Cellphones are a staple of twenty-first century life, for higher or worse, and the rise of the smartphone within the final twenty years has meant most individuals now stroll round with a display of their pocket.
Understandably, smartphones can appear daunting to make use of to many individuals, maybe largely in older generations. These folks might not be used to utilizing fashionable expertise having not grown up with the mod cons we’ve immediately, however that doesn’t imply senior folks shouldn’t use cellphones.
There are easy smartphones that lend themselves to simpler use and are much less intimidating than different smartphones. There are additionally even easier telephones, typically referred to as characteristic telephones, which have fundamental options reminiscent of calls and textual content messaging and never a lot else.
Both of those could be a good choice for an older one who is both intimidated by smartphones or just doesn’t need all of the bells and whistles of recent tech. Some fashions accessible within the US that we’ve beneficial in our beneath checklist aren’t accessible within the UK and vice versa, however we’ve beneficial alternate options.
Then once more, you might be a senior studying this and pondering that you just do desire a high-end smartphone – beneath we’ve additionally beneficial a few of these at a variety of costs.
Finest telephones for seniors 2023
Doro 6880
Execs
- Large buttons
- 4G calls and texts
- Help button
- Multi-day battery life
When you have discovered this text since you desire a smartphone, please don’t be offended by this telephone. It’s made by Doro, an organization that solely produces tech merchandise aimed toward seniors. It’s your decision an iPhone or Android telephone and plenty of of these are listed beneath!
However do you have to do desire a easy telephone in the event you battle with fashionable tech then this Doro 6880 is nice for calls and texts, and it makes use of 4G networks that means you might be assured it is going to proceed to work regardless of cellular carriers turning off outdated 2G and 3G networks.
It has a simple to learn display and enormous, color contrasted buttons which are easy to learn and press. The telephone has a loud, clear earpiece that’s listening to help appropriate so you may hear callers with out a difficulty.
It additionally has an help button, a intelligent addition. You arrange a numbered checklist of individuals you’d need to contact in an emergency, then if the button is pressed and held for 3 seconds it calls everybody beginning with the primary particular person within the checklist till somebody solutions. All recipients are additionally despatched a textual content message so you will get assist quick.
Hopefully you aren’t patronised by these options aimed on the aged – but when this telephone is simply too easy to your wants, then learn on.
Apple iPhone 13
Execs
- Easy interface
- Nice cameras
- High accessibility options
Cons
- Just one or two days of battery life
Worth When Reviewed:
$599 (was $799)
Our decide of Apple’s iPhone vary for seniors is the iPhone 13. In the event you don’t thoughts not having the outdated type house button and may get used to Apple’s swipe gestures to go house and flick between apps you’ll be effective.
The iPhone 13 got here out in 2021 however is virtually the identical because the iPhone 14 whereas costing £100/$100 much less. There’s no motive to spend extra.
The iPhone 13 has a big 6.1in display regardless of – for a contemporary smartphone a minimum of – being comparatively pocketable. We’ve picked this mannequin because it has a big sufficient display to alter the font to a bigger measurement do you have to want it, however not crowd the display with textual content like can occur whenever you enhance the dimensions on smaller telephones.
You additionally get Apple’s glorious accessibility options reminiscent of VoiceOver display reader, AssistiveTouch it you could have bother with touchscreens or endure from arthritis, and different perks that you just gained’t get for a extra fundamental telephone.
With lengthy software program assist and tons of case choices, the iPhone 13 is a simple to make use of smartphone that ought to final a number of years.
If you’d like the biggest iPhone attainable then go for the iPhone 14 Plus, or the iPhone 14 Professional Max if you would like one of the best cameras and cash isn’t any object.
Learn our full
Apple iPhone 13 evaluate
Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Execs
- Small
- Has a house button
- Least expensive iPhone
Cons
- Display screen is small for textual content
- Someday battery life
Worth When Reviewed:
$429 (64GB) | $479 (128GB) | $579 (256GB)
Learn our full
Apple iPhone SE (2022) evaluate
Nokia 2660 Flip
Execs
- Large buttons
- SOS characteristic
- Multi-day battery life
Worth When Reviewed:
$89.99
If a smartphone isn’t for you and all you need is a telephone for calls and texts, we advocate this flip telephone from Nokia. It actually does solely make and obtain calls and ship and obtain SMS messages, so there aren’t any apps right here such as you would get on an iPhone or Android telephone.
The telephone is a tiny bit smarter than the flip telephones of the 2000s although. It additionally has 4G and an emergency button to shortly contact family and friends.
Within the field you get a microUSB wall charger, a detachable battery, and wired headphones to plug into the headphone jack to hearken to the built-in FM radio. There’s additionally 128MB on board storage if you wish to load on some MP3 music recordsdata (and a microSD card to broaden the storage do you have to want).
It’s as shut as you’ll get to the simplicity of outdated cellphones earlier than the smartphone revolution, however with the expertise to nonetheless work immediately – in contrast to that outdated flip telephone in your drawer that gained’t work anymore as 2G networks are closed down.
In the event you’re within the US there’s a barely completely different model of the telephone accessible known as the Nokia 2780 Flip.
Nokia G60 5G
Execs
- Wonderful value
- Constructed from recycled supplies
- Large display
- Two days of battery life
Cons
- Efficiency a little bit gradual
Worth When Reviewed:
From $329.99
One other stable decide from the acquainted Nokia model is the Nokia G60. As its full title suggests, it has 5G and regardless of its low value is a completely fashionable and spectacular smartphone.
The telephone is produced from 60% recycled plastic and has a pleasant mottled grippy really feel to maintain it slipping out your hand. Its 120Hz clean show seems to be nice for the worth, and the battery can final for 2 days in the event you don’t use it an excessive amount of.
At underneath £250 it’s a stable deal, however you may as well purchase the G60 on Nokia’s attention-grabbing Round subscription plan. It prices simply £12.50 a month with a £30 upfront cost, then you may maintain the telephone so long as you need (you’ll have to purchase your individual SIM individually).
It’s not accessible within the US, however you may nonetheless purchase the older Nokia G50 stateside.
Learn our full
Nokia G60 5G evaluate
Google Pixel 7a
Execs
- Nice value
- Superlative digicam
- Wonderful accessibility options
Worth When Reviewed:
$499
If you’d like a smartphone, there are numerous causes you would possibly desire an Android telephone over an iPhone. You favor the design, you discover it simpler to make use of, you merely don’t need an Apple telephone. Get no matter you need!
An excellent Android telephone for seniors is the Google Pixel 7a, primarily because of the simplicity of its Android software program. We’re not saying you may’t deal with different manufacturers, however Google retains Android easy out of the field and straightforward to make use of and perceive. It additionally has a simplified mode that enlarges house display icons.
The Pixel 7a prices about the identical because the iPhone SE however has a greater digicam – so if sending photographs to your family and friends is vital then it’s an outstanding alternative. Google additionally affords software program assist of some years to maintain this telephone updated.
The big display is simple to learn, and you may simply enhance the textual content measurement if wanted. Add to that Google’s glorious Stay Caption characteristic that mechanically performs subtitles over movies you’re watching to simpler observe alongside and also you’ve acquired a versatile smartphone that retains it easy if you want.
Learn our full
Google Pixel 7a evaluate
Emporia Simplicity
Execs
- Underneath £100
- Good construct high quality
- Very simple to make use of
Designed particularly for older generations, this sub-£100 telephone from European producer Emporia is as near a landline telephone you will get in a cell phone.
It comes with a mains charging cradle so that you cn maintain it charging in the identical place always such as you would a cordless landline, after which you may decide it up and take it out with you whenever you want it.
The telephone has a nice-feeling rubberised casing and three assignable contact buttons to hurry dial your most contacted family and friends. You’ll be able to after all retailer many extra numbers within the telephone’s reminiscence.
Although it will probably ship and obtain texts, the display may be very small, so this isn’t your best option for texting however is an exemplary voice telephone with simple to press buttons and 4G connectivity.
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
Execs
- Nice cameras
- 5 years of software program assist
- Good value for the options
Cons
- Like all smartphones, in the future of battery
Worth When Reviewed:
$449.99
One other nice Android telephone for seniors that’s accessible within the US, UK, and Europe, is the Samsung Galaxy A54. It’s an excellent midrange smartphone with an excellent display, very good cameras, a slick design, and 5 years of software program assist to maintain its software program safe till a minimum of 2028.
It has stable battery life, is waterproof, and may obtain any app you may consider, similar to the iPhones and different Android telephones on this checklist.
At underneath $449/£449 it’s very good worth for cash notably given it has 128GB storage with a microSD card slot to have extra if you want. In comparison with the Pixel 6a and the iPhones on this checklist, the A54 has a 120Hz display, which suggests it seems to be smoother when scrolling by means of apps than these telephones.
Its stereo audio system are loads loud for watching movies or speaking on speakerphone, and you may enlarge the textual content simply if wanted.
Learn our full
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G evaluate
Motorola Moto G62
Execs
- Reasonably priced
- Two to 3 days of battery life
Cons
- Low cost construct
- Not absolutely waterproof
Worth When Reviewed:
Unavailable within the US
If you’d like a stable inexpensive smartphone with a headphone jack, that is our decide for UK readers. (Motorola makes glorious smartphones nevertheless it frustratingly doesn’t promote the identical fashions worldwide – bear with us for worldwide solutions).
The G62 is an effective deal for £199. It has a horny plastic construct, a big 120Hz display, 5G connectivity, and excellent battery life – cheaper, much less highly effective telephones than say an iPhone 13 could have higher battery life.
The cameras aren’t one of the best, however they’re effective for fast photographs or utilizing for video calls with family and friends. Nevertheless, it isn’t absolutely waterproof, so you’ll have to spend extra if you would like peace of thoughts close to the pool or bathtub.
Learn our full
Motorola Moto G62 evaluate
Doro 8100
Execs
- Simplified smartphone
- Full Google app retailer
The Doro 8100 does one thing not many smartphones presently do: it runs the ‘Go’ model of Android with the Google Play Retailer that presents you with a simplified model of Android that can assist you simpler navigate the essential capabilities of the telephone.
The house display might be set to have bigger icons to simpler and faster discover issues just like the digicam or textual content message app, and it has an help button that connects to Doro’s Response app that’s particularly designed as a failsafe emergency app for aged customers to get in touch with family and friends if pressing want arises. It’s additionally listening to help appropriate.
The telephone is properly made and comes bundled with a charging cradle so you may maintain it absolutely charged such as you would possibly a cordless landline telephone. At an affordable £200, you additionally get triple cameras for taking photographs and movies, and a entrance dealing with digicam to be used on video calling apps.
What’s a smartphone?
A smartphone is in essence a web-connected cell phone. It has the flexibility to ship and obtain emails, browse the net, and obtain and run apps: functions optimised for the smaller touchscreen expertise of a smartphone or
pill.
These supply easy accessibility to issues reminiscent of information, sports activities and climate data, in addition to enjoyable
video games with which to waste an idle hour. All smartphones additionally double as media gamers, letting you get pleasure from music, movies and ebooks you already personal, in addition to with the ability to stream or obtain new content material from devoted shops, accessed instantly from the smartphone. All smartphones work as
compact cameras, too.
Smartphones have devoted working programs, with the overwhelming majority of gadgets operating both Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android. They’ve a lot bigger screens than common cellphones (often known as fundamental telephones or characteristic telephones), often in extra of six inches.
They connect with the web by way of both mobile (3G/4G/5G and many others.) or WiFi expertise. Mobile expertise requires a SIM card with a knowledge allowance, which it’s important to pay for in the identical means you pay for calls and textual content messages. However at any time when you might be in vary of a wi-fi community (WiFi) for which the password (or doesn’t require one), you may change to that and use data-based apps and options free of charge.
Mainly, you are able to do on a smartphone something you are able to do on a web-connected desktop laptop/laptop computer. Some issues – e mail, as an example – may very well be simpler to do on a cellular system, though more often than not the smaller display can mitigate towards extended use.
What to search for
Now that you’re (hopefully) bought on the advantages of becoming a member of the smartphone world, listed here are just a few pointers as to what to search for. It’s at all times value attempting out a handset in-store, so you will get a really feel for the {hardware} and the consumer interface (the way in which the telephone’s software program seems to be and feels to make use of). The breadth of alternative might be off-putting, however don’t be afraid to take your time and take a look at as many handsets as you want earlier than making a alternative: it is a buy you’ll need to make solely as soon as each two to 3 years, so it pays to get it proper.
A easy interface
As a result of huge quantity of performance smartphones supply over characteristic telephones, they will appear sophisticated to make use of. Search for a smartphone with easy, simple to make use of, intuitive navigation. Assume of some key issues you’ll need to do – make a name, ship an e mail, discover a telephone quantity – and ask to strive them out within the retailer. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendation, but when it takes a gross sales assistant a very long time to clarify the right way to undertake such key duties, that might not be the telephone for you.
Ensure you spend a while utilizing the onscreen keyboard, too. Most will reply to keypresses by making the letter or quantity involved larger, and even vibrating gently. This could be a big help relating to usability, however not all interfaces are constructed the identical.
Apple merchandise are famed for his or her ease of use, and the
iPhone is mostly a quite simple and intuitive system to familiarize yourself with. Selecting one does imply that you just pay Apple’s costs although, that are usually greater than most alternate options.
Most smartphones available on the market, nevertheless, use Google’s Android OS.
Android telephones supply better selection and are available a wider array of shapes, sizes and costs. It’s vital to notice that completely different producers might gown the underlying Android expertise in their very own ‘pores and skin’ or ‘launcher’. Attempting before you purchase will assist give a way of how simple to make use of every producer’s launcher is and whether or not it’s best for you.
In the event you discover {that a} touchscreen interface is simply too troublesome to make use of successfully (and research have proven that points with hand-eye coordination accompany ageing), it might be {that a} system that additionally comes with a {hardware} keyboard or helps a appropriate accent is the way in which to go.
A big display
Nearly all smartphones have a minimum of a 5.5in show, lately. Excessive-end gadgets, such because the Android-based
Samsung Galaxy S21, have shows that transfer previous 6in.
The larger the display, the costlier a telephone tends to be (though not at all times) and a big display will drain battery life barely quicker. It’s, additionally value remembering that not all screens are created equal: the show on a comparatively small system might be sharper than that of some bigger telephones. So as soon as once more, attempting earlier than shopping for is vital.
Try our charts for finest small telephones and finest massive telephones for some prime suggestions that worth display measurement above all else.
One thing simple to hold about
Just because smartphones include so many options, they’ve to incorporate a giant battery and a strong processor. Add within the massive display and a smartphone can shortly develop into cumbersome within the eyes of some customers. Once more, that is the place it’s value attempting out a telephone earlier than you commit. The smartphone with the large display could also be simple to take a look at, however whether it is too heavy to hold about it isn’t going to be of a lot use.
