- Not all seniors are tech-savvy enough to operate complicated new phones.
- The best phones for seniors are those combining simplicity with functionality.
- Most modern smartphones come with ergonomic and senior-friendly features, like adjustable font size and hearing aid compatibility.
Your grandma doesn’t need much to survive: a little love, frequent visits, and a smartphone to stay connected is enough to keep her sated. More often than not, we assume grandparents don’t need modern technology because they’re not too tech-savvy. But gift your gramps a simple and functional smartphone, and they might surprise you with a video call that they make ALL BY THEMSELVES. That’s pretty exciting, right? Plus, you don’t have to overspend to help your grandparents beat the tech divide. You can easily find budget smartphones for under $300.
Best Smartphones for Seniors in 2022
In this article, we’ve shared some of the best smartphones for the elderly in 2022. All these phones have excellent battery power, big and bright displays, ergonomic features, virtual assistant support, loudspeakers, and hearing aid compatibility.
So, let’s get started.
1. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra: Best for Note-Taking
What We Like
- S Pen integration
- Long-lasting battery
- Excellent reception in low-signal areas
- Hearing-aid compatible
What We Don’t Like
- Slightly expensive
- Easy-to-scratch body
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is packed with all the extraordinary features of the Galaxy Note line. It has powerful hardware, a sturdy build, and long-lasting battery life. The S Pen integration makes it all the more accessible for seniors. They can use it to write more easily and take notes quickly.
What makes used Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra perfect for the elderly is its hearing-aid compatibility. It means this smartphone can hear and output the required magnetic signal in addition to an audio signal. Besides having a 6.8-inch large screen, the font size can be increased to make it more visible for seniors.
2. Jitterbug Smart3: Medical Alert Features
What We Like
- Easy-to-navigate menu
- Urgent Response button for emergencies
- Voice typing and video chat
- Long-lasting battery
What We Don’t Like
- Not waterproof
- Low-quality camera
The Jitterbug Smart3 is specifically designed for older adults with its unique features. It has an intuitive design with a big, bright screen for comfortable visibility. But the thing that makes it stand out among other options is its medical alert capabilities. It has a built-in MedCoach app that sends pill and prescription reminders to your phone. On advanced plans, you can also get access to registered nurses and doctors to get a medical opinion. It is also compatible with a hearing aid, perfect for seniors with hearing difficulty.
3. Apple iPhone SE: Most Affordable iPhone
What We Like
- Speedy performance
- Intuitive design and voice commands
- Access to hearing aid apps
- Adjustable text size
What We Don’t Like
- Not suitable for beginners
- No Night mode in the camera
Read the full review here: iPhone SE Review
The iPhone SE unlocked is one of the most affordable iPhones available in the market. Although it isn’t specifically designed for seniors, the iPhone SE is perfect for their flip-phone transition journey. It has stellar camera quality, internet access, and hundreds of free apps. But it has a slight learning curve, so you may need to assist the elderly in using the phone in the beginning until they get the hang of it.
The used iPhone SE is compatible with hearing aids, so older people don’t have any issues listening to calls and other voice commands. Plus, it also comes with a built-in virtual assistant, Siri, allowing seniors to send messages, make calls, and browse the web using their voice.
4. Google Pixel 6: Excellent Voice Typing Capabilities
What We Like
- Smooth performance
- Excellent voice recognition
- Regular software updates
- Hearing aid compatible
What We Don’t Like
- Average-performing fingerprint sensor
- Charger not included
Read the full review here: Google Pixel 6 Review
If you’re looking for a mid-range Google phone, the Pixel 6 is a perfect choice. Its up-to-date features and a proprietary Google Tensor chip offer maximum value for money. A used Google Pixel 6 is fully integrated with Google services, apps, and other products. While all Pixel phones are hearing-aid compatible, the Pixel 6 is also BLE hearing-aid compatible. It can stream audio directly to hearing aids over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). This smartphone also supports voice recognition and typing, making it easy to use for the elderly.
5. Motorola Moto G Power (2022): Best Battery Life
What We Like
- Impressive battery life
- Affordable price
- Hearing aid compatible
- Adjustable font size
What We Don’t Like
- Runs on older Android version
- Substandard audio
While Motorola is not as mainstream as Apple, Google, and Samsung, it gives these tech giants tough competition with its Motorola Moto G Power. The best thing about this smartphone is its battery. Claiming to last three days between charges, the Moto G Power packs a 5000mAh giant battery. It is perfect for the forgetful elderlies who never remember to charge their smartphones. Plus, you can also increase the font size, making it easier to read. Another feather in this smartphone’s cap is its hearing aid compatibility.
Final Thoughts
This article has shared some of the best smartphones for the elderly. Nearly all the phones mentioned above are affordable without compromising any necessary features. These phones are senior-friendly with ergonomic designs, intuitive displays, and unique features. They support hearing aids so people with hearing problems can connect them easily. Plus, they have large displays and adjustable fonts, making reading text on the screen easier. Having decent battery life also makes these phones an excellent catch for seniors in your life.
If you have parents, grandparents, or any other elderly person you want to stay in touch with, one of these phones will do. You can find used phones for sale on Phone Daddy to get one (or all) of these amazing smartphones at reasonable prices.