The Best Free Phones for Seniors in 2024

How to Get a Free Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a workhouse smartphone. Even better, the process for getting a free Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is really simple. You can get it through AT&T’s website or by contacting an AT&T representative by phone.

Our tech team took the online route. We simply needed to trade in an older Google Pixel phone or any eligible smartphone with a trade-in value of $35 or more. This gave us $1,250 of credits to cover the cost of the phone, which is allocated over the course of 36 months. You also need to purchase an unlimited plan that costs at least $75.99 per month (if you’re new to AT&T). Existing AT&T customers can keep an existing unlimited plan and still take advantage of the deal.

» Check Out: Best senior unlimited cell phone plans

For example, we traded in an Apple iPhone 13 that had been in use for several years and got the full $1,250 credit. AT&T claims you can get the credit with any Google Pixel phone in any condition, but if you’re going to trade in a smartphone from a different manufacturer, it will need to be in working condition and meet a few basic criteria. We initiated the process and signed up for the AT&T Unlimited Extra EL plan, which starts at $75.99 per month. We also had to pay a $35 activation fee for the new phone and plan, which was the same fee we had to pay with Verizon.

To make the trade-in, AT&T sent us a prepaid shipping label so we could mail them our old phone. We could also go to an AT&T store to do everything in person, but we appreciate the ability to do everything from the comfort of our couch! A few days later, we got our free Google Pixel Pro XL in the mail, ready to go with an eSIM card and instructions for how to set everything up.

Usability

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a solid smartphone choice. The battery is pretty good, and the advanced camera system and virtual assistant tech won’t cause significant battery drain. Android lovers will enjoy the Google interface, featuring voice assistance and control. As you shop for your free phone, consider how and where you’ll use it. If you’re looking for a phone with a lightning-fast interface, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a solid fit. Its processing power is just as good as the iPhone 16 and other high-end smartphones.

We enjoyed using the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. The Android system was easy to use and similar to other models we’ve tried, like the Galaxy A14 5G. Google has replaced its old Google Assistant with Google Gemini, and AT&T gave us one free year of Google Gemini Advanced. This meant we had access to even more AI-based features that could follow more complex voice commands, help us organize files, and even tell us about elements within a photo or video.

» Useful Guide: Easiest cell phones for seniors to use

That said, its battery life can’t quite compete with the Galaxy A14 5G or the iPhone 16. Google claims that you can get up to 24 hours or more on a single charge, but with average to heavy usage, we got closer to 16 hours. However, it’s important to note that we only used the phone for a week, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL learns how to optimize power usage based on your phone usage habits, so we didn’t get to see just how long the battery could last. This means that, unlike most smartphones, you can actually expect to get better battery life after the first few months.

Camera Quality

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL features an impressive 50 MP main camera, 48 MP ultrawide lens, and 48 MP 5x telephoto lenses — a major upgrade from the iPhone 16 and Galaxy A14 5G. The quality of the photos was incredible. The phone would sometimes experience a slight delay if we were trying to take a picture with multiple apps running in the background, but otherwise we had no issues with the camera and were happy with the photo and video quality.

How to Get a Free Samsung Galaxy A14 5G

Getting a free phone from Cricket Wireless was simple. All we had to do was bring our phone number and select one of the eligible monthly plans, which start at $55 monthly. You’ll need to have an existing number to catch that deal. If you want Cricket Wireless to give you a new number, you’ll pay $25. The price isn’t for the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G, but for adding a new number.

» Related Reading: Best Samsung Phones for Seniors

There is an important caveat: The type of plan you need to purchase to avoid paying $159.99 for a Samsung Galaxy A14 5G varies. If you bring in an existing number, you’ll sign up for a new Cricket Wireless voice plan starting at $55 monthly. If you pay $25 for a new number, you can only get a free phone by signing up for a new unlimited plan starting at $60 monthly. That means you could save more upfront and in the long run by bringing your old phone number.

The plan you have to purchase to get a free phone also varies by the phone you choose. Some phones require only the purchase of a $40 plan when you bring your own number. We’re not big fans of those caveats, but Cricket Wireless displays the details on its website, so there are no surprises at checkout. Learning the details can help you get the best deal with Cricket!

Usability

The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is excellent for older adults who want a user-friendly smartphone with a large enough screen to combat eye strain or fatigue. Individuals with low vision or arthritis can make the most of the virtual assistant feature. With a simple voice command, the assistant could read my texts and notifications, send messages, and set appointment reminders. Cricket’s network is 5G and the A14 5G is built to take advantage of those speeds — regardless of the Cricket Wireless plan you choose.

» Helpful Guide: Best voice-activated cell phones for seniors

We were amazed at how bright and clear the screen was, especially for a free phone. We found it easy to use for texting and receiving calls, and liked the main screen’s simple layout. The home screen features large icons for calling, texting, camera, and the Google Play Store. As a bonus, the Galaxy A14 5G has a long battery life, with more than nine hours of video playback on a single charge and roughly a day and a half with regular usage. We spent a day watching videos, taking photos, making calls, and sending texts, and the battery held strong through it all.

Camera Quality

Even if you’re willing to shell out a few hundred dollars on a smartphone, finding one with a camera as good as the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is difficult. The rear-facing camera is 50 MP, a slight improvement on the iPhone 16. I enjoyed taking pictures and recording 1080p videos. I shot photos in the backyard, on a walk, and in the house. They always looked crystal clear, and we had virtually no issues using the camera, even in low-light environments.

How to Get a Free Motorola razr+

The Motorola razr+ retails for $999 plus tax, so getting it for free is a great deal. While you’ll still have to pay the taxes, you can get the $999 price tag written off without having to trade in a new phone. We appreciate this option, which is not available if you want the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL from AT&T.

The easiest way to get your free Motorola razr+ is to simply purchase a new line with a Go5G Plus 55 ($75 per month) or Go5G Next 55 ($85 per month). These are plans designed specifically for seniors, so it’s really not a big sacrifice that T-Mobile requires you to pick one of them in order to get your free phone. That said, they are on the pricier side, so if you want to save on your monthly bill, you might consider a budget-friendly carrier like Cricket Wireless or Consumer Cellular. It’s also important to note that if you’re not a big fan of Motorola, you can get an iPhone 16 through T-Mobile with a similar deal.

What else makes T-Mobile’s coverage stand out? It’s America’s leader in 5G. The carrier covers nearly twice the area of AT&T and four times the area of Verizon. If you require speed, T-Mobile has you covered. It also has competitive plan pricing and perks. The carrier offers some of the best phone plans for seniors, starting at $40 monthly for one line. They come packed with useful features such as in-flight Wi-Fi, free hotspot data, and international coverage. If you’re a frequent traveler, the extras are a huge plus!

» For Travelers: Best unlocked phones for seniors

T-Mobile’s Motorola razr+ offer gives you $1,000 worth of credits spread out over 24 months. Since the credits are offered over two years, it essentially locks you into a two-year deal with T-Mobile. If you cancel your plan before the 24 months have passed, you’ll have to pay the difference for your phone. We’re not big fans of deals that lock you in long-term. It’s not technically a contract, but it limits your freedom to leave for another carrier without sizable costs.

That said, T-Mobile’s two-year commitment is still better than the three-year commitment required by AT&T and Verizon. These kinds of deals are pretty standard when you purchase a new phone. With T-Mobile, you can also get up to 50 percent off your phone by trading in an eligible smartphone or up to $600 in credit toward a new phone by adding a second line.

» For Couples: Best 2-line cell phone plan for seniors

Usability

Our tech team really enjoyed using the Motorola razr+. It has a bit of a learning curve, which may not be ideal for seniors who don’t feel comfortable with new tech, but we think it’s worth it to use one of the best flip phones on the market. We ended up using the phone closed just as much as we used it open, because the external screen lets you do almost everything you could do with the regular screen.

In addition to checking the time, weather, notifications, etc., we could open apps, watch videos, make voice or video calls, take photos or videos, read emails, answer texts, and more. However, the text and icons are significantly smaller on the external screen, so many seniors may prefer opening the phone and using the giant 6.9-inch screen, which is even bigger than the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL display.

» Learn About: The best cell phones for seniors with dementia

Once you open the phone, it functions like most high-end Android smartphones. It wasn’t quite as powerful as the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL; the Motorola razor+ comes with 12GB of RAM compared to the Pixel’s 16GB of RAM. This was noticeable when we switched between apps or tried to do heavy-duty multitasking. The battery life was similar to the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL — roughly 16 hours with average usage — which falls far short of the Galaxy A14 5G and the iPhone 16. Still, the Motorola razr+ is a great choice for flip phone lovers!

» Learn More: Best Flip Phones for Seniors

Camera Quality

On paper, the Motorola razor+ has a great camera. It boasts a 64 MP main lens and a 13 MP ultrawide lens. Additionally, the front-facing camera has a whopping 32 MP lens, which offers nearly triple the clarity of the iPhone 16’s front-facing camera. However, we found that like most of Motorola’s previous phones, the 2024 razr+ is not immune to the infamous “Moto-blur.” If we didn’t hold the phone perfectly still while snapping a photo, the end result would sometimes be a blurry mess. And while our selfies looked great, we did notice that the colors of both front- and rear-facing photos and videos weren’t quite as bright as what we saw with the Galaxy A14 5G or the iPhone 16.

How to Get a Free iPhone 16

New and current customers can easily cash in on Verizon’s free iPhone 16 offer. Our tech team could get a free phone by switching to Verizon, adding a new line, or upgrading an existing line. Verizon keeps it uncomplicated, with no trade-in required. Like Cricket Wireless, Verizon offers a variety of free phones from Apple, Samsung, Motorola, and Google.

» Also Check Out: The Best iPhones for Seniors

However, like AT&T, if you want a free phone, you’ll need to commit to the carrier for three years. This is common for most major mobile carriers, but it’s still something to consider, especially if you don’t like being locked into a “contract.” Also keep in mind that, like AT&T, Verizon charges a $35 activation fee.

Usability

The iPhone 16 offers state-of-the-art features, a durable design, and a bright screen. It earns bonus points for seamlessly integrating with other Apple products, such as the Apple Watch. The iPhone is a high-tech smartphone. It’s best for people who want extra features and are OK with a learning curve. Older adults who don’t need all the bells and whistles may want to consider a simpler flip phone or a big-button cell phone.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

I’m a big fan of Apple’s accessibility features, which come with all iPhones. Apple also recently launched a feature called Assistive Access, which essentially simplifies your iPhone and makes it easier to use for seniors and those with disabilities

Like several previous iterations of the iPhone, the iPhone 16 doesn’t have a home button. This may throw some people who are accustomed to older iPhone models or the iPhone SE. This also means that there’s no fingerprint scanner, which is a feature you can get with every other phone on this list. Fortunately, it does come with a very responsive face scanner.

The iPhone 16’s and Samsung Galaxy A14 5G’s interfaces were equally easy to use, but some seniors may prefer the speed and familiarity of an Apple phone. Our tech team saw it as equal in power to the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. However, the biggest downside is that the iPhone 16 has a comparatively small screen — just 6.1 inches. This means it may not be the best choice for seniors with poor vision. That said, Apple offers a plethora of features to make it easier for people with vision or hearing loss to use their iPhones unimpeded.

Camera Quality

The iPhone 16’s camera doesn’t quite measure up to the camera on the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G or the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, but we still took beautiful photos and crisp, visually clear videos. It has a dual 48 MP rear camera with a 12 MP ultrawide lens, as well as a 12 MP front camera for selfies. While the storage for the free model is not great (128GB), Apple offers easy integration with iCloud, meaning you can still store tons of photos and videos. You won’t have to delete some of your favorite memories just to create room for new ones. The front-facing camera isn’t nearly as good as the rear-facing camera, but we could still take great selfies and excellent photos using both.