Ting Again Takes Top Honors in Consumer Reports Survey of Top Cell Phone Providers
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How We Chose the Best Jail cell Phones for Seniors
Did yous know that 92 percent of adults ages 65 and older own a jail cell phone in the U.S.?1 If yous're in the market for a new or upgraded phone, we can help! If y'all've e'er shopped for a cell phone, you know simply how many options there are on the market place; information technology can feel countless. To brand it easier for you, our squad started by narrowing down the search to 25 phones by eliminating options that did non meet our standard criteria. After over 300 hours of inquiry, online shopping, conversations with customer service, and hands-on testing of more 25 phones, we arrived at 10 finalists that nosotros're calling the all-time cell phones for seniors. Each phone was ranked using over thirty metrics, including price, senior-friendly features, bombardment life, durability, sound quality, appearance, ease of use, and provider perks. The three most influential metrics in our evaluation were:
- Senior-friendly features: All phones that fabricated the cut accept features that run into seniors' specific needs and lifestyles. While these features vary by phone, they include things like big buttons or icons, brilliant screens, loud and adjustable speakers, hearing aid compatibility, and an easy-to-grip design
- No long-term contracts: Cell phone plans that lock you in for years are a thing of the past. All of the cell phone models and carriers on our list offer month-to-month options, so you can cancel your service at any time without hassle.
- Price vs. quality: We know that every budget is different. While some of the cell phones on our listing are more expensive than others, we've only included phones where we believe the quality matches or exceeds the price. We've made certain to include budget-friendly jail cell phones on our list, along with somewhat pricier high-tech devices, and so you can find the telephone that'due south right for both your wallet and your needs
Using the higher up criteria, along with our enquiry, testing, and rankings, we created this year's best cell phone list to help yous choose the best senior-friendly cell phone.
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ane. Samsung Galaxy A12 from T-Mobile - Best Bombardment Life
Pros
- Long battery life
- Fast-charging battery
- 16MP master camera; 8MP front camera
- Affordable cost
- All the same has headphone jack
Cons
- No LED lite flash for pictures
Things to Go on in Listen
A few Galaxy models offering slightly longer battery life than the Galaxy A12; even so, this model offers the nigh bang for your buck. At only $180 for the device, it's around $300-$400 cheaper than other Galaxy models. If your main concern is bombardment life, the few extra hours of talk fourth dimension you'll get with a more expensive model actually aren't worth several hundred dollars. Plus, if y'all but demand a phone for emergencies or making a few quick calls every day, the Milky way A12 has 1 of the longest standby battery lives of any model. Y'all'll be able to go out it on when you're not using information technology, and you lot won't have to worry about it dying.
Galaxy A12 – Pricing and Features
- 34 hours talk time; 16-day standby battery life
- Fast-charging selection
- Fingerprint sensor
- vi.5-inch HD brandish
- Up to 1 TB in memory
- 16MP triple camera
- Congenital-in mobile apps
Device cost $180 Price range for talk, text, & data plans $27.fifty to $45 per line* Contracts No Money-back guarantee Within xiv days of purchase or charter * Starting prices per line for Unlimited 55+ plans
Free Phone Bargain: T-Mobile is giving away a free Galaxy A12 when you lot sign up for a new line of service.
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2. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G from Mint Mobile - Best smart flip phone for seniors
Pros
- Advanced features
- Powerful and intuitive camera
- Waterproof
- Compact design
- 5G speeds
- vi.7-inch foldable screen
- Aluminum frame
Cons
- Pricey
- No SOS push feature
- No tactile buttons
Things to Keep in Listen
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G costs $ane,099, which is significantly pricier than other phones on the market. However, if you lot're looking for a compact, durable, and avant-garde foldable phone with a vibrant screen, this phone is a neat selection. Y'all can besides cull financing options for $46 per month through Affirm, or save $fifty with a 12-month plan purchase.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip iii 5G – Pricing and Features
- 6.7-inch foldable pattern
- 12MP rear camera; 4MP and 10MP front cameras
- H2o-resistant
- Flex mode for hands-free experience
- Fast charging
- 128 GB of storage
Device toll $one,099.99 Mint Mobile price range for talk, text, and data plans $15 to $thirty per month* Mint Mobile contracts No Mint Mobile money-dorsum guarantee Inside 7 days of activation * With a 12-month plan
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3. Jitterbug Smart3 - Best Smartphone for Seniors
Pros
- Large 6.two-inch screen
- Voice typing
- Video chat capabilities
- 13MP camera for clearer photos
- 5Start Urgent Response
- Internet admission
- Simple list-manner carte du jour
Cons
- Urgent Response and safety packages toll extra
- $35 additional activation fee
Smart Bargain: The Jitterbug Smart3 and Jitterbug Flip2 are both currently 50 percentage off in honor of Mother's Day!
Things to Proceed in Listen
While Lively'southward senior plan pricing begins at $xiv.99, it's important to notation that if yous're on a tight budget, you'll have to pay both a product and an activation fee upfront. Their text, talk, and information plans tend to be on the pricier end as well. Yet, the Jitterbug Smart3 is very affordable compared to other smartphones on the market, and new customers typically receive large discounts on upfront fees. If you sign upward for one of Lively'due south add-on health and safety packages, you'll also get a discount on talk, text, and data plans. Lively offers a 30-day trial period to render your device for a total refund, minus a $ten restocking fee.
Jitterbug Smart3 – Pricing and Features
- List-style carte du jour
- 6.2-inch touchscreen
- Born mobile apps
- 13MP built-in photographic camera
- Mobile internet access
- GPS navigation
- Video chatting
- Medical alert capabilities
- Voice typing
- Runs on Verizon network
Device cost $149.99 earlier discounts Price range for talk, text, & data plans $14.99 to $54.99 per month Add-on health & safety packages (optional) $19.99 to $34.99 per month Contracts No contracts Money-back guarantee 30 days (requires a $10 restocking fee for returns) -
iv. iPhone SE from T-Mobile - Best Advanced Smartphone for Seniors
Pros
- Congenital-in vocalisation banana
- Water-resistant pattern
- Wireless charging
- FaceTime video calling
- Access to thousands of mobile apps
- High-quality cameras
- Fingerprint passcode for security
- Retina HD display for older optics
Cons
- No traditional headphone jack
- Steep learning bend for iOS system
Things to Go along in Mind
The iPhone SE starts at $399, making information technology one of the more than expensive phones on our list. However, information technology'southward one of the most affordable iPhone models, and so if you've had your eye on an Apple tree phone, it's a good selection. Plus, the iPhone offers several avant-garde features that other phones don't, so if you're more concerned about tech than toll, you'll exist prepare. Also, call back that this is our pick for the all-time advanced smartphone, which means it won't be peachy for technology-averse seniors or those who are hands overwhelmed by extra bells and whistles. We believe that about older adults can larn to utilize an iPhone with a little persistence and patience (and possibly a grandchild's help), but nosotros likewise know that this high-tech phone is non for anybody.
iPhone SE – Pricing and Features
- 4.7-inch Retina HD touchscreen
- 12MP broad camera and 7MP front camera
- Touch ID
- Hearing assistance-compatible
- Up to 256 GB of storage
- Admission to Apple tree Shop and thousands of mobile apps
- FaceTime video calling
- iMessage between iPhones
- 4K video quality
- H2o- and dust-resistant
Device cost $399.99 to $549.99 (depends on storage size) T-Mobile toll range for talk, text, & information plans $xl to $85 per month* T-Mobile contracts No contracts T-Mobile money-back guarantee 30 days after service begins *All prices are for one line. Customers can receive large discounts per line when more lines are added. Discounts may besides be bachelor for 55+ customers.
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5. Kyocera DuraXE Epic from AT&T - Most Durable Phone for Seniors
Pros
- Hearing aid-uniform
- Durable, rugged pattern
- Piece of cake-to-read large fonts
- SOS button on side
- Waterproof
- Long-lasting battery
- xvi GB of storage
Cons
- Expensive for a flip phone
- Not equally lightweight as other phones
Things to Keep in Mind
Although nosotros love this phone'southward durability and rugged design, it is a bit more than costly than other flip phones. The Kyocera DuraXE Epic costs $269.99, but information technology features important functions for older adults, such equally an SOS button, hearing aid compatibility, larger font sizes, and a waterproof blueprint. If the Kyocera DuraXE Epic from AT&T fits in your upkeep, information technology's worth the college toll indicate in our book.
Free Shipping Bargain: Right now, you can club Kyocera DuraXE Epic and receive costless shipping.
Kyocera DuraXE Epic – Pricing and Features
- 10 hours talk time; upwardly to 16 hours of standby time
- 5MP rear-facing photographic camera
- Long-lasting battery
- Dual speakers
- 16 GB storage
- 4G LTE connexion
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
- M4/T4 hearing help compatibility
Device price $269.99 AT&T price range for talk, text, and information plans $29.99 to $85 per calendar month for one line* AT&T contracts Up to two years; no contracts on select plans AT&T coin-dorsum guarantee Yes *All prices listed are for one line. Customers tin can receive large discounts per line when more lines are added.
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6. Verizon Kyocera DuraXV Farthermost - Best Cell Phone for Seniors with Hearing Loss
Pros
- M4/T4 hearing assistance compatibility
- Durable
- Water-resistant design
- Reliable coverage
- Can pay in installments
Things to Keep in Mind
At $240, the Kyocera DuraXV Farthermost is a fairly expensive flip phone. Notwithstanding, its powerful speaker and M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility may be worth the price if you have hearing loss. Plus, you can pay off your telephone in monthly installments if you lot don't want to pay the total corporeality upfront. Also, keep in listen that this is a basic cell telephone, so its capabilities will be more limited than smartphone options. Yous'll still be able to send texts, make calls to friends and family, and take pictures, and then if you're only concerned with the basics, information technology's a solid choice.
Kyocera DuraXV Extreme – Pricing and Features
- M4/T4 hearing assist compatibility
- 100dB+ dual speakers
- Noise counterfoil
- Bluetooth uniform
- Converts to a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 devices
- Grit- and water-resistant
- Durable blueprint
- 5MP photographic camera
- Flip phone blueprint
- Text-to-speech characteristic
Device cost $240 Verizon toll range for talk, text, and data plans $30 to $ninety* Verizon contracts No contracts Verizon coin-back guarantee Inside 30 days of purchase (may require a $l restocking fee in some cases) *All prices listed are for ane line. Customers may exist eligible for large discounts per line when more lines are added. Seniors in some states may also be eligible for a discount.
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7. Jitterbug Flip2 - Best Medical Alert Capabilities
Pros
- Simple and easy to use
- Amazon Alexa capable
- Powerful speaker
- Hearing help compatibility
- Urgent Response and Lyft connections
- Variety of wellness and prophylactic packages
Cons
- No internet connectivity
- Extra fee for health and rubber packages
Things to Continue in Mind
Just remember that this is a bones cell phone. If y'all're looking for more than advanced features like video chatting, a high-quality camera, or internet access, you may want to consider the Jitterbug Smart3 or some other smartphone. Yet, if you want a simple, straightforward prison cell phone with all of the essential features to go on you connected, the Jitterbug Flip2 is a great option. Likewise, keep in listen that Lively charges upfront equipment and activation costs, but again, you tin typically become a discount on these fees every bit a new client.
Jitterbug Flip2 – Pricing and Features
- Large buttons
- Powerful speaker
- Built-in 8MP camera
- Brilliant screen with a simplified menu
- Dial with your voice
- Built-in magnifier and flashlight
- Medical alert capabilities
- Front display screen
- Runs on Verizon's cellular network
- Built-in Amazon Alexa
Device price $14.99 to $nineteen.99 per month Price range for talk, text, & data plans $nineteen.99 to $34.99 per calendar month Contracts No contracts Money-dorsum guarantee 30 days (requires a $10 restocking fee for returns) -
8. Consumer Cellular GrandPad - Best Tablet for Seniors
Pros
- Large screen
- Very easy and intuitive to use
- Companion app that allows customization
- Interactive between the whole family
- Flexible plans
- Easy to hold
Cons
- More expensive than traditional cell phones
- Less portable than a cell phone
Things to Keep in Listen
With a wide range of options, unique features, and flexible plans, we found Consumer Cellular's phones and packages to exist a meridian choice for seniors. The GrandPad is much larger than a cell phone, so it'southward not as portable as the other phones on our list. If you spend a lot of fourth dimension on the become or just don't want a large device, the GrandPad may not be the correct fit for you. All the same, if you spend a lot of fourth dimension at home and desire a larger screen that's piece of cake to grip and apply for things like reading, video chatting, and playing games, it's a solid selection. Likewise, keep in mind that the GrandPad tablet is more than expensive than many of the cell phones on our listing. On the plus side, you lot can pay off your device in affordable monthly installments if that works better for your upkeep.
GrandPad Pricing and Features
- Touchscreen tablet with Hd display
- 5MP front and back cameras
- 4G LTE connexion; no Wi-Fi required
- Make calls, send texts, and video chat
- Companion mobile app for family and caregivers
- Stylus included
- Battery lasts 1-3 days with wireless charging
- Built-in mobile apps
- Large font and buttons
Device price $149 Unlimited data $twoscore per calendar month Contracts No contracts Money-back guarantee 30 days -
9. Consumer Cellular Link 2 - Cheapest Senior-Friendly Jail cell Phone
Pros
- Affordable
- Bluetooth compatible
- Big keypad
- Unproblematic functionality
- Internal and external display
- Discount for AARP members
Cons
- Consumer Cellular service required
- Low-cease 2MP camera
Things to Keep in Mind
If you're looking for more advanced features or a phone that has data and internet admission, the Link won't be the telephone for you. On the other hand, if your main business is price and you only want a basic cell phone, this is one of the to the lowest degree expensive phones bachelor. You'll still exist able to do all the essentials similar take photos, make calls, and send texts.
Consumer Cellular Link – Pricing and Features
- Flip telephone design
- Built-in 2MP camera
- Big buttons
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Bright brandish screen
- Hearing aid-compatible
- Second, external display screen
- Adjustable volume
Device price $35 Price range for talk, text, & data plans $25 to $threescore per month Contracts No contracts Money-back guarantee 30 days -
10. Snapfon ez4G - Easiest to Use Senior-Friendly Jail cell Phone
Pros
- Fall detection available
- SOS push
- Hearing assist-compatible
- Simple design and navigation
- Spoken communication-to-text capabilities
- Internet admission
- GPS and Wi-Fi capabilities
Cons
- Pocket-size internal memory
- Not available in all areas; check availability get-go
- Snapfon network plan required
Things to Keep in Listen
Considering the Snapfon ez4G keeps things equally simple as possible, it only has basic jail cell telephone capabilities. For instance, the camera won't exist winning any awards for quality, and you won't exist able to video chat or watch videos in HD. But, if your primary concern is ease of use, none of this will actually matter to y'all. The Snapfon ez4G is a good fit for those who don't want whatsoever extra frills.
Snapfon ez4G Pricing and Features
- Adjustable, powerful speaker
- Raised, tactile buttons
- Simple menus
- Hearing assistance-compatible
- Emergency push button with 120dB siren
- Built-in LED flashlight
Device cost $79.95 Price range for talk, text, & data plans $10 to $35 per calendar month sosPlus 24/7 Monitoring $xix.99 per month Contracts No contracts Coin-dorsum guarantee 30 days
Why Practise Seniors Need a Jail cell Telephone?
A reliable prison cell phone provides numerous benefits to older adults. They allow seniors to stay connected with friends and family unit, receive assist during an emergency, go some entertainment, capture special moments through photos, so much more.
Cell phones can also positively impact a person's wellness and well-being. Older adults may observe themselves spending more than time alone, which tin lead to cognitive refuse along with feelings of isolation or depression.two Cell phones are a fantastic mode for seniors to stay social, no matter where they're located. Today, older adults embrace technology more than ever, with the vast majority of older adults owning a cell phone and more than than threescore percent owning a smartphone.iii
When you lot remember virtually a cell telephone or smartphone, your first thought might be that they're too complicated or expensive. However, more and more than cell phone providers are stepping upward to the plate to build affordable, senior-friendly phones that allow older adults to relish all the perks of a telephone without whatever confusion or frustration. Now, let's get into all the details for this year'due south all-time senior-friendly prison cell phones.
Cell Phone Carriers for Seniors
While most popular carriers offer phones that may be suitable for older adults, at that place are ii main providers that focus solely on designing the best cellular plans and phones for seniors: Lively and Consumer Cellular. Check out the chart below for more details on these providers' plans, phones, and pricing.
Phone Carrier | Cell phones starting at | Talk, text, and data plans starting at | Built-in medical alert features? | Addition medical alarm packages | Best for |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Consumer Cellular | $35 | $20 per month | Aye, for some models | Not available | Those who desire affordable, senior-friendly phones and plans |
Lively | $99.99 | $14.99 per month | Yes, with all models | Yes, starting at $19.99 per month | Those who need extra, customizable medical alert features |
Lively's lineup consists of a flip phone, smartphone, and two medical alert devices with congenital-in medical alert capabilities. These features can be activated by calculation on one of their wellness and condom packages.
Consumer Cellular offers their own flip phones and a tablet with varying features and medical alert capabilities. This provider also sells popular phones from other brands, like iPhones and Android phones, then if you're looking for a smartphone from another provider with a senior-friendly talk, text, and data program, this is also a good option.
Cell Phone for Seniors Buying Guide
- Do I desire a basic telephone or a smartphone?
The answer to this question will depend on the level of technology and advanced features you're comfortable with. If you're worried that a prison cell phone will be as well confusing or accept lots of complicated bells and whistles, a basic telephone volition exist your best bet. Basic options like flip phones and slide phones allow y'all to transport texts, brand calls, and take pictures, and you lot can add together a few extra features if you like. There'southward no pressure to get a smartphone just because information technology's what your grandkids or friends take, especially if yous're on a tight budget. On the other hand, if y'all want a phone with all the latest features like mobile apps, video chatting, cyberspace admission, GPS tracking, and a touchscreen, you'll want a smartphone.
- What is my budget?
When choosing a cell phone, you'll demand to account for any upfront device costs in your upkeep, equally well as the monthly toll for a talk, text, and/or data plan. Besides, bank check if the provider charges actress fees for things similar activation or shipping. If you desire a smartphone with all of the latest features but your budget is but $50 for a device, you'll need to reconsider. Basic flip phones start at near $thirty and range up to around $100, depending on the provider and features. Bones smartphones begin at effectually $150 and may price up to $ane,000 for avant-garde options like the latest iPhone. Many providers will allow you to pay off your telephone in monthly installments, then if that's better for your budget, it's an option.
- Do I need medical alarm capabilities?
You'll need to decide if you just want a senior-friendly phone that comes with your standard calling, texting, and cyberspace access, or one that's designed with medical alert features. These features can include autumn detection, an emergency help button, 24/vii monitoring, location tracking, and other health and safety add-ons. If yous want a phone that'due south easy to use, and you're not concerned almost medical alert capabilities, there's no need to purchase a phone with these features or monthly monitoring charges. Nonetheless, if you're looking for the added protection that a medical alarm device offers, you may want a phone with these features.
- Practice I want a phone with data?
The more basic cell phones only offer texting and calling, while more avant-garde options allow you to add a data plan and net admission for a monthly fee. If you want to surf the web, use social media and other mobile apps, or watch shows on your phone, you lot'll need to await for a phone that offers data. On the other mitt, if yous want to stick to the basics like texting and calling, there'southward no need to pay for a data plan that yous won't utilize.
Did Y'all Know: There are plenty of senior discounts for phone and cyberspace service. Our senior disbelieve folio has over 100 discounts to explore.
- What features are most important to me?
The features that cell phones for seniors offering are countless, so information technology'due south important to establish what exactly y'all're looking for upfront. Practise you lot want a phone that features a high-quality photographic camera, medical alert capabilities, and touchscreen? Or mayhap you're looking for a flip phone with internet access and hearing aid compatibility. Whatever it is you lot want, brand a list earlier starting your search to narrow down your options.
Written By
Taylor Shuman
Senior Tech Expert & Editor
For over v years, Taylor has been writing, editing, and researching products and services covering topics such as senior intendance and technology, Internet and the digital carve up, TV, and entertainment, and instruction. Her research on media consumption and consumer behavior has been… Acquire More than About Taylor Shuman
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Pew Enquiry Center. (2021). Mobile Fact Canvass.
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National Plant on Crumbling. (2021). Loneliness and Social Isolation — Tips for Staying Connected.
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Pew Research Center. (2021). Mobile Fact Sheet.
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NIDCD. (2018). Hearing Loss and Older Adults.
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National Council on Aging. (2021). Become the Facts on Healthy Aging.
Source: https://www.seniorliving.org/cell-phone/best/
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