Best Cell Phones for Seniors in 2021

Why We Love It

The Galaxy A11 from T-Mobile has an ultra long-lasting battery life. Seniors already have enough on their plate to remember, whether it’s taking medications every day, doctor’s appointments, book club meetings, or planning visits with the family. The last thing you need to add to that list is remembering to constantly charge your phone. With the Galaxy A11, you’ll have a full 30 hours of talk time, or 17 hours of standby time when you’re not actively using your phone. Depending on how much you use your phone and the types of activities you use it for, that means your battery will last at least a full day, if not more. You won’t have to worry about a dead battery while you’re out and about and you need to make an important call. It also has fast charging capabilities, so you won’t have to sit around waiting for hours for the device to fully charge.

Aside from the battery life, there are several other things to love about this phone. The Galaxy A11 has a 13MP triple camera, so all of those vacation and family photos will come out crystal clear. It comes with a fingerprint sensor, so you can unlock your phone using your unique fingerprint. You’ll never have to worry about remembering your password, and this feature also ups the security on your phone so no one else can access it. At just $180, this is one of the most affordable high-tech smartphones on the market. Plus, some new T-Mobile customers can even qualify for a free Galaxy A11 when they sign up!

Things to Keep in Mind

There are a few Galaxy models that offer slightly longer battery life than the Galaxy A11; however, this model offers the most bang for your buck. At only $180 for the device, it’s around $300-$400 cheaper than other Galaxy models. If your main concern is battery life, the few extra hours of talk time you’ll be getting with a more expensive model really aren’t worth a several hundred dollars. Plus, if you are looking for a phone just for emergencies or to make a few quick calls every day, the Galaxy A11 has one of the longest standby battery lives of other models, so you can leave it on when you’re not using it, and you won’t have to worry about it dying.

Galaxy A11 Pricing and Features

• 30 hours talk time; 17-day standby battery life
• Fast charging option
• Fingerprint sensor
• 6.39” HD display
• Up to 512 GB in memory
• 13MP triple camera
• Built-in mobile apps

* Starting prices per line for Unlimited 55+ plans

Why We Love It

Lively’s Lively Smart offers the right balance between the latest smartphone features and ease of use, which is why it’s our top smartphone pick for seniors. With more than 40 percent of US seniors owning a smartphone,3 it’s important to find one that meets the needs of older adults. While some smartphones overcomplicate things for seniors, making it feel like solving a puzzle just to find what you need, the Lively Smart keeps it simple. With a basic list-style menu, large touchscreen, and long battery life, you’ll be able to find what you need with just a few taps. Plus, the Lively Smart still offers all of the features you look for in a smartphone, like GPS navigation, video chatting, a built-in camera, and mobile apps. This Lively phone is also hearing aid compatible and comes with built-in medical alert capabilities for those who want the extra layer of protection that comes with a medical alert device. These features can be added on for a monthly fee if desired, and they range from 24/7 monitoring to urgent care consultations and health updates for caregivers and family members.

Things to Keep in Mind

If you’re on a tight budget, it’s important to note that Lively does charge both a product and an activation fee upfront. Their text, talk, and data plans tend to be on the pricier end as well. However, compared to other smartphones on the market the Smart2 is very affordable, and new customers typically receive big discounts on upfront fees. If you sign up for one of Lively’s add-on Health and Safety packages you’ll also get a discount on talk, text, and data plans. Lively offers a 30-day trial period to return your device for a full refund, minus a $10 restocking fee.

Lively Smart Pricing and Features

• List-style menu
• 5.5-inch touchscreen
• Built-in mobile apps
• 13MP built-in camera
• Mobile internet access
• GPS navigation
• Video chatting
• Medical alert capabilities
• Voice typing
• Runs on Verizon network

Why We Love It

For seniors who want a smartphone with all the latest and greatest features, the iPhone SE from T-Mobile offers that extra “umph.” With everything from a large retina HD touchscreen to the Apple Store with thousands of mobile apps to high-quality 12MP and 7MP cameras, the iPhone SE has all those advanced features you’re looking for. You can watch videos in 4K quality, FaceTime with friends and family, and store up to 256 GB of data, photos, and more. If you’re worried about security, all of the iPhone’s data is encrypted and the homescreen features Touch ID, which uses your unique fingerprint to unlock the phone. The iPhone SE is also hearing aid compatible, features a bright screen, and is wide and easy to grip, all of which are great features for older eyes, ears, and hands.

While the iPhone SE is available from several cell phone carriers, we’d recommend going with T-Mobile. They’re always offering discounts and extra perks for new customers who purchase an iPhone, so you can get the best deal possible. Plus, T-Mobile offers three different senior plans that provide steep discounts on talk, text, and data. These plans are available for anyone aged 55 years or older, while many senior plans from other providers are only available to those 65 and up.

Things to Keep in Mind

The iPhone SE starts at $399, making it the most expensive phone on our list. However, it’s one of the most affordable iPhone models, so if you’ve had your eye on an Apple phone, it’s a good option. Plus, the iPhone offers several advanced features that other phones don’t, so if you’re more concerned about tech than price, you’ll be set. Also remember that this is our pick for the best advanced smartphone, which means it won’t be great for technology-averse seniors or those who are easily overwhelmed by extra bells and whistles. With a little persistence and patience (or possibly help from a grandchild), we believe most seniors can get the hang of an iPhone, but we know this high-tech phone won’t be for everyone.

iPhone SE Pricing and Features

• 4.7-inch Retina HD touchscreen
• 12MP wide camera and 7MP front camera
• Touch ID
• Hearing aid compatible
• Up to 256 GB of storage
• Access to Apple Store and thousands of mobile apps
• FaceTime video calling
• iMessage between iPhones
• 4K video quality
• Water and dust resistant

*All prices are for one line. Customers can receive large discounts per line when more lines are added. Discounts may also be available for 55+ customers. 

Why We Love It

For older adults with unsteady hands or health conditions that make them more prone to falls and accidents, the Sonim XP3 offers industry-leading durability, so you won’t have to worry about it breaking due to a drop on the ground or in water. This flip phone is MIL-STD-810G and IP68 certified; all those letters and numbers just mean that this military-tested phone won’t be damaged by dust, extreme temperatures, or weather, being dropped (within reason), or being submerged in water for a short period of time. If you struggle with grip or find yourself dropping or damaging your phone often for whatever reason, the Sonim XP3 is a great solution. Unlike some phones that shatter or malfunction easily, this phone is built to withstand it all. In addition to its durability, the Sonim XP3 also comes with all the basics, like talk, text, internet access, and a camera. While this phone is not exclusive to AT&T (it’s also sold by Sprint), we’d recommend going with AT&T as the phone is around $50 cheaper than Sprint.

Things to Keep in Mind

We wouldn’t be surprised if you experience sticker shock when you see the price for this phone. At $189.99, the Sonim XP3 is one of the more expensive flip phones on the market, but it’s also one of the most durable. If you have an older family member who’s a bit harsh on their devices and you want them to have a reliable phone that will last and won’t break easily, it might be worth the cost. Plus, the phone comes with a three-year warranty, so you’ll be covered in the unlikely event that it gets damaged.

Sonim XP3 Pricing and Features

• MIL-STD-810G and IP68 certifications for durability
• Flip phone design
• 5MP camera
• Hearing aid compatible
• Three-year warranty
• GPS technology
• Built-in noise cancellation
• Powerful speaker

Why We Love It

Verizon’s Kyocera DuraXV Extreme features M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility, which is the highest rating a phone can receive and makes it our top pick for seniors with hearing loss. One-in-three seniors over the age of 65 have hearing loss, and those numbers continue to increase with age. For the many older adults who are hard of hearing, it’s important to find a cell phone that’s compatible with hearing aids and that offers loud, high-quality sound. The Kyocera’s M4/T4 rating is the best on the market, and it means that users with hearing aids will experience as little background noise and feedback as possible. It’s even suitable for those with severe hearing loss thanks to the T4 telecoil rating. The phone also features Bluetooth technology for those with Bluetooth enabled hearing aids. If you have minimal hearing loss and don’t yet need hearing aids, the phone’s 100dB+ dual speakers with noise cancellation will provide loud and clear sound.

In addition to its top-of-the-line features for those with hearing loss, Verizon’s Kyocera DuraXV Extreme offers all the essential flip phone features like texting, calls, internet access, and a 5MP camera. It’s highly durable and resistant to water, dust, extreme temperatures, and drops, so it’s also great for those who struggle with grip, are hard on their devices, or live in areas with intense weather.

Things to Keep in Mind

At $240, the Kyocera DuraXV Extreme is a fairly expensive flip phone. However, if you have hearing loss, its powerful speaker and M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility may be totally worth the price. Plus, you can pay off your phone in monthly installments if you don’t want to pay the full amount upfront. Also keep in mind that this is a basic cell phone, so its capabilities will be more limited than smartphone options. You’ll still be able to send texts, make calls to friends and family, and take pictures, so if you’re just concerned with the basics, it’s a solid choice.

Kyocera DuraXV Extreme Pricing and Features

• M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility
• 100dB+ dual speakers
• Noise cancellation
• Bluetooth compatible
• Converts to a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 devices
• Dust and water-resistant
• Durable design
• 5MP camera
• Flip phone design
• Text-to-speech feature

*All prices listed are for one line. Customers may be eligible for large discounts per line when more lines are added. Seniors in some states may also be eligible for a discount.

Why We Love It

The Lively Flip is built with all of Lively’s top-of-the-line health and safety features, so you can turn your phone into a medical alert device at any time. These features can be added to your device for a monthly monitoring fee, and you can choose exactly which features work best for you, so you won’t overpay for things you don’t need. Around 77 percent of American seniors have at least two chronic health so these medical alert features offer added safety and peace of mind for those who are more at risk of a health emergency.

The Flip comes with a 5Star Urgent Response button that users can press at any time for any kind of emergency. Whether you need medical assistance or you have a flat tire, a highly trained agent will be there to help 24/7. Other health and safety features include brain games to keep you sharp, urgent care assistance from board-certified doctors and nurses, and an app for caregiver and family monitoring. Lively even offers concierge services like a personal operator who can look up an address or phone number for you or order you a Lyft ride.

Along with these medical alert capabilities, the Lively Flip also comes with easy-to-use flip phone features like large buttons for texting and making calls, a powerful speaker, and simplified menu and navigation. For seniors who struggle with small screens or typing with phone buttons, the Lively Flip offers voice-activated assistance from Amazon Alexa. You can navigate your phone, draft text messages, make calls, and set timers with just the sound of your voice. If you’re looking for a simple phone without too many bells and whistles, the Lively Flip is for you. Because the health and safety features are optional, you can use your Flip as a normal cell phone if that better suits your needs.

Things to Keep in Mind

Just remember that this is a basic cell phone. If you’re looking for more advanced features like video chatting, a high-quality camera, or internet access, you may want to consider the Lively Smart or another smartphone. However, if you want a simple, straightforward cell phone with all of the essential features to keep you connected, the Lively Flip is a great choice. Also keep in mind that Lively charges upfront equipment and activation costs, but again, you can typically get a discount on these fees as a new customer.

Lively Flip Pricing and Features

• Large buttons
• Powerful speaker
• Built-in 2MP camera
• Bright screen with a simplified menu
• Dial with your voice
• Built-in magnifier and flashlight
• Medical alert capabilities
• Front display screen
• Runs on Verizon’s cellular network

Why We Love It

Consumer Cellular’s GrandPad is a senior-friendly tablet with all the right features to keep older adults connected and entertained, which is why it made this year’s list. While it’s not a traditional cell phone, the Grandpad can be used to make calls, send texts, video chat, take pictures, play games, and access mobile apps. It’s a great option for seniors who spend a lot of time at home, want a very large screen, or are technology-averse. The tablet runs on Consumer Cellular’s 4G LTE connection, so you won’t have to worry about connecting to WiFi. The GrandPad’s large screen is easy to grip and the buttons are large and easy to see. It also has a companion mobile app that allows family members to add, personalize, or restrict features and contacts to keep their loved ones safe and make the user experience as simple as possible. Family members can also upload photos to the GrandPad, send messages, and video chat through the mobile app. Overall, the GrandPad provides a unique way to stay connected for those who don’t want a traditional cell phone.

Things to Keep in Mind

The GrandPad is much larger than a cell phone, so it’s not as portable as the other phones on our list. If you spend a lot of time on the go or you just don’t want a large device, the GrandPad won’t be a great fit for you. However, if you spend a lot of time at home and want a larger screen that’s easy to grip and use for things like reading, video chatting, and playing games, it’s a solid option. Also, keep in mind that the GrandPad tablet is more expensive than many of the cell phones on our list. On the plus side, you can pay off your device in affordable monthly installments if that works better for your budget.

Grandpad Pricing and Features

• Touchscreen tablet with HD display
• 5MP front and back cameras
• 4G LTE connection; no WiFi required
• Make calls, send texts, and video chat
• Companion mobile app for family and caregivers
• Stylus included
• Battery lasts 1-3 days with wireless charging
• Built-in mobile apps
• Large font and buttons

Why We Love It

With an upfront cost of just $30, Consumer Cellular’s Link flip phone is one of the cheapest senior-friendly phones on the market. The Link’s design is simple and provides all of the most important basic cell phone features, like texts, calls, large keys, and a built-in camera. Plus, talk and text plans range from $15 to $30 per month, which is very affordable for the industry. If you’re just looking to make calls and send texts to your friends and family, the Link is a solid option that won’t break the bank.

Things to Keep in Mind

If you’re looking for more advanced features or a phone that has data and internet access, the Link won’t be the phone for you. On the other hand, if your main concern is price and you just want a basic cell phone, this is one of the least expensive phones available. You’ll still be able to do all the essentials like take photos, make calls, and send texts.

Consumer Cellular Link Pricing and Features

• Flip phone design
• Built-in 2MP camera
• Large buttons
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Bright display screen
• Hearing aid compatible
• Second, external display screen
• Adjustable volume

Why We Love It

The Snapfon ezTWO is built for the ultimate simplicity and usability, which is why it made our list as the easiest to use cell phone for seniors. With large keys for sending texts and making calls, simplified menus, and no extra buttons or unnecessary frills, this phone is about as straightforward as it gets. The Snapfon ezTWO also features an emergency button with 24/7 monitoring that can be added to any plan for an extra monthly fee. During an emergency, just press the button to be connected to a live operator who will get you to the help that you need. If you’re looking for a cell phone with basic medical alert capabilities, this is a great feature. At just $29.99 for the device and monthly plans starting at $10, the ezTWO is an affordable cell phone for seniors who just want to stay connected.

Things to Keep in Mind

Because the Snapfon ezTWO keeps things as simple as possible, it only has basic cell phone capabilities. For instance, the camera won’t be winning any awards for quality, and you won’t be able to video chat or watch videos in HD. But, if your main concern is the ease of use, none of this will really matter to you. The Snapfon ezTWO is a good fit for technophobes or those who just don’t want any unnecessary features.

Snapfon ezTWO Pricing and Features

• Adjustable, powerful speaker
• Raised, tactile buttons
• Simple menus
• Hearing aid compatible
• Emergency button with 120dB siren
• Built-in LED flashlight
• Built-in camera
• Speed dial keys