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The Best Android Phones for Seniors

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Samsung Galaxy A11 from T-Mobile
Call for best price: Call to Order: 844-882-3705
Verve Snap from Consumer Cellular
Call for best price: Call to Order: (855) 643-4847
Jitterbug Smart3 from Lively
Call for best price: Call to Order: 844-618-9676
Scroll right for more options
Man using Android phone

Image from Freepik.com

It’s official: Seniors have joined the smartphone revolution.1 But that doesn’t mean the “smart” transition is a piece of cake. There’s plenty to get used to, like emailing, video chatting, and making appointments by phone. Settings aren’t always easy to find. And for high-end models that have the gadgetry older folks want these days, prices can be prohibitive.

Going with an Android cell phone will solve most of those problems for seniors. Android phones are generally easy to use and have price points for practically every budget (from $35 to $399), which is a big plus for golden-agers on fixed incomes. Even if you’re not totally on board with the idea of using a smartphone yet, Androids come in a bunch of basic models that keep the tricky stuff to a minimum.

And that’s the only catch. Because there are so many Android phones out there, finding the one that will make you happy isn’t as easy as using an Android! Our Android buyer’s guide will be a big help in that direction, with quick breakdowns of the top Android cell phones for seniors, their standout features, and the best carriers to pair them with.

FYI:

FYI: Taking your first steps in the cell phone market? Our seniors cell phone buyer’s guide offers an inside look at the best cell phones and cell phone plans for seniors around.

Our Top 5 Android Phones for Seniors

We’ve tested the whole gamut of Android phones geared toward seniors, and there are quite a few out there! Here’s our top five faves for older folks. Each top model is the best in its class at one thing.

Our list starts at the tech-savvy end of the spectrum and makes its way down to more basic models. So if you’re looking for something really simple and practical, start with Consumer Cellular’s Link II at the bottom of our list.

Did You Know?

Did You Know? Androids aren’t the only cell phones seniors are using. Plenty of older folks swear by Apple’s stylish but generally more pricey iPhones. Check out our guide to the best iPhones for seniors for tips on finding an iPhone to fit your budget.

  • 1. Samsung Galaxy A11
    Samsung Galaxy A11 Front

    Samsung Galaxy A11 Front

    Overview

    The $180 Samsung Galaxy A11 is the ideal Android cell phone for seniors who want the full smart experience without breaking the bank. The Galaxy is also comfy (with a mammoth 6.4-inch screen), and its 4,000-mAh cell battery gives you a day or more of browsing, talking, and video chatting.

    But we really recommend the Galaxy A11 for seniors who are already comfortable with Android apps (Gmail, Hangouts, Drive, Maps). The Galaxy A11 comes with those apps and more; not all senior smartphones on this list do.

    Senior Smartphone Tip:

    Senior Smartphone Tip: Android phones generally keep their interfaces simple. But if you want something even more basic, check out the free (and ad-free) Simple Launcher. It’s got large icons and letters and an SOS button for your emergency contact.

    The Samsung also has a handy fingerprint sensor (say goodbye to PIN unlock!) and a capable 13-megapixel camera for high-quality family and vacation photos. Finally, even though the Galaxy A11 was released back in 2017, it runs Android 11 (launched in 2020), so it won’t slow you down.

    Please scroll to the right for more info.
    Pros
    • Mega 6.4-inch screen
    • Clean interface with built-in Google apps
    • Solid 13MP camera
    • Excellent battery life
    • Fingerprint sensor
    • Android 11 operating system
    Cons
    • Aging processor
    • No wireless charging

    Best Carrier to Pair It With

    We’re crazy about T-Mobile’s Unlimited 55+ senior cell phone plans and recommend pairing your Samsung Galaxy A11 with one. All of them are contract-free and offer unlimited talk, text, and data for as little as $27.50 per month.

    If you want a bargain-basement prepaid plan, we’d also recommend checking out newcomer Mint Mobile. Mint’s no-nonsense cellular packages start at $15 per month.

    The Bottom Line

    The Samsung Galaxy A11 isn’t just our No. 1 Android pick for older adults who want the freedom to choose their own apps — it’s one of our top cell phone picks of 2023. The $180 A11 also has a very large screen, in case you want to magnify your text, and all modern accessibility features. You can take your Galaxy anywhere, but pairing it with a tried-and-tested T-Mobile senior plan is your best bet in our book. For a closer look at those plans, check out our hands-on T-Mobile Unlimited 55+ review.

  • 2. Consumer Cellular Verve Snap
    Verve Snap

    Verve Snap

    Overview

    The Consumer Cellular Verve Snap is the most stripped-down cell phone on our list, making it a good choice for older folks just starting out with cell phones. At $62 (or $2 per month with financing), it’s also our cheapest option. You do get a very basic 5MP front-facing camera to capture videos and photos. But what you’re mostly paying for with the Cellular Verve Snap is a device that allows you to talk and text with friends and family without any of the hassles you might run into with a smartphone.

    Please scroll to the right for more info.
    Pros
    • Very low price
    • Big, easy-to-use keypad
    • Bright display for weak eyes
    • Pretty good battery life
    • Two screens (external and internal)
    • 5% AARP discount on monthly Consumer Cellular plans
    Cons
    • No Wi-Fi or data
    • Very basic camera

    Best Carrier to Pair It With

    It’s true, the Cellular Verve Snap is only available through Consumer Cellular. But for older adults on a budget, this might be a boon in disguise. When we reviewed Consumer Cellular’s senior plans, we found budget talk and text options starting at $15 per month. (Take another 5 percent off if you’re an AARP member.) And there are no contracts or cancellation fees. If you want to make your Cellular Verve Snap price tag all but disappear, consider financing. You can grab a Verve Snap for as little as $2 per month.

    FYI:

    FYI: Can’t live without Wi-Fi? Consumer Cellular also sells Wi-Fi-ready tablets. The GrandPad ($149) is the perfect companion to your Cellular Verve Snap cell phone with its extra-big screen for watching and shooting family videos and pics. Check out our Consumer Cellular review above for more details.

    The Bottom Line

    You aren’t going to be shooting videos for National Geographic with your Consumer Cellular Verve Snap, but you are going to get a cheap, reliable entry-level cell phone without any smart gadgetry to put the whammy on you. Of course, all voice calling and texting will be manual. (There’s no Amazon Alexa hiding out inside your Cellular Verve Snap!) So be prepared to exercise your fingers. If you’re already an AARP member, you can save an additional 5 percent on your monthly Consumer Cellular talk and text plan.

  • 3. Jitterbug Smart3 from Lively
    Jitterbug Smart3 Front

    Jitterbug Smart3 Front

    Overview

    Lively’s Jitterbug Smart3 is a great all-around starter cell phone for seniors ready to take the smartphone plunge. It’s got an even bigger screen (6.2 inches) than the Smart2, for easy reading. It allows for voice typing and video chat. It also comes with map, email, and browsing apps, along with Lively’s trademark Urgent Response button for medical emergencies.

    One of the handiest features we found when testing the Jitterbug Smart3 is its list-based menu, which means you won’t have to go searching anywhere for the apps you use every day. The internet is 4G LTE with great nationwide coverage, courtesy of Verizon, and the Smart3 is fully compatible with hearing aids. In fact, it’s one our top cell phone picks for seniors with hearing loss.

    Senior Savings Tip:

    Senior Savings Tip: Lively runs seasonal promotions throughout the year to help you save even more. Keep your eyes peeled for these deals as you shop!

    Budgetwise, at $149.99, the Smart3 has a nice price tag. You can make your savings go even further when you pair your Smart3 with a Lively Talk & Text plan, which starts at $14.99 per month.

    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
    Please scroll to the right for more info.
    Pros
    • Giant 6.2-inch screen for easy reading
    • Voice typing and video chat
    • Apps list for easy navigation
    • Medical emergency button
    • Internet access (Wi-Fi and data)
    • Above-average battery life
    Cons
    • Extra cost for 5Star Urgent Response
    • No option to download apps from Google Play

    Best Carrier to Pair It With

    If you choose a Jitterbug Smart3, you can’t use it with, say, AT&T. You’ll have to pair it with a Lively plan. Is this a problem? We don’t think so. Like T-Mobile, Lively’s senior cellular plans are truly aimed at older folks on fixed incomes. If 300 minutes of talk time per month is enough, you can get started for as little as $14.99 per month. For just $5 more, you can take advantage of Lively’s Unlimited Talk & Text plan.

    Senior Safety Tip:

    Senior Safety Tip: You don’t need to be housebound to benefit from a medical alert button on your phone. In fact, many active older adults use medical alert buttons too. Check out our complete guide to medical alert systems to learn more about how medical alerts work and how much the top brands cost.

    Many older folks these days are also looking for cell phone plans with data to stay connected to friends and family, especially since the pandemic has made face-to-face meetings impossible for a lot of seniors.2 Lively is a good bargain here too, with data packages starting at $2.49 per month.

    The Bottom Line

    In many ways, the Lively Smart3 is the perfect first smartphone for older adults. It combines the best exclusively senior features — big screen, easy interface, hearing aid compatibility, and medical alert button — with basic Android apps to help you stay connected with loved ones. The $149.99 price tag is competitive, and Lively Talk & Text plans are among the cheapest on the market, even if you add on 500 MB of data per month.

  • 4. Sonim XP5s
    Sonim XP5s

    Sonim XP5s

    Overview

    At $339, the Sonim XP5s is a premium brick-style phone for older adults whose idea of a cell phone is a rugged workhorse minus the gadgetry. And the XP5s is a workhorse. You can drop this phone, spill liquid on it, or cover it in sand, and it will literally keep on ticking, making it a great companion for older folks with a house full of chocolate-coated grandkids or for loved ones with unstable grips.

    Ruggedness aside, the Sonim XP5s also has exceptional HD calling quality and excellent coverage — via AT&T, Sprint, or even a discount Consumer Cellular plan (more on that below) — and comes with a generous three-year warranty.

    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    Above Average Excellent Above Average Average
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    Pros
    • Military-grade durability
    • Excellent call quality with noise suppression
    • Good coverage in rural areas
    • M3/T4 hearing aid compatibility
    • Voice dialing and voice commands
    • Generous three-year warranty
    Cons
    • Smallish screen
    • Dicey browser

    Best Carrier to Pair It With

    You can use your Sonim XP5s with most major cellular carriers, but we recommend pairing yours with one of AT&T’s senior-friendly plans. If you are 55+ and living in Florida, you can sign up for the AT&T Unlimited 55+ plan, starting at $40 per line with two lines. If you don’t live in Florida but still need data to stay connected, a basic AT&T Unlimited Starter plan is $35 per month.

    Senior Tech Tip:

    Senior Tech Tip: You might not be able to do much browsing on your Sonim XP5s, but you can use your Sonim to connect up to 10 devices (including laptops and tablets) to the internet using its mobile hotspot technology.

    The Bottom Line

    The Sonim XP5s is a tank of a phone that you wouldn’t be able to break if you tried (but don’t try). That durability comes with a higher price tag ($399 upfront) than your average flip phone, but it also means your Sonim should last you longer. The XP5s doesn’t have the app variety or screen size of a Samsung Galaxy A11, so this phone is primarily for talking and messaging, but not necessarily surfing the web (even though you can). The sound quality is exceptionally good, and the coverage is way above average, even in rural areas.

  • 5. Jitterbug Flip2 from Lively
    Jitterbug Flip2 Gray

    Jitterbug Flip2 Gray

    Overview

    Smartphones aren’t for everyone. If you’re ditching the touch screen for the big buttons, now you can at least do it in style with the Jitterbug Flip2. At $99.99, the affordable Flip2 keeps things easy with a convenient list-based menu, large screen, and magnifier for enlarging text. Voice calling and texting with Amazon Alexa will also be a serious relief for older folks whose fingers and eyes tire easily. And fear not, the Flip2 does have a basic camera for family snapshots and a heavy-duty speaker catered to older ears. To learn more about the Flip2’s accessibility features, check out our complete Jitterbug Flip2 review.

    Did You Know?

    Did You Know? About 36 million older Americans (65 and over) suffer a fall every year, and 20 percent of those falls are serious.3 Safety features like Lively’s Urgent Response button can provide the help you need after a fall or other emergency.

    Importantly, the Flip2 doubles as a medical emergency device. Press the red Urgent Response button at the bottom and you’re connected instantly to Lively’s board-certified medical staff at any hour of the day. Just keep in mind that this is an extra service with its own $19.99 monthly fee.

    Ease of use Equipment Service & Response Features & Tech Pricing
    Excellent Excellent Excellent Excellent
    Please scroll to the right for more info.
    Pros
    • Very easy to use and grip
    • Convenient list-based menu
    • Long-lasting battery
    • Magnifier to enlarge text
    • Speaker designed for older ears
    • Urgent Response button
    • Built-in Amazon Alexa
    Cons
    • 5Star Urgent Response service not included
    • Basic camera

    Best Carrier to Pair It With

    While you don’t get the leeway to choose your carrier for the Lively Jitterbug Flip2 like you would with a Sonim XP5s or a Samsung Galaxy A11, you do get the benefit of an affordable monthly bill and a bargain phone made for seniors. To put that into context, the Jitterbug Flip2 is only $99.99. Lively senior plans start at $14.99 per month. Not bad at all.

    The Bottom Line

    The Jitterbug Flip2 is one of the easiest cell phones we’ve tested, and it didn’t get that way by accident. A lot of thought went into the Flip2’s easy-to-use menu and buttons. For older adults who live with chronic medical conditions, the Flip2’s Urgent Response button can literally be a lifesaver, giving instant access to certified healthcare professionals 24/7. When you consider its $99.99 price tag, you can see why this is one of the most popular phones on the market today for those 65 and over who want to keep things simple.

How We Chose the Best Android Phones for Seniors

We didn’t pick our top Android cell phones out of a hat. We were looking for specific criteria.

  • Designed for seniors: To make the cut, our Android phones had to either be designed specifically for seniors or come equipped with features suited to older adults. Accessibility features are obviously important here, but so are durability, battery life, and, in some cases, the apps that keep older folks connected on the go.
  • Best value for money: Affordability is high on our list, but when we chose our top Androids, quality was just as important.
  • Flexible payment options: Many older adults are looking for contract-free plans, installment options, and the ability to choose their carriers. With the exception of a few phones that can only be used with specific carriers, our top Android phones offer that flexibility.
  • Tried and tested: We don’t just write about the phones we recommend to you; we test them thoroughly. And we don’t just report our experiences either. We talk to the seniors who depend on them every day to stay connected.

Frequently Asked Questions About Android Phones for Seniors

Written By

Taylor Shuman

Senior Tech Expert & Editor

For over five years, Taylor has been writing, editing, and researching products and services covering topics such as senior care and technology, internet and the digital divide, TV and entertainment, and education. Her work has been cited by publications such as Forbes,… Learn More About Taylor Shuman