15 BEST SMARTPHONES FOR THE ELDERLY

Smartphones For The Elderly | March 2024

Certain smartphones are created to specifically meet the needs of elderly people. 

Whilst older people may be less tech-savvy than the younger generation, many still want to stay connected to an increasingly digital world. 

These devices are designed explicitly with streamlined user interfaces, larger text and button sizes, as well as simple menus to make smartphones more manageable for the older generation.

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The elderly can benefit from these smartphones in a variety of different ways. Firstly, they make it simpler to communicate with loved ones through messaging apps, voice calls, and video calls. Consequently, this works to encourage a sense of community and lessen feelings of isolation or loneliness.

Furthermore, they allow seniors to maintain their independence by providing immediate access to necessary services like online banking, shopping, and healthcare. 

In addition, they offer a variety of health-related features, including health trackers and medication reminders. These are especially helpful for people managing chronic conditions.

We have thoroughly reviewed some of the best smartphones on the market for senior citizens. These include models from TTfone, Emporia, and Doro, among others. Each of these brands offer a distinct set of features to improve quality of life for the elderly. 

Our evaluations have concentrated on assessing these gadgets’ usability, functionality, and affordability. Therefore, we will provide dependable and objective information to ensure that you make the right purchase for you.  

The Best Rated

simple smartphone for elderly uK

  1. This simple smartphone for elderly UK emphasises ease of use and simplicity, perfect for contemporary smartphone users.
  2. Call up to 5 emergency numbers immediately and send a warning message.
  3. Key functions are quickly accessible thanks to the large 5.5-inch display and intelligent cover.
  4. Octa-core processor running at 1.8 GHz for quick browsing, video playback, and texting.
  5. Triple main cameras that are optimised for user-friendliness take high-quality pictures.
  6. The best mobile phone is due to dual sim and memory cell features.

The Best Value

best phone for elderly uK

  1. A 5.7″ display, pre-installed Google apps, and big, apparent icons make this interface user-friendly.
  2. The Response by Doro feature enables location tracking and remote management for safety.
  3. HD voice and hearing aid compatibility with high-quality audio.
  4. The key features are a 13MP camera, Bluetooth, speakerphone, and Wi-Fi.
  5. The best phone for elderly UK offers a powerful battery that provides 13 hours of talk time and 330 hours of standby time.
  6. The Doro 8050 Smartphone, UK Plug, USB Cable, and Quick Start Guide are all included in the package.  

The Best Of The Rest

best smartphone for elderly uK

  1. The best smartphone for elderly UK offers improved performance with 64GB ROM and 4GB RAM that can be expanded to 9 GB.
  2. Offers an immersive viewing experience with a 6.52-inch HD Display.
  3. A portable, long-lasting 4200mAh battery for continuous use.
  4. Has the most recent version of Android, version 12, for improved performance, privacy, and personalization.
  5. Excellent front and rear cameras with 12MP and 8MP resolutions for capturing beautiful moments.
  6. A free 4G Dual SIM smartphone with a two-year warranty for the user’s convenience.

best mobile phone for elderly uK

  1. A thin profile and robust design that is comfortable to hold in the hand.
  2. The best mobile phone for elderly UK features a longer battery life for continuous cell phone use.
  3. A brilliant 6.5 HD display that improves your viewing pleasure.
  4. 13MP dual camera with beautification and panorama modes for better photos.
  5. A clean OS with few preloads maximises available memory on mobile devices.
  6. Secure phone calls made possible by biometric unlocks and two years’ security updates.  

smart phones for seniors

  1. An accessible backup phone that is great for seniors and kids.
  2. This smart phones for seniors comes with a convenient Android 6.0 operating system that is reliable and fluid.
  3. Has two cameras: a 2.0MP front camera and a 5.0MP rear camera for realistic photos.
  4. A 2500 mAh battery with a 7-day standby time is efficient.
  5. A full charge should be achieved in 3 to 3.5 hours; do not exceed 4 hours.
  6. Top-notch after-sales care that guarantees complete client satisfaction.  

easy to use smartphone for seniors

  1. Google Tensor offers a robust, intelligent, and secure experience with this easy to use smartphone for seniors.
  2. The Adaptive Battery prioritises your favourite apps and lasts more than 24 hours.
  3. The camera has Face Unblur, Real Tone, and Magic Eraser functions.
  4. Google Tensor ensures that pages and apps load quickly and with responsiveness.
  5. The Pixel charges quickly and can last hours on a single charge.
  6. Live Translate facilitates real-time communication in 11 languages.

smartphone for elderly people

  1. Powered by the most recent Android 12 operating system for a private, secure, and straightforward experience.
  2. This smartphone for elderly people comes with a stunning 6.0” HD+ display with 720*1440HD+ Resolution.
  3. For frequent smartphone users, a 4200mAh battery ensures long life.
  4. Dual SIM and micro SD card usage is made possible by the innovative 2+1 card slot design.
  5. Provides 4G LTE connectivity for an efficient and reliable mobile network.
  6. Has an 8MP rear AI camera and a 5MP front camera for high-resolution pictures.   

easiest smartphone to use

  1. Simple menus: The Doro 8100 provides a fully functional, user-friendly mobile experience with a 6.1″ full-screen, easy-to-read display and large, clear icons.
  2. Versatile Apps: Besides having Google Assistant and other Android and Google apps pre-installed, the easiest smartphone to use makes installing apps from the Google Play Store simple.
  3. Emergency Response: Using the Response by Doro feature, the user can voice call, send a GPS location, and notify all “responders” connected in the app.
  4. Remote assistance: Using the pre-installed TeamViewer Quick Support app, reliable contact can change the Doro 8100 while providing remote service.
  5. Enhanced Audio: The HD Voice technology ensures crystal-clear phone calls even in busy settings, with higher sound levels for ring signals and call volumes and compatibility with hearing aids.
  6. Triple Camera: The three and menu cameras are designed to make photography fun. The gadget also supports a QR code reader. With an IP54 rating, it is resistant to dust and water.   

smartphone for elderly uK

  1. This smartphone for elderly UK features a sturdy black design for all-day dependability.
  2. GPS-equipped, making it the perfect vehicle for navigating new areas.
  3. Large 32GB memory guarantees enough room to store critical data.
  4. Its clamshell design encourages a classic phone call atmosphere.
  5. All ages will easily be able to operate this mobile device.
  6. Perfect for seniors, combining cutting-edge technology with ease of use.   

best mobile phone for elderly people

  1. Ideal Gift – HyRich’s reasonably priced Android phone is ideal for the young and old or as a backup phone.
  2. System Reliability – The best mobile phone for elderly people comes with the Android 6.0 operating system, which is stable, user-friendly, and has fewer bugs for smooth operation.
  3. Dual Cameras: This device has a 2.0MP front camera and a 5.0MP rear camera that can take realistically sharp photos in various lighting conditions.
  4. High Capacity Battery – A removable 2800mAh battery provides up to 3 days of standby time and one day of practical use.
  5. Rapid Charging: A full charge can be obtained in 2 to 3 hours, but to increase battery life, avoid charging for longer than this.
  6. Excellent After-Sales Service – We promise top-notch support and products to guarantee your satisfaction.   

easy to use smartphone UK

  1. Experience mobile technology that is user-friendly and equipped with WiFi and 3G.
  2. This easy to use smartphone UK is ideal for multitasking because it has Dual SIM functionality.
  3. The generous 8GB memory and 1GB RAM make the operation slick.
  4. Android Go Edition guarantees the best user experience and quick app loading times.
  5. Cameras on the front and back offer clear images for various uses.
  6. Dual micro size sim card compatible, unlocked smartphone.   

simple smartphone

  1. Discover the most recent Android 12 and DOKE OS 3.0 versions for improved responsiveness, performance, and advanced security features. 
  2. With a large 5180mAh battery and 5V/2A fast charging, enjoy extended usage and put an end to battery anxiety.
  3. This simple smartphone is powered by an octa-core processor with 3GB of RAM and 64GB of ROM, which can expand the storage to 1TB.
  4. You can take beautiful pictures With 13MP+5MP cameras and various modes.
  5. With a large 6.52″ HD+ display and 4G dual SIM, enjoy sharp visuals and fluid browsing.
  6. Use the secure face recognition and fingerprint sensor to unlock your phone quickly.   

smart phone for elderly uK

  1. This smart phone for elderly UK is a user-friendly mobile with a straightforward interface with many features, clear icons, and an easy-to-use menu structure.
  2. Thanks to its large, easy-to-read display and pre-installed Google Assistant, Android, and Google apps, the Doro 8080 offers a fluid digital experience.
  3. To provide peace of mind, the Assistance Button uses the device’s GPS to notify pre-selected contacts of the user’s location during emergencies.
  4. The Doro 8080 offers excellent sound quality, including HD voice and an Audio Boost feature for louder sound, perfect for people wearing hearing aids.
  5. The phone’s key features are the 16MP+5MP camera, Bluetooth, speakerphone, font size adjustments, and support for Nano SIM and Micro SD cards up to 256GB.
  6. The Doro 8080 offers clock and alarm functions while charging and comes with a dedicated cradle and UK plug for simple charging and hands-free use.   

best mobile for elderly people

  1. Take in immersive entertainment on a 6.39-inch HD+ punch-hole display.
  2. The Adaptive Battery can charge for up to two days.
  3. Use the triple camera AI imaging to take flawless photos with the best mobile for elderly people.
  4. Use the Google Assistant Button to schedule appointments or dim the lights.
  5. This simple smart phone for seniors features a durable 3D Nano-textured rear cover and a timeless design.
  6. Take advantage of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 platform’s 70% increased performance.   

mobile phones for the elderly

  1. The UMIDIGI Power 5S’s 6.53″ HD+ water drop screen provides vivid visuals.
  2. Ample Storage – These mobile phones for the elderly support a 256GB SD card with 4GB RAM, 32GB ROM, and other features for efficient operation.
  3. Elegant Design – The 3D unibody design’s anti-fingerprint texture guarantees a secure grip and a fresh appearance.
  4. A 6150mAh battery can provide up to 566 hours of standby time, sufficient for all your needs.
  5. High-Quality Cameras – This simple smart phone for seniors comes with an 8MP front camera, 16MP AI primary camera, and Super Night mode for beautiful pictures.
  6. Fast face recognition, fingerprint unlocking, and 4G LTE connectivity provide a secure and convenient experience.   

Understanding The Mobile Phone Market For The Elderly

It is important to note that the elderly mobile phone market is a rapidly growing industry. Older people are becoming more aware of the advantages of owning a mobile phone, whether it’s an essential phone with big buttons or a more advanced smartphone with various features. 

In order to be effective, the phone must be user-friendly and tailored to an elderly user’s needs. Due to its simplicity and ease of use, the big-button mobile phone has become popular among seniors. This model allows you to make and receive phone calls, providing necessary features without adding further complexity. 

However, some older users favour a more modern phone, such as the Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy. These offer a more comprehensive range of uses, including video calling with close friends and family, downloading apps from Google Play, and voice commands through Google Assistant. 

Age UK is a well-known older people’s charity in the UK, and offers valuable guidance on selecting the best mobile phone for you. When choosing a phone, they emphasise the need to consider individual preferences and abilities. For instance, choosing a phone with a hearing aid is vital for people with hearing loss.

Finally it’s important to remember that the best phone for an elderly person isn’t always the most expensive. Rather, phones like the Apple iPhone SE or the Emporia Smart provide a good balance between usability and functionality. Additionally, they offer excellent value for the money.

Features To Look For When Buying Smartphones For The Elderly

When buying smartphones for the elderly, there are several features to consider. For instance, user-friendly interfaces, sizable buttons, a clear display, and emergency features. 

Particularly for elderly users, a phone with a large button can be beneficial. These buttons simplify navigation, consequently reducing the chances of dialling mistakes.

Alternatively, modern smartphones like the Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or Google Pixel offer an “easy mode.” As this feature streamlines the user interface, this makes them more accessible to senior citizens. Specifically for those struggling with the standard interface due to visual impairments or cognitive challenges, this feature offers valuable support.

An SOS or emergency button is yet another essential component to consider. By enabling the user to call for assistance in an emergency quickly, this feature provides the user and their loved ones with necessary peace of mind. 

In case of an emergency, some phones, like the Raz Mobility, even give the user the option to have a message sent to a predetermined contact automatically.

Finally, take into account the senior citizen’s unique needs. For instance, if the person has a hearing impairment, check if the phone is compatible with hearing aids. Alternatively, a flip or clamshell phone might be a good choice if they favour a more conventional design. 

Choosing The Best Smartphone For An Elderly Loved One

The ideal smartphone for an elderly person should consider individual needs, abilities, and preferences. For example, an essential phone with big buttons and an easy-to-use interface may be the best option. This could be a simple smartphone like the Doro line or a large-button mobile phone.

Alternatively, others might benefit more from a more sophisticated phone. For instance, the Apple iPhone SE, Samsung Galaxy, or Google Pixel. These phones offer a more comprehensive range of features, such as the capacity to use Google Assistant, download applications from Google Play, and conduct video calls. 

However, if they struggle with technology, it is essential to ensure that the phone is simple enough for an older person to use. 

In addition, it’s crucial to take the person’s lifestyle into account. For instance, a senior living in an assisted living facility might require a phone with particular features, including an SOS button for emergencies or hearing aid compatibility. 

Finally, think about the price. Alhough the best phone isn’t always the most expensive, it’s still critical to pick one that provides good value for the money. This could be a more affordable midrange phone like the Emporia Smart.

The Role Of Consumer Cellular In Providing Phones For The Elderly

Consumer Cellular is a mobile company which specialises in offering elderly customers phones and services. They offer a variety of phones, ranging from basic cell phones with large buttons to more sophisticated smartphones like the Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy. 

As Consumer Cellular’s phones are designed with the specific needs of seniors in mind, user-friendly interfaces are prioritised. This means that the inter-face is simple to use, regardless of whether you favour primary phone or a more sophisticated smartphone. 

Along with the phones, Consumer Cellular provides several services designed specifically for senior citizens. Examples of these include affordable plans, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and American customer service. 

They even give you the choice of including a loved one in your project, meaning that you can always stay in touch. As the use of smartphones among seniors increases, companies such as Consumer Cellular are delivering a crucial service. 

By providing accessible, user-friendly, and affordable phones, this company offers an invaluable service to elderly customers.

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Meet the author

Jane Parkinson

Jane Parkinson

Jane is one of our primary content writers and specialises in elder care. She has a degree in English language and literature from Manchester University and has been writing and reviewing products for a number of years.