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Adam S. Doud
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Adam has been writing about mobile technology since 2011. He is the former host of the Android Authority Podcast and his work has appeared in numerous publications.
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Updated January 5, 2023
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The best phones for seniors take into account all the accessibility needs of those who have reached their golden years. Most modern smartphones have "easy modes" or accessibility features that can be enabled. In general, the best phones for seniors have large buttons, a large, bright display for easy viewing, wireless charging - i. H. no fiddling with cables - and a long battery life. DieJitterbug-Flipis our first choice. The large buttons and simple interface make using the phone easy and keep your life simple. The big screen and easy yes/no navigation are some of the best ways to use the phone, and Jitterbugs are designed specifically for this generation. In this article Our selection About our trusted experts FAQ What you should look out for in a mobile phone for seniors what we like Simple yes/no navigation Big buttons bright screen speaker What we don't like Low resolution camera Bound to Greatcall carrier Jitterbug is one of the big names in cell phones for seniors. That's because Jitterbug and its cellular provider, Lively, built their phones specifically for this audience. As the name suggests, the Jitterbug Flip is a flip phone with a small outer screen for incoming calls and notifications and a large inner screen with a custom operating system designed for easy yes/no navigation. The large buttons and bright screens are perfect for seniors as they are so easy to use. The speaker makes phone calls a breeze, even for those who could hear better. The phone's camera isn't the best, which isn't surprising given the flip phone form factor. The Jitterbug Flip is also exclusive to Lively. So if you are a customer with another carrier, this phone will not work. However, the carrier has no long-term contracts and uses Verizon's nationwide network, which is very extensive. screen size:1.44 and 3.2 inch |Resolution:Not applicable |Processor:1,1 GHz |Camera:2MP rear |Battery:About 1 day what we like 5G Best value in Android Great camera setup Samsung's Easy mode What we don't like Expensive Samsung's best 5G smartphone is by far the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE. Launched in late 2020, this phone cuts a lot of corners to achieve a low price point compared to its older S20 siblings. But Samsung trimmed every angle perfectly to find the best combination of price and features you can find in a flagship phone. It's expensive on a tight budget, but there's no reason seniors should be referred to itFlip-Phones und Low-End-Smartphones. This phone is powerful yet comes at a lower price point well above its class. All Samsung Galaxy phones have a simple mode that transforms the phone's user interface into large, easy-to-use and easy-to-read buttons. This phone has a great camera setup that's perfect for taking photos of friends and family. 5G connectivity and the Snapdragon 865 processor mean seniors don't have to worry about sluggish performance. This is the best value you can find in Android today. screen size:6.5 inch |Resolution:2400 x 1080 |Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 |Camera:12MP/8MP/12MP rear and 32MP front |Battery:About 1.5 days what we like Good performance good camera Good price Wireless charging What we don't like Low battery small screen In early 2020, Apple reintroduced the iPhone SE, a smaller, cheaper version of the iPhone. This phone is powered by many of the same internals as thatiPhone 11but in a smaller package with a TouchID fingerprint sensor instead of Apple's more popular FaceID. You get the same A13 Bionic chip with its great performance, 12MP camera sensor and wireless charging, and you get it for less than $500, which is fantastic. This phone is smaller than the average smartphone, and with that comes a smaller battery. Wireless charging is great for putting your phone down and not worrying about cords, so that helps. The phone screen is also relatively small. So if you're having trouble seeing small things, you might want to try a different phone. But if you're looking for plenty of power and performance with an easy-to-use operating system at a great price, this is one of the best deals in town. screen size:4.7 inch |Resolution:1334 x 750 |Processor:Apple A13 Bionic |Camera:12 MP rear and 7 MP front |Battery:About 1 day Adam Doudhas been writing in the technology space for nearly a decade. When he's not hosting the Benefit of the Doud podcast, he's playing with the latest phones, tablets, and laptops. When he's not working he's a cyclist, geocacher and spends as much time outdoors as possible. Andreas Haywardhas been reviewing technology and games since 2006. He has previously published at TechRadar, Stuff, Polygon, Macworld and was an editor for Mac|Life. Due to his specialization in smartphones and other mobile devices, he has reviewed a large portion of the phones in this round-up. FAQ What is Great Call? Greatcall is a virtual mobile network operator (MVNO) that uses Verizon's network to provide its own cellular service. In addition, Greatcall is adding services that are great for seniors, including doctors, nurses and staff who are there to support seniors whenever they are needed. How to enable Samsung Easy Mode? Go to Settings and look for "Simple Mode". It's usually located under the display settings. Simple mode organizes your apps into three columns with buttons that are large and easy to spot. Can you still get a cell phone despite a contract? That usually depends on the carrier. Most phone providers don't have "contracts," but they do have multi-year payment plans that are similar to the contracts we used to have with cellular services. Check your carrier for any contracts, or avoid the contract and buy an unlocked phone that works with any carrier. Living on a steady income in old age can weigh on your wallet when it comes time to buy a smartphone. In many cases, a lower price doesn't necessarily mean a bad experience. Finding the right balance between features and price is important when shopping for smartphones. Screen size is very important when it comes to phones for seniors. When vision fails or glasses are required, larger screens can accommodate larger icons and text, making the phone easier to use. A smartphone is a versatile tool and most seniors love to take photos. A smartphone with a good camera can capture a lot of great memories, and it's important to have as good a camera as your budget allows. Higher megapixel counts are generally better, but software processing also has a lot to say. Check reviews of phones and look for photo examples.:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Samsung-Galaxy-S20-FE-5G-Smartphone-7-6066a384fb0a4b44856a04f0acbab912.jpg "The Best Cell Phones for Seniors of 2023 (5)")
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About our trusted experts
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What you should look out for in a mobile phone for seniors
Preis
screen size
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Cameras
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FAQs
Which phone should I buy in 2023? ›
- iPhone 14 Pro Max. Best phone overall. View now.
- Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. Best Android phone. View now.
- Google Pixel 7 Pro. Best camera phone. View now.
- Google Pixel 6a. Best budget phone. View now.
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4. Best folding phone. View now.
Priced at $149.99, the Jitterbug Smart3 from Lively offers the right balance between the latest smartphone features and ease of use, which is why it's our top smartphone pick for seniors.
What cell phone plan does AARP recommend for seniors? ›Bajarin says Verizon's 55+ Senior Phone Plan and AT&T's Wireless Plan Discount for Seniors are both $60 a month, or $80 for two lines for those 55 and older, an average savings of $5 to $15 per line compared to their regular unlimited plans.
Does Verizon offer free phones for seniors? ›Those who cannot ordinarily afford a phone can get one of the Verizon free phones for senior citizens. It is the easiest and most convenient way to stay connected with family members and friends. With a phone, it's also easier to access emergency services, especially healthcare.
Which phone should i buy 4G or 5G in 2023? ›Getting a 4G device is not a bad option for many, even in 2023. This is because a 4G device would be priced more affordable than a 5G smartphone. 5G smartphones will definitely see higher demand as the telcos roll out 5G to more cities in India. However, that doesn't mean you should jump for a 5G phone as well.
Which cell phone has the best reception in areas with a weak signal? ›Samsung Galaxy S22
In other words, whenever signal reception is low, the S22 model will find ways to get the best out of the situation. This is true for signals below 120dBm, which is rare in cities and towns, but quite frequent in rural areas.
The Bottom Line
The Samsung Galaxy A11 isn't just our No. 1 Android pick for older adults who want the freedom to choose their own apps — it's one of our top cell phone picks of 2023. The $180 A11 also has a very large screen, in case you want to magnify your text, and all modern accessibility features.
And when it comes to smartphones, there's hardly a better option than iPhones. Combining sleek design with surprisingly intuitive interfaces, iPhones are the perfect smartphone for seniors.
Which carrier has the best plan for seniors? ›- T-Mobile - Best Unlimited Plans. 4.9 / 5. ...
- Lively - Best Safety Features. ...
- Mint Mobile - Most Affordable Plans. ...
- Consumer Cellular - No Overage Charges. ...
- RAZ Memory Cell Phone. ...
- Cricket Wireless - Best Family Plans. ...
- Republic Wireless - Best Month-to-Month Plans. ...
- FreedomPop - Best Free Plan.
Sign up for the Unlimited Senior Plan, and you'll have unlimited data at a discounted rate. All plans let you share data with your devices and feature unlimited talk and text. For seniors who don't want an annual contract, Verizon offers prepaid plans for smartphones or basic phones.
What is the cheapest cell phone plan for a senior citizen? ›
What is the least expensive cell phone plan for seniors? Prices may fluctuate over time, but Lively promotes a basic plan for $14.99 per month while Mint Mobile and Republic Wireless both offer plans starting at just $15 a month.
What are the cons of Jitterbug phone? ›- Limited choices for phone selection.
- Unlimited talk, text, and data plans can be pricey.
- No one-touch emergency button for emergencies.
- Devices aren't waterproof.
Verizon's 55+ Unlimited Plan starts at $60 per month for one line, or $80 per month for two lines (plus applicable taxes and fees). This is an average savings of $5 to $15 per line compared to their standard unlimited plans, which range from $65 to $75 per line for the same features.
Is Verizon still upgrading phones for free? ›Are there any upgrade fees? You will be charged a one-time upgrade fee if you purchase a new device at full retail or through the device payment plan.
What is the least expensive Verizon plan? ›Verizon's cheapest plan is the Verizon Basic Phone 500 MB plan. It costs $30 per month, postpaid. It has just 500 MB of data per month, making it an option for users who use very little data. It also comes with unlimited talking and text time.
Who is the carrier for Jitterbug? ›The Jitterbug operates on GreatCall, a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) that uses Verizon's network.
What is the simplest smartphone to operate? ›- Doro 8050: Best simple smartphone for ease of use. ...
- iPhone SE 3 (2022): Best simple iPhone with assistive technology. ...
- Doro 7030: The best non-smart feature phone. ...
- Nokia C21 Plus: Best smartphone around £100. ...
- OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G: Best simple smartphone for battery life.
- Samsung Galaxy A51. The Samsung Galaxy A51 is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy all the features offered on many of Samsung's flagship models without the extra bells and whistles or hefty price tag. ...
- iPhone SE (2020) ...
- Google Pixel 4. ...
- Alcatel GO FLIP™V. ...
- LG Stylo 5.
| Monthly plans and data options | Jitterbug Flip2 | Jitterbug Smart3 |
|---|---|---|
| Value Talk & Text (300 mins + 10 cents per text) | $14.99 per month | $14.99 per month |
| Unlimited Talk & Text | $19.99 per month | $19.99 per month |
| 100 MB data | No | $2.49 per month* |
| 500 MB data | No | $5 per month* |
Best Buy announced its biggest acquisition ever: GreatCall, maker of the Jitterbug line of phones for seniors, which counts 900,000 customers and $300 million in annual revenues. Best Buy said it would purchase the company for $800 million in cash.
Is Jitterbug a good phone for seniors? ›
The Jitterbug Flip for GreatCall is a fantastic phone for seniors or anyone who needs a super-simple device, thanks to its easy-to-navigate menu, highly visible display, and dedicated 5Star Urgent Response button.
Is Jitterbug owned by Verizon? ›The Jitterbug Flip2 is powered by Verizon.
How much is the Jitterbug activation fee? ›When you activate a new Jitterbug phone, there is an account that is created for you and a monthly recurring charge based on the plan you choose during the activation process. There is a one-time activation fee of $35.00.
Is Verizon a carrier for Jitterbug? ›GreatCall, the creator of the Jitterbug, has partnered with Verizon Wireless to carry the Jitterbug service on its network.
Which Samsung is best for elderly? ›The Bottom Line
The Samsung Galaxy A11 isn't just our No. 1 Android pick for older adults who want the freedom to choose their own apps — it's one of our top cell phone picks of 2023. The $180 A11 also has a very large screen, in case you want to magnify your text, and all modern accessibility features.
1 It's all thanks to smartphones like the Jitterbug Smart3, aka “the simplest smartphone ever.” Its large 6.2-inch screen features a simple, list-based menu with a powerful speaker and long-lasting battery. Older adults can easily navigate between email, maps and directions, camera, text messages, and more.