The 8 Best Cell Phones for Seniors of 2022 Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Best Products > Phones & Accessories 700 700 people found this article helpful
The 8 Best Cell Phones for Seniors, Tested by Our Experts
Make sure your loved ones are always in touch
By Adam S. Doud Adam S. Doud Writer 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. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on May 25, 2021 Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Tweet Share Email Phones & Accessories Accessories The best phones for seniors take into account all the needs of those who have reached their golden years. There are accessibility needs and some physical disability to take into account. But there's no reason seniors should be out of touch, which is why their cell phones should be just as easy to learn and as easy to use as those used by younger generations. Most modern smartphones have "easy modes" or accessibility features that can be turned on. Generally, the best phones for seniors will have large buttons, a large bright display for easy viewing, wireless charging—meaning no fumbling with cables—and long battery life. Another thing to consider is budget. Many of our seniors are living on a fixed income, so it's important to find options that will fit within those budgetary constraints. We've rounded up the best feature phones and smartphones on the market. The Rundown Best Overall: Jitterbug Flip at Amazon Jump to Review Best Simplified: Lively Jitterbug Smart2 at Amazon Jump to Review Best 5G: Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G at Amazon Jump to Review Best Apple: Apple iPhone SE at Amazon Jump to Review Best Nokia: Nokia 7.2 at Amazon Jump to Review Best Mid-Range 5G: Samsung Galaxy A71 5G at Amazon Jump to Review Best Samsung: Samsung Galaxy A50 at Amazon Jump to Review Best Value: Samsung Galaxy A20 at Walmart Jump to Review in this article Expand Our Picks About Our Trusted Experts What to Look For in a Cell Phone For a Senior Citizen Best Overall: Jitterbug Flip
Courtesy of Amazon.com.com View On Amazon View On Walmart View On EBay What We Like Simple Yes/No navigation Large buttons Bright screen Loud speaker What We Don't Like Low resolution camera Locked to Greatcall carrier Jitterbug is one of the big names in cell phones for seniors. That's because Jitterbug and its carrier Greatcall built their phones specifically for those long-lived folks who want to stay connected. The Jitterbug Flip is, as its name suggests, a flip phone with a small outside screen for incoming calls and notifications, and a large inside screen with a custom operating system designed around simple yes/no navigation. The large buttons and bright screens are perfect for seniors because they're so easy to use. The loud speaker makes phone calls a snap even for those whose hearing could be better. The camera on the phone isn't the best, which is not surprising considering the flip-phone form factor. The Jitterbug Flip is also exclusive to the Greatcall carrier, so if you're a customer on another carrier, this phone won't work. But Greatcall has no long-term contracts and uses Verizon's nationwide network, which is very extensive. Screen Size: 1.44 and 3.2 inches Resolution: N/A Processor: 1.1 GHz Camera: 2MP rear Battery: Around 1 day Best Simplified: Lively Jitterbug Smart2
3 Best Buy View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Best Buy What We Like Simple interface Powerful suite of health and services Brain games What We Don't Like Slow performance Cameras are just OK If you like the idea of Jitterbug, but you want a smartphone instead of a flip phone, the Jitterbug Smart2 might be for you. This is a 5.5 inch-smartphone powered by a heavily customized build of Android 9. As the name implies, this is a smartphone built with an easy-to-use interface with large buttons and clear text. The camera is not impressive and the phone itself is a little underpowered, but we're assuming it won't be used for high-powered applications like gaming. Speaking of gaming, there are a number of what Jitterbug calls "brain games" that are designed to help the user keep their mind active and sharp. The main reason to look at this phone comes in the form of the health and service packages available. Its 5Star service is available 24/7 and is staffed by IAED-certified agents who can help locate a user, evaluate the situation, and get help if needed. A user can also speak with a doctor or nurse any time and even get prescriptions for common medications if needed. In short, the phone itself is underwhelming, but the services that come along with it can be critical and life-saving. Screen Size: 5.5 inches Resolution: 1280 x 780 Processor: 1.5 GHz Camera: 13MP rear and 5MP front Battery: Around 1 day Best 5G: Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G
4.5 Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Best Buy View On Samsung What We Like 5G Best value in Android Great camera setup Samsung's Easy mode What We Don't Like Expensive Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G Review: A Surefire 5G Fan-Favorite Samsung's best 5G smartphone is easily the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE. Released in late 2020, this phone cuts a lot of corners to meet a low price tag compared to its older S20 siblings. But Samsung perfectly cut every corner to come up with the best combination of price and features you can find in a flagship phone. It's expensive for a fixed budget to be sure, but there's no reason our elders should be relegated to flip phones and low-end smartphones. This phone is powerful and still comes at a lower price tag that punches way above its class. All Samsung Galaxy phones come with an Easy Mode that turns the phone's interface into large, easy-to-use and easy-to-read buttons. Plus this phone has a great camera setup, perfect for shooting photos of friends and family. 5G connectivity and the Snapdragon 865 processor means seniors won't have to worry about sluggish performance. This is really the best value you can find in Android today. Screen Size: 6.5 inches Resolution: 2400 x 1080 Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Camera: 12MP/8MP/12MP rear and 32MP front Battery: Around 1.5 days "It looks and feels just fine: It’s durable and not especially scratch-prone, plus there’s a wider array of backing colors compared to the standard Galaxy S20." — Andrew Hayward, Product Tester Lifewire / Andrew Hayward Best Apple: Apple iPhone SE
4 View On Amazon View On Boost Mobile View On Apple What We Like Great performance Good camera Great price Wireless charging What We Don't Like Weak battery Small screen Apple iPhone SE (2020) Review: A More Sensible iPhone In early 2020, Apple reintroduced the iPhone SE, which is a smaller, more affordable version of the iPhone. This phone is powered by many of the same internals as the iPhone 11, but in a smaller package with a TouchID fingerprint sensor rather than Apple's more popular FaceID. You get the same A13 bionic chip with its great performance, the 12MP camera sensor, and wireless charging, and you get it for less than $400, which is awesome. This phone is smaller than your average smartphone, and with that comes a smaller battery. The wireless charging is great for setting your phone down and not having to worry about cables, so that helps. The phone screen is also quite small, so if you have trouble seeing small things, you might want to try a different phone. But if you're looking for a lot of power and performance with an easy-to-use operating system on a budget, this is one of the best deals in town. Screen Size: 4.7 inches Resolution: 1334 x 750 Processor: Apple A13 Bionic Camera: 12MP rear and 7MP front Battery: Around 1 day "Power users should probably pass, but anyone else who wants a powerful iPhone without stretching their wallet might love this updated throwback." — Andrew Hayward, Product Tester The 7 Best iPhones of 2022 Lifewire / Andrew Hayward Best Nokia: Nokia 7.2 Phone
4 Courtesy of Nokia View On Amazon View On EBay What We Like Large, crisp screen Lots of storage and microSD expansion Good value What We Don't Like Inconsistent cameras Just OK video recording Nokia 7.2 Review: A Mid-Range Phone That Rises Above the Pack Nokia used to be one of the biggest names in mobile and it's making a comeback of late under new ownership. One of the best values Nokia has to offer is the Nokia 7.2. This phone lies somewhere in between the budget and midrange category, so it has a nice price tag. You get a large screen that is very clear and easy to read. Even its base model starts with 128GB of storage and is expandable via microSD card. The cameras on this phone are inconsistent along with video recording that's not super great, so maybe you won't need to extend the memory. But for those shutterbugs, the addition of expandable storage is nice. Plus, camera lovers might be able to squeeze more out of this camera than the average user. All the same, this is a great value in the smartphone world, and should fit into the budget for a lot of people. Screen Size: 6.3 inches Resolution: 2280 x 1080 Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 Camera: 48MP/8MP/5MP rear and 20MP front Battery: Around 1 day "Getting around the interface is smooth and speedy, although I hit occasional sluggish hitches here and there." — Andrew Hayward, Product Tester Lifewire / Andrew Hayward The 9 Best Smartphones of 2022 Best Mid-Range 5G: Samsung Galaxy A71 5G
4 Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Best Buy View On Att.com What We Like 5G 64MP main camera Samsung easy mode Vibrant screen What We Don't Like Durability question marks No IP rating Samsung Galaxy A71 5G Review: A Sensible Alternative to Flagships A solid entry in the midrange class, the Samsung Galaxy A71 5G should get consideration. Samsung's Easy Mode comes along for the ride on this phone as well, and it looks great on the stunning screen. You also get a respectable 64MP camera that's good in a lot of lighting situations and, of course, 5G capability for future-proofing. The build quality on the phone itself is a bit suspect. There's no IP rating, so you'll want to keep it away from water. Moreover, the phone has plastic backing while its screen sports Gorilla Glass 3, which isn't bad, but it's several generations out of date. There are stronger options available out there, but as long as you take care of your phone, this phone will serve you for a long time to come. Screen Size: 6.7 inches Resolution: 2400 x 1080 Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G Camera: 64MP/12MP/5MP/5MP rear and 32MP front Battery: Around 1.5 days "The Galaxy A71 5G feels smooth and responsive the vast majority of the time, with only occasional hints of sluggishness here and there." — Andrew Hayward, Product Tester Lifewire / Andrew Hayward Best Samsung: Samsung Galaxy A50
4.3 Courtesy of Best Buy View On Amazon View On Samsung What We Like Large, clear screen Clean look Good battery life Good camera What We Don't Like Fingerprint reader isn't great Some lag issues Samsung Galaxy A50 Review: Flagship Flash at a Mid-Range Price Samsung's more budget-friendly lineup of phones includes the Samsung Galaxy A50, which continues the build tradition of the Galaxy family. By that we mean a large, mostly bezel-less screen, an in-screen fingerprint reader (which is a little inconsistent), and a nice overall aesthetic. The phone has a pretty good camera, with a 25MP main sensor and 8MP ultrawide camera. You can get some very respectable shots with that setup. You'll also get great battery life. The Exynos 9610 isn't a top-tier performer and as such, the phone will stutter occasionally. The upside to that is the processor sips battery, so the phone is definitely an all-day phone. That's important when it comes to a full day of activities. You want a phone that can stay out as long as you can. Plus, this is one of Samsung's least expensive phones, so it's very easy on the wallet as well. Screen Size: 6.4 inches Resolution: 2340 x 1080 Processor: Exynos 9610 Camera: 25MP/8MP/5MP rear and 25MP front Battery: Around 1 day "What’s impressive is how much of the Galaxy S experience remains intact on the Galaxy A50, which still looks like a high-end phone, has a very good triple-camera setup, and boasts an excellent screen." — Andrew Hayward, Product Tester Lifewire / Andrew Hayward Best Value: Samsung Galaxy A20
3.3 Courtesy of Best Buy View On Walmart What We Like Good battery life Decent main camera Slim build What We Don't Like Sluggish performance Low-res display Samsung Galaxy A20 Review: Still a Decent Budget Android At the bottom of the Samsung Galaxy line is the Galaxy A20, which comes in at under two C-notes. This is a budget-friendly option, which is to say that it's slow to perform. But a slow-performing processor usually means a well-performing battery, and this phone is no exception. Like all the other Galaxies, this phone also carries Samsung's Easy mode. Combined with the low-resolution screen, and you have a device that's friendly for the seniors. Despite that screen, the phone has a great design that's consistent through the Galaxy family, and the main camera is a very decent 13MP. You'll get solid shots as long as there's good light. Overall, this phone is easy on the wallet, so it'll fit into most budgets and should last a long time. Screen Size: 6.4 inches Resolution: 1560 x 720 Processor: Exynos 7884 Camera: 13MP/5MP rear and 8MP front Battery: Around 1 day "Well-lit daytime shots turn out pretty well most of the time, with balanced colors and solid detail, but low-light photos suffer from noise and softness." — Andrew Hayward, Product Tester Lifewire / Andrew Hayward Final Verdict When it comes to keeping our elders connected, the Jitterbug Flip (view at Amazon) is our go-to pick. The large buttons and easy interface make using the phone simple, which in turn keeps their lives simple. The large screen and simple Yes/No navigation is one of the best ways to use the phone, and Jitterbugs have been specifically designed for this generation. If you want something a little more advanced, but still simple enough, the Jitterbug Smart2 (view at Amazon) has a basic set of smartphone features. It also boasts an amazing set of safety features designed to help whenever necessary. That kind of support built into a smartphone is so powerful it's hard to recommend anything else. About Our Trusted Experts
Adam Doud has been writing in the technology space for almost a decade. When he's not hosting the Benefit of the Doud podcast, he's playing with the latest phones, tablets, and laptops. When not working, he's a cyclist, geocacher, and spends as much time outside as he can. Andrew Hayward has been reviewing tech and games since 2006. He's previously been published by TechRadar, Stuff, Polygon, Macworld, and was an editor for MacLife. He reviewed a big chunk of the phones on this roundup due to his specialty in smartphones and other mobile devices. FAQ What is Greatcall? Greatcall is a mobile network virtual operator (MVNO) that uses Verizon's network to deliver its own mobile service. Beyond that, Greatcall adds on services that are great for seniors including doctors, nurses, and associates who are there to assist seniors whenever they are needed. How do you activate Samsung's Easy Mode? Go to Settings, and search for "Easy Mode." It's typically located under the display settings. Easy Mode organizes your apps into three columns of buttons that are large and easy to see. Can you still get a phone on a contract? That usually depends on the carrier. Most phone carriers won't have "contracts," but they will have multi-year payment plans, which is similar to the contracts we used to have with cellular service. Check your carrier to see if contracts are in place, or avoid the contract and buy an unlocked phone that can work with any carrier. Lifewire / Andrew Hayward What to Look For in a Cell Phone For a Senior Citizen
Price
Living on a fixed income in your later years can put a burden on your pocketbook when it comes time to buy a smartphone. In many cases, a lower price doesn't necessarily mean a bad experience. It's important to find the right balance of features and price when smartphone shopping. Screen Size
Screen size is very important when it comes to phones for seniors. If eyesight has started to go, or if glasses are required, larger screens can accommodate larger icons and text, which will make the phone easier to use. Lifewire / Andrew Hayward Cameras
A smartphone is a multi-use tool, and most seniors love capturing 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 has a lot to say about it too. Check reviews of phones and look for photo samples. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire The 7 Best Budget Smartphones for Under $300 of 2022 The 5 Best Basic Cell Phones of 2022 The 9 Best Smartphones of 2022 Samsung Z Fold 4: News, Rumors, Price, Release Date, and Specs The 9 Best Android Phones, Tested by Experts Expert Tested: The 9 Best Smartphone Cameras of 2022 The 9 Best Tablets in 2022, Tested by Lifewire The 7 Best Gaming Phones, Tested by Lifewire The 9 Best Android Tablets, Tested by Experts The 7 Best Samsung Smartwatches of 2022 The 6 Best Phones for Kids in 2022 The 10 Best iPad vs. Samsung Tablets of 2022 by Lifewire Expert Tested: The 8 Best Tablets for Kids in 2022 The 9 Best Straight Talk Phones to Buy at Walmart in 2022 Samsung Galaxy A Phones: What You Need to Know The 7 Best Rugged Smartphones of 2022 Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies