There are so many smartphones available today, and each one has different features. But which smartphone is best for seniors? It really depends on how comfortable you are with technology, and how many features you need. We scoured the market to offer our top recommendations across the spectrum and highlighted what makes each one a good smartphone for seniors.
Smartphones Options for Seniors
Jitterbug Smart2
Phone price: $74.99
GreatCall plan: From $19.99 to $34.99 a month
Jitterbug is well-known for their smartphones for seniors, and the Jitterbug Smart2 from GreatCall is billed as the “simplest smartphone ever.” This smartphone was designed with technologically-limited seniors in mind with features like:
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Simplified options: This phone has large, easy-to-read buttons and icons that list the essential functions of a phone without all the bells and whistles of fancier options.
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Large screen: The 5.5-inch screen is easy to see, and the icons and text are set to a large size as the default.
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Voice typing: If you love to type text messages, emails, or social media posts but find it cumbersome to use your fingers to type on tiny buttons, this feature will come in handy. Select this option and you can simply talk and the phone converts your words into text you can review and send.
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Health and safety features: The Smart2 comes equipped with 5Star Urgent Response. If you have an emergency, you can push the 5Star button at any time and you’ll be connected to an agent who can get you help. The Smart2 also has other health and safety features like a check-in call, daily health tips, brain games, and more.
Phone price: $134.59
Price is with a Verizon prepaid plan
The moto e⁴ plus (Buy on Amazon) by Motorola is designed with simplicity in mind while still being a powerful phone for taking on essential tasks seniors want like text messaging, taking photos and browsing the internet.
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Big battery: The battery lasts up to two days on a full charge and charges rapidly when the battery is low.
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Large display: The large 5.5-inch HD display makes it easy to see text messages, email, articles and photos. The display’s exterior comes in three colors: black, gray and gold.
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Fingerprint sensor: Forget having to memorize a code to unlock this smartphone. Like many popular smartphone brands, the moto e⁴ plus has a fingerprint sensor that unlocks the phone’s screen when the owner’s fingerprint is pressed against it.
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Advanced camera: The moto e⁴ plus comes with a 13 MP autofocus camera so you don’t have to worry about camera settings, even in low light conditions. It also has a forward facing 5 MP camera for video chatting with your loved ones.
Samsung Galaxy Note9
Phone price: $668.97
Plan prices vary
The Samsung Galaxy Note9 (Buy on Amazon) is a high-tech device on the same level as any modern smartphone like the iPhone. What makes the Samsung Galaxy Note9 a great smartphone for seniors is how it can also be used in a simpler way while still being powerful. This smartphone is ideal for both tech-savvy seniors and those who feel less comfortable with technology. The Note9 features:
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Long-lasting battery: The battery is designed to last all day without needing extra charging time. This is great for seniors who might be out and about, or who might forget to charge frequently. Simply plug it in at night for a full charge the next day.
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Large display: The Galaxy Note9 features Samsung’s largest display ever, with its glass screen reaching edge-to-edge. This is great for older eyes that might need larger buttons and font sizes. You can also adjust font sizes.
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S-Pen Option: You can use your fingers to operate the phone using its simple tactile screen. Unlike most other phones, you can also use this phone like a notepad using the included S-Pen – a chargeable stylus you can use to select apps or write notes, effectively turning your phone into a tablet device.
ZenFone 3 Zoom
Phone price: $180.99
Plan prices vary
The ZenFone 3 Zoom (Buy on Amazon) is one of the best smartphones for seniors interested in photography. It has more technological bells and whistles than phones designed specifically for seniors, but can be used as a basic phone to keep things simple.
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Award-winning camera: The ZenFone 3 Zoom’s camera actually switches between two lenses to take print-quality photos in any situation with the press of a button. You can use the wide lens for low-light settings, and the optical zoom is ideal for taking close-up photos from a distance.
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Long-lasting battery: This camera’s battery can hold a charge for up to 2 days, so you won’t have to worry about losing the use of your phone in a pinch.
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Fast charging: The powerful battery can build up a full charge in only 10 minutes, so you can charge it quickly and get back to your busy life.
Unnecto Air Senior Phone
Phone price: $129.99
Plan prices vary
This smartphone is geared towards seniors and comes in a 4.5- or 5.5-inch version. The Unnecto Air Senior Phone is stripped down to the basics, so it is very simple to use. You’ll find all icons and functions on one screen in a very large format.
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Large, long-touch icons and buttons: The small icons and buttons on many smartphones are often frustrating, but the Unnecto Senior Phone’s buttons are large and can be pressed down longer to ensure you’re hitting the right keys.
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Family member SOS: You can program your phone to quickly call a designated loved one by pressing down and holding a particular button called the Family Member SOS.
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Ability to download: While you can use the Unnecto Air in its factory form, you can also download apps like Facebook if you want to.
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GEO fencing: This feature is optional, but if needed, you can designate a particular GPS parameter (for example, around your home or neighborhood) and set the phone to notify a designated loved one if the phone leaves or enters that parameter.
Bottom Line
Feeling comfortable with navigating your smartphone’s features is important. Before commiting to a smartphone, check with your local cell phone dealer and see if they have the make and model of cell phone you’re interested in to test out in person. This is a great way to get a hands-on feel for what it’s like to use the smartphone.