The Best Free Phones for Seniors in 2025

Google Pixel 10 Pro

Google has been steadily improving its smartphone lineup since the first Google Pixel phone was released in 2016. The Google Pixel 10 Pro is among their best phones yet. It looks and feels durable, with a 6.3-inch screen — larger than the iPhone 16 (just 6.1 inches).

But the Google Pixel 10 Pro does more than deliver a heavy-duty phone with a big screen. It also offers up to 3,300 nits of brightness, making it a stellar phone for seniors with vision loss. The camera is among the best of any smartphone currently on the market, delivering high-quality 4K and even 8K resolution videos.

How to Get a Free Google Pixel 10 Pro

The Google Pixel 10 Pro is a workhorse smartphone. Even better, getting a free Google Pixel 10 Pro is straightforward. You can get it through AT&T’s website or by contacting an AT&T representative by phone.

Our tech team took the online route. We needed to trade in an older Google Pixel phone or any eligible smartphone with a trade-in value of $35 or more. It offered us $1,050 of credit to cover the cost of the phone, which is allocated over 36 months.

You must purchase an unlimited plan that costs at least $75.99 per month (if you’re new to AT&T). Existing AT&T customers can keep their existing unlimited plan and still take advantage of the deal.

» Check Out: Best senior unlimited cell phone plans

We traded in an Apple iPhone 13 that had been used for several years and got the full $1,050 credit. AT&T claims you can receive the credit with any Google Pixel phone, regardless of condition. However, if you’re trading in a smartphone from a different manufacturer, it must be in working condition and meet a few basic criteria.

We initiated the process and signed up for the AT&T Unlimited Extra EL plan, which starts at $75.99 per month. We also had to pay a $35 activation fee for the new phone and plan, the same fee we had to pay with Verizon.

For the trade-in, AT&T sent us a prepaid shipping label, so we could mail our old phone. We could also visit an AT&T store to do everything in person, but we appreciate the ability to do everything from the comfort of our couch! A few days later, we received our free Google Pixel 10 Pro in the mail, complete with an eSIM card and instructions for how to set everything up.

Usability

The Google Pixel 10 Pro is a solid choice for seniors. The battery is nothing special. It can’t compete with the Galaxy A15 5G or the iPhone 16. Fortunately, the advanced camera system and virtual assistant tech won’t drain your battery much. Android lovers will appreciate the Google interface, which includes voice assistance and control.

As you shop for your free phone, consider how and where you’ll use it. If you’re looking for a phone with a lightning-fast interface, the Google Pixel 10 Pro is a solid fit. Its processing power is equal to the iPhone 16 and other high-end smartphones.

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We enjoyed using the Google Pixel 10 Pro. The Android system was easy to use and similar to other models we’ve tried, like the Galaxy A15 5G. Google has replaced its old Google Assistant with Google Gemini, and AT&T gave us one free year of Google Gemini Advanced. Gemini Advanced can follow complex voice commands, help organize files, and even explain elements within pictures and videos.

While the battery only lasts for about 16 hours with mixed-to-heavy usage, the Google Pixel 10 Pro learns how to optimize power usage based on your phone usage habits. Since we only used the phone for a week, we didn’t get to see just how long the battery could last. Unlike most smartphones, you can expect better battery life after the first few months.

» Useful Guide: Easiest cell phones for seniors to use

Camera Quality

The Google Pixel 10 Pro features an impressive 50 MP main camera, a 48 MP ultrawide lens, and 48 MP 5x telephoto lenses — a significant upgrade from the iPhone 16 and Galaxy A15 5G.

The quality of the photos was incredible. The phone would sometimes experience a slight delay while taking a picture with multiple apps running in the background. Otherwise, we had no issues.

Samsung Galaxy A15 5G

I found that the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G smartphone offers cutting-edge tech with a senior-friendly design. Some older adults may experience eye-related disorders as they age. Around 12 million people in the U.S. aged 40 or older have a vision impairment.1 Fortunately, we didn’t have to squint at a small screen with the A15 5G. Its 6.5-inch display is easy on the eyes and larger than the Google Pixel 10 Pro. Not tech-savvy? No worries. Samsung’s Setup Wizard guided us through the basics of setting up the device.

Even if you’re not interested in a Samsung Galaxy A15 5G, we found nine free smartphones available through Cricket Wireless. Additionally, Cricket requires no annual contracts, credit checks, or hidden fees. That makes Cricket a solid choice for those on a low or fixed income.

How to Get a Free Samsung Galaxy A15 5G

Getting a free phone from Cricket Wireless was simple. All we had to do was bring our phone number and select the eligible monthly plan, which starts at $60 per month. You can choose to keep your current number or get a new number. Either way, you’ll pay a one-time device activation fee of $25.

The plan you must purchase to receive a free phone also varies with the phone you choose. Some phones require only the purchase of a $40 plan when you bring your current number. We’re not big fans of those caveats, but Cricket Wireless displays the details on its website, so there are no surprises at checkout.

» Related Reading: Best Samsung Phones for Seniors

Usability

The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is ideal for older adults who want a user-friendly smartphone with a large enough screen to fight eye strain or fatigue. Individuals with low vision or arthritis can make the most of the virtual assistant feature. With a simple voice command, the assistant could read my texts and notifications, send messages, and set appointment reminders.

Cricket’s network is 5G, and the A15 5G is built to take advantage of those speeds, regardless of the Cricket Wireless plan you choose. Cricket uses AT&T’s network to deliver service, covering over 99 percent of Americans. We tested the phone in an area with strong AT&T coverage, and my Cricket Wireless service was reliable while running errands, visiting friends, and relaxing at home.

We were amazed at how bright and clear the screen was, especially for a free phone. We found it easy to use for texting and receiving calls, and liked the main screen’s simple layout. The home screen features large icons for calling, texting, the camera, and the Google Play Store. As a bonus, the Galaxy A15 5G offers a long battery life — roughly a day and a half of regular usage. We spent a day watching videos, taking photos, making calls, and sending texts, and the battery held strong through it all.

» Helpful Guide: Best voice-activated cell phones for seniors

Camera Quality

Even if you’re willing to shell out a few hundred dollars on a smartphone, finding one with a camera as good as the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is difficult. The rear-facing camera is 50 MP, a slight improvement over the iPhone 16.

I enjoyed taking pictures and recording 1080p videos. I shot photos in the backyard, on a walk, and in the house. They always looked crystal clear, and we had virtually no issues using the camera, even in low-light environments.

» Learn More: Best 5G Phones for Seniors

Motorola razr+ 2025

If you’re like many older adults who miss the days of flip phones but don’t want to give up the conveniences of a modern smartphone, the Motorola razr+ 2025 could be the perfect fit for you. The Motorola razr+ has an enormous 6.9-inch display when fully opened and a separate 4-inch display when closed.

The best part? You can do pretty much anything with the external display that you could with the phone fully opened — including making video calls, using most apps, sending and receiving texts, and so on. The only difference is that the screen and icons are much smaller, so if you struggle to see things on a small screen, you might as well just flip the Motorola razr+ and enjoy that big, beautiful screen!

» For Smartphone Shoppers: Best smartphones for seniors

How to Get a Free Motorola razr+ 2025

The Motorola razr+ 2025 retails for $799 plus tax, so getting it for free is a great deal. While you’ll still have to pay the taxes, you can get the $799 price tag written off without having to trade in a new phone. We appreciate this option, which is not available if you want the Google Pixel 10 Pro from AT&T.

The easiest way to get your free Motorola razr+ 2025 is to simply purchase a new line with the Experience More w/ 55+ Savings plan ($75 per month) or the Experience Beyond w/ 55+ Savings ($90 per month).

These are plans designed specifically for seniors, so it’s not a big sacrifice that T-Mobile requires you to pick one of them to get your free phone. That said, they are on the pricier side, so if you want to save on your monthly bill, you might consider a budget-friendly carrier like Cricket Wireless or Consumer Cellular.

What else makes T-Mobile’s coverage stand out? It’s America’s leader in 5G. The carrier covers nearly twice the area of AT&T and four times the area of Verizon. If you require speed, T-Mobile has you covered. It also has competitive plan pricing and perks.

The carrier offers the best phone plans for seniors, starting at $50 monthly for one line. They come packed with useful features such as in-flight Wi-Fi, free hotspot data, and international coverage. If you’re a frequent traveler, the extras are a huge plus!

» For Travelers: Best unlocked phones for seniors

T-Mobile’s Motorola razr+ 2025 offer includes $1,000 worth of credits spread out over 24 months. Since the credits are offered over two years, it essentially locks you into a two-year deal with T-Mobile. If you cancel your plan before the 24 months have passed, you’ll have to pay the difference for your phone. We’re not big fans of deals that lock you in long term. It’s not technically a contract, but it limits your freedom to leave for another carrier without sizable costs.

That said, T-Mobile’s two-year commitment is still better than the three-year commitment required by AT&T and Verizon. These kinds of deals are standard when you purchase a new phone. With T-Mobile, you can get up to 50 percent off your phone by trading in an eligible smartphone or up to $600 in credit toward a new phone by adding a second line.

» For Couples: Best 2-line cell phone plan for seniors

Usability

Our tech team enjoyed using the Motorola razr+ 2025. That said, it has a learning curve. That may not be ideal for seniors who don’t feel comfortable with new tech, but we think it’s worth it to use one of the best flip phones on the market.

In addition to checking the time, weather, notifications, etc., we were able to open apps, watch videos, make voice or video calls, take photos or videos, read emails, answer texts, and more with the phone closed. However, the text and icons are significantly smaller on the external screen, so many seniors may prefer opening the phone and using the giant 6.9-inch screen, which is even bigger than the Galaxy A15 5G.

Once you open the phone, it functions like most high-end Android smartphones. It wasn’t quite as powerful as the Google Pixel 10 Pro; the Motorola razr+ comes with 12GB of RAM compared to the Pixel’s 16GB of RAM. That was noticeable when we switched between apps or tried heavy-duty multitasking.

The battery life was similar to the Google Pixel 10 Pro — roughly 16 hours with average usage, which falls short of the Galaxy A15 5G and the iPhone 16. Still, the Motorola razr+ 2025 is a solid choice for flip phone lovers!

» Learn About: The best cell phones for seniors with dementia

Camera Quality

On paper, the Motorola razr+ has a fantastic camera. It boasts a 64 MP main lens and a 13 MP ultrawide lens. Additionally, the front-facing camera has a whopping 32 MP lens, offering nearly triple the clarity of the iPhone 16’s front-facing camera.

However, we found that, like most of Motorola’s previous phones, the 2024 razr+ is not immune to the infamous “Moto-blur.” If we didn’t hold the phone perfectly still while snapping a photo, the result would sometimes be a blurry mess. And while our selfies looked great, we noticed that the colors of both front- and rear-facing photos and videos weren’t quite as bright as what we saw with the Galaxy A15 5G or the iPhone 16.

» Learn More: Best Flip Phones for Seniors

iPhone 16

The Apple iPhone 16 boasts a bright, strong display designed to resist physical damage, as well as damage from water or dust. It’s designed for heavy-duty usage, so you can spend hours playing games or watching videos without feeling the uncomfortable heat that you might experience with the Galaxy A15 5G. If you use hearing aids, the iPhone 16 is compatible with any Made-For-iPhone (MFi) hearing aids.

We’re all about technology that supports the needs of older adults, and the iPhone 16 doesn’t disappoint. Its straightforward accessibility features are vital for people with vision or hearing loss. With an M3/T4 hearing aid compatibility rating, it’s no surprise the iPhone made it onto our list of best cell phones for seniors with hearing loss.

We got our free iPhone 16 through Verizon. Verizon has several unlimited talk, text, and data plans, including the Verizon 55-plus plan. The 55-plus plan is available only to Florida residents. We were disappointed that the plan isn’t available elsewhere, especially since T-Mobile’s 55-plus plans are available nationwide. There are still plenty of solid plans, even if you don’t live in Florida.

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How to Get a Free iPhone 16

New and current customers can easily cash in on Verizon’s free iPhone 16 offer. Our tech team could get a free phone by switching to Verizon, adding a new line, or upgrading an existing line. Verizon keeps it uncomplicated, with no trade-in required. Like Cricket Wireless, Verizon offers a variety of free phones from Apple, Samsung, Motorola, and Google.

However, like AT&T, if you want a free phone, you’ll need to commit to the carrier for three years. It is common for most major mobile carriers, but it’s still something to consider, especially if you don’t like being locked into a “contract.” Remember that, like AT&T, Verizon charges a $35 activation fee.

» Dive Deeper: 2025 Verizon Review

Usability

The iPhone 16 earns bonus points for seamlessly integrating with other Apple products, such as the Apple Watch. The iPhone is best for individuals who want extra features and can adjust to a learning curve. Older adults who don’t need all the bells and whistles may want to consider a simpler flip phone or a big-button cell phone.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

I’m a big fan of Apple’s accessibility features, which come with all iPhones. Apple also recently launched a feature called Assistive Access, which simplifies your iPhone and makes it easier to use for seniors and those with disabilities.

Like several previous iterations of the iPhone, the iPhone 16 doesn’t have a home button. It may be confusing if you’re accustomed to older iPhone models or the iPhone SE. That also means there’s no fingerprint scanner, a feature available with every other phone on this list. Fortunately, it does come with a very responsive face scanner.

The iPhone 16’s and Samsung Galaxy A15 5G’s interfaces were equally easy to use, but some seniors may prefer the speed and familiarity of an Apple phone. Our tech team saw it as equal in power to the Google Pixel 10 Pro. However, the biggest downside is that the iPhone 16 has a smaller screen at just 6.1 inches. This means it may not be the best choice for seniors with poor vision. That said, Apple offers several features to make it easier for people with vision or hearing loss to use their iPhones unimpeded.

» Also Check Out: The Best iPhones for Seniors

Camera Quality

The iPhone 16’s camera doesn’t measure up to the camera on the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G or the Google Pixel 10 Pro. Despite that, we still took beautiful photos and crisp, visually clear videos.

It has a dual 48 MP rear camera with a 12 MP ultrawide lens, as well as a 12 MP front camera for selfies. While the storage for the free model is underwhelming (128GB), Apple offers easy integration with iCloud. This means you can still store multiple photos and videos. You won’t have to delete some of your favorite memories just to create room for new ones.