How to choose the best simple mobile phone for older people?
Phones for seniors need to be easy-to-use, that’s not too complicated. Some phones for seniors have useful extra features like a one-touch SOS button to contact emergency services plus big batteries, durable designs and big, responsive screens.
Why should I buy a simple mobile phone?
The older generation may not have grown up with some of the tech we enjoy today, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be used.
Simple mobile phones are a wonderful way to get to grips with new tech without being bombarded with potentially unnecessary features and functions. They can also alleviate some of the obstacles that may come with using a mobile device in old age, such as poor vision and arthritis.
What features should I look for in a simple mobile phone?
Like everything, it not one phone suits all, different people have different needs. Here are some of the features that may make using technology as an older adult easier.
Bigger screen
If sight issues are a worry, a larger screen may help to alleviate any concerns. With screens getting bigger and bigger every year, it’s now easier than ever to find a mobile phone with a generous-sized screen.
The size of the screen is not the only thing to consider, though, as small text can also cause problems for those with vision problems. Thankfully, most mobile phones include basic software options to change font size to write and read text messages, documents, and any other text much easier. Some even have the option to bold text or change the font, which can also boost readability.
Bigger buttons
Phones with physical buttons are not quite as common as they used to be, but if you struggle with touchscreen mobile phones, buttons can often make things much easier. Some touchscreens can be unpredictable, so trying to use them with impaired hand mobility can make life quite difficult.
Simple interface and operating system
The sheer number of things you can do on a modern phone continues to impress. For anyone relatively new to using them, however, it can be quite overwhelming. If you’re looking for something that performs basic duties such as calling, texting and occasional web-surfing, you may want to consider a phone with a stripped-back user interface or slimline operating system.
Many phones support stripped-back versions of the Android operating system, while some don’t use Android at all, offering only the most basic of features for simplicity.
How much should I expect to pay?
Simple phones, which are easier to use and typically designed for inexperienced phone users, are significantly cheaper than the all-singing, all-dancing top-of-the-range models.
Prices can start as cheap as £20 for basic feature phones, hitting above £100 for more sophisticated smartphones. As a rule, the more basic you go, the cheaper the phone will be.
Our top picks
The Doro 7030 is ideal for the less tech-savvy. All the Doro 7030’s physical buttons are large, tactile, well-spaced and backlit when switched on and the phone’s black and white color scheme helps make the buttons stand out, which is especially useful for the visually impaired. It comes equipped with a couple of smart features such as WhatsApp messaging, Facebook, and email. It can connect to the 4G network, comes with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connectivity and Bluetooth 4.2 for connecting any external devices as well.
Another big plus is the “Doro Response” button located on the rear of the handset, which connects to a pre-determined contact when pressed in an emergency.
The Nokia 1.4 is simple but also has some applications that can be explored. The handset uses Android Go, which gives users access to simplified versions of apps such as YouTube, Google Maps, and Facebook.
The phone’s screen is big and there are options to change font sizes and use text-to-speech apps if impaired vision is a worry. It’s also well-built and should be able to withstand the occasional accidental drop.
The TTFONE Mercury 2 is perfect if you want a simple phone that has big buttons and a clear screen. It is a basic phone with three main functions – making calls, an FM Radio and an MP3 player.
Key features include big buttons and a loud ringtone, and an SOS alarm built in. Unlike our other phones this one stays in its charging dock, so you always know where it is.
If you just want a basic phone the Nokia 105 fulfils the brief. Its strong and reliable, perfect for people on the hunt for simple models that are easy to use without the high price tag.
Apple’s iPhone SE is far from the cheapest handset on this list, but its user interface makes for an effortlessly simple experience. The iPhone SE (like all iPhones) comes with all sorts of accessibility options, including text resizing, color changes, mono audio, and subtitles.
You can also enable AssistiveTouch, which is specifically designed to help people with motor skill issues when using touchscreens. You can download applications from the Apple App Store such as Facebook, Netflix, and a wide variety of mobile games. Although it is not designed specifically for an older user, Apples genius design and thoughtful products are a helpful solution for someone who engages well with technology and wants no limitations from their phone
