The 5 Best Cell Phones for Seniors to Stay Connected
Keep loved ones just a text message away.
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Whether you’re an older adult shopping for a cell phone or passing the task on to a friend or family member, there’s more to finding the right option than simply choosing a model with a big screen and easy-to-read buttons. These days, mobile devices offer more advanced features, such as reduced-hearing settings, zoom for text, and even health and safety alerts—and you don’t have to sacrifice things like a high-quality camera or ample battery life, either.
We found easy-to-use options for people who want the newest smartphone with all the bells and whistles, and for those who prefer a flip phone for emergency use. Read on for expert advice on the most important things to consider, followed by our reviews.
The Best Cell Phones for Seniors
- Best Overall: Motorola Moto G 5G
- Best Basic Smartphone: Lively Jitterbug Smart3 Smartphone
- Best Premium Smartphone: Samsung Galaxy S22
- Best Flip Phone: Lively Jitterbug Flip2 Cell Phone
- Best Features for Hearing Impaired: Nokia Flip Phone
What to Consider
Use
Do you plan to share photos and video, which demands a high-caliber camera and lots of storage, or just text to check in with family and friends? The good news is that there’s some middle ground between basic flip phones and the latest full-feature smartphones in terms of functionality and price point.
Features
The ability to browse the internet, download apps, and access email aren’t necessarily a given for every cell phone on this list. If you want these features, look for a smartphone—but you might have to give up a physical number pad in exchange for smartphone features.
Some phones for older adults are designed for accessibility, with a bright screen, high-volume speakers, and talk-to-text as the default—excellent for anyone with diminished hearing or sight.
The user interface should have large icons and an intuitive design, which is subjective depending on familiarity with the latest tech. If this is your first cell phone, consider an option with a physical keypad. If you have plenty of experience with touch-screen devices, prioritize a screen with excellent color and clarity.
Carrier
Some cell phones for seniors are only compatible with certain carriers, or require a monthly payment plan and a contract. Alternatively, you can purchase smartphones unlocked, which allows you to pick your own carrier by buying a SIM card.
If you’re upgrading from an old phone, unlocked may be the way to go—you own your phone outright, with no payment plans and can switch carriers if needed. For older adults who only need a cell phone for emergency use, one with an included carrier subscription might make the process a little easier.
How We Selected
While selecting models for this guide, we aimed to include options to suit different needs of older adults, from simple flip phones for emergencies to the latest smartphones. To compare, we prioritized features like battery life, ease of use, and overall design regarding ergonomics, and weighed those attributes against price. Plus, we looked for additional special features like home screen accessibility and settings that account for older adults' needs.
Motorola Moto G 5G
Pros
- Long battery life
- Compatible with most cell phone carriers
- 50-megapixel camera
- High refresh rate
Cons
- Suboptimal screen resolution
The Moto G 5G offers an excellent battery life (up to 72 hours on one charge) and has a higher refresh rate than other smartphones on this list, which makes for a smoother browsing and streaming experience. It also features large storage capacity for saving photos and videos.
The display is somewhat low resolution, however, so while the screen shows bright and bold colors, there might be some pixelation on certain images or videos.
Key Specs
| Storage | 128 GB |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 72 hours |
| Carrier Compatability | Unlocked |
Lively Jitterbug Smart3 Smartphone for Seniors
Pros
- Large and easy-to-read font
- Straightforward main menu
- Urgent response button
Cons
- Unimpressive camera quality
The Jitterbug Smart3 is a smartphone with a lot of capability that's straightforward to use. Its main menu is a simple list with large, legible font.
There is an Urgent Response button like you'll find on the Jitterbug Flip2 detailed below, but this device is also compatible with the Lively Link app, which sends emergency alerts and location information to a loved one without interfering with your independence.
The device has a long battery life, and voice typing allows you to stay in touch wherever and however you want to. Best of all, the interface is designed with older adults in mind, with large icons and intuitive menus.
Key Specs
| Storage | 32 GB |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 22 hrs. |
| Carrier Compatability | Locked |
Samsung Galaxy S22
Pros
- Large screen display
- High-resolution
Cons
This is certainly the priciest device on our list, but the Galaxy S22’s 108-megapixel resolution delivers exceptional, crisp images, which may be a priority if you plan to send and receive lots of photos.
The screen size is also large, with an edge-to-edge measurement of 6.8 inches. This pick is great for seniors who are already comfortable using touch screens and want lots of features to play with.
Key Specs
| Storage | 128 GB |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Not listed |
| Carrier Compatability | Unlocked |
Nokia Flip Phone for Seniors
Nokia Flip Phone for Seniors
Pros
- Compatible with major cell phone carriers
- Long battery life
- Front display screen
Cons
- Smaller display than Lively’s Jitterbug Flip2
This flip phone has a front display screen, so seniors can see the caller ID, take pictures, and check the time without even opening the device. This Nokia boasts an 18-day standby time from a single charge and 7 hours of talk time, making this a viable option for seniors who don't use the phone much, but need to be accessible to loved ones.
There are large buttons and an easy-to-navigate home screen, and most importantly, you can connect hearing aids right to the phone to make sure you don't struggle to hear calls. This phone also comes with real-time text, an assistive technology tool that sends messages immediately as you type them without having to hit send.
The main drawback is the size of the flip phone’s display, at 2.8 inches. That’s smaller than that of the Lively flip phone we write about above, with a 3.2-inch display.
Key Specs
| Storage | 512 MB |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 18 days (standby time) |
| Carrier Compatability | Unlocked |
Lively Jitterbug Flip2 Cell Phone for Seniors
Lively Jitterbug Flip2 Cell Phone for Seniors
Pros
- Urgent Response button
- Simple main menu design
Cons
- Menu setup can be complicated
For a minimalistic phone with basic capabilities, the Jitterbug Flip2 from Lively is the way to go. It's made specifically for seniors, with large buttons and on-screen text for readability. It also features an urgent response button that provides an easy way to contact nurses and doctors around the clock.
The device is compatible with Amazon Alexa for voice navigation of the phone, as well as a simple and straightforward list-based menu design. There are plans available for unlimited talk and text, too.
Key Specs
| Storage | Not listed |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours |
| Carrier Compatability | Locked |
Rachel Klein is a Senior Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics, where she writes about everything from garden hose reels and patio furniture to mesh wifi systems and robot vacuums. She started her career as a daily newspaper reporter and was a travel editor for more than a decade before she started testing and reviewing luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, and other travel-related products. Fast-forward another five years and her area of expertise includes home decor, appliances, tech, and outdoor adventure gear. In her spare time, you'll find her planning her next trip, reading historical fiction, and seeing as much art as she can squeeze into a weekend.
Amber is the Digital Content Producer for Popular Mechanics, Runner's World and Bicycling, where she covers a range of tasks for the commerce team. She also writes fashion and beauty content for Best Products. Her work has been featured across all of the Enthusiast Group sites. In her free time you can likely find her watching horror movies, reading a good thriller book, or listening to a comedy podcast.
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