Cell phones are not only a convenient way to stay in touch with your loved ones, but also a useful tool to access information, entertainment, and emergency services. However, not all cell phones are designed with seniors in mind. Some may have small buttons, complicated menus, or poor sound quality that make them hard to use.
If you are looking for a cell phone that is easy to use, reliable, and affordable, you may want to consider these five options that are specially designed for seniors or have senior-friendly features.
1. Jitterbug Smart2
The Jitterbug Smart2 is a simple smartphone that offers a large 5.5-inch screen, a loud speaker, and a long-lasting battery. It runs on Android OS and has a simplified menu that lets you access your phone, text, camera, email, and internet with one touch. It also has voice typing and a magnifier that can help you read small text.
The Jitterbug Smart2 works with GreatCall’s health and safety services, such as 5Star Urgent Response, which connects you to a trained agent who can assist you in any emergency. You can also access other features like medication reminders, daily health tips, and brain games.
The Jitterbug Smart2 costs $149.99 and requires a monthly service plan that starts from $17.48 per month. You can also add health and safety packages that range from $19.99 to $34.99 per month.
Pros:
- Large screen and simple interface
- Loud speaker and voice typing
- Access to health and safety services
Cons:
- Requires a monthly service plan
- No fingerprint scanner or face recognition
- Limited app selection
2. Doro 7050
The Doro 7050 is a flip phone that combines the classic design with modern features. It has a 2.8-inch internal screen and a 1.44-inch external screen that display large fonts and icons. It also has big buttons, a clear speaker, and an emergency button on the back that can send an alert to your contacts.
The Doro 7050 supports 4G LTE and Wi-Fi calling, which means you can make calls even when the cellular signal is weak. It also has Bluetooth, GPS, FM radio, and a 3-megapixel camera. You can access some basic apps like email, web browser, calendar, and calculator.
The Doro 7050 costs $49.99 and works with Consumer Cellular’s service plans that start from $15 per month. You can also get discounts if you are an AARP member.
Pros:
- Flip design and large display
- Emergency button and clear speaker
- Supports 4G LTE and Wi-Fi calling
Cons:
- Low-resolution camera
- No touchscreen or voice assistant
- Limited app selection
3. Apple iPhone SE
The Apple iPhone SE is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers the same performance as the iPhone 11 in a smaller package. It has a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, a Touch ID fingerprint sensor, and a 12-megapixel rear camera that can take stunning photos and videos. It also has wireless charging and water resistance.
The Apple iPhone SE runs on iOS, which is known for its user-friendly and intuitive interface. You can access millions of apps from the App Store, as well as Apple’s own services like FaceTime, iCloud, Apple Pay, and Siri. You can also use Siri to control your phone with your voice.
The Apple iPhone SE costs $399 and works with any carrier’s service plan. You can also get discounts if you trade in your old phone or buy it from certain retailers.
Pros:
- High performance and quality
- User-friendly and intuitive interface
- Access to millions of apps and services
Cons:
- Small screen and battery
- No headphone jack or face recognition
- Expensive compared to other options
4. Snapfon ezTWO3G
The Snapfon ezTWO3G is a basic phone that focuses on simplicity and functionality. It has a 1.8-inch screen, large buttons with backlit keypad, amplified speaker, and hearing aid compatibility. It also has an SOS button on the back that can activate a loud siren, send text messages, and make phone calls to your emergency contacts.
The Snapfon ezTWO3G supports 3G networks and has some extra features like flashlight, camera, FM radio, and speaking keypad. You can also add an optional accessory called Snapfon ezOne-Cradle that can charge your phone and amplify the sound.
The Snapfon ezTWO3G costs $79.99 and works with Snapfon’s service plans that start from $9.95 per month. You can also use it with any GSM carrier’s SIM card.
Pros:
- Simple and functional design
- SOS button and amplified speaker
- Flexible service plans
Cons:
- Small screen and low-resolution camera
- No touchscreen or internet access
- Supports only 3G networks
5. Motorola Moto G Power
The Motorola Moto G Power is a mid-range smartphone that offers a long battery life and a large screen. It has a 6.4-inch Full HD+ display, a fingerprint scanner, and a triple camera system that can take wide-angle, close-up, and portrait shots. It also has a 3.5mm headphone jack and a microSD card slot.
The Motorola Moto G Power runs on Android OS and has some useful features like Moto Actions, which let you control your phone with gestures, and Moto Display, which shows you notifications and time without waking up your phone. You can also use Google Assistant to control your phone with your voice.
The Motorola Moto G Power costs $249.99 and works with any carrier’s service plan. You can also get discounts if you buy it from certain retailers or with certain carriers.
Pros:
- Long battery life and large screen
- Triple camera system and fingerprint scanner
- Supports gestures and voice control
Cons:
- No wireless charging or water resistance
- No face recognition or NFC
- Bulky and heavy design
Conclusion
Choosing the best cell phone for seniors depends on your personal preferences, needs, and budget. You may want a simple phone that is easy to use, a smartphone that has many features, or something in between. Whatever you choose, make sure it is compatible with your carrier, has good sound quality, and has an emergency option.
