Best Cell Phones for Seniors in 2024

Consumer Cellular IRIS Flip

Consumer Cellular’s IRIS Flip has a simple design and budget-friendly price tag. That’s just part of the reason why it made our list. This phone provides all of the most important senior cell phone features, like texts, calls, large keys, and a built-in camera. At $69, it’s the cheapest senior-friendly phone on our list and one of the least expensive phones from Consumer Cellular.

» Learn About: Cheapest cell phones for seniors

Plus, Consumer Cellular’s plans start at just $20 per month. That’s very affordable compared to providers like AT&T, whose 55+ plans start at $60 per month for one line. If you just want to make calls and send texts to your friends and family, the IRIS Flip is a solid option that won’t break the bank. You can even set up a monthly payment plan for as little as $2 per month! During testing, I found that its usability is comparable to the Jitterbug Flip2, but the IRIS Flip does not come with all the great medical alert features of the Flip2.

Visit our Consumer Cellular review to learn more about our experience and find out how to build the best phone plan.

Usability

I really like the IRIS Flip’s simplicity. It doesn’t have lots of extra features like the iPhone 15 does, but it’s easy to navigate and use. It’s designed to be simple, so you can stay connected without confusing bells and whistles. For example, when I plugged the phone in to charge, it made a buzzing noise, chimed, and showed a lightning bolt symbol on the outside screen. Similarly, when I turned the phone on, it had a clearly marked “PWR” for power. When I held this button, the IRIS Flip made a buzzing noise and chime to indicate that it was turning on. All of these features made using the IRIS Flip clear and simple, which I love for older adults who might be new to tech.

The external screen on Consumer Cellular's IRIS Flip

The IRIS Flip’s exterior screen provides a lot of useful information, like the time, battery life, and notifications for new messages. Plus, the phone was really easy to use right out of the box. All I had to do was plug it in and it turned on. Once it was charged, I could start making calls and sending texts, no problem! If you still feel a bit overwhelmed, it comes with a handy starter guide that can teach you the basics. I also noticed that the phone’s screen is bigger than older flip phone models from Consumer Cellular, such as the Verve Snap, which is great for older eyes.

» Learn More: Consumer Cellular plans and pricing

The biggest drawback for me was texting. Unlike a modern touch screen smartphone like the Jitterbug Smart4, the IRIS Flip has a T9 keyboard, which requires you to punch the same buttons multiple times to cycle through letters in order to spell out words. This can make texting more complicated and time-consuming. However, if you prefer a traditional keypad with physical buttons to a touch screen, it may be a great option for you.

Camera Quality

The 5 MP camera is definitely nothing to get too excited about. I was able to take some decent photos and videos of my living room and my backyard. They were clear enough, but very low quality compared to the camera on the iPhone 15 or even the Jitterbug Flip2. It’s also important to note that the IRIS Flip has a rear-facing camera only, so when I wanted to take a selfie with friends, I had to point the phone away from me and click the center button. Overall, using the camera was pretty easy, especially since I could zoom in just by clicking the up and down buttons on the phone’s keypad.

Taking photos on Consumer Cellular IRIS Flip

Hearing Aid Compatibility

The IRIS Flip has decent hearing aid compatibility, though its rating is not as high as other phones on this list like the Jitterbug Flip2. It has an M3/T3 rating (the highest) and is Bluetooth compatible, making it easier to sync with a wide range of hearing aids. I found that it was easy to get the IRIS Flip synced with my grandma’s hearing aids, and when she made a test call, the sound was crystal clear.

Things to Keep in Mind

If you’re looking for more advanced features or a phone that has data and internet access, the IRIS Flip probably isn’t the phone for you. It does have some basic tools, like a calculator, alarm, and calendar, but you won’t be able to download apps or games. On the other hand, if your main concern is price and you want only 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 with the IRIS Flip.

Consumer Cellular IRIS Flip: Pricing and Features

Testing out Lively's Jitterbug Smart4

Priced at $119.99, the Jitterbug Smart4 from Lively offers the right balance between the latest smartphone features and ease of use, which is why it’s our top smartphone pick for seniors. While some smartphones overcomplicate things for older adults, making it feel like solving a puzzle to find what you need, during my testing, I found that the Jitterbug Smart4 keeps it simple. This will be welcome news for seniors who’ve tried out more complicated phones, like the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G from T-Mobile.

» Learn About: Jitterbug Smart4 review

With a basic list-style menu, a large touch screen, and long battery life, you’ll be able to find what you need with just a few taps. Plus, the Jitterbug Smart4 still offers all of the features you look for in a smartphone, like GPS navigation, video chatting, a built-in camera, and mobile apps. In our Lively phone review, I tested the ease of phone setup, use, and call performance. The results of my testing were impressive, and the Jitterbug Smart4 even made it on our list of the best cell phones for seniors with hearing loss.

This Lively phone is also hearing aid compatible. It comes with built-in medical alert capabilities for those who want the extra layer of protection of 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. These features are unique in the cell phone industry; you won’t find them from other carriers on our list, so I’m a big fan for those who want some added protection.

Usability

As far as smartphones go, it’s hard to find a simpler, more senior-friendly option than Lively’s Jitterbug Smart4. When my grandma turned the phone on, she knew exactly what to press and where to go. She could check her email, text a friend, record a video, or surf the internet without assistance from me. I was pleasantly surprised to see that we could download apps directly from Google Play, making the Jitterbug Smart4 far more versatile and advanced than Consumer Cellular’s IRIS Flip. It also has a leg up on traditional flip phones when it comes to texting, thanks to its large buttons.

» Further Reading: Best medical alert apps for seniors

Not only does the Jitterbug Smart4 feature an intuitive touch screen keyboard, but it also allows you to send texts and navigate the phone with the sound of your voice, using Google Assistant. I used this feature to set reminders, send texts, and open various apps. It worked like a charm!

Using Jitterbug Smart4's voice navigation feature

However, my grandma and I noticed that there was a slight delay when clicking on certain icons. In one instance, she tried to open her texts, but the phone took two or three seconds to react. She clicked the text icon a second time, only to accidentally open a new text conversation. If you’re looking for high-speed performance, the Jitterbug Smart4 is likely not your best option. You’d be better off with the iPhone SE or the more budget-friendly Samsung Galaxy A15 5G.

Camera Quality

Lively upgraded the Jitterbug Smart4’s camera from the Smart3, but it’s still far from the best. Unlike the IRIS Flip, the Jitterbug Smart4 does have both front- and rear-facing cameras, which means you can easily take selfies with your grandkids. The rear triple-camera system is decent, as I could get clear photos and videos. However, you might find your 32GB of storage used up quickly if you like to take a lot of videos. I took photos in the living room and backyard, and even snapped a few selfies. I found that the camera quality was decent, especially in spaces with good lighting.

Photo taken on the Jitterbug Smart4

Hearing Aid Compatibility

The Jitterbug Smart4 has a hearing aid rating of M3/T4, which is not quite as good as the IRIS Flip or the Jitterbug Flip2, but it’s still compatible with most hearing aids and Bluetooth devices. My grandma tried out the Smart4 with her own hearing aids and had no issues. The sound quality was clear, and it was easy to get the two connected. Just keep in mind that the Jitterbug Smart4 may not work as well with hearing aids in acoustic coupling mode.

Things to Keep in Mind

While Lively’s phone plans begin at $19.99, it's important to note that if you're on a tight budget, you'll have to pay a product and an activation fee upfront. Their text, talk, and data plans tend to be on the pricier side as well. However, the Jitterbug Smart4’s device fee is very affordable compared to other smartphones on the market. For example, the iPhone SE, Apple’s cheapest smartphone model, starts at $429 — nearly three times the price of the Smart4. Plus, new customers typically receive big discounts on upfront fees. If you sign up for one of Lively’s higher-tier packages with health and safety features, you’ll pay a larger monthly fee. Luckily, Lively offers a 30-day trial period to return your device for a full refund, minus a $10 restocking fee. So if you’re not satisfied with the phone, you can return it.

Jitterbug Smart4: Pricing and Features

Using Apple's iPhone 15 on AT&T's service

The iPhone 15 is one of the hottest phones right now, but it also happens to be one of the most durable high-end smartphones out there. Starting at $829.99, the iPhone 15 features an aerospace-grade titanium exterior that makes it much more resistant to drop damage than previous stainless-steel models. It has also passed standard bend and drop tests with flying colors. I wasn’t throwing the iPhone 15 around during my testing, but I did perform a few drop tests that didn’t result in any visible damage. It also felt very sturdy and strong in my hands. Apple claims that the iPhone 15 can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes without getting damaged. This durability and water-resistance is excellent for older adults who are clumsy or hard on their devices like me.

» Related Reading: Senior cell phone buyers guide

iPhones have been among the most popular smartphones on the market for a while, and the iPhone 15 improves upon its predecessors in a few ways. For seniors, I really like the new NameDrop feature. With NameDrop, you can simply set your phone next to someone else’s to share your contact information. This lets you avoid the hassle of texting, emailing, or even writing down names and phone numbers by hand. The iPhone 15 also boasts a new “action” button that can be used to do just about whatever you want — from turning on your phone’s flashlight to transforming your phone’s camera into a magnifying glass.

Usability

I found the iPhone 15 easy to pick up and start using. My grandma, an iPhone owner herself, had a similar experience, though she did struggle initially with the action button. We talked about what it could potentially do — like zoom in on things or record voice memos. But she felt a little overwhelmed when it was time to actually go into the settings and tell the iPhone what she wanted the button to do. For this reason, I think the iPhone 15 is still functional for older adults who aren’t that experienced with smartphones, but it’s best suited for more tech-savvy seniors.

» For Apple Fans: Best iPhones for seniors

From a physical standpoint, the iPhone 15 feels strong, and our drop tests proved that its titanium exterior is great at keeping your phone safe, even if it slips out of your hands. There has been some anecdotal evidence online that the back-glass screen is not quite as strong, so I’d recommend adding a screen protector to your phone if you’re worried about unintentional damage. However, from my experience, the iPhone 15 is able to withstand a lot without taking a scratch.

Camera Quality

Photo taken on an iPhone 15 Plus

My grandma and I agree that the iPhone 15’s 48 MP camera is phenomenal. It’s easy to use and produces some of the highest-quality photos and videos I’ve seen from a smartphone. It also strikes a good balance between usability and features. If you want to customize your photos with different depths of field and filters, you can. Or, if you just want to take photos and record videos that look great without a lot of extra steps, you can do that too!

In terms of its specs, the only camera that outperforms the iPhone 15’s camera on our list is the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G’s. This makes it a great choice for seniors who are willing to pay a little extra to get the familiarity of an iPhone and a high-end camera.

Hearing Aid Compatibility

The iPhone 15 has an M3/T4 rating, so it works with most kinds of hearing aids. Like the Jitterbug Smart4, it is more compatible with induction hearing aids, but you can still make it work with most hearing devices on the market. The iPhone 15 also has easy Bluetooth setup that you can access directly from the settings menu. We found it really easy to pair my grandma’s hearing aids with the iPhone, and we had no issues with sound quality.

Things to Keep in Mind

Although I love the iPhone 15’s durability and user-focused interface, it is much more costly than other smartphones. The iPhone 15 costs $829.99, which puts it among the most expensive phones on this list and more than four times as costly as the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G. If you don’t want to pay the iPhone 15’s steep price upfront, you may be eligible to finance your phone through AT&T for zero-interest monthly payments of $23.06, or even less if you trade in your old phone.

» Further Reading: AT&T senior plan review

If the iPhone 15 from AT&T fits your budget, it’s worth the higher price point in our book. AT&T has 150 million customers and offers an unlimited 55+ plan for older adults starting at $60 for one line. Unfortunately, this plan is available to Florida residents only, but AT&T has plenty of other plan options for those living elsewhere.

iPhone 15: Pricing and Features

Samsung Galaxy A15 5G From T-Mobile

The Galaxy A15 5G from T-Mobile has an ultra-long-lasting battery with fast charging capabilities. Older adults 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 charge your phone constantly.

With the Galaxy A15, you’ll have a full 44 hours of talk time, or 16 days of standby time when you’re not actively using your phone. This is about twice as long as the battery life on the iPhone SE. Depending on how much you use your phone and the types of activities you use it for, your battery will last at least a full day if not more. From my testing experience, I never had to worry about a dead battery while I was out and about or when I needed 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.

» Learn About: T-Mobile 55+ plan review

Aside from the battery life, there are several other things I love about this cell phone for seniors. The Galaxy A15 has a 50 MP multi-lens rear camera, so all of those vacation and family photos will come out crystal clear. It has a fingerprint sensor, so you can unlock your phone using your unique fingerprint. You'll never have to worry about trying to remember your password, and this feature also increases the security of your phone so that no one else can access it.

T-Mobile's prices make it easy to shop for a senior-friendly phone at a budget-friendly price point. At $228, or $9.50 per month for 24 months, the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is one of the more affordable high-tech smartphones on the market. While it’s around $108 more than the Jitterbug Smart4, it offers a variety of advanced features and excellent camera quality.

Usability

While the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G may not be as user-friendly as the iPhone 15 or Jitterbug Smart4, it’s still pretty easy to pick it up and learn the basics quickly. I found that the home screen has a Google search bar right in the middle, so I just had to click there to start surfing the web. It also uses large icons, so it’s easy to make a phone call, download an app, send a text, or take a photo from the main menu.

» Related Reading: Best Android phones for seniors

One big drawback I noticed is the brightness. The standard brightness level makes the screen look relatively dull, and turning the brightness all the way up reduces the A15’s best feature: its long battery life. My grandma struggled to make out text with the default brightness, so we had to turn the brightness up to make things clearer. Using the phone outside also presented a challenge, as the screen is not very resistant to glare.

While the casing of the phone did not have a direct impact on its usability during our testing, we can see how it might not be ideal if you want a phone that will last for years to come. The back casing can feel a little cheap and lightweight. The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is also not waterproof, nor is it very resistant to dust or fall damage. If you’re worried about dropping your phone, you’re much better off with a strong, durable model like the iPhone 15 or Jitterbug Smart4.

Camera Quality

I found that the camera on the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is outstanding. The main, 50 MP camera takes beautiful photos and videos, with plenty of options to adjust the lens settings. If you want to take selfies, you have a 13 MP front-facing camera, which is still better than the main camera on the IRIS Flip. My grandma and I had a blast using the A15’s camera to take pictures and record videos. Considering that the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is just $228, it’s the best phone for seniors who want to stick to a budget without sacrificing quality photos and videos.

Hearing Aid Compatibility

The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is not the best phone on this list for seniors who use hearing aids. It has a rating of M3/T3, which means that it will still work with many hearing aids, but not as well as other phones like Jitterbug Flip2. Despite this drawback, my grandma and I were still able to connect a pair of Bluetooth hearing aids to the phone without any issues.

Things to Keep in Mind

A few Galaxy models offer slightly longer battery life than the Galaxy A15 5G; however, this model offers the most bang for your buck. At only $228, it’s much cheaper than other Galaxy models. If your main concern is battery life, the few extra hours of talk time you’ll get with a more expensive model aren’t worth several hundred dollars. Plus, if you need a phone only for emergencies or to make a few calls every day, the Galaxy A15 5G has one of the longest standby times of any model. You’ll be able to leave it on when you're not using it and not worry about it dying.

Galaxy A15 5G: Pricing and Features

* Starting prices for one line for Unlimited 55+ plans

Testing out the iPhone SE

Overview

For seniors who want a smartphone with all the latest and greatest features, the iPhone SE from T-Mobile offers that extra “oomph” without going too far over budget. The iPhone SE has all the advanced features you're looking for, including a retina HD touch screen and 12 MP and 7 MP cameras. 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 home screen 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 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, I’d recommend going with T-Mobile. It’s always offering discounts and extra perks for new customers who purchase an iPhone, so you can get a good deal. Plus, T-Mobile offers three unlimited 55+ plans that provide steep discounts on talk, text, and data. These plans come with tons of perks, including in-flight Wi-Fi (which I took full advantage of on a trip to Mexico), service abroad, and free Apple TV+.

If you want an iPhone but T-Mobile doesn't have good service in your area, don't worry. iPhones are sold by all major carriers. Or you can purchase an iPhone from Apple as an unlocked phone so you can use it with any cellular provider that offers strong coverage in your area.

» Learn More: Best unlocked phones for seniors

Usability

The iPhone 15 and the iPhone SE are easy to navigate and both use the same standard iOS system. I think the iPhone SE is a bit easier to use, as it is essentially a pared-down version of the iPhone 15. It may not be quite as fast as the iPhone 15, but the iPhone SE is still a highly advanced phone that works well for a wide range of activities, from FaceTiming with friends to playing mobile games.

» Related Reading: A Guide to FaceTime

My grandma loved using the iPhone SE, especially because it’s a little smaller and fits very comfortably in the palm of her hand. When she wanted to read something, however, the small screen size proved to be a bit challenging. With a 4.7-inch screen, the iPhone SE can make it difficult to read small print. Fortunately, the iPhone SE’s built-in operating system has plenty of accessibility features to make things easier for those with hearing or vision loss. However, none of these features are as convenient as simply having a larger screen.

One thing that my grandma didn’t like about the iPhone SE is the fingerprint scanner. At first, she thought being able to access her phone with just a fingerprint was great. However, she found that if she didn’t position her finger correctly, used the wrong finger, or had recently washed her hands, the phone would not let her sign in without a passcode.

My grandma making a phone call on the iPhone SE

Camera Quality

The 12 MP camera on the iPhone SE is decent, but it falls a little short, especially when compared to more expensive iterations like the iPhone 15. The front-facing camera is especially underwhelming for an iPhone, but I found that it can still take adequate selfies and videos. One nice thing about the iPhone SE’s camera is that it makes it really easy to switch between photos and videos with the swipe of a finger. If you want to make even more interesting visuals, you can create slow-motion videos, as well as portrait and panoramic photos. I took decent photos on a hike and selfies at home with family, and while the camera might not be as high end as newer iPhone models, it’ll still do in a pinch!

Hearing Aid Compatibility

The iPhone SE has an M3/T4 hearing aid compatibility rating. Once again, this puts it on par with many other smartphones, but it also means that it may not be compatible with every hearing aid product on the market. We connected the iPhone SE to my grandma’s hearing aids easily, and since the iPhone SE is Bluetooth-ready, it’s easy to connect to most Bluetooth devices (including hearing aids).

Things to Keep in Mind

The iPhone SE starts at $429.99 at T-Mobile, making it considerably more expensive than non-Apple phones, like the IRIS Flip, Jitterbug Flip2, Jitterbug Smart4, and the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G. 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 many advanced features that other phones don’t, so if you’re more concerned about tech than price, you’ll be set.

I believe that most older adults can learn to use an iPhone with a little persistence and patience (and possibly a grandchild’s help). My grandma has been an iPhone owner for years now, and she is able to navigate the phone without any issues. Still, we know that this high-tech phone may not be for everyone.

iPhone SE: Pricing and Features

* All prices are for one line. Customers can receive a large discount per line when more lines are added.

Testing out the Jitterbug Flip2

The Jitterbug Flip2 is built with all of Lively’s top-of-the-line health and safety features so that you can turn your phone into a medical alert device. There are three packages to choose from at different price points, so you won’t overpay for things you don’t need. Around 80 percent of American seniors have at least one chronic health disorder,2 so these medical alert features offer peace of mind for those who are more at risk of a health emergency. These features range from an Urgent Response button to on-call nurses and caregiver monitoring. During testing, all I had to do was press the Flip2’s red Urgent Response button to connect with an agent who could offer assistance 24/7.

» Check It Out: Best big-button phones for seniors

Along with these medical alert capabilities, the Jitterbug Flip2 also comes with easy-to-use flip phone features like large buttons for texting and making calls, a powerful speaker, and a simplified menu and navigation. For older adults who struggle with small screens or typing with phone buttons, the Jitterbug Flip2 offers voice-activated assistance from Amazon Alexa. I was able to navigate the phone, draft text messages, make calls, and set timers with just the sound of my voice.

If you’re looking for a simple phone without too many bells and whistles, the Jitterbug Flip2 is for you. Plus, priced at $79.99, the Flip2 is one of the most affordable phones on our list. Because the health and safety features are optional, you can use your Flip2 as a normal cell phone if that better suits your needs. Visit our hands-on Jitterbug Flip2 review to learn more.

» Further Reading: Best voice-activated phones

Usability

My grandma fell in love with the simplicity of the Jitterbug Flip2 as soon as we unboxed it. Every button on the phone is large and clearly marked, so it’s a great choice for seniors who might feel overwhelmed with new tech. The on-screen menus are also easy to navigate using the arrow buttons. It even comes with built-in brain games for a little entertainment!

The biggest drawback is that the Flip2 does not have internet access. It is designed to be a basic phone for seniors with the added benefit of health and safety features (if you pay for them). It’s not designed to surf the web or download apps. This was kind of a letdown for my grandma, as she was hoping that she could benefit from the simple design and still enjoy some of the perks she had seen with Jitterbug Smart4 and other smartphones on this list. Despite the lack of internet connectivity, the Flip2 is a better choice for texting than the IRIS Flip, as the Flip2 can place calls or send texts using voice commands via the Amazon Alexa virtual assistant. This was one of my favorite features, especially for those with mobility issues or arthritis like my grandma. It makes navigating your phone a breeze!

Camera Quality

The Jitterbug Flip2 has an 8 MP camera that can take photos and low-resolution videos. It still takes better pictures and videos than the IRIS Flip, but they are relatively low quality compared to more advanced phones like the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G. Still, I was able to take clear pictures of my grandma, the garden, and my dog with the phone, even though the camera system was pretty basic. Unlike the IRIS Flip, the Jitterbug Flip2 has a front-facing camera for selfies, but the image quality is less than stellar.

Photo of my potted flowers taken with the Jitterbug Flip2

Hearing Aid Compatibility

The Jitterbug Flip2 has an M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility rating, making it a great choice for seniors with hearing loss. With my help, my grandma was able to connect the Flip2 to her hearing aids, and she said that she could hear everything perfectly. If you’re looking for a safety-rich flip phone that will also work with most hearing aids, the Jitterbug Flip2 is a solid choice.

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 Jitterbug Smart4 or another smartphone on this list. However, if you want a simple, straightforward cell phone with all of the essential features to keep you connected, the Jitterbug Flip2 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. While I was shopping for Jitterbug phones, I noticed the company was running several sales, so keep your eyes peeled.

» Related Reading: Best medical alert systems

Jitterbug Flip2: Pricing and Features

Watch our Jitterbug Flip2 review to learn more about this senior-friendly flip phone.