Best Smartphones for Seniors
Mobile phone technology has evolved in leaps and bounds over recent years, leaving some users feeling left behind. With all their bells and whistles, modern smartphones can be confusing for those of us who didn't grow up with this sort of technology, and not everyone feels comfortable using the most advanced devices. Thankfully, some smartphones are designed for exactly this purpose; to cut through the confusion and help you stay connected.
Regardless of your age, you can benefit from owning a smartphone that helps you stay connected and keep in touch with friends and relatives. In this article, we'll look at some of the Best Smartphones for Seniors, designed to make your experience with technology easy, fun and simple.
What's Covered In This Guide?
- Best Smartphones For Seniors
- Why Buy a Smartphone?
- What Can You Use a Smartphone for?
- Benefits of Smartphones for Seniors
- Who Else Can Use Smartphones for Seniors?
- Other Phones for Seniors
Best Smartphones for Seniors
To help you find the perfect device to suit your needs, we've put together a list of our favourite smartphones for seniors.
Best Smartphone for Seniors with Visual Impairment
Emporia Smart S4 Simple Smartphone for Seniors
Key Features:
✔ Ringer: 81.1dB
✔ Receiver: 78.1dB
✔ Screen Size: 5" (11cm)
Why It's Great:
✔ Includes the Emporia Magnifyer App, which increases the size of text
✔ Square icons that are large and easy to navigate
✔ Dedicated emergency button on the back
Editor's Verdict: With its large screen and 25 x 30mm square icons, the Emporia S4 Smartphone is ideal for those with visual impairments. The Emporia S4 also comes with many useful and unique features, including a 13 megapixel camera that takes high-quality photos. Simple, smart and elegant.
Best Flip Smartphone for Seniors with Memory Loss
TTfone TT970 Big Button Simplified 4G Mobile Flip Phone with SOS Button
Key Features:
✔ Network: 4G
✔ Photo Contacts: Yes
✔ Screen Size: 2.8" (10cm)
Why It's Great:
✔ Extra 25dB speaker amplifier ideal for the hard-of-hearing
✔ Excellent battery life of up to four days
✔ Includes a lanyard so you can keep your phone around your neck
Editor's Verdict: The TTfone TT970 Smartphone is almost a hybrid of a modern smartphone and a traditional flip phone, giving you the best of both worlds, and features photo contacts that display on the inner and outer screen when the person calls you.
Best Smartphone for Seniors with Safety Features
Doro 4G Easy Android Smartphone for Seniors with Safety Button (8100)
Key Features:
✔ Ringer: 83dB
✔ Receiver: 35dB
✔ Screen Size: 6.1" (15.5cm)
Why It's Great:
✔ Response button alerts your chosen contacts when help is needed and shares GPS location
✔ Features ICE (In Case of Emergency) so you can add information for first responders
✔ HD Voice technology so you can hear in noisy environments
Editor's Verdict: The Doro Android Smartphone is ideal for active seniors who want lots of functionality with the addition of important safety features. Offering a triple camera, optimised sound quality and face recognition software, this device is on the more sophisticated end of the smartphones for seniors spectrum.
Best Smartphone for Beginners
Emporia TouchSmart V188 Flip Phone for Seniors
Key Features:
✔ GPS Enabled: Yes
✔ WhatsApp Shortcut: Yes
✔ Screen Size: 3.35" internal and 1.5" external
Why It's Great:
✔ Choose from touchscreen or buttons for simple and easy use
✔ Supplied with a headset that has adjustable volume
✔ Emergency button with spare phone back to cover it up if you don't need it
Editor's Verdict: The Emporia V188 is designed for those who aren't ready for a full smart phone as it features both traditional keys and a touchscreen. The clamshell design helps to avoid accidental dialing, and it comes with a handy WhatsApp Guide ideal for beginners.
Best Smartphone for Seniors with Hearing Aids
Doro ClearSound Easy Smartphone for Seniors with Assistance Button (8200)
Key Features:
✔ Ringer: 83dB
✔ Receiver: 35 B
✔ Screen Size: 6.1" (15.5cm)
Why It's Great:
✔ Features ClearSound technology to make conversations super clear
✔ Optimise the audio settings to suit your personal requirements
✔ Emergency button with spare phone back to cover it up if you don't need it
Editor's Verdict: The Doro ClearSound Smartphone for Seniors scores high on user-friendliness. It asks 'Is it your first time using a Smartphone?' during the startup process, and allows you to customise the audio and display settings to best suit your vision and hearing.
Why Buy a Smartphone?
Whilst a basic mobile phone often gets the job done, a smartphone can allow you to do more than just making phone calls and sending text messages. In the past, you might have needed to carry a daily planner, a heavy laptop computer, a map or a book and a camera with you to do all your daily activities. A smartphone cleverly integrates all of these functions into one palm-sized device that fits neatly in your pocket.
What Can You Use a Smartphone for?
Modern smartphones offer many fascinating features, allowing us to do much more than make calls and send text messages. Here are some of the most useful features offered by smartphones:
- Stay Connected: Follow friends and family on social media, make video calls and use instant messaging apps like WhatsApp to send messages and photos
- Stay Organised: Keep track of your appointments, set reminders and complete admin tasks
- Stay Safe: Many smartphones for seniors come with extra safety features to alert responders when you need help
- Stay Entertained: Browse the internet, do some online shopping, take photos or listen to music
- Stay Healthy: Track your activity levels, sleep patterns and other health metrics to help you stay on track with your health goals
Benefits of Smartphones for Seniors
Smartphones designed specifically for seniors usually come with several additional benefits, including:
- Louder Sound: Amplified for clearer conversations, smartphones for seniors are ideal for those with hearing loss
- Simplified Interface: Easier to use than a regular smartphone, smartphones for seniors often have larger icons and bigger text
- Emergency Button: Giving you a sense of security, an emergency button allows you to alert loved ones if you require assistance
Who Else Can Use Smartphones for Seniors?
Despite the name, smartphones for seniors aren't just for seniors! They're also ideal for those who want to simplify their relationship with technology. Many people have started taking a minimalist approach to their phones because of concerns about their addictive nature. Simplifying your smartphone can improve productivity, increase focus and help you become less distracted.
Other Phones for Seniors
For some, smartphones are entirely too complex. If you're looking for something simpler, browse our full selection of Simple Mobile Phones, or perhaps you'd like to see our Corded Amplified Telephones which are ideal for users with hearing difficulties, reduced dexterity and memory loss.