Best Mobile Phones For The Elderly (in 2023)

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Phones for the Elderly

Did you know that 3.6 million elderly people in the UK live alone? As the population ages, staying connected with family and friends has never been more important—and mobile phones are a lifeline! However, with today’s tech advancing faster than ever, finding the right phone for older adults can be tricky. From hearing aid compatibility to easy-to-use features, there’s a lot to consider.

Luckily, we’ve got you covered. Below is a handy guide to help you pick the best mobile phones for elderly users—whether you’re after a smartphone or a classic feature phone.Our Top 5 Mobile Phones For The Elderly (in the UK)

A good mobile phone should be easy to use, reliable, and safe. It should not cost too much and should offer all the elderly’s essential needs. Below are some of our top picks.

1. The Best Mobile Phone For Elderly People: Doro 8200

Designed with seniors in mind, the Doro 8200 offers:

• Larger, adjustable icons for better visibility.
• Doro’s ClearSound technology for clear calls, perfect for those with hearing loss.
• An assistance button for emergencies—just one press sends an alert to loved ones.
• TeamViewer support for remote help from trusted contacts.
  With Google Assistant built-in, you can make calls, send texts, and more, hands-free.

2. Alcatel 2008G

If you’re looking for something basic, the Alcatel 2008G is perfect for calls and texts. It has:

• A 2.4-inch display with large, easy-to-use buttons.
• An SOS button that can dial emergency contacts with one press.
• Hearing aid compatibility for crystal-clear sound.

3. Doro 6820

For those who want a classic flip phone, the Doro 6820 delivers:

• HD voice technology for loud, clear calls.
• A large keyboard and display for easy navigation.
• An emergency assistance button for peace of mind.

4. Alcatel 1s 2019

A Cheap and Functional Android Phone

Want a smartphone without the hefty price tag? The Alcatel 1s 2019 is:

• Affordable and perfect for seniors who need more than just calls and texts.
• Lightweight, with a simple design that’s easy to use.

5. Apple iPhone SE 2020

Affordable iPhone For The Tech-Savvy Elderly User

For those who love keeping up with the times, the iPhone SE 2020 offers:

• Siri for voice commands—no typing needed!
• Accessibility features like screen magnification and zoom.
• Great performance without the complexity of modern flagships.

How to Choose A Mobile Phone For An Elderly User

Although it might be tempting to buy a flagship iPhone or Android smartphone as they tend to be more popular than other devices, there is no point in buying an expensive handset if you cannot utilize its potential. Here’s a handy buying guide for you.

What are the differences between a smartphone and a feature phone?

What is a Smartphone?

A smartphone features a touchscreen and a choice of apps to download from the App Store. It’s basically a miniature computer in your pocket.

What is a feature phone?

A feature phone is any mobile phone other than a smartphone, as these phones often have special features such as the ability to send text messages. These phones have begun to be referred to as ‘dumb’ phones.

Features to look for:

Older people have different levels of vision and hearing compared to younger people, so these factors must also be considered. In addition to technical specifications, there are some things about smartphones that elderly users should be aware of:

Display

Many people, regardless of age, suffer from vision problems. However, the older generation tends to need glasses and may struggle to read small text. Therefore, it is best to choose a display screen size that will allow them to see everything on-screen clearly.

Vision problems? Go for a phone with a large screen and clear text to make it easier to read.

Buttons & Keyboard

Most touchscreen keyboards on smartphones are relatively small, and this can cause problems for older users who need larger keys for easy typing. Some older adults might prefer to use virtual buttons that appear on the screen, whereas others may prefer a device with buttons. Due to dexterity issues such as arthritis, finger strength could be an issue.

Therefore, buttons that are easy to press and big enough for fingers to reach should be considered. In addition, those with visual impairments will be able to use big, raised buttons more easily.

Higher Volume

Hearing problems are another common condition among the ageing population. A high-volume device makes it easier for the user to hear what is being said over background noise.

Some smartphones come with higher volume settings, making them suitable for the elderly who might want to listen to louder volumes. A high-volume setting can provide additional comfort in noisy environments like the bus or train.

Alternatively, if your loved one uses a hearing aid, choose a phone that’s hearing aid compatible to ensure clear audio during calls.

Hearing Aid Compatibility

When looking for a new phone for an elderly who is deaf or hard of hearing, you should purchase one that is hearing aid compatible. If your relative has a hearing problem, consult with them to determine which features their hearing aid supports.

Emergency Features

One of the most helpful safety features on smartphones today is the SOS function, which is excellent news for anyone over 50 years old! Most manufacturers include this feature in their latest flagships, but many older handsets do not support it.

For example, the Samsung Galaxy A32 listed above has the option to set up emergency SOS messaging for specific contacts, making it easy for an elderly person to signal that they are in need of help to those who can deliver it, such as carers.

Long Battery Life

One of the most important factors in picking out a mobile phone for the elderly is making sure the phone has extensive battery life. Most old folks are not used to regularly charging an electronic device as it was not culturally necessary for the majority of their lives. So a device that lasts multiple days on a single charge is a good investment – such as the Alcatel or Nokia models listed above for example.

Why Choose a Refurbished Phone for Seniors?

Refurbished phones are perfect for seniors who don’t need the latest flagship models. Here’s why:

• Cost-effective: Get premium models at a fraction of the price.
• Eco-friendly: Buying refurbished reduces e-waste and CO2 emissions.
• Unlocked freedom: Refurbished phones are usually unlocked, giving seniors the freedom to switch networks as needed.

Pro tip: Make sure to buy from trusted retailers (like The Big Phone Store) to avoid scams. Always check for warranties and return policies to ensure you’re protected.

Easiest Phone For A Senior To Use

Feature phones (i.e. brick phones) are the most accessible phones for the elderly since they are simple to use and have long-lasting batteries. Nevertheless, if you want something easier to carry around, then a basic phone is ideal since it takes less space.

Flip phones are also popular among seniors because they are easy to operate. They require only one hand for dialling and texting, making them great for those with arthritis or other injuries. Modern ones are also equipped with 4G and various apps like Facebook and WhatsApp. They may be challenging to un-flip for certain users as well.

The hardest mobiles to use will be smartphones, even for seniors who have used technology for decades. Touch screens make it extremely challenging to navigate through all their functions. Only pick one if you are sure the user will be able to use it or have a youngster with you.

Should You Consider a Basic Phone or a Smartphone?

Depending on a person’s needs and mobility, a basic phone may be preferable. Unlike basic phones, which provide most of the most basic features, smartphones are also linked to the internet, which can be used to access a wide range of applications, including social media and banking apps.

Even so, a basic phone may feel like a better fit for someone limited in terms of mobility due to age-related health issues. If you are looking for an inexpensive alternative, there is none better than a basic phone made specifically for seniors.

 Accessories

Mobile phones are prone to damage from falls and accidents, so buy one that is durable. This is especially true for older adults who tend to fall more often. It would also be helpful to get a phone case and screen protectors for added protection and longevity.

Final Thoughts

Helping an elderly loved one stay connected is crucial, and choosing the right phone can make all the difference. Whether you go for a feature phone or a smartphone, make sure it matches their needs—especially when it comes to ease of use and physical abilities.

Looking to save even more? Consider buying a refurbished phone from The Big Phone Store. You’ll get a high-quality device at a great price, with a 12-month warranty for added peace of mind. Plus, with free next-day delivery, it’s never been easier to help your loved one stay connected.

Check out our article on refurbished phone grades to learn more about our phones and what to expect.

Once again, choose wisely! You do not want to get a device that does not suit the needs of elderly users. And remember: always consider their budget before purchasing anything else.