Best Phones for Seniors & the Elderly

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What to look for

How do you know if a phone is going to work for you? Here’s some of the most important features and specifications you should be looking for when browsing for a senior-friendly phone. 

The display screen

Many people, regardless of age, have sight problems. But older people in particular tend to need glasses and may struggle to read text that is too small. Therefore, looking for a large and clear display will be helpful in allowing the person to navigate their screen more easily. 

Buttons

Whilst some elderly people can cope fine with virtual buttons that appear on screen, others may feel more comfortable with a device that’s split between a screen and physical buttons. If someone has motor issues or arthritis, they may find it difficult to type or navigate their phone without large and clear buttons. Additionally, those with sight impairments will also find big, raised buttons more helpful. 

Hearing aid compatibility

If the senior in question is hard of hearing or deaf, buying a phone that’s compatible with hearing aids should be your top priority. Additionally, some devices come with amplified sound, so ringers and other notification noises can be turned up. 

Emergency features

If you’re particularly concerned about a loved one, buying a phone with built-in emergency features can help to put your mind at ease. Some features include an SOS button that, when pushed, can alert set contacts that the receiver is in trouble and requires assistance. ICE (In Case of Emergency) is a feature which stores the user’s medical details so a professional can easily access them from a locked screen (to know about any conditions or allergies before administering treatment, for example).  

Functionality

One of the most important factors you need to take into consideration when buying for someone older is how tech-savvy they are. If they’re not too confident with technology, making sure you get a phone that is functional with a simple interface is important. 

Other aspects of functionality that can help an older user include an AI assistant, which you can verbally command to complete tasks like call Ellie or send text to Daniel or check the weather. Some other features to look out for are text magnification, the type of data the device supports, and the battery life.

Best phones for the elderly

Depending on what you’re looking for, you can use our links below to quickly navigate to the most relevant phone recommendation for you. 

Best overall

Best smartphone

Easiest to use

Best on a budget

Largest screen

Biggest buttons

Best with clamshell design

Best for Hard of Hearing

Best for visually impaired

Most durable

Best overall - Doro 8100

Doro is one of the best phone manufacturers for seniors. All of their phones are designed with specialised features catering towards people with hearing loss, sight difficulties, and motor disabilities. 

The Doro 8100 is their flagship smartphone, and for less than £200 it’s an absolute steal. If you feel comfortable using something with a bit more technology behind it, you can’t go wrong with the Doro 8100. 

Why we like it

✔ Unique interface based on Android, but designed to make using the phone easier, safer, and more intuitive

✔ Features Doro’s first ever triple lens camera, perfect for capturing the important moments in your life

✔ Has the Response by Doro enabled assistance button on the rear of the phone. With a single press you can alert connected family and friends. This will notify them, share your GPS location, and allows them to call you back to help

✔ Comes with the TeamViewer app installed, allowing a friend or family member to access and assist you with you remotely

Best smartphone - iPhone SE (2020)

Why we like it

✔ iPhones are known for having simple interfaces, making them one of the easiest phones to become familiar with, perfect for older people who are perhaps less confident and don’t want to be overwhelmed with loads of customisable features

✔ Installing apps from the Apple Store is quick, easy, and secure - explore anything from games to health apps to social media apps 

✔ Includes an emergency SOS button that can be activated by pressing the side button, useful for if the user is unable to actually unlock or navigate the handset

✔ Thanks to its screen size, processor speed, and apps, it's great for surfing the web. Discover more budget phones for internet browsing. 

✔ Has an IP water-resistant rating of IP67, which means the phone can be submerged up to one metre of water for a maximum of 30 minutes 

✔ Touch ID to unlock device, rather than having to enter a password or PIN number

✔ Has Siri as the AI assistant, which acts almost identically to Google Assistant, in that you can verbally request certain tasks to be completed without having to even touch the screen 

✔ Text fonts can be enlarged, and the user can zoom into sections

✔ Find My iPhone is a useful tool for if the phone goes missing or gets stolen 
 

If you’re interested in learning more about iPhones, we have a list of the best you can buy in 2022, as well as all the tips and tricks a beginner iOS user should know.

Easiest to use - Nokia 105

Nokia are a strong and reliable brand, perfect for people on the hunt for simple, nostalgic models without the high price tag. 

Release date: September 2019

Price: £18 
 

Why we like it

✔ One of the simplest phones available for under £20!

✔ The design features buttons for those who don’t like on-screen touch. They’re also raised to help people with sight impairments find them more easily

✔ Storage allows the user to save up to 2,000 contacts (plenty of friends and family!) 

✔ Features a 3.5mm headphone jack to connect wired headphones - this may make it easier for someone to hear during a phone call or while listening to the radio

✔ Long-lasting battery life means it won’t matter if the user forgets to put the device on charge occasionally

Best on a budget - Alcatel 1066

Why we like it

✔ As cheap as it gets for a phone!

✔ Compact and lightweight

✔ Decent battery life for such a budget device

Other budget options - Doro 1360

Release date: 2017

Price: £29.99
 

Why we like it

✔ 1360 has an Assistance Button and ICE feature for emergencies, so that the user can ask family members and friends for help if they’re in trouble 

✔ Lightweight and portable device makes for easy transportability and holding

✔ The 1360 haslarge, separated (good for dexterity struggles), and raised keys that are labelled clearly with their numbers for easy navigation. The keypad is also backlit in dim lighting to help those with poorer sight 

✔ Acoustics are louder than standard mobiles, with 35 decibel voice volume and 83 decibel ringer volume

✔ The contrast on the screen can be adjusted to a brightness that is easy to see

✔ Includes a 3.5mm headphone jack which may help those who are hard of hearing to listen to audio with headphones (can also listen wirelessly with Bluetooth)

If you’re buying on a budget, you may be interested in reading about the best phones for under £100 and £200 too!

Largest screen - LG G8 ThinQ

Release date: April 2019

Price: £150 - £300 refurbished
 

Why we like it

✔ Very large and vivid screen for those who appreciate end-to-end displays, and aren't too concerned about having buttons

✔ Rated IP68, which means the phone is waterproof up to 1.5 metres in depth for a maximum of 30 minutes, which is helpful to avoid incidental water damage

✔ As well as hearing aid compatibility, the ThinQ also has an extra loud speaker with a high-end audio chip, and a 3.5mm headphone jack for plugging in headphones for listening

✔ Touch ID and Face ID options to unlock the phone without having to input a PIN number or password. These measures can make a phone safer and more secure

✔ Option for hands-free use

✔ Enhanced visual features like a 3D camera and 3D face scanning

Biggest buttons - Artfone C1 GSM

Release date: September 2018

Price: £25
 

Why we like it

✔ Huge buttons for easy use. They’re also widely separated so people with dexterity struggles can select the right one

✔ SOS button allows the user to send out requests for emergency aid to a set number of contacts that have been pre-chosen

✔ This phone has a ‘talking numbers’ feature, which means it will read out the numbers on the keypad as you press them, so you know you’re typing the right ones

✔ Loudspeaker and 3.5mm headphone jack for those who might struggle with their hearing

✔ Design is built so that the phone can be tied around your neck with a rope attaching to the top of the device - this allows for easy transportation and will ensure you don’t misplace the small, lightweight mobile 

Best with a clamshell design - Doro 6820

Why we like it

✔ Large, well-spaced physical buttons make dialling and typing easier

✔ Customisable audio options, as well as loud and clear speakers

✔ The one press assistance button allows you to get help quickly when you need it. Can set up five contacts that will be called in sequence till someone answers

Best for Hard of Hearing - Swissvoice C50s Comfort and Care Smartphone and Base

Release date: 2017

Price: £187

Why we like it

✔ Ringer can be adjusted up to 90 decibels, which is the equivalent of the noise a tractor makes

✔ The handset volume can reach 35 decibels

✔ The phone will ring multiple times at a higher volume if the first call goes unanswered

✔ An SMS will be sent to pre-selected contacts to alert them that the battery is low or if several calls have gone unanswered

✔ SOS button allows you to contact pre-selected people in your phone if you had an accident and need help, or if you’re going to the hospital

✔ Comes with remote control capability so a friend or family member can provide assistance from afar

Best for visually impaired - Blindshell Classic & Alcatel 1S

It’s best to understand the differences between specialist and regular phones for the visually impaired before making a choice. If you know what your loved one needs, it will make it easier to sort through the vast range of devices on offer.

Blindshell Classic

Release date: 2019

Price: £300

Why we like it

✔ Designed entirely with visually impaired people in mind, the Blindshell Classic is a ‘talking phone’ that will speak aloud what you’re typing on the keypad so you know you’re saying what you want to

✔ There are different writing sizes available to switch to so that text can become bigger or smaller, depending on what you need

✔ SOS button is integrated in the device to contact relevant people for help if something happened 

✔ Object Tagging feature allows the user to distinguish between different icons with similar shapes so you can find the right app

✔ Voice control activation for making verbal commands, such as calling or texting someone, so you don’t even need to touch the screen

✔ Large, raised buttons help those with poorer sight to find and distinguish them more easily from one another

Alcatel 1S

Release date: March 2021

Price: £99

Why we like it

✔ Large screen helps those with visual impairments 

✔ Face ID and fingerprint sensor for unlocking the phone with facial or fingerprint recognition, rather than having to type in a PIN or password

✔ Google Assistant can help the user complete tasks just by using their voice, easily activated by the tap of a button or by saying “OK Google”

✔ GPS feature can identify location of the phone

✔ 3.5mm headphone jack allows for wired headphones to be plugged in

For more great value and easy to use phones, check out our list to see which Alcatel phone is right for you. 

Most durable - Hammer Bow+

Hammer are known for their very strong, rugged, and durable handset. If you need an indestructible device, look no further than our top recommended models.

Price: £89.99 

Why we like it

✔ Capable of surviving a drop up to 1.5 metres in height without causing any damage, which is handy for those who may not have strong grip or motor impairments 

✔ Rated IP68 waterproof, which means the phone can withstand up to 1.5 metres of water for a maximum of 30 minutes

✔ Features an SOS button for the user to alert friends and/or family members that they need assistance 

✔ Big buttons 

✔ Two display screens (one on the back, as it flips shut, and the normal display inside), so users can see important information like the date, time, network, battery life, and incoming calls or messages, without having to flip open the phone
 

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