Are you looking for the best cell phone for seniors? Senior citizens usually stumble upon more difficulties with modern devices compared to younger generations. That’s why choosing the most suitable phone for them may take a little more time and effort. To help you filter just the right option, here’s our quick list you can take reference from.
Top 7 Best Cell Phone for Seniors
For each cell phone option below, AirTalk Wireless also analyzes their strengths and drawbacks. Do note that the best cell phones may still have their own quirks, and making a decision is all up to your own preferences.
1. LG Velvet 5G
LG phones are usually listed in various rankings. In this case, LG Velvet 5G might be one of the best phones for hearing impaired seniors.
For the unknown, certain cell phones can be compatible with hearing aid devices. With a hearing aid compatibility, the phone can reduce interference that causes static in hearing aids, pick up sounds directly from compatible devices without background noises, and offer volume control within prescribed limits.
With LG Velvet 5G, hearing impaired citizens can find their life much easier.
Besides, a 6.8-inch bright screen will allow seniors to read more effortlessly. The phone also lives up to LG’s high quality audio legacy
The Velvet simultaneously supports fast charging and wireless charging, setting it apart from many other cell phones.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Solid specs for the price, including 5G – Curved glass shell – Slick design – Affordable dual screen – Nice audio | – Slow fingerprint – No face unlock option – 60Hz display might be irritating |
2. Apple iPhone SE 2
One of the best smart phones for seniors is iPhone SE 2 from Apple.
Some outstanding features that make it rank as one of the best smart phones for seniors include:
- Retina HD touch screen
- 7 MP cameras
- High quality videos in 4K quality
- Storage up to 256 GB of data, photos, etc.
With an Apple phone, you won’t have to be worried about security. All data is encrypted, and the home screen also has Touch ID which utilizes fingerprints to unlock the device.
Same as LG Velvet 5G, the iPhone SE 2 is hearing aid compatible. Moreover, this phone is easy to grip and has a bright screen, which is a plus element for older hands and eyes.
iPhone SE 2 often makes it to the list of Best cell phones for seniors by Consumer Reports. However, it still has several drawbacks.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Affordable price – Small design, comfortable to hold – Built-in voice assistant – Water-resistant design – Wireless charging – FaceTime video calling 5G ready – Various mobile apps – Fingerprint passcode for security – Retina HD display for older eyes | – Fingerprint scanner is not always reliable – No traditional headphone jack – Screen may be a little too small for some seniors |
3. Motorola Moto Edge 5G 2021
The next name in our list of best free phones for seniors is Motorola Moto Edge 5G 2021.
Its exceptional 4,500mAh battery life is its biggest selling point. This feature makes sure you can stay connected through a whole day without recharging. Depending on each person’s usage, it can even last up to two or three days.
Besides, the phone also has a big screen and strong speaker quality.
However, this phone has quite a lot of features which might not be too perfect for not too tech-savvy seniors.
If you’re on the search for the best mobile phones for seniors who are more familiar with smart devices, this might just be the optimal solution.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Large 6.8-inch screen, easy to read – 5G connectivity – Affordable for a 5G phone – Long-lasting 4,500mAh battery – High-quality camera – Good sound quality for calls and media – Durable, splash-resistant build | – Large and heavy, maybe hard to hold – Small buttons could be hard for the elderly – No wireless charging – Too feature-rich for seniors who prefer simplicity |
4. Samsung Galaxy A20
Samsung Galaxy series has always been sought-after on the cell phone market.
For the elderly, Samsung Galaxy A20 is most suitable for those who want a simple, large-screen phone for basic use.
Moreover, many users consider this phone budget-friendly and accessible for those on a fixed income. The 4000mAh battery offers long-lasting power, so seniors won’t need frequent recharging.
The 13MP rear camera and 8MP front camera also allow for clear photos and video calls. One downside to Samsung Galaxy A20 is its somewhat lower speaker volume. This might be not ideal for those with hearing difficulty.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Fingerprint lock – Nice display – Smooth touch – Decent storage – Excellent battery backup and fast charging | – May lag with heavy apps or multitasking – A bit bulky to hold for seniors who prefer smaller devices – Low display resolution |
Also read: How To Get Best Cell Phones and Plans for Seniors
5. CAT S22 Flip
With features life drop resistance, waterproof protection, and a button designed for quick access, CAT S22 Flip might be the champ when it comes to the best flip phones for seniors.
For the unknown, the phone is resilient even under water up to 5 feet for 35 minutes or dropped onto steel from 6 feet. Being well aware that the elderly may have higher chances to slip their hand off a device, AirTalk Wireless highly recommends CAT S22 Flip if you want to get a good phone for your loved one.
Besides, this device provides instant access with Push-to-Talk (PTT) Button. The programmable button lets you customize access to essential actions or apps, such as calling, alarm clocks, etc.
This flip phone is, in general, more fitting with those who don’t need too many advanced smartphone features. For example, extensive app support or internet connection.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Can withstand drops, water, and dust – Easy-to-navigate interface – Large buttons, easy to press – Modern 4G LTE connectivity – Decent battery life – Small, foldable design that’s easy to carry | – Small screen (2.8 inches) – Limited advanced smartphone features – Low storage |
6. Foxxd A56
The Foxxd A56 is a stellar phone that offers a lot for its price point. It proves to be a solid choice with the user-friendly design, impressive specs, and more reliable features.
Why do we list Foxxd A56 as one of the best cell phones for seniors? Some aspects you can consider include:
- Bright AMOLED display
- Large screen size that is good for those who have poor eyesight
- Large storage that you can expand via microSD
Foxxd A56 has always been known for its affordable price. And while these might have sold out on multiple platforms, AirTalk Wireless still offers Foxxd A56, even for free.
If you want to get a free phone from AirTalk Wireless, why not apply now?
| Pros | Cons |
| – Clear, compact display – Easy to use – Expandable storage – Affordable | – Occasional connectivity problems, like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi drop – Rapid battery drain – Performance lag during heavy performance |
7. TCL Stylus 5G
Last but not least, TCL Stylus 5G has its own strengths to become a top cell phone choice for seniors. With a budget-friendly price, it offers a wide range of features such as an impressive camera, a pen that helps you jot down notes, edit, or draw anything you like.
| Pros | Cons |
| – Big screen with nice HDR mode – Clean version of Android 12 – Magnetic stylus | – Fuzzy video quality – Underperforming battery life |
>>> Don’t miss: Where Can I Get A Free Government Phone Today? Find Out Whether You’re Qualified
FAQs
How to get the best cell phones and plans for seniors for free?
The U.S government aims to bridge the digital divide through an initiative called the Lifeline Program. Eligible applicants of this program can get discounted phone plans depending on their area. For example, they can get up to $9.25 discount per month on monthly broadband or up to $34.25 per month if they are on Tribal lands. And if applicants apply for the program via a service provider, for example AirTalk Wireless, they can get a free phone for seniors if they qualify certain requirements regarding household income or participation in other government assistance program.
Best landline phones for hearing impaired seniors
Not every senior can use cell phones efficiently, that’s why landline phones can become a big help especially for seniors with hearing impairment. Take a look at some of the best cordless phones for seniors below:
- Geemarc CL100
- Panasonic KX-TGD832M
- Hamilton CapTel 2400i
- Amplicomms PowerTel 196 Extra-Loud
Are there special phones for people with dementia?
A report by Alzheimer’s Disease International stated that every three seconds, someone in the world is diagnosed with dementia. A phone with certain features for dementia is essential as it will help them overcome daily difficulties.
- Apple iPhone SE: While other phones from Apple might be too complex for dementia patients, iPhone SE might be a better choice as it has a large screen, the useful voice-commanded Siri, and a Medical ID feature that can store important health data such as medications and allergies.
- Samsung Galaxy A23: Another good cell phone for seniors is Samsung Galaxy A23 as it is designed with decent battery life and a 6.6-inch screen. The phone is also compatible with caregiver apps such as “Safe365”.
- OnePlus Nord N200 5G: With a simple interface navigation, a large 6.49-inch screen, good battery life, and 5G support, anyone with dementia can make good use of this phone.
- LG Tribute Empire: The LG Tribute Empire is an entry-level smartphone with basic functionality. You can set it up with simplified navigation and large icons to make the experience better for dementia patients.
- TCL 30 5G: This is also a recommended cell phone option for dementia patients as it has a lightweight design, screen quality that is gentle for the eyes.
The above options are up for grabs on many platforms. However, if you want to get a phone for free along with deeply discounted phone plan, unlimited text, data and more, you can head to AirTalk Wireless and apply for a free device right now.