Whether it’s for you, a grandparent, parent, friend, or neighbor—if you have a senior in your life who loves technology—or maybe isn’t too tech savvy but wants to stay connected—read on!
We'll look at some of our best phones for seniors, as well as features like design, display, price, performance, durability, battery life and other specs—so you can find the perfect phone.
1. Samsung Galaxy S24
With its big, bright, 6.2-inch display, quad camera and—best of all—cool AI features, the Galaxy S24 is great for seniors who want one of the latest and greatest Samsungs, but who don't need the biggest and priciest one in the bunch. Still, it shares tons of features with its more advanced versions (S24+ and S24 Ultra), like the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform, not to mention the magic of Galaxy AI, which lets you Circle to Search with Google, translate on the fly in up to 13 foreign languages, use Note Assist to jot stuff down effortlessly, and easily turn photos into pro-style pics with Generative Edit. All of this, as well as its smaller size and ever-so-slightly streamlined capabilities, make it an excellent choice for those who want to stay connected on a 5G-ready device.
What we like most
- Generative AI features
- Powerful processor
- Sleek design
- 5G capable
- Crisp, clear 6.2-inch screen
Other considerations
- It may be over-the-top for those not as tech savvy
- Screen may seem small for those who like big displays
2. Apple iPhone 15
Classics are classic for a reason, and there’s no smartphone that is more iconic or popular than iPhone. This one does not disappoint, thanks to its intuitive (and gorgeous!) design, excellent camera capabilities and beyond.
iPhone 15 is an excellent, easy-to-use smartphone that's also the entry-level version of the pack, boasting a bright 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, gorgeous aluminum design with stunning color-infused glass, powerful A16 bionic chip, Voice Isolation for crystal-clear phone calls, an advanced camera setup (with AI features baked in) and Dynamic Island, a pill-box shaped design feature that bubbles up alerts and activities—so everything stays front and center. The camera setup will turn just about anybody into a decent photographer, thanks to features like 2x Zoom, Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, Night Mode, Portrait Lighting (with six effects) and more. Plus, this is the first generation of iPhone to not use the proprietary Lightning charger, making it an excellent choice for people who have a lot of devices around the house.
What we like most
- iPhone’s camera is among the best available
- Dynamic Island makes it easy to stay connected and informed
- Universal charging is great for people with a lot of devices
Other considerations
- Dynamic Island may not appeal to those who prefer a traditional design
- Screen is small in comparison to others on the market
- The tech may be excessive for some
3. NOKIA G310 5G
Seniors who want a nice camera with built-in AI features and a big display—but don't need a ton of extras—will love the NOKIA G310, an affordable alternative to pricier competitor phones. The G310 offers all the utility of a good smartphone: a long-lasting battery, 5G performance and a high-resolution camera setup—at a great price. Plus, if you damage your phone, it's a Nokia QuickFix phone—which makes DIY phone repairs easy!
What we like most
- Large 6.6" display
- Triple-rear 50MP camera (with AI features)
- Budget-friendly price
- 5G performance
- 30 hours of talk time
Other considerations
- A tad bulky for some tastes
- Not a ton of storage
4. Apple iPhone SE (3rd Generation)
For seniors who love the design and display of iPhone, iPhone SE is a pared-down option that still offers just about everything loyalists love. iPhone SE still packs all the power of an Apple product without the bells and whistles that you may not even miss. For those who prefer the design of the earlier-generation iPhones, including the home button, this compact model will feel familiar.
What we like most
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to use
- Classic iPhone design
Other considerations
- No front-facing camera
- Shorter battery life
5. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
Stylish, sturdy, and packed with features, this 5G-capable phone is a smart choice for seniors. It has a triple camera for capturing important moments, plus expandable storage so you can save all your memories. The stunning 6.42-inch screen plus enriched stereo sound lets you hear and see it all, while adaptive power saving and 25W fast-charging capability allows for solid connectivity.
What we like most
- Triple camera
- 5G performance
- Worry-free durability
- Expandable storage
Other considerations
- Charger purchased separately
- Fast charging may be slightly slower than expected
- No 3.5mm headphone port
6. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
This Galaxy Z Flip is a stylish and compact 5G-ready phone that lets you do it all in the palm of your hand. Pop open the Z Flip5 and feast your eyes on the 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display with zero-gap hinge, which makes it feel more like a mini tablet. Even when it's closed, this phone is pretty cool, thanks to the Flex Window, which is a sizeable 3.4-inch Super AMOLED screen that's perfect for replying to messages, taking selfies, making calls, paying with your wallet and even running a few apps. Plus, it’s tough—easily standing up to water and scratches. It’s also S-Pen compatible for those who prefer using a stylus over touchscreen.
What we like most
- Screen nearly doubles in size when opened
- Handy Flex Window
- S-Pen compatible (sold separately)
- 5G capable
Other considerations
- The dual camera system may be lackluster for some photography buffs
- Not as budget-friendly
7. REVVL 6x Pro
Love a really, really big display? This phone delivers that and so much more, minus the big brand name and matching price tag! From the massive 6.82-inch HD+ display, to the advanced quad-camera system, ample memory, powerful battery, wireless charging capabilities and super-speedy octa-core CPU—this phone packs a lot of features into an impressive and budget-friendly package.
What we like most
- Huge display
- 5,000mAh battery
- Up to 256GB Memory
- Quad camera (50MP main) + Selfie
- 5G capable
Other considerations
- Some may consider it bulky/heavy
8. TCL Flip Go
Smartphones aren’t for everyone, and for those who want a simple-to-use flip phone that still offers a reliable camera, the Flip Go is an excellent choice. The large buttons and shortcut keys to favorite contacts and messages make this phone perfect for basic functions.
What we like most
- Large buttons
- Dedicated shortcut keys
- Powerful speaker with noise cancellation features
- Hearing aid compatibility
Other considerations
- Not much memory
- Low camera resolution
9. Sonim XP3 Plus
If durability and call quality are the most important features of a phone, the XP3 Plus may be a perfect fit for you. Made for the toughest environments, this rugged flip phone has a powerful speaker designed to be heard above background noise, perfect for those who sometimes struggle to hear calls on other phones.
What we like most
- 100dB+ Speaker
- Long-lasting battery
- Durable
- Programmable buttons
- Basic camera capabilities
- 3-year warranty
Other considerations
- More apps available than many bare-bones flip phones, so can be a bit less straightforward.
10. Sonim XP3 Plus(Non-camera version)
It’s everything you love about the durability and clear sound of the XP3, without all the additions. For seniors who love the loud, clear quality of calls on the XP3 but don’t want any extras, the XP3 without a camera will provide years of utility.
What we like most
- 100dB+ Speaker
- Long-lasting battery
- Durable
- Programmable buttons
- Basic camera capabilities
- 3-year warranty
Other considerations
- Design and apps can still be less intuitive than other options.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re looking to find the best phone for your lifestyle but aren’t sure which features are right for you, read on for some of the most asked questions about cell phones for seniors.
Do I want a basic phone or a smartphone?
That depends on what you’re planning to do with your phone. If you like to browse the web a lot and stay constantly connected via social media, email, FaceTime, and text messaging, you’ll probably want to invest in a smartphone. If you’re mostly interested in voice calls and receiving pictures (though not necessarily sending them) a basic flip phone is probably all you need.
What is my budget?
Top-of-the line smartphones can cost upwards of $1,000, though many carriers allow customers to pay overtime. A more basic smartphone or simple flip phone will cost a lot less.
Do I need medical alert capabilities?
For seniors who live alone or are concerned about quickly contacting medical professionals, all charged wireless phones within a service area can call 911, regardless of whether they are subscribed to or supported by a specific carrier. If you have a smartphone, you can download emergency alert apps, as well as apps that offer advanced GPS tracking.
Do I want a phone with data?
If you’re planning on using your phone to check email, browse social media, access the internet, or use features like iMessage, FaceTime, or streaming apps, you’ll need a phone with data, as well as a data plan.
What features are most important to me?
The features seniors are looking for vary based on lifestyle. For seniors who like to stay connected via social media, take and share photos and video, and use their phone for features like GPS and streaming music, a smartphone is the best option. Those who simply want to use their phones for calls and viewing the occasional photo from a loved one will likely find a basic flip phone is simple and straightforward.
What is the best phone for seniors?
The best phones for seniors are generally considered to be those that offer large buttons, bright screens, intuitive operation, and even hearing aid compatibility for ease of use and loud, clear call quality.
Are there smartphones made specifically for seniors?
While today’s advanced smartphones aren’t designed specifically for seniors, they may still be a good fit. Smartphones like iPhone SE, for example, provide all the intuitive features and connectivity of a classic iPhone at a lower price—and without all the sometimes-confusing bells and whistles of more advanced models.
Are there basic phones made specifically for seniors?
Yes. For example, the TCL Flip was designed specifically with seniors in mind. It has large buttons, a simple interface, and is Bluetooth and hearing aid compatible, making it easy to use and incredibly reliable for seniors who want to keep it simple but still stay connected.
Choosing the right cell phone can be a challenging task, especially with the range of options available. It can be hard to determine which phone is the best choice to meet your needs. However, this list of the top 10 cell phones for seniors will help you narrow down your search and select the ideal phone for yourself or a loved one. When choosing a phone, it is crucial to consider your specific needs, such as ease of use, accessibility features, durability, and camera quality. By doing so, you can ensure that you or a loved one stays connected and engaged with the world. By choosing a phone that is tailored to individual needs, it’s easier to maintain independence and stay connected.
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