The best cell phones for seniors and the elderly in 2024
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Nowadays, smartphones may be more capable than ever, but there are people who either don't care about them or can't be bothered to learn how to operate one. Instead, they prefer a more simple phone, which they use mainly for calls and texts.
We're talking about seniors. While some kids can use a phone or a tablet even before they learn to speak, many of our elders don't see the appeal of smartphones and would rather have a device that simply lets them call their loved ones with the push of a button.
Luckily, basic phones are still around. Even better, within that group, there are phones made specifically for the elderly, boasting large buttons, strong volume, and even SOS buttons for emergencies, in some cases.
However, it's always important to consider carrier compatibility when choosing a phone for your elderly relative. Since these phones are usually quite cheap, they're often only compatible with one or two of the major carriers. Retailers' listings usually include that information, but with some models being years old, you can't be sure if something hasn't changed. A good idea is to check with your preferred carrier before purchasing, or get a phone directly from them so you're sure it will work.
We're talking about seniors. While some kids can use a phone or a tablet even before they learn to speak, many of our elders don't see the appeal of smartphones and would rather have a device that simply lets them call their loved ones with the push of a button.
However, it's always important to consider carrier compatibility when choosing a phone for your elderly relative. Since these phones are usually quite cheap, they're often only compatible with one or two of the major carriers. Retailers' listings usually include that information, but with some models being years old, you can't be sure if something hasn't changed. A good idea is to check with your preferred carrier before purchasing, or get a phone directly from them so you're sure it will work.
Best phones for seniors a summarized list:
- Kazuna eTalk — Verizon
- Alcatel Go Flip 4 — T-Mobile
- Cingular Flip 4 — AT&T
- Jitterbug Flip2 — Lively, flip phone, support for Amazon Alexa
- Nokia 3310 — unlocked, 3G
- ZTE Cymbal Z-320 — unlocked, flip phone, 4G
- Nokia 6300 4G - unlocked, 4G, supports Google Maps, Google Assistant, Facebook, and more
- LIVELY Jitterbug Smart3 — simple, easy-to-use smartphone made for seniors
- iPhone SE (3rd-gen) - easy-to-use smartphone full of features
Best Verizon phone for seniors
Kazuna eTalk
The Kazuna eTalk is a classic flip phone like the one we used to have 20 years ago. It’s not the simplest phone to use ever, but it’s pretty much as simple as you can get from Verizon. It has the easily recognizable green and red buttons to answer and end calls, and you can save contacts for speed dials straight from the key pad. The battery will last for days and when closed, it should be able to survive plenty of drops.
Best T-Mobile phone for seniors
Alcatel Go Flip 4
The situation over at T-Mobile is quite similar but team Magenta goes for a brand you’ve probably heard of – Alcatel. This phone has a similar layout but the buttons are slightly larger, making them more convenient for use by people with sight problems.
The phone is also more capable, having a hotspot feature and even Google Assistant. The latter can be particularly useful, as interacting with a voice assistant generally doesn't require any technical skill and can be immensely helpful in your elderly relative's daily life.
AT&T has its own big-button flip phone ready for the needs of those who shun smartphones. Although the Cingular Flip 4's primarily function will most likely be to make/take calls and send text messages, it's actually smarter than it looks.
Best AT&T phone for seniors
Cingular Flip 4
AT&T has its own big-button flip phone ready for the needs of those who shun smartphones. Although the Cingular Flip 4's primarily function will most likely be to make/take calls and send text messages, it's actually smarter than it looks.
You can not only use Google Assistant, but also Google Maps and even YouTube. Granted, your elderly relatives probably won’t care about that but those are good features to have. Battery life should be plentiful despite those smartphone extras.
The Jitterbug Flip2 is another nice phone suitable for seniors. It's affordable and easy to use. It packs a big screen and buttons and even supports Amazon Alexa. Plus, it comes with a dedicated Urgent Response button, which can be used to call emergency help, nurses, and doctors around the clock.
However, the phone only works with Lively and is not compatible with other carriers, so you will need a plan from Lively in order to use the Jitterbug Flip2.
Before we go further down the list, there's something worth mentioning. Generally, popular manufacturers don't go out of their way to make phones meant for seniors and the elderly. Which mostly leaves us with a selection of phones with quality that may raise suspicion. That's why here we have to set our bar lower than we usually do for our compilations of best phones.
Everyone knows about the iconic Nokia 3310 if not from using one, then from all the memes about how indestructible it was. Well, this modern reincarnation of the Nokia 3310 is not quite as tough but it has the familiar design and is among the best-looking feature phones. The buttons aren’t big but it’s still easy to operate and there’s no need to flip it open, which might be difficult for some elderly people.
Jitterbug Flip2
The Jitterbug Flip2 is another nice phone suitable for seniors. It's affordable and easy to use. It packs a big screen and buttons and even supports Amazon Alexa. Plus, it comes with a dedicated Urgent Response button, which can be used to call emergency help, nurses, and doctors around the clock.
Best unlocked phones for seniors
Before we go further down the list, there's something worth mentioning. Generally, popular manufacturers don't go out of their way to make phones meant for seniors and the elderly. Which mostly leaves us with a selection of phones with quality that may raise suspicion. That's why here we have to set our bar lower than we usually do for our compilations of best phones.
Nokia 3310
Everyone knows about the iconic Nokia 3310 if not from using one, then from all the memes about how indestructible it was. Well, this modern reincarnation of the Nokia 3310 is not quite as tough but it has the familiar design and is among the best-looking feature phones. The buttons aren’t big but it’s still easy to operate and there’s no need to flip it open, which might be difficult for some elderly people.
It will work with T-Mobile and AT&T as well as any MVNOs that use their networks. The downside is that it doesn’t support LTE, so call quality might be worse, as well as future support.
ZTE Cymbal Z-320
ZTE is a known brand in the phone world and its Cymbal Z-320 is an unlocked flip phone that supports 4G. It’s not designed with seniors in mind per se, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Some elderly might actually prefer a more classic-looking flip phone like this.
Nokia 6300 4G
The Nokia 6300 4G is another phone we suggest you strongly consider. It's an old school phone with physical buttons, which means it's easy to use. But unlike Nokia phones in the old days, this one comes with 4G, which means your elderly friend or relative will have access to the internet and faster data speeds. On top of that, the phone even supports various apps like Google Maps, Google Assistant, Facebook, and WhatsApp. And all this for just under $70.
LIVELY Jitterbug Smart3
This is a smartphone made specifically for seniors. It has a 6.2-inch touchscreen display and a list-based menu that is easy to use. The phone also supports video chat and voice typing. In addition to that, it comes with Lively's Urgent Response feature, which lets the phone's user directly call for help in emergency situations.
iPhone SE (3rd-gen)
The iPhone SE— especially the 3rd gen — is probably the best phone for seniors wanting to be more modern. The phone offers good performance, takes beautiful photos, and comes with a budget-friendly price tag. Additionally, it's easier to use than an Android phone since it runs on iOS. So, your elderly friend will have the best of both worlds, an easy-to-use phone and a handset with a lot of features and pretty awesome performance.
Did you find a good phone for your elderly relative? There are other options...
If you didn't really like any of those cell phone choices specifically made for the elderly, you may also want to check out our lists featuring smartphones instead.
Our best budget 5G phones list has some great options, that albeit more complex than a cell phone, can be customized and simplified, plus - are simply more capable than a basic cell phone.
Our best phones for kids list has smaller smartphones in particular, and is worth taking a look at also.
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