Best Voice-Activated Cell Phones for Seniors

Motorola Moto G 5G 2025

Priced at $149, the Motorola Moto G 5G 2025 is one of the least expensive smartphones on our list. It uses Google Assistant for voice commands, excellent for those with mobility or dexterity issues.

Beyond the price tag, this smartphone features a large 6.7-inch high-definition screen, loud Dolby Atmos speakers, and a 50 MP camera. It also has a headphone jack, increasingly rare on smartphones. Apple phones, including the iPhone 16e, have discontinued this feature. If you prefer wired headphones, the Moto G 5G 2025 is a great option.

Voice Activation

The Motorola Moto G 2025 uses Google Voice Assistant. You can also download the Gemini AI app for more advanced voice-command capabilities. The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL comes with Gemini AI as the default voice assistant.

To start a voice command, I said, “Hey, Google” (even when the phone was on the lock screen). Then, I asked questions or made requests. Alternatively, I could hit the speaker icon on the home screen.

Google Voice Assistant was easy to use, though it took a few seconds longer to respond than the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL. If you want a more advanced phone with Google Voice Assistant and have the budget, I'd recommend upgrading to the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL.

» For Simpler Devices: Easiest Cell Phones for Seniors to Use

Health and Safety Features

Unlike the iPhone 16e or Lively's phones, the Motorola Moto G 5G 2025 doesn't have many built-in health and safety features. There are apps on Google Play for tracking steps, monitoring sleep, and managing medications, but I had to find those on my own.

The Motorola Moto G 5G 2025 can still function as an emergency response device. I could contact emergency responders by swiping up on the lock screen and pressing the Emergency icon or holding the power button and pressing the same icon. While these are useful features, they aren't much better than dialing 911.

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Pricing

The Moto G 5G costs $149, and Consumer Cellular plans start at $20 per month; many are prepaid plans.

If you finance through Consumer Cellular, you can pay as little as $5 per month with $29 down and no interest. It's a great mid-tier option if you don't want the advanced features of the Samsung Galaxy S25+ or Google Pixel 10 Pro XL.

» For More Information: Consumer Cellular Cell Phone Plan Review 2025

Navigating the Jitterbug Flip2

The Jitterbug Flip2 from Lively is a budget-friendly voice-activated flip phone at $79.99. It has a big screen, clear speakers, and large, tactile buttons. I like that the Jitterbug Flip2 uses Amazon Alexa for voice controls. I've used many Alexa-enabled smart speakers, so I was already familiar with the voice assistant. If you're also familiar with Alexa, using the phone's voice assistant will be easy. I could make calls, send texts, and check my phone's battery level using my voice.

To enjoy all the Jitterbug Flip2 includes, I'd recommend upgrading to the Preferred or Premium phone plan. These plans have health and safety features, such as access to the Lively Link mobile app and a 24/7 Urgent Response Center. In an emergency, I could use the Urgent Response button to call for help. That's a bonus for seniors who don't want to buy a separate medical alert device.

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Voice Activation

Since it's a flip phone, I knew the Jitterbug Flip2 wouldn't be as advanced as the smartphones on this list. It keeps things simple on purpose. I found the voice-activated features easy to use. You can use the built-in Amazon Alexa assistant with an Amazon account (which is free to set up).

However, the phone does not have internet access. If you want an easy-to-use phone that can do more with voice commands, such as deliver emails or ask for directions, I’d recommend Lively’s Jitterbug Smart4.

My grandma was disappointed with the lack of voice command features on the Jitterbug Flip2, but we were both happy with the performance. I used the simple, list-style menu to locate the “Ask Alexa” icon to activate the voice assistant. When I clicked this icon, I was prompted to ask a question or give a command. While Alexa understood me most of the time, I needed to keep my requests simple to get the desired results.

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Health and Safety Features

Health and safety features set the Jitterbug Flip2 apart from most other flip phones if you're willing to pay more. With the Basic plan ($14.99 per month), the Flip2 acts like a regular cell phone.

If you upgrade to the Preferred plan ($34.99 per month), you get 24/7 Urgent Response monitoring (activated by clicking the big red button) and the Lively Link app for caregivers and loved ones. The Premium plan ($44.99 per month) has the same features as the Preferred plan, plus a personalized care advocate and an on-call nurse to answer your medical questions.

» Learn More: Jitterbug Flip2 Review

I tested the Urgent Response feature by pressing the large red button at the bottom of the phone's keyboard. In about 30 seconds, I was connected to a live agent who asked if I needed help. This feature is ideal for emergencies, whether you experience a fall, get lost, or have a flat tire.

The Jitterbug Flip2 has a large red Urgent Response button

Pricing

The Jitterbug Flip2 costs $79.99, while Lively phone plans cost $14.99 to $44.99 per month. All plans come with unlimited talk and text. You'll need the Preferred or Premium package to access the health and safety features. While they're more expensive, I think they're well worth the peace of mind they offer.

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL from AT&T

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is one of the best Android phones on the market. The phone's camera quality is blew me away, featuring a 50 MP rear camera and a 42 MP front-facing camera. It also features a large, easy-to-read display, ideal for older eyes. It has a 24-hour battery life, a high-speed operating system (with 16 GB of RAM), and crisp, clear speakers.

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL includes Gemini AI, the more advanced version of Google Voice Assistant. I could use Gemini AI to reach contacts, search the web, dictate text, and more. It's simple to use with the command “Hey, Gemini.” I didn't have to press any buttons to use the voice assistant, which is unique, even among smartphones.

» Also Check Out: Best Cell Phones for Seniors With Hearing Loss

Voice Activation

Using the voice assistant was simple. I could either hold down the power button or say, “Hey, Gemini,” for the assistant icon to appear. Then, I could make my request. For example, I asked the phone to send a text to a friend. I was prompted to say what I wanted the text to say. Then, Gemini sent the text — all without pressing a button.

I also tried setting timers, setting reminders, requesting directions, and taking photos. For instance, I could say, “Take a selfie photo in 10 seconds.” The phone would confirm it had heard the command and open the camera app, then display a large countdown timer. I was impressed with how advanced Gemini was. It outperformed the simpler voice commands on the Jitterbug Flip2.

» Shopping Tip: The Best Android Phones for Seniors

Health and Safety Features

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL has a preloaded Personal Safety app featuring an SOS button. I opened the app and held down the SOS button for three seconds. Then, my phone called 911, shared my location with my emergency contacts, and began recording a video. While it may not always be easy to open the app and hold down the button during an emergency, this feature can give seniors peace of mind.

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL can detect collisions. If a crash is detected, the phone will immediately call 911. While it doesn't have built-in fall detection, you can get this feature if you combine your Google Pixel 10 Pro XL with a Google Pixel Watch. These features are solid, considering they don't cost extra, unlike Lively's health and safety features.

» Related Resource: Best Medical Alert Watches of 2025

Pricing

At $1,249.99, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is expensive. It's roughly $250 more than the second-most expensive phone on this list (Samsung Galaxy S25+). That said, it packs multiple features into a single device. If you're a tech-savvy senior who wants an advanced smartphone, it's worth the price.

You can finance the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL with zero interest for as little as $34.73 per month. I recommend pairing this smartphone with AT&T's 55+ plan. It starts at $40 per month for one line and offers unlimited talk, text, and data. We appreciate that this plan is offered nationwide, as AT&T's previous 55+ plan was only available in Florida.

» Get More Data: Best Senior Unlimited Cell Phone Plans

My grandma trying out the Jitterbug Smart4

The Jitterbug Smart4 includes all the health and safety features of the Flip2 in a smartphone. It features a simple, list-style menu that's easy to navigate but adds internet browsing, GPS navigation, email, and voice typing. If you want to balance modern tech and senior-friendliness, the Jitterbug Smart4 is a stellar choice. My grandma didn't need help navigating the simple menu or using the voice assistant.

If you upgrade to a higher-tier Lively phone plan, you can use the phone's Urgent Response button to get help. That will connect you with an agent at a Lively call center who already has information about your health and medical history.

» Dive Deeper: Jitterbug Smart4 Review

Voice Activation

While the Jitterbug Flip2 uses a limited version of Amazon Alexa, the Jitterbug Smart4 uses Google Voice Assistant (my favorite). I held the phone near me and said, “Hey, Google,” to ask questions, set alarms, change settings, and more. I could also navigate to the Google Assistant app in the phone's list-style menu.

Using Jitterbug Smart4's voice navigation feature

The downside is that the Smart4 runs a bit slowly, especially when compared to the much faster Google Pixel 10 Pro XL or Samsung Galaxy S25+. My grandma and I often had to wait 10 seconds or longer when we asked a question or made a request.

My grandma asked for GPS directions to the nearest pharmacy. It took the phone nearly 30 seconds to bring up the results, slower than the other smartphones on this list.

» Check Out: Jitterbug Smart4 Review

Health and Safety Features

Like the Jitterbug Flip2, the Smart4 is packed with health and safety features if you upgrade to Lively's Preferred or Premium plan. I could use the phone's Urgent Response button to call for help, share my activity and location with loved ones via the Lively Link app, and get medical advice from a care advocate or on-call nurse. I tested the big Urgent Response icon on the Smart4 home screen and was connected to a Lively agent in under 15 seconds.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

I’m a big fan of Lively’s health and safety features. They make the carrier’s phones stand out from most competitors. It’s like bundling a medical alert system and phone all in one!

I'm a big fan of the Lively Link mobile app. I tested it while my grandma was on a walk. I could see her location on a map, the phone's status, and updates from the past week. That is great for caregivers or family members who want to check in without nagging their older loved one.

Tracking my grandmas location using the Lively Link mobile app

Pricing

The Jitterbug Smart4 costs $119.99, making it the most affordable smartphone on this list. Like the Flip2, the Smart4 is frequently on sale (currently just $47.99 until 12/21/2025). You'll need to pair the Smart4 with a Lively plan, as it's not compatible with any other carriers. Smart4 plans range from $19.99 to $49.99 per month. Check out our Lively pricing guide to learn more.

One difference between the Jitterbug Smart4 and Jitterbug Flip2 is that the Smart4 requires a data plan. All three of Lively's plans include unlimited text and calling, but you'll need to add a separate data plan since the phone has internet access. These data plans range from $5 per month for 5 GB of data to $30 per month for unlimited data. You can get 1 GB of data for free with the phone, so if you're not planning on heavy streaming, you may not pay a cent!

» Related Reading: 2025 Jitterbug Phone Review

Apple iPhone 16e

Now that the iPhone SE has been discontinued, the iPhone 16e is the smallest, simplest, and most affordable iPhone at $599. It's a great middle-ground option between cheaper smartphones, such as the Jitterbug Smart4, and more expensive ones like the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL. Plus, the iPhone has senior-friendly features and is compatible with most hearing aids.

The iPhone 16e includes all the voice features of more expensive iPhones. You can use Siri to navigate the phone or use accessibility features to send texts and read your messages.

» For iPhone Users: Best Made for iPhone Hearing Aids

Voice Activation

Using voice commands on the iPhone 16e is simple. You can say, “Hey, Siri,” or hold the side (power) button. From there, you can make calls, compose and send texts, check the weather, or ask whatever is on your mind. My grandma and I enjoyed asking questions on various topics. I even asked Siri to tell me a joke, and it did!

Asking Siri a joke on the iPhone 16e

One thing I liked about using Siri was that it was easy to turn on and off. With the iPhone 16e, I could tell Siri to “go to sleep.” When I was ready to use voice commands again, I asked Siri to “wake up.” This is a useful feature that you can't get with simpler phones like the Jitterbug Smart4.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

When your iPhone is charging, you can use Siri completely hands-free. Simply say “Hey Siri” while standing near your phone, and tell the voice assistant what you want to do!

Health and Safety Features

Apple makes its devices useful for many users. The preloaded Health app tracked my mobility and sleep patterns. I could also contact emergency services by holding the volume and power buttons and then swiping the SOS icon to the right. If you have an Apple Watch, you can track your heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and other health data.

If you have vision or hearing loss, the iPhone 16e has many accessibility features. For instance, the VoiceOver feature allowed me to hear everything displayed on the screen. This is great if you struggle to read text or see images on the 6.1-inch screen. You can also pair most hearing aids with the iPhone 16e or use the RTT call feature to read what's being said.

Using the iPhone's accessibility features for those with hearing loss

I would have liked to see a headphone jack, since this was once standard. My grandma enjoys listening to music using wired headphones, but couldn't do this with the iPhone 16e since the phone works with Bluetooth headphones. If you want a phone with a wired headphone jack, I'd recommend the Motorola Moto G 5G 2025.

» Learn About: The Best Smartwatches for Seniors

Pricing

For an iPhone, the iPhone 16e is affordable at $599. If you buy one through Apple, you can get zero-interest financing for as little as $24.95 monthly. The iPhone 16e also pairs well with Mint Mobile's 55+ plan, which starts at $15 per month. It features 5G service, unlimited talk and text, and 5 GB of data per month. For comparison, Lively charges $19.99 monthly for 5 GB of data and a Basic plan.

» Learn More: Mint Mobile Senior Phone Plan Review 2025

You can purchase your phone through Mint Mobile and finance it via a third-party provider like Affirm. This would allow you to get zero-interest financing on your iPhone 16e starting at $18 per month. It's a solid option for those on a tight budget.

Samsung Galaxy S25+

The Samsung Galaxy S25+ is a unique smartphone that lets you control your phone and other smart home devices with your voice. It comes equipped with Bixby, your personal voice assistant. I could use Bixby to turn on more accessibility features, search the web, tell jokes, and control connected Samsung devices (like a smart TV). If you have mobility issues, these advanced voice-activated features are excellent for controlling devices around the home.

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I love the Samsung Galaxy S25+'s bright display and low-light camera features, which are easy on the eyes. The phone includes multiple useful accessibility features for seniors, such as TalkBack. The S25+ is also tough and durable. If you have trouble holding onto things, this phone can take a few drops. With 12 GB of RAM, the Galaxy S25+ feels lightning fast.

Using the Galaxy S25+'s TalkBack feature

Voice Activation

Even if you're unfamiliar with Samsung devices, using the Bixby personal voice assistant is easy. All I had to do was pick up the phone and say, “Hi, Bixby.” While Google Voice Assistant on the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL was my favorite, Bixby on the Samsung Galaxy S25+ is a close second.

I didn't encounter anything that Bixby couldn't do, from standard commands like making calls and sending texts to more nuanced requests like adjusting screen brightness and controlling the camera's zoom feature.

The only downside of using Bixby to control compatible smart home devices is that it's built to work with Samsung devices. Google Voice Assistant has a larger ecosystem of compatible devices, though it takes extra time to get all of them connected. The good news is that Bixby can work with non-Samsung devices (with a little extra effort). For example, I could get Bixby's voice commands on a Sony smart TV.

» For Samsung Users: Best Samsung Phones for Seniors

Health and Safety Features

Like the iPhone 16e, the Samsung Galaxy S25+ includes a built-in health app for tracking your fitness and health goals. I could download other Samsung apps to check my blood pressure.

The Samsung Galaxy S25+ also includes an emergency SOS feature, but you must set it up. To do this, I opened the settings app, tapped “Safety and Emergency,” pressed “Emergency SOS,” and then enabled “Send SOS to emergency contacts.” The phone prompted me to select the recipients of SOS messages from my contacts.

Once I enabled the emergency SOS feature, I could tap the power button at least three times to send an SOS message to my emergency contacts. The message included my location, photos taken from the front and rear cameras, and a five-second audio clip. I tested this feature, and it worked quickly.

Pricing

The Samsung Galaxy S25+ offers many advanced features, which come at a steep price of $999. However, Visible phone plans start at just $25 per month. Like Mint Mobile, you can get zero-interest financing via Affirm if you purchase your Galaxy S25+ through Visible. This means you could pay as little as $27.75 per month for your phone.