Things To Consider When Choosing a Phone
Like many purchases, choosing a cell phone requires balancing budget and functionality. In cell phones for seniors, there are some features to keep in mind when making a decision. Here are some things to consider when buying a cell phone.
KEEP VISIBILITY & HEARING IN MIND
One of the biggest complaints about cell phones is that the button and screen sizes are too small. Fortunately, the cell phone industry has left the tiny fad phones behind and the advent of smartphones has increasingly led to larger screen sizes. Many seniors have difficulty reading small text. Look for phones with larger screens and the ability to adjust the text size.
Prioritize phones that have sound adjustability with loud speakers that can make it easier to hear. Bright screens can also help improve visibility, and it’s important to make sure the phone is easy and comfortable to grip.
TRY SOME OUT
Visit different carriers in your area to see if they offer a trial period where you or your parents can try out the phone for a limited amount of time. If the phone is a big hit, you can make the final purchase. If not, see if the company has other trial phones. You can try until you find the best one.
Many cellular stores also have models on display in the store. This is helpful if you want to check out different features and usability before making a decision.
LOOK FOR SPECIAL FEATURES
Many smartphones have special features that make them ideal for seniors. Things like touch assist and voice-to-text are helpful for seniors with vision problems or those who have a hard time with small buttons. Some phones also have voice and sound controls that make it easier for seniors with hearing aids to hear properly.
FOCUS ON SAFETY OPTIONS
Today, cell phones are so much more than devices used to call up old friends. Many smartphones have added safety features that are helpful for seniors. Look for phones that have tracking capabilities or emergency alert features. Tracking functions can help loved ones keep an eye on seniors with dementia, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s while emergency alerts are ideal if a senior needs to reach out after a fall.
CONSIDER CONTRACTS
You can choose between pay-as-you-go phones that don’t lock you into a contract or select a contract option that offers benefits for being a regular customer. In general, month-to-month options or pay-as-you-go phones are popular with seniors because cell phone contracts typically lock you in for two years, meaning you’re stuck if you don’t like the carrier or the phone. The cell phone options on this list can be purchased with or without a contract, depending on your preferences.
Data, text, and calling pricing also varies among different carriers. Great Call and Consumer Cellular offer affordable plans for seniors and are among the most popular. Sprint offers one of the best unlimited plans — the Unlimited 55+ plan — and is a good choice for seniors who plan to use a lot of data. AT&T and Verizon have the most extensive cell coverage and offer discount plans for seniors. T-Mobile is a great choice for travelers since you can use your phone and data like normal in dozens of countries abroad.
3 Best Cell Phones for Seniors
APPLE IPHONE SE
For seniors that are tech-savvy and want a top-of-the-line device, the Apple iPhone is a good choice. The Apple iPhone SE lands at the affordable end of Apple’s range of products and still offers incredible functionality at a lower price point. This iPhone features a 4.7-inch screen, a front-facing 7-megapixel camera, and a rear-facing 12-megapixel camera. It’s one of the best options if you’re looking for a phone that can take high-quality pictures. The phone offers up to 256GB of data storage, and you can use it to stream videos, make video calls, download apps, update social media, and surf the internet.
The iPhone also offers hearing aid compatibility, and the screen brightness can be adjusted to improve visibility. The phone also enables you to easily contact emergency services, and you can set up speed dial to reach your most frequently called numbers with the push of a button. These phones are also durable and resistant to water and dust.
One key feature on the iPhone SE is Touch ID, a fingerprint sensor that adds security. With this feature, you unlock or open the phone by using your fingerprint. This adds an extra layer of security and if you find it hard to use, you can switch to a four-digit code instead without sacrificing safety.
The Apple iPhone SE costs $399.99 to $549.99, depending on the amount of storage you want. Phone plan pricing varies dramatically between service providers, but T-Mobile usually offers lower prices and discounts for seniors. You can also get discounts if you have multiple lines. iPhones can be purchased with or without contracts. The most expensive service plans are unlimited talk and data plans, but you can save money by choosing a smaller data plan and using the phone mainly when you’re connected to WiFi.
SAMSUNG GALAXY
Like the Apple iPhone, the Samsung Galaxy is a pricier smartphone that offers incredible functionality. It uses the Android operating system and offers a large screen and exceptional video and picture quality. Like the iPhone, these smartphones feature high megapixel cameras, video stabilization, and different modes to take pictures in varied lighting. The phone offers a 5.8-inch screen, video stabilization, and voice control.
What sets the Galaxy apart from the iPhone is that it can also be operated with a stylus. That makes it a great choice for seniors who like to navigate touchscreens with a traditional feel that’s more like writing with a pencil. The Samsung Galaxy also features an Easy Mode for kids and seniors that minimizes the number of icons on the screen and increases the size of the text.
There are a variety of Samsung Galaxy phones, ranging in price from the affordable Galaxy A series, which costs $99 to other options that are more than one thousand dollars. The pricier phones have more features and capabilities so you’ll need to look at a few and decide how much you’re willing to pay and whether you need the extra features or not.
NOKIA 3310
The Nokia 3310 is a simple phone that features a small 2.4-inch screen for reading text messages and seeing who’s calling. The interface features simple icons that make it easy to navigate between making a call or playing a game. It comes in four colors and offers battery standby that lasts up to one month.
This phone isn’t designed for seniors, so it doesn’t offer a ton of extra features. However, it’s still a good option for those who want a straight-forward cell phone without the bells and whistles. The curved design is easy to hold, and it has a headphone jack to allow you to listen to music or audio, plus a simple 2-megapixel camera for snapping photos. The Nokia 3310 costs $50 and plans vary depending on your carrier and location.
Having a cell phone is one of the best ways to stay in touch with friends and family. Being able to call friends and family or do video chats from thousands of miles away can help you enjoy your golden years to the fullest. Whether you want a fancy smartphone with all the bells and whistles or something simple, you’ll find something that works for you on this list of the best cell phones for seniors.
