Best Samsung Phones for Seniors, Tested and Reviewed in 2024
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5’s unique foldable design, large screen, and robust features make it our top pick — despite the price tag.
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- Oversized screen
- Foldable design
- Unique features: Compatible with stylus
- 6.5-inch HD LCD screen
- Simple design
- Unique features: Long battery life
- Large screen and list-style menu
- Smartphone specifically designed for seniors
- Unique features: Medical alert capabilities
- No-frills smartphone
- Very affordable
- Long-lasting battery
- Extra-large screen for easy viewing
- Range of accessibility features
- Durable, weather-resistant design
Our tech experts researched and tested the best Samsung phones and narrowed down the list to our top picks for seniors.
Our tech experts researched and tested the best Samsung phones and narrowed down the list to our top picks for seniors.
Learn MoreContents
Are you hunting for one of the best cell phones for seniors? Samsung offers various great options for older adults, from an advanced foldable smartphone to a simplified smartphone designed specifically for seniors.
Samsung has some of the best smartphones for seniors, which we’ll cover in this guide. We’ll discuss what sets them apart, how much they cost, and why our tech experts chose them. We evaluated and compared the phones on this list using crucial criteria such as price, value, screen size, ease of use, and battery life. After a week of hands-on testing, we chose the Galaxy Z Fold5 as our top Samsung phone for seniors due to its large screen, convenient foldable design, and stylus-friendly display.
Testing out Lively's Jitterbug Smart4
Best Samsung Phones for Seniors in 2024
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 From AT&T - Best for Its Oversized Screen
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Samsung Galaxy A03s From Consumer Cellular - Best Budget Phone
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Jitterbug Smart4 from Lively - Best Health and Safety Features
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Samsung Galaxy A14 5G From Mint Mobile - Best Phone and Service Bundle -
Samsung Galaxy S24+ From T-Mobile - Best Phone for Adaptive Technology
Our Methodology
My grandma trying out the Jitterbug Smart4's camera
How We Tested the Phones
Samsung is among the most well-known cell phone manufacturers, but the available options can seem overwhelming. Do you want the A14 5G or the A03s? Which is better: the Galaxy Z Fold5 or the Galaxy Z Flip5? We know it can get confusing, so we spent over 100 hours comparing and testing Samsung phones to create a list of our top options for seniors, following the same steps for each model.
- We researched the top Samsung phones on the market, focusing on those with senior-friendly features and designs. 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 over a weeklong period. Whenever possible, we tested phones alongside seniors to get their direct feedback.
- We evaluated each phone’s screen size, sound quality, hearing-aid compatibility, general usability, size, battery life, plan options, and other senior-friendly features to create our ranked results.
How We Chose the Best Samsung Phones for Seniors
After our tech team came up with a list of the best Samsung phones on the market, we tested each one. We weighed the pros and cons and ultimately narrowed down the list to our top picks. We considered several criteria, including:
- Price: Price is a significant factor for anyone buying a new phone. If you’re a senior on a fixed income, you’ll want to ensure you’re sticking to your budget. We included quality Samsung phones for just about any budget — from less than $200 to well over $1,000, and everything in between.
- Screen size: Screen size is a make-or-break factor for most people, especially seniors with vision issues. Every phone that made our list has a screen of at least 6.5 inches, and a few are much larger.
- Ease of use: Buying a phone is pointless if you can’t figure out how to use it! Some older adults are more tech-savvy than others, so we tried to include a healthy mix of simple and advanced Samsung phones.
- Battery life: Keeping your phone plugged in constantly is a drag. After all, they’re called mobile phones for a reason! All phones on our list offer at least 12 hours of talk, text, streaming, and more before they need charging.
Why Trust Us
Our senior tech experts try 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, what they disliked, and features they think could make their experience even better.
Comparing the Best Samsung Phones for Seniors
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 From AT&T
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Samsung Galaxy A03s From Consumer Cellular
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Jitterbug Smart4 from Lively
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Samsung Galaxy A14 5G From Mint Mobile
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Samsung Galaxy S24+ From T-Mobile
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4 | 3.8 | 4.5 | 3.8 | |
| Price | $1,799 | $119 | $119.99 | $159 | $999.99 |
| Screen size | 7.6 inches | 6.5 inches | 6.7 inches | 6.6 inches | 6.7 inches |
| Battery life | 15 hours | 36 hours | 28 hours | 40 hours | 20 hours |
| Camera quality | 50/12/10 MP (main) | 13/2/2 MP (main) | 13/2/2 MP (main) | 50/2/2 MP (main) | 50/10/12MP (main) |
| Hearing aid compatibility | M3/T3 | M3/T3 | M3/T4 | M3/T3 | M3/T3 |
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1. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 From AT&T - Best for Its Oversized Screen
What we like most
- Oversized screen
- Foldable design
- Unique features: Compatible with stylus
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 From AT&TOverview:
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
Overview
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 offers a lot for the price tag. This unique phone opens up into a 7.6-inch touch-screen tablet. It will give you more usable screen space than almost any other standard smartphone, even those with large screens like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5. That means you can see what’s on your phone more easily, which is perfect for those with vision loss.
Did You Know? Studies show that smartphone use can improve quality of life by making it easier to connect with family, friends, doctors, social media, shopping, and more.1
One caveat with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5: It’s the most expensive phone on our list by a long shot at $1,800. It may be worth splurging, however, if you want a tablet-style phone. We recommend pairing the smartphone with an AT&T plan to get senior discounts and solid financing options (more on that later).
» You Might Like: The Best Senior Phone Plans
An optional stylus (sold separately) is available for the Z Fold5. If you have trouble selecting small icons on the screen, the stylus may help. The Z Fold5 also presents a unique concept among flip phones, letting you open the screen to reveal an oversized screen. That makes the Z Fold5 an excellent phone if you love to stream videos or play games, or you just need a bigger screen to read on your phone.
» For Couples: Best 2-Line Cell Phone Plans for Seniors
Pros & Cons:Pros About Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 From AT&T
- Can be unfolded to reveal a large, 7.6-inch screen inside
- Great for streaming videos and playing games
- Can be used with a stylus for writing, drawing, or selecting apps
- Hearing aid compatible
Cons About Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 From AT&T
- More expensive than most other Samsung phones
- Heavy and thick design
- Mediocre battery life
Our Hands-on Experience:Feature Highlights
We sat down with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 to see how well it worked for seniors. After a few days of testing it, we were surprised by its simplicity. It runs on the Android 13 operating system, which feels fast and intuitive. Android 13 includes accessibility features, which are easy to set up from the settings menu.
The flipping mechanism was durable and felt natural to open and close, which we had been concerned about before we unboxed the phone. We were impressed with the screen size and thought it made web browsing easy and fun. It combined the portability of a smartphone (it can fit in a larger pocket when folded up) with the screen size of a small tablet.
» Another Senior-Friendly Tablet: Consumer Cellular GrandPad Review
Unfortunately, the oversized screen is both an advantage and a drawback. To fit so much screen space onto the Z Fold5, Samsung had to create a heavy, chunky phone. That means holding the phone up for extended periods (like when snapping photos or videos) took a toll on our hands and wrists. Weighing in at 8.92 ounces, the Z Fold5 is a heavyweight smartphone. If you struggle with arthritis or have difficulty holding heavier devices, choose a lighter phone, such as the Galaxy A14 5G (7.13 ounces) or the Jitterbug Smart4 (6.7 ounces).
Battery Life
In theory, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 has a fantastic battery life. It’s designed to last for up to two days with moderate usage. Our definition of “moderate usage” must be different, however, because we needed to grab the charging cable after about 15 hours of texting, video calling, video streaming, web browsing, and even several hours of leaving the phone in standby mode. We understand it takes more power to keep the larger screen up and running, but we wish the battery would have lasted closer to 24 hours, like the Galaxy Z Flip5.
Pricing
The Z Fold5 costs about $1,800. That’s significantly more than budget-friendly phones, such as the Samsung Galaxy A03s. Even more robust Samsung phones, such as the Galaxy S24+, don’t cost as much. There aren’t any other folding phones to compare this one to though. A few vertically opening options are on the market, but they still don't give you the gigantic, tablet-esque screen of the horizontally folding Z Fold5. Even though it’s costly, the Z Fold5 is one of a kind!
Pro Tip: Have a hard time seeing things on a tiny screen? Check out our guide to the best cell phones for seniors with vision loss.
AT&T offers a discounted Unlimited 55+ plan for older adults, but it’s only available in Florida. The plan features unlimited talk, text, and data starting at $60 a month. If you have an eligible phone to trade in, you can also finance the Z Fold5 for as little as $22.23 monthly. Just make sure it fits your budget — and your carrying space. Since the Z Fold5 is larger than the average phone, you’ll want to ensure it can fit in your pocket or purse!
» Learn More: AT&T Cell Phone Plans for Seniors 2024
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2. Samsung Galaxy A03s From Consumer Cellular - Best Budget Phone
What we like most
- 6.5-inch HD LCD screen
- Simple design
- Unique features: Long battery life
Samsung Galaxy A03s From Consumer CellularOverview:
Samsung Galaxy A03s
Overview
The Samsung Galaxy A03s from Consumer Cellular may be perfect for tight budgets. Compared to other Galaxy models — even pretty affordable smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G — this phone is a steal at $119. The A03s is a no-frills phone. It’s a good option if you just want a cheap phone with a long battery life for texting and phone calls. It’s easy to use, easy to see, and relatively durable.
» For Bargain Shoppers: Cheapest Cell Phones for Seniors
The A03s has a long battery life, so you won’t need to charge it constantly. It offers vivid colors on a 6.5-inch HD LCD screen, making it easy to read. It’s also a simple phone to use. However, we noticed the response times while switching between apps, trying to watch a video, or playing a game weren’t the fastest. The cameras aren’t the highest quality compared to Samsung phones like the Galaxy S24+, but they’re still solid.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Samsung Galaxy A03s From Consumer Cellular
- Excellent price
- Long battery life
- Hearing aid compatible
Cons About Samsung Galaxy A03s From Consumer Cellular
- Small internal memory, but can be expanded with a microSD card
- The phone may seem a little bit sluggish when switching between applications
- Midrange camera quality
Our Hands-on Experience:Feature Highlights
Although the Galaxy A03s is more advanced than the Jitterbug Smart4, it’s a no-frills cell phone. While testing it, we could do everything we wanted — make video calls, text, use Google, check Facebook, download apps, listen to music, and even connect to Bluetooth hearing aids.
» For Hearing Loss: Best Bluetooth Hearing Aids of 2024
The interface was noticeably sluggish. Switching from Facebook to YouTube took time. Even typing messages had a noticeable delay. We made typos because the phone wasn’t displaying letters at the same speed we pressed them. People with visual-processing issues may suffer even further due to this.
The 13 MP camera wasn’t all that impressive either. It took decent photos in optimal lighting conditions, but videos and photos in low-light environments were not high quality. The A03s is a solid phone for the price, but you shouldn’t expect the same fast speeds, processing power, and advanced camera systems you can get with the Z Fold5, Z Flip5, or S24+.
Battery Life
What the Galaxy A03s lacks in processing power, it more than makes up for in battery life. We used the phone consistently for more than 36 hours before it needed a charge. We could have gotten nearly two days of battery life with lighter usage. Even with vigorous usage (playing games, streaming movies, and downloading large files), the battery lasted all day. That was a massive improvement over the comparatively short-lived battery of the Samsung Z Fold5. If you hate having to plug your phone in constantly and don’t want to spend a fortune on a quality Samsung phone, the Galaxy A03s is our top pick.
Pricing
At just $119, the Samsung Galaxy A03s is one of the least expensive Samsung smartphones around. You can get a more advanced phone by spending about $40 extra for the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G, and you can even get the senior-friendly Jitterbug Smart4 for $119.99. If you want a modern Samsung smartphone with a few bells and whistles, however, the A03s from Consumer Cellular is cost-effective.
» For Phone Plans: Consumer Cellular Cell Phone Plans and Pricing
Consumer Cellular’s plans are also very inexpensive, starting at $20 per month with no activation fees or contracts. That’s one of the best prices you’ll find from any carrier! The plans are affordable, and you can get an additional 5 percent AARP discount during online checkout. All we had to do was check the box for AARP members to save.
» Dive Deeper: 2024 Consumer Cellular Review
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3. Jitterbug Smart4 from Lively - Best Health and Safety Features
What we like most
- Large screen and list-style menu
- Smartphone specifically designed for seniors
- Unique features: Medical alert capabilities
Jitterbug Smart4 from LivelyOverview:
The Jitterbug Smart4 home screen
Overview
The Jitterbug Smart4 is a smartphone from Lively designed with seniors in mind. It features a large, 6.75-inch screen (even larger than the Galaxy A03s) with a simple, list-style menu that makes calling and sending messages easy. The Jitterbug (made by Samsung) has a robust and crystal-clear speaker that makes hearing conversations a breeze. It also has a built-in Google Assistant, which we use to send messages and navigate the phone without typing. It’s a spectacular feature for people with arthritis, vision loss, or other conditions that make typing difficult.
Using Jitterbug Smart4's voice navigation feature
Our favorite thing about the Jitterbug Smart4 is that it doubles as a medical alert device with a Preferred or Premium phone plan. With the press of a button, we could connect to Lively’s Urgent Response team during an emergency. If you sign up for the Premium plan, you can access a care advocate and an on-call nurse to help you with all your medical questions.
Overall, the Jitterbug Smart4 is a terrific cell phone if you are new to smartphones or want health and safety features.
» Related Reading: Best Medical Alert Systems of 2024
Pros & Cons:Pros About Jitterbug Smart4 from Lively
- Easy to use with a large screen and list-style menu
- Connects to specialized emergency services for an extra fee
- Great for communicating with family
Cons About Jitterbug Smart4 from Lively
- Lags occasionally
- Health and safety features available only with top-tier plans
Our Hands-on Experience:Usability
The Jitterbug Smart4 stands out from other Samsung phones because it was made for seniors. The simple, list-style menu is effortless to navigate. We quickly figured out how to make calls, send texts, take photos, and browse the internet.
» Get the Inside Scoop: Jitterbug Smart4 Review
Since we upgraded to the Preferred plan, we could also utilize the bright red Urgent Response icon at the top of the screen. That is one of the best features of the Smart4, as it allows you to use your smartphone as an emergency-response device. When we pressed the button, we were connected in just 15 seconds with an agent who could send help quickly.
Lively's Urgent Response button is clearly displayed on the home and lock screen
We’re also big fans of Lively Link, a mobile app for caregivers and loved ones. The app allowed us to view the Jitterbug Smart4’s location, see the phone’s status, and receive alerts if an Urgent Response call was made.
Tracking my grandmas location using the Lively Link mobile app
The only downside is that the Jitterbug Smart4 may be too simple for some seniors. We still enjoyed using it, but we missed some of the more advanced features of the Galaxy S24+, such as a high-end camera and ample storage. Like the Galaxy A03s, the Smart4 also shows sluggishness despite the super-simple interface. While testing it, we noticed that the touch screen took a second or two to respond when we clicked certain icons.
» You Might Like: Easiest Cell Phones for Seniors to Use
Battery Life
The Jitterbug Smart4 has pretty solid battery life. We could get around 28 hours of mixed-usage time (talk, text, and web browsing) without charging. The phone performed even better on standby, lasting up to four days. People who use their phones sporadically can expect to get a solid two or three days out of the Jitterbug Smart4 before needing to charge it. Even if you’re constantly on your phone, you probably won’t have to pull out the charging cable more than once per day (if that).
Expert InsightsFrom Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech ExpertBattery life is one of the first things I consider when testing a phone for seniors. Older adults may forget to charge their devices every once in a while, so it’s important that a phone has solid battery life so you can stay connected.Pricing
The Jitterbug Smart4 costs $119.99. Lively regularly runs sales that could lower the price further, so keep your eyes peeled! The Smart4 is technically cheaper than the Galaxy A03s, but if you want to get the most out of the phone, you’ll want to upgrade to one of the higher-tier Lively plans. That means you could still save by choosing the A03s and pairing it with a more affordable Consumer Cellular plan.
» Further Reading: Lively Phone Review
Lively plans start at $19.99 for unlimited talk and text, but you must add a data plan with the Smart4. Data plans range from $5 (1 GB) to $30 (unlimited) per month. The best part about this phone is that it uses Lively's medical alert system features. It eliminates needing both a phone and an alert system. That saves you money and simplifies your technology. To access these features, you must upgrade to the Preferred plan ($39.99 per month) or the Premium plan ($49.99 per month).
Expert InsightsFrom Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech ExpertI’m a big fan of the Jitterbug Smart4’s medical alert features, as they allow users to stay protected very discreetly. Lively also makes the Jitterbug Flip2, a simple flip phone for seniors, if you want to compare models. -
4. Samsung Galaxy A14 5G From Mint Mobile - Best Phone and Service Bundle
What we like most
- No-frills smartphone
- Very affordable
- Long-lasting battery
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G From Mint MobileOverview:
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
Overview
The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is a budget-friendly 5G phone priced at $159. Paired with a Mint Mobile plan, you’ll get a solid bang for your buck. This no-frills smartphone has fast service without extra stuff to weigh you down. It features a large, 6.5-inch screen and a 50 MP camera that you would expect to see with a more expensive phone like the Galaxy Z Fold5. Aside from the powerful camera system, this phone keeps things pretty basic. It’s a reliable smartphone with a good battery life and a large screen.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Samsung Galaxy A14 5G From Mint Mobile
- Great price, especially when bundled with Mint Mobile services
- Large screen is easy to read
- Great camera system
Cons About Samsung Galaxy A14 5G From Mint Mobile
- Takes a while to charge
- Only 4 GB of RAM
- Not a lot of built-in storage
Our Hands-on Experience:Feature Highlights
The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is technically a step up from the Galaxy A03s, but we didn’t notice much difference. Both phones worked well enough and had the expected features, although they were a little slow when opening and closing apps. The A14 5G only has 4 GB of RAM, which means it’s not well equipped to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
It’s also important to note that the phone comes with only 64 GB of storage, some of which gets taken up with the operating system. You can add up to 1 TB of storage with a microSD card, but you’ll pay more for needed storage. If you like to take pictures and videos, you’ll find that the built-in storage gets used up pretty quickly. As we used more and more storage, we noticed that the phone slowed down even more. If you don’t mind paying for extra storage or using a cloud-based service to store your photos and videos off of the device, the Galaxy A14 5G is a dependable and budget-friendly option.
Battery Life
Samsung claims that you can get up to two days of use on one charge, and that was pretty accurate. We made video calls, sent texts, and downloaded various apps while testing the Galaxy A14 5G, and we didn’t need to charge it until we'd been using it for 40 hours. It’s far better than the battery life on the Galaxy Z Fold5.
The only downside is that the phone charges pretty slowly. It took about an hour and a half to get the battery from 5 percent to 100 percent. That said, if you just like to plug in your phone at night or don’t plan to use it for a few hours, the slow charging isn’t a huge issue.
Pricing
The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G costs $159 — $40 more than the Samsung A03s. Bundling the Galaxy A14 5G with a Mint Mobile plan offers the most value. If you prepay for 12 months of Mint Mobile service, you can score $50 off the phone’s retail price. Paying for an entire year up front is a commitment, but Mint Mobile offers excellent service.
» Learn More: Best Prepaid Phone Plans for Senio
The carrier offers a senior plan called Mint 55+, which costs $15 per month. It features unlimited talk and text, 5G speeds, and 5 GB of monthly data. You’ll also receive a year of technical support and help switching from your old carrier. That is a fabulous option if you’re looking for an affordable, senior-friendly plan.
» Check Out: Mint Mobile Senior Phone Plan Review
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5. Samsung Galaxy S24+ From T-Mobile - Best Phone for Adaptive Technology
What we like most
- Extra-large screen for easy viewing
- Range of accessibility features
- Durable, weather-resistant design
Overview:
Samsung Galaxy S24+
Overview
The Samsung Galaxy S24+ from T-Mobile is a well-rounded 5G phone with a great mix of size, battery life, and power. You can easily see what you’re doing with the extra-bright screen — a huge perk. The phone is durable and is a good investment if you plan to keep it for a while. It even has good weather resistance and a pretty advanced camera system.
» Useful Resource: Best 5G Phones for Seniors
The Galaxy S24+ has accessibility features we love, such as increasing the contrast for easier reading, adaptive color contrast, and a display with a vision booster. The audio is clear and easy to hear. In our experience, the phone has excellent reception when paired with a T-Mobile plan.
It also features Galaxy AI, Samsung’s artificial intelligence system for mobile devices. This feature can help you translate text, adjust photos, get quick answers to questions, and more. These voice-activated features are great for those with arthritis or other health issues that could make navigating a phone challenging. It’s also great for those new to smartphone tech and could use a helping hand.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Samsung Galaxy S24+ From T-Mobile
- Adaptive color contrast and vision booster
- Crisp audio
- Built-in AI assistance
Cons About Samsung Galaxy S24+ From T-Mobile
- Expensive compared to similar phones
- AI features can take some getting used to
Our Hands-on Experience:Feature Highlights
The Samsung Galaxy S24+ boasts 12 GB of RAM — and it shows. We were blown away by how fast and smooth everything felt on the S24+. From pulling up the AI chat assistant to scrolling through social media posts, the Galaxy S24+ never showed signs of slowing down or faltering. Even though it costs about $800 less than the Galaxy Z Fold5, we felt the Galaxy S24+ provided a smoother and more user-friendly experience.
The only thing we thought could have been better was the AI system’s implementation. Galaxy AI works exceptionally well, but it’s turned on for most things by default. If we just wanted to jot down a note or send a text the old-fashioned way, we had to go into the settings and disable the AI. If you’re not interested in voice-activated features, you may find that the Galaxy S24+ is overly reliant on them. But again, you can turn these features off and on as you see fit.
Battery Life
Much like the Galaxy Z Fold5, you get a lot of power and speed at the expense of battery life. That said, the Galaxy S24+ outperformed the Fold5 and the Flip5, as we could get a complete 24 hours with moderate usage. If you use your phone a lot for streaming or other high-energy activities, however, you may have to bring out the charger more than once per day.
Pricing
The Samsung Galaxy S24+ costs about $1,000 (the same as the Galaxy Z Flip5), while other similar phones are closer to $800. Although it may be more expensive, the extra features and larger size make it worth every penny. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for an easy-to-read screen and voice-activated features via Galaxy AI.
» Related Reading: Best Voice-Activated Cell Phones for Seniors
T-Mobile offers three different Unlimited 55+ plans you can pair with the S24+. T-Mobile’s least expensive 55+ plan starts at $45 monthly for one line and increases for higher-tier plans. These plans include many perks, such as unlimited talk, text, data, in-flight WiFi, streaming bundles, and more. Another benefit of getting the Samsung Galaxy S24+ through T-Mobile is that you could knock down the price when you trade in an eligible phone. Plus, you can get zero-interest financing with no money down for as little as $41.67 monthly.
» Learn More: T-Mobile Unlimited 55+ Plan Review
Check out the video below to learn about T-Mobile’s phone plans for seniors.
learn which T-Mobile plan is best for you and how you can test the T-Mobile Network before committing
How to Choose the Best Samsung Phone for You
Even though we’ve narrowed the list of Samsung phones to our top picks, you’ll need to choose the right device for your needs and budget. As you shop, we’d recommend considering the following topics:
- Cellular coverage where you live: Does the carrier offer coverage in your area?
- Screen size and readability: Can you read the screen well enough?
- Phone size: Is the phone too big or too small to be practical for the times and places you’ll need it? If the phone is too big and heavy, for example, you may not want to take it. If it’s too small, it may be hard to use.
- Price: Does the phone and a compatible plan fit your budget?
- Features: Which features do you need? Do you want a high-definition camera, or just a plain phone for talking or texting? Do you need additional health and safety features?
Did You Know? Research shows that smartphone or tablet use can aid cognitive function and improve memory in older adults.
Choosing a Carrier for Your Samsung Phone
Choosing the right cellular carrier is just as important as picking the right phone. Below are some of our top picks for carriers to pair with your Samsung device.
- Consumer Cellular offers affordable, straightforward pricing and plans specifically designed for seniors. You can even score a discount on your monthly premium for being an AARP member.
- Lively’s cellular offerings are unique, because they combine dependable cell phone service with emergency-response features (if you pay for a higher-tier plan). Since Lively works only with its own senior-friendly devices, you also get a simple, easy-to-use phone, such as the Jitterbug Smart4 or Jitterbug Flip2.
- AT&T is one of the most dependable carriers with nationwide coverage and a large 5G network. If you live in Florida, you can even get a special 55-and-over plan.
- Mint Mobile is a relative newcomer, but they offer affordable pricing, no contracts, and senior-friendly plans. If you’re willing to prepay for your service, you can get service for as low as $15 per month.
- Verizon has extensive nationwide coverage for both 4G and 5G service. They also make it easy to score free phones if you’re willing to stay with the carrier for a few years. Read our Verizon review to learn about our experience with the carrier.
- T-Mobile, like AT&T, is known for having a giant network (particularly for 5G), as well as multiple 55-and-over plans. It’s among the best nationwide carriers for fast speeds and few dead zones.
Pro Tip: As of 2024, more than 155 million Americans use iPhones. Check out our guide to see if one of the best iPhones for seniors is right for you!
Samsung vs. Apple Phones for Seniors
Samsung phones and Apple iPhones each offer unique features that may appeal to older adults with differing interests and needs. Samsung phones, powered by Android, are generally better for people seeking affordable options and greater personalization. Samsung’s One UI offers an easy mode with large icons and a simplified interface, which is perfect for older adults who like straightforward navigation. Many Samsung phones also have various accessibility features, which are great for seniors.
Using the Galaxy S24+'s TalkBack feature
Samsung offers devices at just about every price point, making it easier to find a phone on a budget. The variety of Samsung models can make the shopping experience a little overwhelming, though, especially for seniors who feel less tech-savvy or are unsure what they want in a phone.
Apple iPhones, in contrast, are designed for simplicity and reliability, making them a great choice for seniors who prioritize ease of use. With features such as FaceTime and iMessage, Apple excels in offering easy communication between seniors and their loved ones who also use Apple devices. The consistent interface across all iPhone models minimizes the learning curve, while robust customer support and extensive accessibility features ensure that help is readily available.
Testing the iPhone 14 Pro's Accessibility Features
The drawback with iPhones is that they tend to be more expensive than many (but not all) Samsung models, and there are far fewer options to choose from. You won’t find any flip phones in Apple’s lineup. For seniors who don’t want a smartphone or simply want more options to choose from, Samsung may be the superior option.
Testing out an iPhone
More Cell Phone Resources for Seniors
If you’re looking for a certain type of cell phone or you just want to compare your options, check out our resources below. We’ve tested cell phones for a variety of needs.
- Best Free Phones for Seniors
- Best Flip Phones for Seniors
- Best Cell Phones for Seniors With Hearing Loss
- Best Cell Phones for Seniors With Dementia
- Best Android Phones for Seniors
- Best Big-button Cell Phones for Seniors
- Best Samsung Phones for Seniors
- Best Unlocked Phones for Seniors
- Best VoIP Phones for Seniors
Frequently Asked Questions About Samsung Phones for Seniors
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What is the easiest-to-use Samsung Galaxy phone for seniors?
The easiest-to-use Samsung Galaxy phone for seniors is the Jitterbug Smart4. This phone doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles. It’s just a simple phone that’s perfect for calling and texting.
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What phone has the best emergency services?
The phone with the best emergency services is the Jitterbug Smart4. You can easily set up on-call services with your Jitterbug phone so you have regular access to nurses and emergency services (additional fee required).
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What Samsung phone is the best for tight budgets?
The least expensive Samsung phones are the Galaxy A03s and Samsung Galaxy A14 56, both of which cost about $160. The Jitterbug Smart4 is even cheaper at around $120.
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What is the easiest smartphone for an elderly person to use?
The Jitterbug Smart4 is the easiest smartphone for older adults thanks to its list-style menus, built-in tutorials, and simple interface.
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Which Samsung series is best: A or S?
If you want to balance features and price, the A series is the better option. If you want a phone with all the bells and whistles, you should go with one of Samsung’s S-series phones.
AARP. (2020). Older Adults Keep Pace on Tech Usage.
Oxford Academic. (2023). Social Media Use May Not Be As Bad As Some Suggest: Implication for Older Adults.
National Library of Medicine. (2022). Assessing Older Adults’ Intentions to Use a Smartphone: Using the Meta–Unified Theory of the Acceptance and Use of Technology.