Whether it’s for you, a grandparent, parent, friend, or neighbor—if you have a senior in your life who loves technology—or maybe isn’t too tech savvy but wants to stay connected—read on!
We'll look at some of our best phones for seniors, as well as features like design, display, price, performance, durability, battery life and other specs—so you can find the perfect phone.
1. Samsung Galaxy S23
This phone is great for technology lovers who want a stylish smartphone that packs a lot of utility into a smaller package. The big, bright display of the Galaxy S23 makes messages, video, and web browsing both beautiful and accessible. And while it shares many of the amazing features of the upgraded S23 Plus and S23 Ultra models, its smaller size and streamlined capabilities make it an excellent choice for those who don’t need all the bells and whistles—but want to stay seamlessly connected on a 5G-ready device.
What we like most
- Sleek design
- 5G capable
- Crisp, clear 6.1-inch screen
Other considerations
- Powerful processor and high-resolution display may drain battery quicker than expected
- No stylus included for those with dexterity issues
2. Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Classics are classic for a reason, and there’s no smartphone that is more iconic (or popular) than iPhone. The latest generation does not disappoint, from its intuitive design to the improved flash for nighttime photography and the new “Always On” feature.
iPhone 14 Pro Max is an excellent, easy-to-use smartphone option, especially for photography lovers. For those who thought iPhone’s best-in-class camera’s flash never quite looked natural—iPhone 14 Pro series has remedied this, making nighttime photography just as stunning as daytime snaps.
And for those who like the fact that some Android phones display the time, weather, and other pertinent information regardless of the phone’s sleep status, iPhone 14’s new Always On feature will keep you up to date (literally) at a glance.
What we like most
- iPhone’s camera is still the best available
- Always On makes for easy-to-read display
- Touch screen remains one of the most intuitive of all smartphones
Other considerations
- Always On makes battery life shorter
- Bulky
3. Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
Seniors who like the convenience of a smartphone but don't need a ton of extras will love the Galaxy A14 5G, an affordable alternative to pricier competitors. The Galaxy A14 5G offers all the utility of a good smartphone: 5G performance with high-resolution photo and video at a great price.
What we like most
- High-res camera and video
- Affordable phone
- Excellent 5G performance of talk time
- 41 hours of talk time
Other considerations
- Display not as bright as competitors’
- No wide-angle camera
4. Apple iPhone SE (3rd Generation)
For seniors who love the design and display of iPhone, iPhone SE is a pared-down option that still offers just about everything loyalists love. iPhone SE still packs all the power of an Apple product without the bells and whistles that you may not even miss. For those who prefer the design of the earlier-generation iPhones, including the home button, this compact model will feel familiar.
What we like most
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to use
- Classic iPhone design
Other considerations
- No front-facing camera
- Shorter battery life
5. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
Stylish, sturdy, and packed with features, this 5G-capable phone is a smart choice for seniors. It has a triple camera for capturing important moments, plus expandable storage so you can save all your memories. The stunning 6.42-inch screen plus enriched stereo sound lets you hear and see it all, while adaptive power saving and 25W fast-charging capability allows for solid connectivity.
What we like most
- Triple camera
- 5G performance
- Worry-free durability
- Expandable storage
Other considerations
- Charger purchased separately
- Fast charging may be slightly slower than expected
- No 3.5mm headphone port
6. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
Unfold the next generation of Galaxy Z, a stylish and compact 5G-ready phone that lets you do it all in the palm of your hand. The 6.2-inch cover of the Z Flip4’s display doubles in size when unfolded—transforming this stunning cell phone into a mini tablet! Plus, it’s tough—easily standing up to water and scratches. It’s also S Pen compatible for those who prefer using a stylus over touchscreen.
What we like most
- Portable
- Durable
- S Pen compatible (Sold Separately)
- 5G capable
- Cover screen notifications
Other considerations
- Visible crease across the screen
- Lacks wide angle camera lens
- Photos can appear less vibrant than other smartphones
7. TCL Flip Go
Smartphones aren’t for everyone, and for those who want a simple-to-use flip phone that still offers a reliable camera, the Flip Go is a great choice. The large buttons and shortcut keys to favorite contacts and messages make this phone perfect for basic functions.
What we like most
- Large buttons
- Dedicated shortcut keys
- Powerful speaker with noise cancellation features
- Hearing aid compatibility
Other considerations
- Not much memory
- Low camera resolution
8. Sonim XP3 Plus
If durability and call quality are the most important features of a phone, the XP3 Plus may be a perfect fit for you. Made for the toughest environments, this rugged flip phone has a powerful speaker designed to be heard above background noise, perfect for those who sometimes struggle to hear calls on other phones.
What we like most
- 100dB+ speaker
- Long-lasting battery
- Durable
- Programmable buttons
- Basic camera capabilities
- 3-year warranty
Other considerations
- More apps available than many bare-bones flip phones, so can be a bit less straightforward.
9. Sonim XP3 Plus (Non-camera version)
It’s everything you love about the durability and clear sound of the XP3, without all the additions. For seniors who love the loud, clear quality of calls on the XP3 but don’t want any extras, the XP3 without a camera will provide years of utility.
What we like most
- 100dB+ Speaker
- Long-lasting battery
- Durable
- Programmable buttons
- Basic camera capabilities
- 3-year warranty
Other considerations
- Design and apps can still be less intuitive than other options.
10. Schok Flip (Out of stock)
This flip phone is simple, but that doesn’t mean it’s basic. The bright 3.2-inch display and oversized backlit keypad makes everything easy to see and operate—without skimping on power and features.
For seniors who mostly just want to send and receive pictures, texts and email, this vibrant flip phone with big, easy-to-read buttons is great for staying simply connected.
What we like most
- Large, tactile buttons
- Best-in-class battery
- Vibrant display
- 5MP camera with flash
- Hearing aid compatibility
- Optional apps such as PDF reader, email, virtual mouse
Other considerations
- Screen susceptible to scratches
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re looking to find the best phone for your lifestyle but aren’t sure which features are right for you, read on for some of the most asked questions about cell phones for seniors.
Do I want a basic phone or a smartphone?
That depends on what you’re planning to do with your phone. If you like to browse the web a lot and stay constantly connected via social media, email, FaceTime, and text messaging, you’ll probably want to invest in a smartphone. If you’re mostly interested in voice calls and receiving pictures (though not necessarily sending them) a basic flip phone is probably all you need.
What is my budget?
Top-of-the line smartphones can cost upwards of $1,000, though many carriers allow customers to pay overtime. A more basic smartphone or simple flip phone will cost a lot less.
Do I need medical alert capabilities?
For seniors who live alone or are concerned about quickly contacting medical professionals, all charged wireless phones within a service area can call 911, regardless of whether they are subscribed to or supported by a specific carrier. If you have a smartphone, you can download emergency alert apps, as well as apps that offer advanced GPS tracking.
Do I want a phone with data?
If you’re planning on using your phone to check email, browse social media, access the internet, or use features like iMessage, FaceTime, or streaming apps, you’ll need a phone with data, as well as a data plan.
What features are most important to me?
The features seniors are looking for vary based on lifestyle. For seniors who like to stay connected via social media, take and share photos and video, and use their phone for features like GPS and streaming music, a smartphone is the best option. Those who simply want to use their phones for calls and viewing the occasional photo from a loved one will likely find a basic flip phone is simple and straightforward.
What is the best phone for seniors?
The best phones for seniors are generally considered to be those that offer large buttons, bright screens, intuitive operation, and even hearing aid compatibility for ease of use and loud, clear call quality.
Are there smartphones made specifically for seniors?
While today’s advanced smartphones aren’t designed specifically for seniors, they may still be a good fit. Smartphones like iPhone SE, for example, provide all the intuitive features and connectivity of a classic iPhone at a lower price—and without all the sometimes-confusing bells and whistles of more advanced models.
Are there basic phones made specifically for seniors?
Yes. For example, the TCL Flip was designed specifically with seniors in mind. It has large buttons, a simple interface, and is Bluetooth and hearing aid compatible, making it easy to use and incredibly reliable for seniors who want to keep it simple but still stay connected.
Choosing the right cell phone can be a challenging task, especially with the range of options available. It can be hard to determine which phone is the best choice to meet your needs. However, this list of the top 10 cell phones for seniors will help you narrow down your search and select the ideal phone for yourself or a loved one. When choosing a phone, it is crucial to consider your specific needs, such as ease of use, accessibility features, durability, and camera quality. By doing so, you can ensure that you or a loved one stays connected and engaged with the world. By choosing a phone that is tailored to individual needs, it’s easier to maintain independence and stay connected.