The Best Cell Phones For Seniors
TracFone LG Classic Flip 4G LTE Prepaid Flip Phone
The TracFone LG classic style flip phone is easy to use but still includes some modern features. We love the large, easy to press buttons and the adjustable display color and text size. With a customizable 2.8-inch home screen, it’s simple for seniors to get everything adjusted so that it’s easy to read and see what’s on the screen. Although this is a simple to use phone, it includes a 2 MP camera, 8 GB of memory (with the ability to upgrade to a 32 GB micro SD memory card), and is Wi-Fi capable.
Users will need to purchase a TracFone plan to use this phone, but with no-contract plans that include unlimited talk and text as well as carryover data, it’s a breeze to find a plan that works perfectly for how often your loved one will need to use the phone. With a nice balance of ease of use and some upgraded features, this phone is sure to work for almost everyone!
Pros
- TracFone offers a wide range of flexible plans
- Customizable home screen, including brightness and text size
Cons
- The operating system can take some getting used to
Key Features
- Internal and external display
- Large, easy press buttons
- Wi-Fi capable
- Hearing aid compatible
- Requires a TracFone plan
Specifications
- Brand: TracFone
- Product Weight: 13.4 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 6.75 x 2.5 x 10.38 inches
Easyfone Prime A1 3G Unlocked Senior Flip Cell Phone
This Easyfone pick has classic flip phone features including an external and internal screen. The phone has an easy to use operating system with customizable text size and a large, backlit keypad with easy press buttons. This phone has a few nice extras including a built-in flashlight, a camera shortcut key for capturing memories, FM radio, and a programmable SOS panic button to quickly call an emergency contact if needed.
Seniors will also appreciate that this phone is hearing aid compatible and comes equipped with a powerful speaker for clear sound. A lanyard and charging dock are nice included accessories and make it easy to carry and charge the phone any time.
Pros
- Includes a camera, flashlight, and FM radio for more customization
- Comes in either red or black
- Easy to program for customization
Cons
- Some users noted it’s easy to accidentally call the SOS button
Key Features
- Internal and external display
- Programmable SOS button
- Large, backlit keypad
- Hearing aid compatible
- Includes lanyard, charging dock, and manual
- Compatible with AT&T network carriers
Specifications
- Brand: Easyfone
- Product Weight: 3.32 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 3.94 x 1.97 x 0.79 inches
TracFone Motorola Moto E6 4G LTE Prepaid Smartphone
If you’re looking for a modern, more upgraded phone, the TracFone Motorola prepaid phone features smartphone-like features including an HD display screen and a more powerful camera. The 5.5-inch display screen is easy to read and thanks to Wi-Fi compatibility, your loved one can add their favorite apps right to the home screen. This phone also features a powerful 13 MP rear camera with flash and a 5 MP front facing camera in case the mood for a selfie strikes. If your loved one enjoys taking and viewing photos on their phone, the larger 16 GB memory capacity (with the ability to support a memory card up to 256 GB) will make it easy to take and store more photos without the need to constantly delete photos they want to save.
A TracFone plan is required to use this phone, but unlimited talk, text and data plans start as low as $20/month, so it’s easy to find a plan that works for their lifestyle.
Pros
- Includes upgraded smartphone features, like apps and a better camera
- Sleek, modern look
Cons
- Does not specify whether this phone is hearing aid compatible
Key Features
- Large 5.5-inch HD screen
- Wi-Fi compatibility
- 13 MP rear camera and 5 MP front camera
- 16 GB memory capacity
- Smartphone
Specifications
- Brand: TracFone
- Product Weight: 15.2 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 7.25 x 1.65 x 10.25 inches
BLU Tank II T193 GSM Dual-SIM Cell Phone
This option by BLU Tank II combines some of the best features of a flip phone and a touchscreen phone, with a large external display screen and an easy to use keypad. The phone has a camera with flash that can also record video. With a built-in audio jack, FM radio, and memory expandable up to 32 GB, this is a great choice for seniors who want to use their phone as a MP3 player to enjoy their favorite music.
This choice also has a durable, long-lasting battery and powerful external speakers for clear sound.
Pros
- Long lasting battery life
- Audio jack for listening to music
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Limited number of carriers to choose from
- Doesn’t specify if the phone is hearing aid compatible
Key Features
- 2.4 inch display screen
- Comes in red/black or blue/black
- Camera with flash and video capabilities
- FM radio
- Memory expandable up to 32GB
- Compatible with 2G carriers like Straight Talk and Simple Mobile
Specifications
- Brand: BLU
- Product Weight: 3.25 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 4.76 x 1.9 x 0.5 inches
Uleway 3G Senior Flip Phone
This Uleway phone has plenty of senior-friendly features including a 2.8-inch HD display with large icons and big, easy to use buttons. The classic flip phone design is easy to use – flip to answer calls or to hang up. This phone also includes a built-in SOS button that can be programmed to call an emergency contact, or can be disabled if the function is not needed.
We like that this phone includes some exciting extras, including FM radio, a rear camera, Bluetooth compatibility, a built-in flashlight, and more. The phone also includes a charging dock and features a durable, long-lasting battery so they won’t miss an important call!
Pros
- The SOS button can be disabled if it’s not needed
- Long lasting battery life
- Nice extras including a camera and flashlight
Cons
- Doesn’t specify if it’s hearing aid compatible
- Does not work with new T-Mobile SIM cards
Key Features
- 2.8-inch display screen
- Built-in SOS button
- FM radio
- Rear camera
- Bluetooth compatibility
- Includes an earphone, charging dock, and travel charger
- Compatible with AT&T network and older T-Mobile SIM cards
Specifications
- Brand: Uleway
- Product Weight: 4.3 ounces
- Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 4.5 x 2.5 inches
Our Cell Phones For Seniors Buying Guide
Before you buy a new cell phone for the senior in your life, we recommend considering several factors to ensure the phone is right for their needs and lifestyle.
Phone Style
While there are many phone styles available, the two predominant choices are a flip phone or a smartphone-style phone with a touchscreen. Flip phones are incredibly user-friendly – just flip to answer or hang up a call. Flip phones also have an external screen so the user can see who’s calling, the time and date, and other information. The downside of a flip phone is that the internal screen is smaller than a touchscreen phone and these phones tend to be more limited with their features.
A touchscreen phone offers a large, bright screen but no keyboard, which can make typing and texting more difficult for some users.
When deciding on a phone style, consider whether your loved one will primarily be using the phone for calls or if they will be using other phone features such as apps or a camera. If the main use is phone calls, then a flip phone may be the way to go.
Hearing Aid Compatible
Many cell phones are explicitly marketed as being hearing aid compatible, meaning that their audio output is better designed for users who use hearing devices. There are different levels of hearing aid compatibility, so be sure to review the product specifications to see if the device is compatible with a particular style or type of hearing aids.
Some phones may not be marked as hearing aid compatible, but the description will note that they offer extended volume control, clear audio, or other features to help provide better sound. If you aren’t sure whether this will work, or if you want to really be sure the new device will work with specific hearing aids, it may be a good idea to get advice from your doctor before purchasing.
Extra Features
Does your loved one enjoy sending and receiving photos or listening to music? If so, it may be worthwhile to choose a phone that has some extra features. Many of the phones on our list come with a camera for sending and receiving photos and have built-in audio jacks for FM radio or other music apps. Several of the phones also include other handy extras, such as a flashlight or SOS call button, which can provide extra peace of mind to seniors and caregivers.
If your loved one wants even more out of their device, internet connected phones will offer the most features, with the ability to add apps to the phone for even more flexibility. Make sure to discuss what they’d like their phone to do before you purchase so you can be sure it covers the features they care about most!
Phone Plan
Many phones designed for seniors are listed as being “unlocked” phones, meaning it is not tied to any specific carrier. You will need to set up a phone plan to use the device, but you have more flexibility with the provider you choose. Other phones require a prepaid plan or only work on specific carriers. If you’re shopping for a new phone plan, look for flexible options with unlimited talk and text, or data rollover. Many plans don’t require a contract so if you end up changing your mind, it’s easy to switch to something else.
If your senior already has an existing cell phone plan, then be sure to look for a new phone that’s compatible with their current carrier to minimize disruptions in service.
