The Best Android Phones for Seniors
The IRIS Easy Flip from Consumer Cellular is our top pick for Android phones, thanks to its affordability and simple design.
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- Inexpensive flip phone
- Plenty of apps
- Unique features: Large keypad and voice assistant for ease of use
- Affordable smartphone
- App list for easy navigation
- Unique features: Medical alert and wellness features
- Multiple plans for any budget
- Built-in apps from Google
- Unique features: Voice dialing and voice commands for accessibility
- Easy-to-use flip phone
- Large buttons
- Health and safety features
- Extra-long battery life
- High-quality camera for crystal clear photos
- One of the most affordable high-end smartphones on the market
Our senior tech experts researched and tested the best Android phones and pared down the list to our top picks for seniors.
Our senior tech experts researched and tested the best Android phones and pared down the list to our top picks for seniors.
Learn MoreContents
Android phones are generally easy to use — the UI and OS (user interface and operating system) are clean and user-friendly. They also have price points for most budgets (from $59 to $569, at least on our list). That’s a big plus for seniors on fixed incomes. If you’re not totally on board with using a smartphone yet, Androids come in many basic models that keep the tricky stuff to a minimum. These include flip phones and starter smartphones designed for older users.
As SeniorLiving.org’s resident tech expert, I’ve reviewed and tested the industry’s best cell phones for seniors to help you find the Android model that’s right for you. Ultimately, my tech team and I picked the IRIS Easy Flip from Consumer Cellular as our pick for the best Android phone for seniors because it is very affordable, easy to use, and offers solid battery life.
Consumer Cellular's IRIS Easy Flip is our top pick for Android phones for seniors.
Our Top 5 Android Phones for Seniors
Our Methodology: How We Chose and Tested the Best Android Phones for Seniors
My grandma making a call on the Jitterbug Smart4
How We Tested the Phones
We didn’t pick our top Android cell phones out of a hat. My team of tech experts and I spent over 100 hours testing our top picks. Here are the steps we followed during our hands-on testing with each phone:
- We researched the top Android phones for seniors, focusing on those with features that appeal to the needs of older adults. We looked through websites, spoke with customer service reps, and ordered our top picks.
- After we received each phone, we tested it and took notes on the experience for a week. I recruited my grandma to help me with testing whenever possible, which provided better insight into the pros and cons of each phone for seniors.
- We evaluated each phone’s value, design, accessibility features, usability, size, battery life, plan options, and other senior-friendly features to create our ranked results.
How We Chose the Best Android Phones for Seniors
During research and testing, we looked for specific criteria.
- Designed for seniors: Android phones had to be designed specifically for seniors or include features suited to older adults to make our list. Accessibility features are critical, but so are durability, battery life, and, in some cases, the apps that keep older folks connected on the go.
- Best value: Affordability is high on our list, but quality is just as important. You’ll find phones for most budgets, ranging from $69 to $569.
- Flexible payment options: Many older adults are looking for contract-free plans, installment options, and the ability to choose their carriers. Except for a few phones that only work with specific companies, our top Android phones offer flexibility.
- Tried and tested: We don’t just write about the phones we recommend; we test them thoroughly. And we don’t just report our experiences either. We talk to the seniors who depend on them daily to stay connected.
We also examined three specific categories to help us explain how and why each phone made our list. That said, we also considered potential drawbacks for seniors. You’ll see the criteria discussed for each phone below. The design should help navigate the complexities of comparing phones.
- Best carrier to pair it with: Even if you find a phone model you like, it’s not always easy to pair it with a carrier that works for you. We focus on phones available through carriers designed for seniors, such as Consumer Cellular and Lively. We also include companies with the best senior cell phone plans and nationwide coverage, such as T-Mobile and AT&T. Depending on your budget, location, and personal preferences, one carrier may work better for you than others.
- Senior-friendly experience: It’s easy to list features seniors love, such as hearing-aid compatibility and emergency-response buttons. However, it’s not the easiest to guess how real seniors feel using the device. That’s why my grandma and I spent hours using each phone we considered for this list. We then discussed the things we liked and disliked about our experience. We also reached out to other seniors who had experience with the phones to get their input.
- Who’s it best for? You may feel drawn to more than one phone, making it difficult to narrow down your options. Using our research and experiences, we considered the types of seniors who would most likely benefit from each phone. That way, you can find a phone that matches your general needs and interests!
Why Trust Us
Our senior tech experts try out the latest products for older adults. We’ve spent hundreds of hours testing and reviewing cell phones and plans for seniors. We consult with older adults to learn about their personal experiences with different phone models, including what they liked and disliked.
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1. IRIS Easy Flip from Consumer Cellular - Most affordable
What we like most
- Inexpensive flip phone
- Plenty of apps
- Unique features: Large keypad and voice assistant for ease of use
IRIS Easy Flip from Consumer CellularOverview:Overview
Testing out the IRIS Easy Flip from Consumer Cellular
The Consumer Cellular IRIS Easy Flip is one of the most stripped-down cell phones on this list, making it a good choice for older adults just starting with cell phones. At $59, it’s also the cheapest option. You get an average 5 MP front-facing camera to capture videos and photos. What you’re mostly paying for with the Cellular IRIS Easy Flip, however, is a device that allows you to talk and text with friends and family without the complexity of a smartphone.
FYI: Taking your first steps into 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 available.
I was happy to see how Consumer Cellular has improved upon the features of its previous flip phone model, the Verve Snap. Both the internal and external screens are oversized. It also includes features that make it closer to a smartphone, like the Sonim XP10. I could download apps via the built-in app store, browse the internet, and use GPS navigation. The features can help bridge the gap between old-school flip phones and high-end smartphones, and they make the IRIS Easy Flip feel more advanced than the comparatively simplistic Jitterbug Flip2.
Pros & Cons:Pros About IRIS Easy Flip from Consumer Cellular
- Extremely low price
- Wi-Fi and GPS
- Built-in app store
- Big, easy-to-use keypad
- Bright display for people with vision loss
- Good battery life
Cons About IRIS Easy Flip from Consumer Cellular
- Very basic camera
- Slow processing speeds with 1 GB of RAM
Our Hands-on Experience:Best Carrier to Pair It With
The IRIS Easy Flip is available only through Consumer Cellular. For older adults on a budget, that may be a blessing in disguise. Consumer Cellular’s plans offer budget talk, text, and data starting at $20 per month. (You can take another 5 percent off as an AARP member.) There are also no contracts or cancellation fees. Not only does the IRIS Easy Flip cost just $69, but you can also finance your purchase for $2 per month by using EasyPay at checkout.
FYI: Want an even bigger screen? Check out our hands-on GrandPad review for more details.
The IRIS Easy Flip offers only 4G speeds, while some of the smartphones on our list are 5G-ready. I still experienced reliable coverage while using the IRIS Easy Flip at home and on vacation with my friends, so the 4G speeds were sufficient. Consumer Cellular uses both AT&T and T-Mobile networks to offer more widespread coverage. Still, if you’re looking for the fastest speeds, you may want to consider a 5G smartphone like the Samsung Galaxy A15.
Using the Kai Virtual Assistant on Consumer Cellular's IRIS Flip
Senior-Friendly Experience
My grandma and I are very comfortable using flip phones, and we found that the IRIS Easy Flip was a welcome change from other models we’ve tested. The IRIS Easy Flip feels like a good middle ground between a flip phone and a smartphone, even if its “advanced” features are sparse. My grandma was excited to enjoy the comfort of a flip phone with access to mobile apps, but the lack of familiar apps disappointed her. We could still download apps like Facebook and YouTube, but the wider selection was limited.
» Related Reading: 2024 Consumer Cellular Review
We agreed that the IRIS Easy Flip works well as a flip phone, with large buttons and an easy-to-read screen, but we don’t consider it a worthy replacement for a smartphone. The 1 GB of RAM means browsing the internet or using GPS navigation was pretty slow, even when we had strong 4G LTE coverage or fast Wi-Fi.
Who’s It Best For?
Consumer Cellular’s IRIS Easy Flip is best for:
- People who need an affordable phone for texting, calling, and taking pictures
- Seniors who want a flip phone that offers a little bit extra
- OIder adults who don’t want a smartphone but still want to use mobile apps
- Those who want a flip phone with GPS navigation
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2. Jitterbug Smart4 from Lively - Best Android smartphone with medical alert features
What we like most
- Affordable smartphone
- App list for easy navigation
- Unique features: Medical alert and wellness features
Jitterbug Smart4 from LivelyOverview:
My grandma trying out the Jitterbug Smart4
Overview
Lively’s Jitterbug Smart4 is a solid starter cell phone for seniors ready to take the smartphone plunge. It’s got an even bigger screen (6.75 inches) than Lively’s previous models, making reading small text and watching videos effortless. I used the phone’s voice assistant to text, make calls, and browse the web. It made navigating the phone a breeze! The Smart4 also comes with GPS, email, browsers, and Lively’s trademark Urgent Response button for medical emergencies (more on that later).
The list-based menu was one of the handiest features I found while testing the Jitterbug Smart4. My grandma and I didn’t have to search anywhere for the apps we use every day. It took us a while to figure out how to navigate the IRIS Easy Flip’s various features. Some features were in a list-based menu, while others were in different locations. That could confuse even less tech-savvy seniors, so I’m a big fan of the Smart4’s simplicity! The smartphone also has a 4G LTE connection with great nationwide coverage, courtesy of Verizon, and it’s compatible with hearing aids.
» Learn More: Best Cell Phones for Hearing-Impaired Seniors
At $120, the Jitterbug Smart4 has an affordable price tag for a smartphone. That’s $450 cheaper than the Sonim XP10, another entry on our list. You can make your savings go even further when you pair your Smart4 with a Basic plan, which offers unlimited talk and text for $19.99 per month. You’ll also need to add a data plan starting at $5 for 1 GB.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Jitterbug Smart4 from Lively
- Large 6.75-inch screen for easy reading
- Voice typing and video chat
- Apps list for easy navigation
- Medical emergency button
- Internet access (Wi-Fi and data)
- Option to download apps from the Google Play Store
Cons About Jitterbug Smart4 from Lively
- Extra cost for Urgent Response access
- The phone can be laggy
Summary:Best Carrier to Pair It With
If you choose a Jitterbug Smart4, you can’t use it with, for example, AT&T. You’ll have to pair it with a Lively plan. Is that a problem? I don’t think so. Like Consumer Cellular, Lively’s cell phone plans are designed for older folks on fixed incomes. If a simple unlimited-talk-and-text plan is enough for you, you can get started for as little as $19.99 per month. If you want to take advantage of Lively’s health and safety features, try upgrading to the Preferred ($39.99 per month) or Premium ($49.99 per month) plans. Lively is a good bargain for data, with packages starting at $5 monthly.
Senior-Friendly Experience
The Jitterbug Smart4 is one of the most senior-friendly smartphones on the market. My grandma liked that she could pick up the phone and easily navigate the simple, list-style menu. It’s easy to use but still gives you the benefits of a large touch screen, voice typing, video chat, mobile apps, and internet browsing.
» Related Reading: Jitterbug Phone Review
We noticed a difference between the Jitterbug Smart4 and the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G regarding speed and processing. The Galaxy A15 is not the fastest smartphone, yet substantially faster than the Jitterbug Smart4. The Smart4’s interface can feel clunky and slow. My grandma and I agreed that the phone takes too long to react when clicking an app icon or menu item.
While not terrible, the camera didn’t fully deliver on image quality. The 13 MP main camera is still good enough to take relatively clear photos and videos, especially in good lighting. The Smart4’s cameras surpass the previous incarnations in performance, including the Smart3.
Photo taken on the Jitterbug Smart4
The beauty of the Jitterbug Smart4 is the potential to use your phone as an emergency-response system. You get an all-in-one emergency-response device if you’re willing to splurge for the Preferred or Premium plan. The Smart4 has a large, red Urgent Response button you can press at any time to receive help after a fall or other emergency. We tested the Urgent Response button and connected with an agent in less than 20 seconds.
Lively's Urgent Response button is clearly displayed on the home and lock screen
The phone offers other health and safety features, like on-call nurses, a caregiver mobile app, and scheduled Lyft rides. The features are unique — you won’t find them with most other phones. The caregiver mobile app was one of my favorite features. It offered updates on the Smart4 and allowed me to track my grandma’s location, whether at home, out shopping, or at her book club.
» For Unlimited Data: Best senior unlimited cell phone plans
Who’s It Best For?
I’d recommend the Jitterbug Smart4 to:
- Seniors who want a basic smartphone
- Older adults who want a phone and emergency-response device
- Seniors who like the simplicity of a list-style menu
- Those who don’t mind having a mediocre camera
- Family members want to keep track of their loved ones and receive status updates
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3. Sonim XP10 - Most durable
What we like most
- Multiple plans for any budget
- Built-in apps from Google
- Unique features: Voice dialing and voice commands for accessibility
Sonim XP10Overview:
Sonim XP10
Overview
At $569.99, the Sonim XP10 is a 5G smartphone for older adults who want a rugged workhorse minus the gadgetry. You can drop it, spill liquid on it, or cover it in sand, and it will keep ticking. That makes it a great companion for older folks with a house full of chocolate-coated grandkids or those with unstable grips. I am prone to dropping my phone at the worst times — while in the bathroom, for example — so I’m a big fan of these rugged features!
The touch screen is even designed to work with gloved or wet hands. I could answer a call while washing my hands without drying them first during testing. I also took the phone on a cold walk while wearing gloves, and I could still navigate without issue! That’s unique since most smartphones I’ve tested aren’t designed that way.
» You Might Like: Best 5G Phones for Seniors
Ruggedness aside, the Sonim XP10 has great HD calling quality and excellent coverage via AT&T, Sprint, or a discount Consumer Cellular plan. It also comes with a generous three-year warranty.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Sonim XP10
- Military-grade durability
- Excellent call quality with noise suppression
- M3/T4 hearing aid compatibility
- Voice dialing and voice commands
- Generous three-year warranty
Cons About Sonim XP10
- Smallish screen
- Older processor slows down performance
Our Hands-on Experience:Best Carrier to Pair It With
You can use your Sonim XP10 with most major cellular carriers. I recommend pairing it with AT&T’s senior-friendly plans. If you’re 55 or older and live in Florida, you can sign up for the AT&T Unlimited 55+ plan, which starts at $62 monthly for one line. I was disappointed that AT&T doesn’t offer a nationwide senior plan like T-Mobile. AT&T still has worthwhile options for people outside Florida, such as the basic AT&T Unlimited Starter plan, which starts at $65.99 monthly. I recommend signing up with other family members, as the price per line decreases the more lines you add. If you finance your phone through AT&T, you can pay as little as $15.84 monthly with no interest.
» For Couples: Best 2-line cell phone plans for seniors
I’ve been an AT&T customer since I purchased my first cell phone eons ago, and I’m a big fan of the service. It’s reliable, and I’ve had great experience with customer service, both in person and over the phone. One drawback is that AT&T has less reliable coverage in rural or remote areas. I went camping with some friends who had Verizon, and they had coverage in places where I had no service. It won’t be an issue for people living in or near cities, but it’s something to note.
Senior-Friendly Experience
The Sonim XP10 is all about rugged durability. It’s great if you occasionally drop your phone, but it also has a few noticeable drawbacks for seniors. My grandma doesn’t like holding heavy phones because of her arthritis. The Sonim XP10 weighs a whopping 11.3 ounces. That may not sound like much — it’s still less than a pound — but that’s surprisingly hefty. Compared to the Jitterbug Smart4 (6.72 ounces) or the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G (7.02 ounces), the Sonim XP10 can feel like a brick. My grandma preferred resting the phone in her lap while browsing or texting. She held it up just to answer calls or take photos. That may be a drawback for seniors who struggle to hold objects for extended periods.
The Sonim XP10’s interface looks and operates similarly to the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G. The XP10 uses Android 12, while the Galaxy A15 uses Android 14. That means the Sonim smartphone is a bit slower and, in theory, more susceptible to cybersecurity risks that could lead to identity theft. I didn’t find any noticeable differences in performance between the two phones, but there were moments when browsing the internet on the XP10 was slower than expected. The screen size is also a little disappointing, at just 5.5 inches (2 inches smaller than the Smart4), but it’s much larger than the screens on flip phones like the IRIS Easy Flip and Jitterbug Flip2.
» Learn About: Highest-Ranked Identity Theft Protection for Seniors
The Sonim XP10 also has a very loud speaker that’s 5 dB louder than its predecessor. That makes it an excellent choice for older adults with mild hearing loss.
Who’s It Best For?
The Sonim XP10 is my pick for:
- Seniors who want a strong, durable smartphone
- Older adults who worry about dropping or damaging their smartphones
- Seniors who want access to email, internet browsing, and mobile apps
- People who like a phone that can withstand the elements
- Those with mild hearing loss who want an extra-loud speaker
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4. Jitterbug Flip2 from Lively - Easiest-to-use flip phone
What we like most
- Easy-to-use flip phone
- Large buttons
- Health and safety features
Jitterbug Flip2 from LivelyOverview:
Testing out the Jitterbug Flip2
Overview
Smartphones aren’t for everyone. If you prefer a big-button flip phone, the Jitterbug Flip2 is a fabulous choice. At $80, the affordable Flip2 keeps things easy with a convenient list-based menu, a large screen, and a magnifier for enlarging text. Voice navigation with Amazon Alexa will also be a relief for older folks whose fingers tire easily. I could send texts and make calls with just the sound of my voice — no buttons required! The Flip2 has a basic camera for family snapshots. The 8 MP camera was slightly better than the IRIS Easy Flip’s 5 MP camera, but it’s nothing to write home about. The phone also has a heavy-duty speaker catered to older ears.
Did You Know? About 36 million Americans 65 or over suffer a fall every year, and 20 percent of the falls are serious. Safety features like Lively’s Urgent Response button can provide the help you need after a fall or other emergency.
The Flip2 doubles as a medical emergency device. Like the Smart4, I pressed the red Urgent Response button at the bottom to connect with Lively’s board-certified medical staff. They’re available 24/7 to assist with emergencies. I found they were always patient and kind! The service is available only with the Preferred and Premium phone plans, which respectively cost $39.99 to $49.99 per month.
» Also Check Out: Jitterbug Flip2 Phone Review
Pros & Cons:Pros About Jitterbug Flip2 from Lively
- 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 About Jitterbug Flip2 from Lively
- Urgent Response service requires more expensive phone plan
- Basic camera
- No option to download apps from Google Play
Our Hands-on Experience:Best Carrier to Pair It With
You won’t get the leeway to choose your carrier for the Flip2 like you would with a Sonim XP10 or a Samsung Galaxy A15 5G. But you get the benefit of an affordable monthly bill and a bargain phone made for seniors. The Jitterbug Flip2 is only $80, and Lively phone plans start at $19.99 monthly, similar to Consumer Cellular. Lively’s health and safety services really set it apart from other carriers. If you’re interested in that, I highly recommend going with Lively.
» Related Reading: Best flip phones for seniors
Senior-Friendly Experience
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. Much like the Smart4, it has a simple list-based menu that was a no-brainer for my grandma and me to navigate. The phone’s keypad has large buttons that are easy to see and press.
The Jitterbug Flip2’s Urgent Response button is a lifesaver for older adults with chronic medical conditions, giving instant access to certified healthcare professionals 24/7. Lively’s health and safety features, including on-call nurses and caregiver tracking, gave me extra peace of mind. My grandma was also thankful that she could call for help with one press of a button, something you can’t do with most other phones on our list. Considering the affordable $80 price tag, you can see why it’s one of the most popular phones for older adults who want to keep things simple.
The Lively Flip keypad and Urgent Response button
My grandma and I sat down with the Jitterbug Flip2 and compared it apples to apples with the only other flip phone on this list: the IRIS Easy Flip. The IRIS Easy Flip is $40 cheaper, has internet access, and offers access to mobile apps. The Jitterbug Flip2 has a simpler list-style menu and emergency-response features (with select plans). The IRIS Easy Flip has more bang for your buck, but the Jitterbug Flip2 is easier to use and stellar for seniors who want 24/7 medical alert protection.
Who’s It Best For?
The Jitterbug Flip2 is my top choice for:
- Seniors who want an easy-to-use flip phone
- Older adults who don’t need all the bells and whistles of a smartphone
- Seniors who want emergency-response features
- Those who want a small yet durable phone
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5. Samsung Galaxy A15 5G from T-Mobile - Best camera and app experience
What we like most
- Extra-long battery life
- High-quality camera for crystal clear photos
- One of the most affordable high-end smartphones on the market
Overview:
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Overview
If you’re looking for a mid-to-high-end smartphone on a budget, you can’t go wrong with the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G. I found it extremely easy to use during my testing. I could access all the apps in the Google Play Store and features smartphone users have grown accustomed to, such as a high-end camera, responsive touch screen, large display, and face recognition to unlock your phone.
What I like about the Galaxy A15 5G is its oversized, brightly lit display and long battery life. Even when using the phone regularly throughout the day (with the brightness turned way up), the phone kept chugging along without needing a fresh charge. The Galaxy A15 5G boasts 44 hours of talk time and up to 16 days of battery life in standby mode (for example, when it’s turned on but you’re not actively using it).
If you’re already comfortable using an Android phone, the Galaxy A15 5G is like a breath of fresh air. As the name implies, it’s 5G-ready. You can enjoy lightning-fast speeds, especially if you choose a nationwide carrier like T-Mobile. Did I mention the Galaxy A15’s camera system? It has a 50 MP rear-facing camera and a 13 MP front-facing camera. In simpler terms, I could easily take crisp, clear, high-definition photos and videos. It’s the best camera on our list by a long shot!
Pros & Cons:Pros About Samsung Galaxy A15 5G from T-Mobile
- 6.5-inch FHD+ screen
- Clean interface with built-in Google apps
- High-end 50 MP camera
- Excellent battery life
- Face recognition
- Android 14 operating system
- Wireless charging
Cons About Samsung Galaxy A15 5G from T-Mobile
- 4 GB of RAM means the interface is a bit slower
- Not water- or dust-resistant
Our Hands-on Experience:Best Carrier to Pair It With
T-Mobile’s Unlimited 55+ phone plans are one of my top picks for seniors, and I recommend pairing your Samsung Galaxy A15 5G with one. They’re all contract-free and offer unlimited talk, text, and data for as little as $40 per month for one line. I could get the Galaxy A15 5G for free by adding a new line or trading in an eligible phone. That’s why the phone also made our list of the best free phones for seniors!
» Even More Info: T-Mobile 55+ Cell Phone Plans Review
Even if you don’t want to use T-Mobile, the Galaxy A15 5G is a good midrange option at $199.99 (although you can find it for cheaper at various retailers). If you’re looking for a bargain-basement prepaid plan, I recommend checking out Mint Mobile. Mint’s no-nonsense cellular plans start at $15 monthly. You won’t get many of my favorite perks offered by T-Mobile, though, such as in-flight Wi-Fi and international data.
Senior-Friendly Experience
My grandma and I tested the Galaxy A15 5G together to get hands-on experience with how it feels in senior hands. Right off the bat, she loved the big, bright screen. Even when she held the phone at arm’s length, she could read average-size text, which surprised us both. This phone could be a great pick if you have vision loss. I also liked that the Galaxy A15 5G offers wireless charging.
» Also Check Out: Smartphone Apps and Resources for People With Vision Loss
The Android 14 operating system felt like a big step up from some of its predecessors, and it’s certainly faster than Jitterbug Smart4’s operating system. That said, the phone has only 4 GB of RAM. That’s about half as much as in most mid- to high-tier Samsung phones. That means the phone gets sluggish if you do too much at once. Switching between data- or energy-heavy apps made the experience a bit frustrating. We had to wait a few seconds for the screen to change. Despite that issue, my grandma and I loved taking photos and videos with the exceptional camera.
Pro Tip: Do you want the predictability of a prepaid plan? Check out our guide to the best prepaid phone plans for seniors.
Who’s It Best For?
I’d recommend the Galaxy A15 5G to:
- Seniors with experience using Android smartphones
- OIder adults who want to enjoy a full range of mobile apps
- Those who need a high-quality camera
- Seniors who are not as concerned about having a durable, water-resistant phone
Android vs. Apple Phones
Android phones and Apple iPhones offer many similar features, but the designs and interfaces vary greatly. Android phones are generally known for being more affordable and offering a wider variety of phone models (including old-school flip phones and smartphones). However, the diversity of Android models can sometimes make the setup and troubleshooting more complex, requiring patience and familiarity with new technology.
Did You Know? 83 percent of adults between the ages of 50 and 64 own a smartphone.
Apple iPhones, on the other hand, provide a more consistent user experience, regardless of the model. This makes it easier for someone who has used an iPhone before to pick up a completely different iPhone model and already know how to use it.
iPhones are also known for their extensive health and accessibility features (though Android’s features are admirable, too), which are great for older adults and their caregivers. That said, iPhones are all advanced smartphones (i.e. no flip phones), and they are usually more expensive than many Android alternatives. Choosing between Android and Apple phones often comes down to balancing your budget with your familiarity with different systems and your need for specific features.
Most Important Android Phone Features for Seniors
After hundreds of hours using Android phones and speaking with seniors about their needs, we identified a few key features that enhance accessibility and ease of use for older adults. When shopping for Android phones, look for:
- Large, hi-resolution displays that put less strain on the eyes
- Simple interfaces that make it easy to navigate from one screen to the next
- Voice assistants or voice-activation features that enable users to make calls, send texts, or set reminders with simple voice commands
- Loud speakers and hearing aid compatibility for those with hearing loss
- Long battery life so that users don’t have to plug their phones in every few hours
FYI: Despite some concerns about privacy and cybersecurity, research indicates that cell phone usage can improve quality of life, increase social engagement, and decrease levels of depression among older adults.
More Cell Phone Resources for Seniors
If you’re looking for a certain type of cell phone or just want to compare your options check out our resources below. We’ve tested cell phones for many different needs:
Frequently Asked Questions About Android Phones for Seniors
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Are Android phones less expensive than iPhones?
Generally speaking, Android phones are cheaper than iPhones.
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What is the simplest Android phone for seniors?
The Jitterbug Flip2 is the simplest Android phone for older adults. With large buttons, a flip-phone design, and list-style menus, it is a simple Android phone for seniors who just want something easy to use.
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Can I download apps to my Lively Jitterbug Smart4 or Flip2?
You can’t download apps on the Jitterbug Flip2. The Jitterbug Smart4, on the other hand, offers internet access, and you can download apps from the Google Play store.
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Do I need a smartphone?
You don’t need a smartphone if you just want to make calls and send texts. If you plan to do a lot of video chatting, checking email, or surfing the web, however, a Wi-Fi-ready smartphone is probably your best bet.
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Can I transfer my current phone number to my new phone if it’s locked into a carrier?
Most carriers allow you to bring your current phone number when you sign up, but you may have to pay off the phone or finish a contract if it’s locked in with another carrier.
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Is it better to order my Android cell phone online or to buy it in a store?
Ordering online may save money, especially during promotions like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Pew Research Center. (2022). Share of those 65 and older who are tech users has grown in the past decade.