a phone that lasts long and is easy to use stands to be the best phone. When you opt to choose a phone like GreatCall Lively Flip, texting, setting timers, and playing music are easier than ever.

  • Cheapest cell phone
  • Internet access, Video Streaming, Video Chat+
  • Watch favorite TV shows on favorite platforms
  • Easy mode for larger text & icons
  • Thousands of apps in Google Play store
  • Emergency apps available
  • Available on all major carriers

3. GreatCall Lively Smart

Inexpensive and modern design, priced at $149.99 Monthly plan starting at $14.99/month

Given an efficient interface, easy voice recognition, a spacious display, and large button dialing, the Great Call Lively Smart is extremely popular. It also comes with impressive battery life and comes pre-loaded with multiple games and apps to help seniors connect with friends and family.

  • Simple smartphone
  • High-quality camera and video recording
  • Long-lasting battery, 12+ hours in use
  • Internet access, Video Streaming, Video Chat+
  • Watch favorite TV shows on favorite platforms
  • Available on all major carriers
  • Thousands of apps in Google Play store
  • Emergency apps available

Best Cell Phones For Seniors

  • Audio and display features designed for seniors
  • One-touch SOS button

Lively‘s Jitterbug Smart3 is the best cell phone for seniors because it was designed with them in mind. This simple smartphone has a large menu with only the essentials like maps and directions, a camera, email, and an internet browser.

Even the phones service plans have senior-friendly features like on-call conferencing with a doctor or nurse and an SOS button that turns your cell phone into a simple medical alert system. Plus, each Lively cell phone plan is contract-free, so you can cancel service at any time.

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What Should Seniors Look For In A Cell Phone

When you compare cell phones for seniors, its easy to get lost in the details. The choice will depend on their needs will they want a more complex smartphone, a basic flip phone, or a middle-of-the-road phone with standard technology? The most easy-to-use cell phones for seniors are basic flip phones. For those with limited dexterity or bigger fingers, big button phones for seniors work well. The most important features in an easy phone for seniors include:

  • A clear, big, bright display
  • Good sound and speakers
READ REVIEWS

The Best Phones For Seniors In 2022

Best Cheap Cell Phone for Seniors In 2022

No matter your age, you can benefit from the simplicity of a voice phone or one with a big, bright screen. These are the best phones we’ve tested that make life easy.

I’m that 5G guy. I’ve actually been here for every “G.” I’ve reviewed well over a thousand products during 18 years working full-time at PCMag.com, including every generation of the iPhone and the Samsung Galaxy S. I also write a weekly newsletter, Fully Mobilized, where I obsess about phones and networks.

I love portable technologyif you can put it in a pocket or a bag, Im probably into it. Ive covered phones and tablets of all shapes and sizes, and reviewed everything from game consoles to laptops in my decade-plus career. Prior to joining PCMag, I wrote articles for Android Authority, How-To Geek, MUO, New Atlas, Toms Hardware, and plenty of other tech publications.

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Jitterbug Flip2 Relevant Features For Seniors

The Jitterbug Flip2 has a more simplified design than a smartphone, and as a result, it is attractive to seniors desiring an easy-to-use device.

Although the Flip2 does not offer internet connectivity or apps, it does provide an extensive list of assistive features intended especially for seniors, including:

  • Urgent Response Service
  • Lively Link app
  • Personal Operator
  • Large, bright screen and buttons
  • Simple navigation

Best Smartphone for Assistive Features

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro: Efficient And Accessible

A great classic among the classics, this model is renowned for its reliability and versatility.

It is equipped with a large Full HD + screen allowing perfect readability in all circumstances.

Previous generation of the manufacturer, it is displayed at a very affordable price while offering many functions.

Its photo sensor on the back, composed of 4 lenses, reaches 48 MP.

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Nokia 2720 Flip Best Feature Phone

Pros

  • Price premium for form factor
  • Lacklustre camera

The Nokia 2720 Flip is one of Nokias popular throwback phones, here resurrecting the iconic flip phone form factor. That means youre paying a bit of a premium for the combo of nostalgia and novelty, but theres an argument that its worth it.

It certainly helps that you still get a fairly modern feature set. Theres 4G support, along with some basic apps meaning you can still use Google Maps, Facebook and WhatsApp. Theres even an app for Google Assistant, with a dedicated button to activate it or if you prefer you can set this up to serve as an emergency button, sending out a text to specified contacts in case anything goes wrong.

Nokia quotes a 28-day battery life, and while we havent quite tested it for that long, its clear that the 2720 will run for a while.

You also get Bluetooth, a headphone jack, a camera and 4GB of internal storage, with support for microSD cards up to 32GB.

  • Disappointing cameras
  • Speakerphone could be louder

Some companies have made the mistake of patronising their target market. Thankfully, Doro strikes the right balance and the 8080 is a phone that provides a helpfully-modified Android smartphone experience letting you navigate around the user interface using your voice, with the help of the Google Assistant .

The 8080 features a 720p HD display, a 16Mp and 5Mp dual rear camera and comes with a dock for convenient charging and hands-free speakerphone use.

How To Pick The Right Phone For A Senior

5 Best Cell Phones for Seniors in 2021

If you plan to pick up a new phone for yourself or a family member, you have a few considerations to make. First, do they want or need a smartphone? While some seniors love being connected to their friends, family, and information at all times, others want a simple calling and texting device.

Senior citizens also commonly want a larger screen that can display magnified content. This is especially the case for users with limited vision. Likewise, it might be important to get a device that can get significantly loud, if they have any hearing problems.

Some devices even offer specialized features like emergency shortcuts, simplified user interfaces, etc. You might want to look at some of these options and see if they might benefit you.

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What To Look For

Now that you are sold on the benefits of joining the smartphone world, here are a few pointers as to what to look for. Its always worth trying out a handset in-store, so you can get a feel for the hardware and the user interface . The breadth of choice can be off-putting, but dont be afraid to take your time and try as many handsets as you like before making a choice: this is a purchase youll want to make only once every two to three years, so it pays to get it right.

Uleway Flip Cell Phone For Seniors

Award:BEST FOR EMERGENCIES

WHY WE LIKE IT: If youre worried about getting into an emergency situation and not being able to fully operate your phone, then this is the best option for you. With an SOS button, dedicated speed dial buttons, and a very user-friendly interface, this cell phone helps you respond quickly in dangerous situations.

Pros

  • Silence button prone to accidental pressing
  • Loudspeaker not as loud as others

The Uleway Flip is the best cell phone for seniors with dementia and for use in emergency health situations because of its overly simple and user-friendly design. It features a large and easy-to-press SOS button on the back of the phone that will contact up to five different phone numbers through both text messages and phone calls. Plus, the phone features three dedicated speed dial buttons that can be programmed with emergency contact information. This is incredibly helpful for seniors that struggle to remember complicated phone operations.

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At& t Senior Cell Phone Plans

AARP members who are AT& T Wireless customers can save up to 10% on their talk and data plan monthly charges, as well as save 15% on eligible phone accessories. AARP members get:

  • 10% off voice and data plan monthly charges.
  • Up to $45 waived for activation or upgrade fees.
  • Up to 15% off eligible phone accessories.

Best For Tech Savvy Seniors: Iphone Se

Top 10 Verizon Cell Phones For Seniors of 2021
  • Price: Starts at $399
  • Memory Capacity: 16 GB memory capacity, but it may increase up to 128 GB
  • Display Size: 4.7-inch display

The iPhone SE is the most affordable smartphone made by Apple. Anyone familiar with their state-of-the-art operating system will know how user-friendly it is. With smartphone features such as a fingerprint sensor, great battery life, and more, you or your loved one will definitely be able to make the most out of this model. Just make sure to get an iPhone case to make sure it is protected if senior citizens use it.

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How Do I Switch Cell Phone Providers

The ease of switching providers will depend on your current provider, your current plans details and whether your contract includes early termination fees.

Some decisions need to be worked out with your current provider and new carriermainly whether to keep your existing phone and phone number. Its also important to find out if youre locked into a plan.

Regardless, here are a few key steps to preparing to make the switch:

Do your research. Know which plan youd like to switch to and contact your current provider to get the details of your current contract, particularly if youre locked in.

If you do have a contract, check with your current provider to find out if there are early termination fees. If youd like to keep your current phone, make sure your phone isnt lockedwhich means you can only use the phone with your existing providers phone plans. Finally, ask your new provider whether you can use your existing phone.

Prepare your details for your new provider. Be ready to provide the following to your new wireless carrier:

  • Your name and address
  • Your phones ESN/IMEI number if youre keeping the phone
  • Your phone number

To make the switch, contact your new cell phone carrier online, by phone or in person at a store. Theyll take your information and switch your service to your selected plan. Once you activate your new plan with your new carrier, your old service should automatically terminate. If you experience any issues, contact your old carrier.

The Best Phones For Seniors In 2023

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Through months of research and hands-on testing, our team has come up with a list of the five best phones for seniors, from simple flip phones to advanced smartphones.

If youre looking for an easy way to call, text, surf the web, and connect with family, one of these cell phones is a great choice.

Pro Tip: If youre looking for a specific type of phone, check out our lists of the best big-button phones and easiest cell phones for seniors.

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Consumer Cellular Link Ii Flip Phone

In terms of simplicity, the Consumer Cellular Link II is a flip phone that boasts such quality and is designed with seniors in mind. Its intuitive user interface and large keyboards make it easy for seniors to get used to the device quickly. This phone also offers many qualities like a long-lasting battery, rugged design, and lots more. Regarding user assistance, it possesses many assistive features that seniors will find helpful.

Do Seniors Really Need A Smartphone

5 Best Cell Phones For Seniors 2021

A study conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2015 found that the majority of elderly individuals who own a smartphone believe that having one is freeing and connecting. A smartphone can grant a higher degree of autonomy to an elderly person, but thats just one of the benefits. Others include:

  • Being able to make emergency calls
  • Texting and keeping in touch with friends and family
  • Video calling with friends and family
  • Setting reminders for taking medication, drinking water, and more
  • Using GPS to help navigate while driving or walking
  • Checking the weather or the news
  • Having access to health-monitoring apps
  • Accessing the internet for various needs
  • Having access to an endless source of entertainment

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At& t Unlimited 55+ Senior Plan

AT& T | Unlimited 55 Plus | $60/month or two lines for $80/month – AT& T’s feature-packed unlimited plan AT& T has an exclusive deal for seniors, but you’ve got to be over 55 and living in Florida. If you fit this criteria, you can get two unlimited data, calls, and text lines for just $80 a month or one for $60. You’ll be able to use your plan in the US, Mexico, and Canada, and 5G service is included at no extra cost. You can also text to more than 120 countries for free, and you’ll get spam and fraud call blocking. If you don’t live in Florida, AT& T’s regular unlimited plans give you some options though most plans will cost you more than this discounted offer.Pros: Unlimited 5G data, discount for Florida residents over 55Cons: Expensive, not available in other states

Motorola Moto G Stylus

Features: The Moto G Stylus has a 48-megapixel camera far greater than the 16-megapixel smartphone average to capture sharp family photos and videos. Its also water-resistant and includes features like facial recognition, fingerprint unlock, and high-quality audio when streaming. The phones battery can last up to two days and comes unlocked, meaning you can use it with any service provider or pay in advance for minutes and texts.

Why its good for seniors: This is one of the loudest phones on our list. With sound quality that peaks around 88 decibels, the phone is ideal for seniors with hearing impairment. The screen is 6.4 inches tall and allows for text enlargement. It also comes with a built-in stylus for those who like writing notes or memos by hand.

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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.

Consider Your Loved Ones Phones

7 Of The Best Smartphones For Seniors in 2021

Talk to your family about their smartphones. Knowing what they use or are familiar with can help you decide. For example, if your loved ones use iPhones, going with the iPhone 13 Pro or another iPhone is a smart choice. Your family already knows Apple products and can help you learn how to use it. Plus, youd be able to FaceTime them and send iMessages.

You can also ask them what carrier they have. Sometimes bundling with your familys phone plan can lower the price per line. Of course, prepaid phone plans for seniors are another way to cut service costs too.

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Armor X7 Pro: Compact And Unbreakable

If the previous model offered a large screen and good strength, this model adds finesse.

Its battery is noticeably smaller, but sufficient for everyday use.

Its shell offers good grip to avoid dropping it.

It has 32 GB of memory and very good photo quality.

It can even be used for taking pictures in water thanks to its waterproofness to IP68 and IP69K standards.

However, its screen is not very large with a diagonal of 5 “. This gives it a reasonable size to take it everywhere without it being a constraint.

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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

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