The 6 Best Cell Phones For Seniors (June 2024) (2024)

The Best Cell Phones For Seniors

Overview

Cost: $99.99 from Lively

Overview

Lively’s Jitterbug Flip2 isn’t quite a smartphone, but with its Alexa compatibility, dual camera design, and safety features, it redefines how modern flip phones can work. Its simple navigation menu, large backlit keypad, and built-in urgent response button make it stand out as one of our favorite flip phones.

>> Learn more about our favorite flip phones: The Best Flip Phones for Seniors

Ease of Use

Hands down, we found the Jitterbug Flip2 to be the easiest phone to use on this list. A simple list-based menu made it easy to navigate the phone’s features, including phone calls, messages, the camera, and Alexa.

One of my favorite Flip2 features is its Alexa functionality. Simply by using my voice, we could call contacts, send messages, and even ask questions. For example, I asked my Flip2: “How many teaspoons are in a cup?” My phone responded: “There are 48 teaspoons in a cup.” For any queries related to weather or current events, this feature was highly useful. It could also be used to make calls to my contacts, as well as dictate text messages.

Call Quality

The call quality on the Jitterbug Flip2 is excellent. The audio is clear and loud, and we had no trouble hearing or being heard on either end of the call. The phone also has a loud speakerphone feature, which comes in handy for hands-free calling.

We tested the call quality in a variety of environments, including indoors, outdoors, and in noisy areas. The phone performed well in all conditions, and I was able to make and receive calls without any problems. In particular, I’d like to give a shoutout to this phone’s ability to provide crystal-clear audio, even when I took it on a windy walk.

>> Need a cell phone that works with hearing aids?The Best Cell Phones for Hearing-Impaired Seniors

Additionally, the Jitterbug Flip2 was rated M4/T4 in terms of hearing aid compatibility. When using the phone with hearing aids, we noticed no audio interference.

Safety Features

The Jitterbug Flip2 has a number of safety features that make it a good choice for seniors. First and foremost was the dedicated urgent response button located at the bottom of the keypad. When pressed, this button automatically contacted Lively’s urgent response call center that, in the event of an emergency, would have been able to contact first responders, much like a medical alert system.

Since we subscribed to Lively’s premium plan, we also had access to the “Nurse-on-Call” feature. This gave us 24/7 access to a hotline staffed by nurses and doctors. In our experience, they were able to provide solid medical advice, and they even informed us that they could refill common prescriptions over the phone.

We could see this feature being very useful for seniors who’d like to skip the in-person visit to the doctor.

Drawbacks

The one caveat to the Jitterbug Flip2 would be its network compatibility. Unlike the other phones on this list, the Jitterbug Flip2 is only compatible with Lively’s plans. That said, Jitterbug phone plans start at $19.99 per month for unlimited talk and text. Higher tiers of plans also include urgent response functionality, turning the phone into a full-fledged medical alert system.

To learn more about this phone, read my full Jitterbug Flip2 review.

Overview

Cost: $399 from Consumer Cellular

Overview

While the iPhone SE is not designed specifically for seniors, it’s the ideal option for someone looking to transition from a flip phone to a smartphone. If you’re looking for a phone with internet access and stellar camera quality —and you don’t mind a slight learning curve —then the iPhone SE is a great place to start.

Additionally, the iPhone SE also has the best camera of the phones on this list. All of our test photos came through with a high level of definition, and they were easy to message to friends or post on social media. Newer iterations of the iPhone have higher-quality cameras, but the SE certainly does the job —and it costs less than half the price of the iPhone 15.

Ease of Use

If you’ve never used a smartphone, then the iPhone SE might seem intimidating; however, in our experience, most people are able to quickly understand how to navigate this device. Its large, bright screen made it easy to read text, and its touch controls were responsive. Even when I gave this phone to my father (who still uses a Cingular Flip), he was able to make calls and send texts with little struggle.

>> Learn more about the most simple phones: The Easiest Phones for Seniors

The iPhone SE also impressed us with its built-in voice assistant, Siri. With Siri, we could make calls, send messages, and even browse the web simply by using our voices. And while this iPhone’s many features may intimidate the uninitiated, Siri can also be used to guide you through phone commands. For example, when I asked, “How do I download apps?” Siri opened the app store. Similarly, we used Siri to set timers, check the weather, and look up other information online.

In most cases, Siri works almost identically to Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands; however, in some cases, we noticed that Siri had better voice recognition capabilities. For example, my grandmother, who has a thick Italian accent, was often misunderstood by Alexa and Google Assistant. With Siri, however, it could understand which specific contacts she was trying to call.

Another useful feature of an iPhone would be the new Assistive Access mode, available on iOS 17 and later. With Assistive Access Mode enabled, you can enlarge buttons, streamline menus, and even utilize common apps with simplified controls. To learn more about Assistive Access mode and how to set it up, read our Guide to iPhone Senior Mode.

Call Quality

The iPhone SE excels in basic phone features. All of our test calls worked exceptionally well, even when using hearing aids. The iPhone SE also appeared to have the highest-quality microphone on this list. In my test calls, team members on the other end of the line noted the clarity with which my voice came through. During an outdoor call, one colleague could even note my belabored breathing as I walked up a hill.

The iPhone SE is rated M3/T4 in terms of hearing aid compatibility, slightly lower than the Jitterbug Flip2; however, we noticed equally clear audio with this phone, even while using hearing aids.

Safety Features

The iPhone SE also has a number of safety features that make it a good choice for users of all ages. The phone has a built-in emergency SOS feature that can be activated by pressing the power button five times quickly. We could also customize this feature to contact a list of emergency contacts instead of 911. In order to avoid “test” calling 911, I programmed my mother’s phone number, so when I pressed the power button five times, the phone would immediately call her.

Another feature unique to this phone (as well as other iPhones) is the “Find My” feature. This allowed us to track the location of our phone even when we weren’t using it. For example, I left my iPhone at a friend’s house and used my laptop to track down its location. This same feature could also be used to share one’s location with contacts. We could see this feature being useful for just about anyone. Personally, I have all my close friends share their iPhone locations with me. This way, we can keep track of one another.

Drawbacks

The primary drawback to the iPhone SE would have to be its cost. At roughly $400, depending on where you purchase it, it is the most expensive device on this list; however, it can be paired with just about any cellular carrier. This can help offset some of the costs.

Consumer Cellular, for example, currently offers the iPhone SE for $399. Their unlimited talk and text plans also cost as low as $20 per month.

If, however, you don’t mind paying more for a more advanced iPhone, then check out our guide to the best iPhones for seniors.

Overview

Cost: $69 from Consumer Cellular

For those who just want a simple phone for talking, texting, and simple voice commands, then the Iris Flip is a great option that costs under $70. Additionally, with a plan from Consumer Cellular, you can get unlimited talk and text for $20 per month.

Ease of Use

In our Consumer Cellular tests, we found the Iris Flip to be very easy to use. It had a large, bright screen with clear, legible buttons. The menus were simple and straightforward, and there were no unnecessary features to clutter things up.

One of the things we appreciated most about the Iris Flip was its voice commands. While its buttons were large and well-spaced, making them easy to press, texting on this phone was a bit difficult. Luckily, with this phone’s voice commands, we could dictate text messages.

Another useful feature was the Favorites button. This button allowed us to instantly access our most frequently called contacts. Pressing the favorites buttons opened up a new screen, wherein I could view my family’s names and contact info. This would be very helpful for those who may have difficulty remembering phone numbers.

Call Quality

The call quality on the Consumer Cellular Iris Flip is good. In all of our test calls, the audio was clear and loud, and I had no trouble hearing or being heard on either end of the call. I will say, however, that when I took the phone outdoors, my colleagues complained that there was a lot of wind noise interfering with the sound on their end.

While the phone was rated M3/T3 in terms of hearing aid compatibility, we noticed calls came through with clarity, even while we used hearing aids.

Safety Features

The Iris Flip offers no SOS buttons, fall detection, or other safety features. The closest thing to this you might find is Consumer Cellular’s optional roadside assistance, which costs an extra $3 per month.

In my opinion, while I do appreciate the option to enable safety features, not everyone needs them. Just be aware that if you want access to nurse hotlines or urgent response monitoring centers, you’ll likely want to opt for a Jitterbug phone.

Drawbacks

The main drawback of the Consumer Cellular Iris Flip is that it’s a basic phone. It does not have many of the features that are found on smartphones, such as a high-quality camera or social media apps (although it can support the digital Quran!). However, this is not necessarily a drawback for seniors, as many seniors do not need or want these features.

And sure, the photos taken with the Iris Flip’s 5MP camera don’t compete with the smartphones on this list, but they’ll get the job done. The battery on this phone was also particularly impressive. In our tests, it lasted roughly two weeks on a single charge and two days with heavy use.

While you won’t find apps, an internet browser, or safety features on this phone, its simplicity would be ideal for someone who only needs to talk and text.

Overview

Cost: $149.99 from Lively

Overview

A roundup of senior-friendly smartphones wouldn’t be complete without the popular Jitterbug Smart4 from Lively. If an iPhone is a bit too complicated for you or your loved one, then the Jitterbug Smart4 is likely the best option.

Technically speaking, the Jitterbug Smart4 is an Android phone (running on Android 13, to be specific). This means that it can perform any task that you can imagine from a smartphone, from placing video calls to utilizing any number of apps from the Google Play Store. The Smart4, however, keeps things simple with its interface.

Ease of Use

Although the Smart4 has every Android feature, we really appreciated how everything was laid out in list-based menus. For those unfamiliar with smartphones, this helps mitigate navigational confusion. Additionally, unlike most smartphones, the Jitterbug Smart4 has dedicated “back” and “home” buttons at the bottom of the screen. This meant that no matter where we navigated on the phone, getting back to the home screen was a breeze.

>> Learn more about our favorite Androids: The Best Android Phones for Seniors

Much like other Android phones, the Smart4 also supports Google Assistant voice commands. At any point, we could say, “Hey Google,” to activate Google Assistant. Once activated, we could ask Google to check the weather, call one of our contacts, or run a Google search.

Call Quality

The call quality on the Smart4 was exceptional. In all of our test calls—indoors, outdoors, and in crowded cafes—we found calls came through volubly and clearly. The Smart4, rated M4/T4 in terms of hearing aid compatibility, kept up the stellar audio even while testing it with hearing aids. Its call quality was right up there with the iPhone SE’s in terms of volume and clarity.

Safety Features

Similar to the Jitterbug Flip2, the Smart4 also supports the safety features of Lively’s plans, including urgent response calling and nurse hotlines. While these features will cost a bit more on your monthly bill, plans on the Jitterbug Smart4 start at $24.99 per month for unlimited talk, unlimited text, and 1GB of data.

To learn more about this phone and its various plans, read our full Jitterbug Smart4 review.

Overview

Cost: $309 from RAZ Mobility

Overview

Made for people with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or an intellectual disability, the RAZ Memory Phone is a great option with simplified functionality. Through its picture-based contact list, the Memory Phone allowed us to easily make and receive calls with minimal confusion.

Ease of Use

Despite the RAZ Memory Phone’s large touch screen, it has only one menu. It displays the contact info and photos for up to six contacts, in addition to a dedicated 911 button. The simplified menu may not work for everyone, but it can drastically cut down on confusion caused by endless menus and notifications.

>> Read more: Best Cell Phones for the Visually Impaired

For example, with a normal smartphone, it’s easy to unintentionally navigate through various apps and menus. With the Memory Cell Phone, we could either press one of six contact photos (triggering a call) or press the 911 button. For example, when I wanted to call my Editor-in-Chief, Amie Clark, I pressed and held the icon that contained her photo. This triggered a phone call.

Call Quality

The call quality on the RAZ Memory Cell Phone was good. The audio is clear and loud, and I had no trouble hearing or being heard on either end of the call. The Memory Cell Phone is also rated M4/T3 in terms of hearing aid compatibility (not quite as good as the Jitterbug Flip2 or the Alcatel Go Flip 4), and in our experience, calls came through equally clearly while wearing hearing aids.

Safety Features

With the Memory Phone, loved ones can keep track of a device through the RAZ online portal. Using this portal, we could create and edit contacts, check the phone’s battery life, and even see its location. This information can be vital for people caring for a loved one with a degenerative condition.

Drawbacks

The main drawback to the Memory Cell Phone would be its simplicity which, ironically, is also its strength. Essentially, the phone can only make and receive calls. The other controls—like adjusting the volume—must all be updated through the RAZ caregiver portal. If a person wants a more feature-rich experience, then we’d recommend the Jitterbug Flip2.

>> See more phones for those with Alzheimer’s: The Best Phones for People with Dementia.

After testing this phone for days, we have to say that the Memory Phone is certainly not for everyone, specifically people who need a phone for more than phone calls. That said, for people with cognitive impairment, it can provide a much-needed means of contact for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

To learn more about our experience with this phone, read our full RAZ Memory Cell Phone review.

Overview

Cost: $96 when purchased through T-Mobile

Overview

The first thing you’ll notice about the Alcatel Go Flip 4 is its simple clamshell design. Like past Alcatel phones, it features a small outer screen displaying the date and time and a larger internal display that enables you to navigate the phone’s features. What separates the Go Flip 4, however, are its long battery life, call clarity, and app store compatibility.

The Go Flip 4 also lasted about two weeks on a single charge, making it a great option for people who sometimes forget to charge their devices. Another feature that impressed us was the phone’s app store. Normally confined to smartphones, the app store enabled us to download many free apps for seniors, including WhatsApp, Facebook, and a variety of games. The Go Flip 4 also featured voice commands, allowing me to dictate text messages and look up info online through speech.

Since I’m always in the kitchen, and I’m always making half portions of recipes, these voice commands came in handy. For example, I could ask, “What is one half of three-quarters of a cup?” In response, my Go Flip would tell me that the answer was 0.375 cups.

Ease of Use

The Alcatel Go Flip 4 was very easy to use. Its large, bright screen made it easy to read text, and the buttons were large and tactile. If you’ve ever used a flip phone, then this one will be a breeze.

Unfortunately, this phone did not incorporate any type of voice features, meaning everything must be controlled with the keypad. This was particularly annoying when typing out messages with the nine numbered keys. While some users may not mind the lack of voice commands, we would have appreciated the option, at least for text dictation.

Call Quality

Overall, the call quality on the Alcatel Go Flip 4 was good. In our test calls, the audio was clear and loud, and I had no trouble hearing or being heard on either end of the call, even while using hearing aids. This phone also had a speakerphone feature that worked well.

However, I did notice that the call quality was not quite as good as on some other phones on this list. This is likely due to the fact that the Alcatel Go Flip 4 is a basic phone and does not have some of the more advanced call quality features found in the Jitterbug Flip2 or iPhone SE.

Safety Features

The Alcatel Go Flip 4 had no safety features to speak of. If you’re looking for a phone that can keep you safe through urgent response call features, then we’d recommend checking out one of the Jitterbugs.

Drawbacks

Lack of safety features aside, the Go Flip 4’s main drawback was its camera. At only 2 megapixels, most of the images we captured came out fuzzy compared to pictures from other phones on this list — even the other flip phones. While the iPhone SE rendered selfies, closeups, and landscape photos with great clarity, the Go Flip 4 lagged far behind, producing hazy images with strange contrast.

That said, this phone is highly affordable and compatible with a variety of networks. The Alcatel Go Flip 4 can be purchased through T-Mobile for a one-time charge of $96 or monthly $4 payments. You can also purchase the phone from big-box retailers and pair it with a network of your choosing, like Mint Mobile.

>> See Mint Mobile’s latest discounts: Mint Mobile Senior Plan Review

To learn more about this phone, read our full Alcatel Go Flip review.