The Best iPhones for Seniors
The iPhone SE is our favorite iPhone model for seniors because it keeps things simple and affordable, starting at $429.
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- Costs $429
- Up to 14 hours of talk time
- 12 MP camera
- Costs $899 from Consumer Cellular
- Up to 27 hours of talk time
- 48 MP main camera
Our tech expert team evaluated 10 of Apple’s best iPhone models and narrowed down the list to our top picks for seniors.
Our tech expert team evaluated 10 of Apple’s best iPhone models and narrowed down the list to our top picks for seniors.
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iPhones are easy to use and come with best-in-class accessibility features that make life a lot easier if you have trouble with arthritis or find it difficult to read on smaller screens. With several models to choose from, which iPhones are the best for seniors?
Our tech experts have tested and evaluated 10 of Apple’s best phones and narrowed down the list to our top picks for older adults. We selected models based on several criteria, including price, value, accessibility features, durability, and camera quality. From our research and testing, we chose the iPhone SE, iPhone 13, and iPhone 15 Plus as our favorite models for older adults.
Our Methodology: How We Selected and Tested the Best iPhones for Seniors
Showing my grandma how to use an iPhone
How We Tested the Best iPhones
Apple puts out new iPhone models every year, so finding the best iPhone models for seniors required us to test and examine every model’s unique features. When I say “us,” I mean my grandma and me. This way, we can try out each iPhone together and discuss our likes and dislikes, and get the direct feedback of an older adult. Plus, my grandma and I have both been iPhone users for many years, so we’re familiar with the user experience and pros and cons of these products.
We spent a lot of time with each phone, taking photos and videos, trying out health and safety features, and testing out how accessible each phone is for seniors. Here is what our testing process looked like:
- We researched the most popular, affordable, and feature-rich iPhones online to narrow down our list. Then, we looked at available phone plans to ensure that each model was available through some of the most popular and senior-friendly carriers.
- Next, we ordered our top picks, unboxed them, and tested them over a two-week period.
- After over 200 hours of research and testing, we narrowed down our list of the best iPhones for seniors to just four models.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
Like all our top cell phone picks for seniors, our top iPhones had to meet certain criteria to make the cut. We looked at a variety of criteria, including price, senior-friendly features, call quality, and screen size. Our top three criteria, which you will see discussed for each iPhone below, are:
- Accessibility: Accessibility can cover a wide range of factors, from how easy it is to pick up and hold an iPhone to special features for seniors with hearing or vision issues. We examined each iPhone to see how easy it is for a senior to physically handle, turn it on and off, and use its basic and advanced features with little or no assistance.
- Durability: Anyone who buys a brand-new smartphone may worry about cracking the screen or damaging the side or rear casing. We look for iPhones that are made from strong, durable materials and include extra precautions to make them as resistant to water, dust, and fall damage as possible.
- Camera quality: Taking high-resolution photos of yourself, your pets, your loved ones, or beautiful views is one of the features of smartphones that appeal to many seniors. However, not all iPhone cameras are exactly alike. We examined the specs of each camera and tested them out to see what the photo and video quality really look like. We also considered how easy it is to use the camera on different iPhone models.
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1. iPhone SE from Consumer Cellular - Best Basic iPhone for Seniors
What we like most
- Costs $429
- Up to 14 hours of talk time
- 12 MP camera
iPhone SE from Consumer CellularOverview:
Testing out the iPhone SE
Overview
Many older “iPhoniados” consider the SE one of the best models Apple ever built. With streamlined and advanced features, you’re getting a great value on this phone. It has a 12 MP camera, voice assistant, and all of Apple’s industry-leading accessibility features. Best of all, in case you don’t have the budget to shell out $899 or more on the iPhone 15 Plus, the SE (third generation) starts at $429 (with a Consumer Cellular senior plan, you can pay as little as $20 per month for your plan).
The SE also comes with Touch ID, which means you can unlock your phone with your finger. Some users prefer this over the Face ID technology of newer iPhone models, which can get wonky and lock you out of your phone if it doesn’t recognize you. That said, I found that if my finger was wet or I used the wrong finger, Touch ID didn’t work. Fortunately, iPhones will still let you use a passcode, even if Touch ID or Face ID isn’t working.
» Related Reading: How to use FaceTime
It’s true that the SE’s smallish 4.7-inch display might not be the ideal choice for some older folks who have trouble reading. But my grandma and I found the bright, crystal-clear Retina HD touch screen easy to see and grip. Plus, I was able to stream 4K YouTube videos and FaceTime my grandma in hi-def. Also, in case you’re the family photographer, the SE comes with 64 GB of memory (or up to 256 GB if you’re willing to pay more).
FaceTiming with my grandma on our iPhones
Pros & Cons:Pros About iPhone SE from Consumer Cellular
- Has all the standard iPhone features, like regular security updates and fast speeds
- Crisp Retina HD display for easy reading
- Touch ID for easy access without passcodes
- Professional camera with 4K video streaming
- Built-in voice assistant
- M3/T4 hearing aid compatibility for seniors with hearing loss
- Water- and dust-resistant design
- FaceTime video calling to keep in touch with loved ones
- 14 hours of talk time
- 12 MP wide camera
Cons About iPhone SE from Consumer Cellular
- 4.7-inch screen is on the smaller side
- Less advanced features than newer models
Summary:Accessibility
The iPhone SE is one of the easiest iPhones to access for seniors. The home button’s Touch ID feature lets you hold your finger on the button (without pressing down) to unlock your phone. We were prompted to set this feature up as soon as we turned the phone on, and my grandma had no issue with the instructions. It is important to note that you have to set up the feature using a specific finger and remember which finger you used. My grandma defaulted to her thumb since it felt natural to hold the phone and use her thumb to press the home button.
» Further Reading: Best smartphones for seniors
The iPhone SE and all iPhones also have a ton of built-in features that make it easier for seniors to use their phones with fewer issues. When my grandma went into the Accessibility section of the settings menu, she was pleasantly surprised by all the options available. For example, the VoiceOver feature lets you tap once on an item on your screen and have the phone read it out loud to you. Then, you can double-tap the item to open it or proceed. My grandma loved this feature because she occasionally clicks on things accidentally and then later struggles to get back to the previous screen. With VoiceOver enabled, this is a non-issue.
Durability
Unlike the iPhone 13 and later iPhone models, the iPhone SE does not have flat aluminum siding. As a result, it is not that resistant to cracks. This means if you drop your iPhone SE, especially if it doesn’t have a case, there’s a good chance that the back glass will break. Fortunately, the 3rd Gen iPhone SE has a strong screen that is more resistant to cracking, but it doesn’t have the Ceramic Shield protection of the iPhone 13 and iPhone 15 Plus.
FYI: Just how much storage does the iPhone SE’s 256 GB give you? That amount of storage would allow you to store more than 20,000 photos or over 100 videos!
However, the iPhone SE is water-resistant in depths of up to one meter, and it is sealed against dust. I’m notorious for dropping my phone in water, so I can attest to this water-resistant design. As long as you’re careful with your phone and willing to invest in a case, you can probably enjoy your iPhone SE for years to come.
Camera Quality
The iPhone SE has the “worst” camera of any iPhone on this list, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad. In fact, the 12 MP wide camera can take solid HD photos and videos. Like all iPhones, it has both front- and rear-facing cameras for standard photography and selfies.
My grandma and I took photos and videos with the iPhone SE and iPhone 15 Plus side by side, and there was a noticeable difference in image quality, especially when using the front-facing “selfie” camera. This is because the iPhone SE has only a 1.2 MP front-facing camera, which can create somewhat grainy pictures. The iPhone SE’s main camera can still shoot decent photos and videos. If camera quality is a big issue for you, you might prefer a more advanced version of the iPhone, but the iPhone SE is still a good option.
A photo of a furry friend taken with the iPhone SE
The Bottom Line
There isn’t much to dislike about the iPhone SE. At $429, it’s at the low end of the iPhone price spectrum. It’s blazing fast, has a superior HD Retina screen that you can unlock with your fingertip, and its camera can shoot professional photos and video.
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2. Apple iPhone 13 from AT&T - Best Advanced iPhone for Seniors on a Budget
What we like most
- Costs $629.99
- Up to 19 hours of talk time
- 12 MP camera
Apple iPhone 13 from AT&TOverview:
The back of the iPhone 13
Overview
It isn’t just the senior features that make the iPhone 13 a hit with older smartphone users. Its 6.1-inch screen and bright Super Retina XDR OLED display make it a great choice for those with vision issues. During testing, I noticed that text, images, and videos were brighter, larger, and easier to see than they were on the iPhone SE. The iPhone 13 has Ceramic Shield protection for break- and water-resistant glass. Its Face ID technology is also great for those who like the idea of picking up their phone and starting to use it without any passcodes or even Touch ID. However, for seniors who like Touch ID or are accustomed to previous iPhone models, the lack of a home button may take some getting used to.
There’s no way to adequately describe the feeling of reading on a Super Retina XDR OLED display; you’ve got to experience it. But my grandma loved the vibrancy and bright colors of the iPhone 13’s display. The True Tone automatic brightness adjuster makes it easy for most seniors to read in just about any lighting environment.
» Resources for Seniors: Smartphone apps and resources for people with vision loss or impairment
For that kind of state-of-the-art digital experience, you’d probably expect the iPhone 13 to cost a lot more than the SE. While it does cost more, the iPhone 13 is not the newest generation of iPhone, so it’s now one of the more affordable high-end iPhones on the market at just $629.99 (128 GB) or up to $729.99 (256 GB). As long as internal storage is not a major issue, you can save a bundle by opting for the 128 GB iPhone 13, especially when compared to the iPhone 15 Plus.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Apple iPhone 13 from AT&T
- Offers an enhanced iPhone experience compared to the SE
- Affordable starting price
- 6.1-inch screen for easier reading with larger type
- 12 MP front- and rear-camera system
- Break- and water-resistant screen glass
- M3/T4 hearing aid compatibility for seniors with hearing loss
- Up to 19 hours of talk time
Cons About Apple iPhone 13 from AT&T
- Might be a little large and clunky for some seniors
- 128 GB of storage can get used up quickly
- Lack of home button and Touch ID comes with a learning curve
Summary:Accessibility
My grandma felt a little confused when we first unboxed the iPhone 13. She had more experience with older iPhones, which feature a home button, so the switch to the iPhone 13 wasn’t perfectly smooth. She liked the Face ID feature in theory, but in practice, she found that it wasn’t always convenient or reliable. For example, she wanted to make a purchase, and when the phone required her Face ID to authorize the purchase, the phone couldn’t recognize her face from a few different angles or in darker lighting. Eventually, she input her passcode. That said, Face ID is a great feature for seniors with mobility issues, even if it may come with a learning curve.
Like the other iPhone models on our list, the iPhone 13 has plenty of accessibility features. I was able to change text size, zoom in, reduce transparency, or use the iPhone hands-free with the sound of my voice. For those with hearing loss, your iPhone can display subtitles and captions, transcribe audio messages, connect with hearing aids, and much more.
» Related Reading: Best hearing aids in 2024
Durability
Like most iPhones, the iPhone 13 is best protected when it has a case. Even without a case, the iPhone 13 is more durable than the iPhone SE. The Ceramic Protection screen is resistant to fall damage, and it is also water- and dust-resistant. While I wasn’t throwing the iPhone around during testing, I did experience a few accidental drops, and the phone didn’t show much wear and tear. (No screen cracks, thank goodness!)
» Also Read: The best senior phone plans
My grandma and I agreed that the iPhone 13 felt sturdy to hold, but also a bit heavy. Weighing 6.14 ounces, the iPhone 13 is quite a bit heavier than the iPhone SE (5.08 ounces), but still not nearly as heavy as the iPhone 15 Plus (7.09 ounces). While the switch from the iPhone SE to the iPhone 13 was a bit shocking, my grandma and I had no issues holding and using the iPhone 13 for extended periods of time.
A side-by-side comparison of the iPhone SE and iPhone 13
Camera Quality
The iPhone 13’s 12 MP dual-camera system is excellent. It’s a pretty big step up from the iPhone SE, especially if you like to take selfies. My grandma and I really liked using the many camera features, including cinematic mode, time lapse, and slow motion. We could even do the 0.5x zoom-out feature to make sure that everything fit into the frame without having to step back or move around a lot. If you compare the photo taken below with the photo we took using the iPhone SE, you can tell that the image is crisper and clearer, and the colors are more vibrant. The iPhone 13’s camera offers seniors a high-end experience without spending a fortune.
A photo taken using the iPhone 13 camera
The Bottom Line
Starting at $629.99, the iPhone 13 is a bit pricier than the iPhone SE. That higher price tag goes toward a bigger, state-of-the-art display that makes reading easier, plus an extra rear camera and a more durable build. You also get Face ID with the iPhone 13, which might be useful for those who suffer from arthritis. In that case, the iPhone 13’s next-generation facial recognition software could be a lot more convenient for you than Touch ID. With Face ID, you can unlock your phone just by holding it in front of your face. The bottom line? If you spend a lot of time on your phone, like taking high-quality photos or videos, and don’t want to spend much more than $600 on a smartphone, I’d recommend the iPhone 13.
Senior Savings Tip: Looking for a discount on the things you like best? Check out our senior discount guide for special deals on travel, leisure, eating out, and more!
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3. iPhone 15 Plus - iPhone 15 Plus
What we like most
- Costs $899 from Consumer Cellular
- Up to 27 hours of talk time
- 48 MP main camera
iPhone 15 PlusOverview:
The iPhone 15 Plus has a large screen, a slim design, and the largest battery of any iPhone on the market.
Overview
The iPhone 15 Plus boasts a large screen (6.69 inches), and the aluminum casing is both durable and light compared to phones with a similar screen size. That said, the iPhone 15 Plus is still pretty heavy at 7.09 ounces. The weight is partly because the phone packs a large battery that offers a talk time of up to 27 hours. This means you could spend an entire day speaking on your iPhone 15 Plus without having to reach for the charger! During testing, the 15 Plus’ battery life was noticeably longer than my iPhone’s battery life. (I have the 14 Pro, which is no longer sold by most carriers.)
» Learn About: Best 5G phones for seniors
With a starting price of $899 (128 GB), you might think that the iPhone 15 Plus is outside your price range. Fortunately, if you get your phone through Verizon or other major carriers, you can get your new iPhone 15 Plus for as little as $25.83 per month. While the iPhone 15 Plus may be too much phone for older adults who just need a simple smartphone, it is a good choice if you want a large, bright screen and a phone that doesn’t need to be charged very often.
» Further Reading: Easiest cell phones for seniors to use
Pros & Cons:Pros About iPhone 15 Plus
- Talk time of up to 27 hours
- 6.69-inch screen
- Dynamic Island
- 48 MP main camera
- A16 Bionic processing chip
- USB-C charging port
- Roadside assistance and emergency SOS via satellite
Cons About iPhone 15 Plus
- High starting cost
- Large size and weight may be too cumbersome for some seniors
- Not a huge upgrade from the iPhone 14 Pro
Summary:Accessibility
My grandma and I immediately noticed the similarities between the iPhone 15 Plus and my personal iPhone, the iPhone 14 Pro. The 15 Plus has a bigger screen, which my grandma liked for reading texts and surfing the internet, but once again, she felt that the phone was a bit heavy to hold for extended periods of time. Otherwise, she had no issues navigating the iPhone 15 Plus.
Along with all of the accessibility features of the iPhone 13 (including Face ID), the iPhone 15 Plus has a Dynamic Island. This is a small notch at the top of the screen that hides the front-facing camera and Face ID sensor. It also functions as a one-stop shop to get notifications and access your favorite apps that are running in the background. I really like this feature for older adults, as you can simply tap on the notch to go straight to apps you’re using, like Facebook and YouTube, without having to scroll through dozens of apps. The Always On display also made it easier for my grandma to check the time, date, weather, and even outdoor air quality without “opening” the iPhone.
The iPhone's dynamic island can provide quick access to apps like Spotify.
We tested out the roadside assistance and emergency SOS features by going to an area with no Verizon signal, and they both worked great. We were able to connect with a roadside assistance agent within about five minutes and an emergency response agent in less than one minute. This feature adds a lot of peace of mind. In case of an emergency, you can call for help, even in areas without cell service. This makes the iPhone 15 Plus a potential replacement or supplement for medical alert devices.
» Useful Resource: A 2024 guide to medical alert systems
Durability
The iPhone 15 Plus features a strong glass Super Retina XDR OLED display screen. Not only does this make it extremely bright and responsive, but it also makes it resistant to water, dust, and scratches. The reinforced aluminum casing may not be as strong as the iPhone 14 Pro’s stainless-steel exterior, but it does allow the 15 Plus to be a little lighter, despite the larger battery. The iPhone 15 Plus is similar in durability to the iPhone 13, but if you really want to protect your investment, I’d recommend getting a good phone case. I didn’t experience any scratches, dents, or cracked screens during testing, even though I’m pretty hard on my devices.
» Resource Guide: Cell phones for seniors: A buyer's guide
Camera Quality
The iPhone 15 Plus boasts the same camera system as my iPhone 14 Pro (48 MP/1 MP/12 MP). This means you can take amazing photos, videos, and selfies. As a bonus, the iPhone 15 Plus comes with some cool new features, like a portrait mode that lets you focus on different faces or parts of the photo after the picture has been taken. My grandma and I liked playing around with the camera, but we didn’t notice a big difference when compared to photos I’ve taken on my iPhone 14 Pro. So, if you’re buying an iPhone for the camera alone, you could save yourself some money and enjoy the same quality with the iPhone 14 Pro if you can find a refurbished model.
Photo taken on an iPhone 15 Plus
The Bottom Line
The iPhone 15 Plus is a high-end smartphone with a price to match. If you know that you don’t want to spend that much on an iPhone, you should probably opt for the iPhone SE or iPhone 13. But, if you like having the latest tech and want to enjoy the security of roadside assistance and emergency SOS when you’re off the grid, the iPhone 15 Plus could be a great choice for you.
Choosing the Best Phone Carrier for Your iPhone
Once you settle on an iPhone, you still need to pick the right cellular carrier. Yes, that’s another choice to make, but it’s better to err on the side of too much research than going in unprepared. So, whether this is your first smartphone or you’re thinking about switching carriers, here are a few things you’ll want to consider.
Paying for Your iPhone With the Major Cellular Carriers
Paying for Your iPhone Upfront
If you’ve got the cash, paying upfront frees you from getting locked into a contract with a provider. These days, most major carriers with postpaid plans (where you pay your bill at the end of the month based on usage) don’t require a contract if you own your phone.
The advantage here is you can always take your iPhone to another carrier if you’re not happy with your current service. Most carriers these days also have a “bring your own phone” (BYOP) policy, so using your iPhone with another service won’t be a problem.
Paying for Your iPhone by Installment
Paying by installment (financing) is another popular choice for seniors with iPhones. Just keep in mind that when you opt to pay by installment, you’ll be locked into a contract, typically for 24 months. If you’re not satisfied with the service at the end of the contract, and you’ve paid off the balance of your iPhone, you can switch to another carrier.
Data, Coverage, and Senior Perks
How you pay for your iPhone isn’t the only thing you need to think about when choosing a cellular carrier. There are plenty of other things to consider, like data limits, talk and text limits, discounts for multiple lines (this will come into play for families), senior perks and discounts, and 4G and 5G coverage. To save you some time, here’s a breakdown of how our favorite cellular providers for seniors stack up.
| Plan | Starting monthly price for one line | Contract | Data limits for top plans | Unlimited talk and text | 5G | Multi-line discounts | Discounts for seniors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile
Essentials Choice 55 |
$45 | No | Unlimited, but slower after 50 GB | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Consumer Cellular | $20 | No | Unlimited, but slower after 35 GB | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| AT&T
Unlimited 55+ |
$60 | No | Unlimited, but slower at peak times | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes, but only for Florida residents |
| Verizon 55+ Unlimited | $62 | No | Unlimited, but slower at peak times | Yes | No | Yes | Yes, but only for Florida residents |
| Mint Mobile 55+ | $15 | No | Unlimited, but slower after 40 GB | Yes | Yes | No | No |
T-Mobile
Back in 2017, former T-Mobile CEO John Legere made the bright decision to put the kibosh on senior mobile plans that belittled their target audience: Americans 65 and over. This is exactly what we found when we reviewed T-Mobile’s 55+ phone plans: cheap single lines starting at $45 per month with unlimited talk, text, and data that are available to anyone 55 and older. To learn more about how the company’s prices compare with other providers, check out our T-Mobile pricing guide.
Like all the other plans on our list, T-Mobile’s basic, one-line plan comes with SD streaming and gets cheaper per line the more lines you add. One advantage that sets T-Mobile apart, besides its no-frills pricing, is that it currently dominates the 5G market with about 42 percent national coverage. Its closest competitor, AT&T, is at 18 percent.
Senior Saving Tip: If you’re into streaming, T-Mobile’s top-tier plans come with Apple TV+ included at no extra cost!
Finally, you’ll notice that while throttling policies (when your provider slows your internet down at peak traffic times) remain a little murky for the other big carriers, T-Mobile is upfront about it. You may notice a drop in speed, but only after you burn through 50 GB of data in a month.
Watch the video below to learn more about T-Mobile’s plans for seniors.
Consumer Cellular
Consumer Cellular is a postpaid mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that has been around since 1995. Now, don’t be intimidated by the MVNO terminology. All that means is Consumer Cellular doesn’t have its own wireless network, which is true of many cell phone plan providers. Instead, it uses the AT&T and T-Mobile networks, so you know you’re connected to one of the country’s largest carriers.
Consumer Cellular is known for its customizable and affordable plans that range from $20 to $50 per month with 1 GB to unlimited data limits, respectively. Data speeds drop after about 35 GB. Many of Consumer Cellular’s plans are geared toward low-data users.
AARP members get a 5 percent discount on Consumer Cellular’s plans, which is a great perk. The carrier also has a great track record when it comes to customer service. In 2021, J.D. Power, a global leader in consumer insights and ratings, awarded Consumer Cellular the highest customer satisfaction score (871) out of all MVNOs. If you want to know more about what to look for in your provider, take a look at our Consumer Cellular review.
AT&T
AT&T has great national 4G coverage (68 percent), so if you’re still on 4G and you live outside of town, that coverage alone may steer you toward the industry goliath.
When we tested AT&T’s Unlimited 55+ plan for seniors, we found that we got the best value when we signed up with a partner or family member. If you do the same, you’ll see your monthly rate drop to $40 per line, provided you enroll in autopay. It’s also very likely you’ll catch a deal from time to time on specific phones, even iPhones.
Now for the elephant in the room. We’re talking about Florida, of course. AT&T’s Unlimited 55+ plan is only for residents of Florida. But this isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker. AT&T offers other unlimited plans (available to customers of all ages) that may be suitable for your needs if you don’t live in Florida.
Verizon
Verizon’s senior package is almost identical to AT&T’s. Verizon’s plan costs just $2 more per line, and both plans offer the same discount for multiple lines and have the same throttling policy.
Where Verizon stands out is its national 4G coverage. Verizon claims to cover 98 percent of the U.S. population, which would make Verizon your go-to provider if you live off the grid. I can attest to the fact that I always have better service with Verizon in rural areas. Whether I’m camping, on the coast, or just in a small town far away from a big city, I typically have better rural coverage with Verizon than I do with AT&T. If you’re into your 5G, on the other hand, Verizon’s 12 percent coverage is not its best selling point.
As with AT&T, you need to live in Florida to take advantage of Verizon’s cellular plan for older Americans. But, even if you don’t, you still have an option. One thing we discovered in our complete analysis of Verizon’s cell service is that it has plenty of unlimited plans for customers of all ages.
Did You Know? Subscribing to a special senior plan isn’t the only way you can save on your monthly bills. Cellular providers that also offer internet and TV service, like Verizon, sometimes advertise bundles that roll your mobile, internet, and TV services into one discounted bill.
Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile is the new kid on the cellular block. Taking its lead from T-Mobile, Mint is straight-talking, a little sassy (Ryan Reynolds is its public face), and all about the service. This isn’t a coincidence: Mint Mobile rents out T-Mobile’s towers, which also gives it the best 5G coverage in the U.S.
Mint Mobile also offers a plan exclusively for seniors called Mint 55+. It costs just $15 per month and offers 5 GB of data, free international calls to select countries, and free hotspot data. Plus, 55+ customers get free MINTech Advisor support to help with any setup or tech questions you may have.
Even if you don’t want the 55+ plan, all of Mint Mobile’s plans are pretty cheap. In fact, Mint has made a name for itself with its basic plan, which costs only $15 per month. (If you’re reaching for your credit card, know that the basic plan comes with only 5 GB of data per month.) But even Mint’s most expensive unlimited plan, at $30 per month, will fit most budgets. For comparison, that’s still $15 less per month than T-Mobile’s cheapest unlimited 55+ plan for seniors.
Did You Know? If you feel overwhelmed reading all the prices for different phones and plans, take a break by checking out these 13 things that are free for seniors.
The only big difference — and this may boil down to personal preference — is that Mint’s plans are all prepaid, meaning you buy your minutes and data as you go. As we found out in our full review of Mint Mobile’s plans, you also have an incentive to buy in bulk. When you buy 12 months of Mint’s service upfront, for instance, you continue to pay the introductory rate of $30 per month. Otherwise, your monthly bill will shoot up by $5 to $10.
Frequently Asked Questions About iPhones for Seniors
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Which is the cheapest iPhone for seniors?
The cheapest iPhone on our list is the iPhone SE (third generation), which starts at $429.
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How long will my iPhone get updates?
Apple should be offering updates and support for iPhones with the A13 (SE) and A16 chips well into 2027.
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Do I have to sign a contract to buy an iPhone through any of the carriers you mentioned above?
No. If you pay for your iPhone upfront, you’ll pay for your cellular service month to month without a contract. If you opt for installments, however, you will be locked into a plan.
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How much storage do iPhones come with?
Built-in iPhone storage varies from 64 GB to 1 TB. The more storage you get, the more expensive your iPhone will be.
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Do iPhones come with accessibility features for seniors?
Yes! iPhones are well known for their senior-friendly accessibility features. If you go with any of our top models, your phone will come with full hearing aid compatibility, speech-to-text, text magnification, wide screens (some wider than others), and cutting-edge water and damage resistance.
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Do I have to have an Apple ID (account) to switch to an iPhone?
No, you don’t have to have an Apple ID to use an iPhone. Also, iPhones these days are compatible with your favorite Android apps (Google Drive, Gmail, and even Google Photos), so you can sync your iPhone with the rest of your devices even if they aren’t Apple products.
Pew Research Center. 2021. Mobile Technology and Home Broadband 2021.
Apple Support. 2024. About splash, water, and dust resistance of iPhone 7 and later.