The best smartphones for seniors aren't always the hottest, most tricked-out gadgets of the current season.
Many of the best smartphones for seniors have special features, such as urgent response buttons and emergency services, or design elements (larger screens, styluses, and bright displays) that make them easier to use or more streamlined.
If you’re looking for an excellent phone for yourself or a loved one, read on. We’ll break down five of the best phones for seniors, including the:
- Jitterbug Flip2
- Apple iPhone 13
- Motorola Moto G Power
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Jitterbug Smart3
5 Best Phones for Seniors in 2023
In our opinion, the best phones for seniors combine functionality and ease of use in equal measure.
Generally, you’ll want a device with limited apps but robust connectivity and large buttons — a handheld great for video calls and text messages, with a large and accessible screen size.
Many of the best cell phones for seniors come with senior phone plans from Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, and they are also available with both iOS and Android operating systems.
There are five stellar devices to consider – let’s look at each individually.
1. Jitterbug Flip2
The Jitterbug Flip2 is a streamlined flip-style phone, so it's already a good choice for older fans of classic handsets instead of modern touchscreen phones. With a dual camera design and compatibility with Amazon Alexa, it offers a lot of use without being too complicated.
Why We Chose This Phone
The Jitterbug Flip2 has much to like, including its flip phone functionality and larger-than-average buttons. On top of that, it has a backlit keyboard and a straightforward navigation menu: perfect for seniors who don't want to flip through a dozen menus to get where they want. The built-in SOS emergency button is also a nice standout feature.
Overall, this is a basic phone with limited Wi-Fi connectivity. But as a consumer cellular device, it’s top for caregivers or for seniors looking for a phone with a long-lasting battery, a large screen, and a traditional keypad that allows them to make phone calls. Plus, the prepaid plan options make this a great senior cell phone.
Pros
- Has SOS button for emergencies
- Big buttons
- Alexa functionality
- Relatively cheap monthly plans
Cons
- No family plans
- Camera is low-quality
2. Apple iPhone 13
The Apple iPhone 13 is a little pricey but still a good choice for senior citizens thanks to its excellent battery life and emergency mode, bolsters security.
Why We Chose This Phone
The iPhone 13 has plenty of excellent features that make it worth your time. The display is brighter compared to previous iPhone variations. In addition, it has pretty high-quality cameras and a new video feature called Cinematic Mode: perfect for seniors who frequently take videos of their family members.
This phone is also quite durable and water resistant, so seniors won’t have to worry about an occasional drop damaging the phone overall.
Pros
- Available in lots of different colors
- Good camera
- Has 12-month warranty
- It comes with an emergency mode
- Fairly durable
Cons
- A little pricey
- No Touch ID
3. Motorola Moto G Power
The Motorola Moto G Power is another excellent phone for seniors, with an affordable starting price and up to 72 hours of battery life.
Why We Chose This Phone
The Moto G Power is very accessible in terms of its price. Even better, it’s compatible with most hearing aids and comes with voice assistance and facial recognition technology (perfect for seniors who don’t want to worry about remembering a passcode every time they open the phone).
Even better, senior citizens can purchase this phone without signing up for a long-term contract. Emergency calls and medical history uploads are available for emergencies.
Pros
- Excellent creative camera functions
- Very durable
- Accessible price
- Voice assistant and facial recognition technology
- Medical history functions
Cons
- Only two color options are available
- The camera resolution is a bit low
4. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
You can’t forget the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, which – while expensive – also comes with plenty of high-tech features for tech-savvy seniors.
Why We Chose This Phone
Seniors looking for a modern, advanced phone will find the Galaxy S23 Ultra right up their alley. It has excellent rear camera resolution, enabling it to take sharp pictures of friends and family members. It also comes with Google Assistant and biometric features, so seniors can use their fingerprints to unlock their phones.
The 6.8-inch display is bright and vibrant, and the battery lasts 22 hours before recharging.
Pros
- Biometric fingerprint ID functionality
- It comes with a 12-month warranty
- Google Assistant functionality
- Good camera quality
- Pretty good battery life
Cons
- Highly expensive compared to other phones for seniors
5. Jitterbug Smart3
Last but not least is the Jitterbug Smart3, arguably the best smartphone for seniors overall, thanks to its bright screen and enhanced medical alert features.
Why We Chose This Phone
The affordable Jitterbug Smart3 is an excellent flip smartphone for seniors overall. The 5.5-inch display is bright and clear, keeping the simplified menu of other Jitterbug handsets. But the integrated MedCoach function is genuinely excellent, providing seniors with medication and pill reminders.
Urgent Care subscriptions are also available, which connect users to registered doctors and nurses if needed. Many seniors will appreciate the camera, bright screen, and simplistic interface that maximizes ease of use.
The hearing aid compatibility will also benefit older adults with impairments, as will the long battery life. It’s another safety feature that makes this a top choice for seniors searching for a phone with unlimited talk and text capabilities.
Pros
- Affordable plans and overall price
- Compatible with hearing aids
- Large and bright screen
- Decent camera
- Extensive medical alert
Cons
- Battery life could be better
- A little larger than average
Try Navi Today
As you can see, many great mobile phones for seniors have useful features and intelligent design choices. But if you still need help finding the perfect handset, Navi’s Phone Navigator can help. Check it out today!
