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Jitterbug Smart3 from Lively
Smartphone designed specifically for seniors
List-based menu for simple navigation
Functions as an emergency response device with optional Health & Safety Package
How Did We Choose the Best Smartphones for Seniors?
Our editor’s grandma using the senior-friendly Jitterbug Smart3
Finding a smartphone—or any phone—can take a lot of time. It’s a big decision, especially for seniors planning to invest in a phone. If you’re in the market for your first smartphone or a new smartphone, we can help you. We’ve spent more than 300 hours researching, asking questions, and testing out various phones to create a list of the best cell phones for seniors.
Smartphones have many more features than a regular cell phone, so we had to develop a list of criteria to help us rank the phones. The four most important criteria we looked at were:
Senior-friendliness: This is a list for seniors, after all. We look for senior-friendly features, including large screen size, simple navigation, medical alert capabilities, bright screens, adjustable speakers, and hearing aid compatibility. Of course, not every phone has it all, but each offers a good mix of senior-friendly features.
Value: We don’t know your budget, but we did try to include various budget-friendly and higher-end smartphone models. Our pricier picks certainly have the high-tech features to justify the cost. Our low-end picks still get the job done without breaking the bank.
Camera quality: All of our top picks have excellent cameras, so you can video call loved ones, take gorgeous pictures of your garden or grandkids, and get your selfie game on. We wanted models with rear and front-facing cameras too.
Usability: A phone is no good if you aren’t able to use it. Each phone on the list is easy to use. Compared to a flip phone, figuring out your smartphone will require some extra effort, but not as much as you’d expect with the right help.
-Built-in GPS and navigation
-Voice typing for sending text messages
-Integrated Google features
-Triple camera
– Stereo speakers
-Android 13 operating system
-48 MP camera
-Secure Face ID
– Tough glass screen
-S Pen for touch-free operation of the phone
-Fingerprint ID
Pro Tip:
Pro Tip: Start your smartphone search by reading our cell phones for seniors buyer’s guide. We cover top brands, pricing, how to choose the right phone for your needs, and more!
1. Jitterbug Smart3
Choosing the Jitterbug Smart3 as our overall best smartphone for seniors was easy. It truly is designed for seniors, and it’s also the most affordable phone on our list. Its large 6.2-inch screen is easy to see, and the list-based menu is easy to navigate. Need to check your email, send a text, or take a picture? What about looking up directions to your grandkid’s soccer game? No problem at all. The Jitterbug Smart3 can do that and more.
By more, we mean keeping you safer. It’s all thanks to Lively’s health and safety features. Just press the smartphone’s Urgent Response button to get in touch with an IAED-certified agent. If you fall, get locked out of your house, lose track of where you are, or experience a medical emergency, Urgent Response has your back.
Your family and caregivers will love the Lively Link app, too. They can download the app to stay connected with you and monitor your activity, phone battery level, and receive notifications if a call is made to Urgent Response.
Lively’s Jitterbug Smart3 won’t be as fast as some other smartphones out there, and it’s not intended to be. That is one of the reasons it’s so affordable at just $149.99 (plus monthly plan, activation fees, and taxes). The website regularly offers sizable discounts of up to 50 percent off during select sales. You’ll have no trouble using it for texts, calls, reading eBooks, surfing the web, and playing music, but larger apps like Gmail might take a little longer to load. This makes the Jitterbug Smart3 an excellent starter smartphone for seniors. Plus, Lively’s senior plan pricing starts at just $19.99 per month. You can learn more about this smartphone in our Lively phone review.
2. Moto G 5G (2023) from Consumer Cellular
Motorola packs many features into the budget-friendly Moto G 5G (2023), including a two-day battery life, a large 6.5” screen, and enhanced sound with stereo speakers tuned with Dolby Atmos. The Moto G 5G also has a 48 MP camera for crystal clear photos, Bluetooth, and hearing aid compatibility (M3/T3).
Plus, Consumer Cellular offers a variety of senior-friendly mobile plans to go with this phone, so you can find the one that’s right for your budget and needs. Our Consumer Cellular phone plan review has all the important details.
Pricing for Consumer Cellular plans are based on talk, text, and data. Make sure you choose the Consumer Cellular plan that’s right for you. With an unlimited plan, you don’t need to track your data, texts, or minute usage. That’s nice, but it can get pricey. You’ll also save when you sign up for two or three lines instead of just one. If you don’t need unlimited, Consumer Cellular has other plans starting at just $20 per month. If you’re an AARP member, you can save 5 percent on monthly service and usage charges.
You should know that the Moto G 5G is a little heavier than other smartphones of its size because of its long-lasting battery. It weighs 6.6 ounces, so it’s definitely heavier and larger than other smartphones on the market. If you experience hand weakness, this phone might be uncomfortable to use.
3. REVVL 6 5G from T-Mobile
If you’re looking for a smartphone that isn’t too complicated, say hello to the REVVL 6 5G from T-Mobile. At $179, it’s a fairly affordable smartphone for seniors. It’s simple to navigate yet still has high-tech features like fingerprint unlock—no more passwords to remember. That’s a win for us!
Do you ever get spam calls? We certainly do! Well, guess what? T-Mobile and the REVVL 6 5G help stop spam calls in their tracks with built-in five-layer scam-blocking protection. That feature could save you from a lot of stress down the road. Phone scams are more costly to seniors than any other scam type—even internet scams.3 T-Mobile also offers some of our favorite unlimited cell phone plans for seniors.
You can save money per line on T-Mobile’s 55+ Unlimited Plans if you purchase two lines. So, now might be the time to get your spouse a new phone too! Their Essentials Unlimited 55 Plan comes with unlimited talk, text, and data for just $40 a month for one line or $55 per month for two lines. Or, you can opt for their Go5G 55 or Go5G Plus 55 plans starting at $80 per month and $100 per month for two lines, respectively. Just make sure T-Mobile offers reliable coverage in your area!
4. Apple iPhone 13 from Verizon
We named the iPhone 13 from Verizon as the best Apple smartphone for older adults for a good reason. Its Face ID system protects your privacy, which means that you don’t need to remember any passwords. For many older adults with memory troubles, this can be a big win. All you’ll need to do to unlock your phone is hold it up and look at it. No, really, it’s that simple! Plus, you can choose to upgrade and get up to 512 GB of memory.
If you’re one to take photos, you’ll love the phone’s dual camera system. Shoot better images while you’re zoomed in, at night, and with a wider angle. Your kids or grandkids will certainly be impressed with your newfound photography skills.
We’d recommend the iPhone 13 for seniors with family members or friends who also have Apple phones. Sending iMessages and video chatting between iPhones makes staying in touch a breeze. Plus, if your loved ones are already familiar with Apple products, they can help you learn how to use and navigate your shiny new iPhone.
The $699.99 price tag may seem intimidating, but you might be able to knock the cost down. Verizon frequently offers trade-in deals and seasonal promotions, so make sure to check for deals before you buy!
Verizon offers several unlimited plans for the iPhone 13 Pro too. Live in Florida? You might be eligible for the wallet-friendly Verizon 55+ Unlimited plan. If not, our next best pick is the Prepaid 5 GB plan with unlimited talk, unlimited text, and 5 GB of data. You can’t beat Verizon’s prices for this plan. In our latest Verizon review, we found that you’ll only pay $35 per month with loyalty and AutoPay discounts.
5. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra from AT&T
We finished off the list with our top Android pick for seniors, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra from AT&T. It offers the best in new technology with an old school way of navigation. The included S Pen is perfect for jotting down notes, navigating between screens, and more. When you write your grocery list on your phone, it feels just like using a real pen!
Retailing at $699.99, the high-tech Galaxy S22 Ultra lets you take and send amazing pictures, too. What a great way to stay in touch with family! Of course, our favorite senior-friendly features have to be its durable glass screen and battery life. If your loved one is hard on technology, fear not. Its Gorilla Glass Victus+ screen can take it, delivering superior shatter and scratch resistance.
Don’t fret about whether your loved one will remember to charge their phone either. This phone has up to 40 hours of talk time. And if the phone dies, they won’t be without power for long. Charging to 50 percent capacity only takes up to 26 minutes.
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra might seem pretty pricey, but you do get what you pay for. Don’t forget to take advantage of AT&T’s perks and discounts including trading in your old smartphone for up to $200 in credit toward monthly installments. Financing the phone costs $33.34 per month for 36 months. Only certain postpaid phone plans are eligible, though.
If you can buy the phone outright, we’d recommend it. You can then save money on your service with either the prepaid unlimited or prepaid 8 GB plans. Both get you unlimited text, unlimited talk, and fast data.
Do I Need a Smartphone?
More seniors end up answering “yes” to that question than not. An impressive 61 percent of seniors age 65+ own smartphones, while only 29 percent own regular cell phones.1 Why do so many seniors use smartphones? For one, the majority of seniors associate smartphones with a sense of freedom.2 Smartphones also help older adults feel connected. Because smartphones offer many features and access to thousands of mobile apps, they can keep seniors connected, entertained, and protected on a whole new level.
Of course, how you answer the question for yourself depends on a few things: What you do, how comfortable you are with technology, and why you’re looking for a new phone in the first place. All in all, a smartphone can help prevent feeling isolated and alone, which can contribute to depression and anxiety for many older adults. Here are five ways you can prevent isolation.
Our Editor’s grandma testing out the iPhone 11 Pro
How Do Smartphones Compare to Flip Phones?
A smartphone lets you access the Internet, video chat with loved ones, watch movies and TV shows, stream music, download mobile apps, and more. Many mobile apps even offer stimulating brain game apps, medication reminders, exercise routines, and easy-to-book telehealth appointments for seniors.
Flip phones are a whole lot simpler. Most let you send texts, make calls, and surf the web. Since they lack so many of the features smartphones have, they also lack some of the benefits. While we’ve found some great flip phones for seniors, they’re best for those who want to keep things basic. If you simply want to stay connected and don’t care about advanced features like a high-quality camera, touchscreen, or mobile apps, a flip phone will be a better fit for you. Plus, traditional cell phones tend to be the more inexpensive option for those on a tight budget.
Types of Seniors Smartphones Are Best For
Any older adult willing to learn how to use a smartphone has a lot to gain. But we’d say smartphones are best for those who:
Are interested in upgrading to newer technology
Want to video chat with friends and families
Want to take advantage of stimulating brain games and other apps
Want to add smart devices to their homes like smart bulbs or a home security system
Need mobile apps and internet access
Enjoy taking high-quality pictures and video
Volunteer or work and need to access emails and use the web on the go
Aren’t satisfied with their current block-style phone or flip phone
Want to browse the web, catch up with friends on Facebook, or make voice calls
You can start your smartphone search by reading our cell phones for seniors buyer’s guide. We cover top brands, pricing, how to choose the right phone for your needs, and more!
A Senior’s Guide to Choosing a Smartphone
Our editor showing her grandma how to use the iPhone 11 Pro
Even after looking at our top picks, you still might need help deciding on a smartphone. Here are some factors you should consider.
Price
Make sure you narrow your search down to phones within your price range. Sure, you can finance a phone to avoid a steep upfront cost, but that locks you in with the carrier. There are plenty of other affordable smartphones with great features on our list! If you’re on a budget and on the fence about using a smartphone, check out our cheapest cell phones for seniors list.
Do you want your phone to double as a medical alert device? If so, there’s a simple solution to your smartphone search: The Jitterbug Smart3. It’s one of the best cell phones for seniors because of Lively’s Health & Safety Packages. Help will be just a press of a button away. And, compared to the other smartphone options, you can’t beat the price.
Battery Life
Smartphones work great for older adults, but only when they’re charged. If you’re forgetful or just don’t want to be bothered to charge your phone every day, look for a smartphone with long battery life.
Consider Your Loved Ones’ Phones
Talk to your family about their smartphones. Knowing what they use or are familiar with can help you decide. For example, if your loved ones use iPhones, going with the iPhone 13 or another smartphone is a smart choice. Your family already knows Apple products and can help you learn how to use it. Plus, you’d be able to FaceTime them and send iMessages.
You can also ask them what carrier they have. Sometimes bundling with your family’s phone plan can lower the price per line. Of course, prepaid phone plans for seniors are another way to cut service costs too.
The easiest way for seniors to learn how to use smartphones is by asking a family member, friend, or neighbor for help. Some senior centers and libraries offer technology classes for seniors too. If they can’t find in-person help, seniors can look for videos online to help also.
Some seniors might find smartphones intimidating, but seeing as 61 percent of seniors own smartphones, most don’t!1 Senior-friendly smartphones like the Jitterbug Smart3 and help from family and friends make smartphones more approachable too.
Written By
Taylor Shuman
Senior Tech Expert & Editor
For over five years, Taylor has been writing, editing, and researching products and services covering topics such as senior care and technology, internet and the digital divide, TV and entertainment, and education. Her work has been cited by publications such as Forbes,… Learn More About Taylor Shuman
