Best Smartphones for Seniors (November 2024)

Senior-Friendly Features

Lively’s Jitterbug phones have always been designed with older adults in mind, but I found that the Jitterbug Smart4 greatly improves upon its predecessors. More specifically, the Jitterbug Smart4 is equipped with a longer battery life (up to 37 hours of talk time), a larger screen, and dual speakers that deliver loud, crystal-clear audio. When making calls, my grandma had no trouble hearing the person on the other end of the line. It also boasts voice-to-text functionality if you have difficulty typing or vision issues, resulting in difficulties seeing the on-screen keyboard. I used Google Assistant to do tasks like setting reminders, making calls, and looking things up on the internet. Plus, I found that the Urgent Response button was always visible (typically in the upper left corner of the screen), ensuring that you always have a way to get emergency help as needed.

Lively's Urgent Response button is clearly displayed on the home and lock screen

The Lively Smart4 boasts a lot more senior-friendly features than most smartphones, including:

• Simple list-based menu and large touchscreen
• Built-in GPS and navigation
• Google Assistant for voice navigation
• Urgent Response available for emergencies
• Your cell phone number displayed on the home screen
• Optional 24/7 monitoring

One of the most senior-friendly features is the simple, list-based menu. I could choose from a few basic options to navigate to the camera, messages, email, and more. This easy-to-use design makes Lively’s Jitterbug Smart4 one of the best and most senior-friendly phones available.

You should know that the Jitterbug Smart4 is a little heavier because of its long-lasting battery and screen size. It weighs 6.7 ounces, so it’s definitely not the lightest smartphone on this list (but it’s also not the heaviest). If you experience hand weakness or arthritis like my grandma, this phone might be a little uncomfortable. My grandma didn’t have much trouble holding the Smart4 when taking pictures, but she did notice that it felt a bit heavier than many of the other phones we tested, especially the iPhone 13, which is more than half an ounce lighter.

Camera Quality

The cameras on Lively’s Jitterbug phones have never been stellar, but I did notice some improvement with the Jitterbug Smart4. It has a rear-facing triple camera system (13 MP/2 MP/2 MP) and an 8 MP front camera, but I found that your environment and the lighting can greatly affect the quality of photos. If camera quality is critical, you’re better off with the iPhone 13 or Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. Even the budget-friendly Moto G Power packs more power in its camera. Still, the Jitterbug Smart4 works fine if you’re not concerned about quality and just want to capture the memories.

A photo taken on Lively's Jitterbug Smart4 (1)

Pricing

The Jitterbug Smart4 costs $149.99, which is less expensive than all of the other phones on our list, including the Moto G Power 5G, but there are a few additional costs you’ll need to pay to get everything up and running. Shipping is always free, but there is a $35 activation fee. I dislike extra fees like this, so it is a minor drawback. Additionally, how much you pay per month will depend on the Lively phone plan you choose:

• Basic Plan: $19.99 per month (plus taxes and fees)
• Preferred Plan: $39.99 per month (plus taxes and fees)
• Premium Plan: $49.99 per month (plus taxes and fees)

The two higher-tier plans come with the built-in Urgent Response service, while the most expensive plan also offers access to on-call nurses 24/7 and personal care advocates who can help you reach your health and wellness goals. These features are unique – I haven’t seen them from any other carriers. They’re entirely worth the price if you’re looking for ways to stay on top of your health.

You’ll also need to add a data plan, which costs anywhere from $5 for 1 GB to $30 for unlimited data. Compared to other major carriers like T-Mobile and AT&T, whose 55+ plans start at $40 and $60 per month for one line, Lively is fairly affordable. However, if you want unlimited data and a Premium plan, be prepared to shell out.

» Read About: A guide to senior discounts

Senior-Friendly Features

My grandma and I noticed Motorola’s Moto G Power 5G’s user-friendly interface as soon as we turned it on. The home screen shows you the day, date, and time at the top, while the middle has a Google search bar so you can quickly browse the internet, which we used to look up some recipes for dinner. The bottom third of the home screen is occupied by recognizable app icons for calling, texting, taking pictures, and more. While my grandma is more familiar with iPhones, it didn’t take her long to figure out how to navigate the phone.

Here’s a snapshot of some of my favorite senior-friendly features that come with the Moto G Power:

• Two-day battery life
• Large, high-definition display
• Fingerprint and facial recognition
• Hearing aid compatibility (M3/T3)
• 5G data

In addition to the senior-friendly interface, the Moto G Power 5G also has M3/T3 hearing aid compatibility, a large screen for easy reading, and fingerprint and facial recognition. Perhaps best of all, I found that the battery lasted for a whopping 48 hours during testing. There were many times when I left the house without charging the smartphone, and the battery kept going until I got back home. I’m pretty forgetful when it comes to charging my devices, so I’m a big fan of this!

One drawback to note: During my testing, I found that the fingerprint sensor wasn’t the most reliable. There were a few times when I had to press the sensor multiple times before it unlocked the phone. This could’ve been because I had recently put lotion on my hands, but it’s still worth noting.

Camera Quality

My grandma and I really liked the high-quality photos we shot with the Moto G Power 5G. Its front-facing camera (for selfies) has an 8 MP lens, which is standard among most smartphones (including Lively’s Smart4). The rear camera features an incredible 48 MP lens, so we took crystal-clear photos in most lighting environments. While you will pay a little more for the Moto G Power 5G than, for example, the Jitterbug Smart4 or REVVL 6 5G, the excellent camera justifies the higher price.

Pricing

The Moto G Power 5G retails for $249.99, making it a middle-of-the-road option on our list. The iPhone 13 and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra cost $629.99 and $699.99, respectively, while the REVVL 6 5G costs just $179. You can get a discount if you trade in a qualifying Motorola phone, but the credit you get will vary based on the model and condition of your old phone. If you want extra protection, Motorola offers three optional protection plans priced at $25.49, $42.49, and $59.49. I’m always worried about dropping my phone or experiencing technical issues, so these protection plans offer peace of mind with a year or two of coverage.

Remember that Motorola is not a mobile service provider, so the amount you pay for a phone plan will depend on the carrier you choose. I’ve found that Consumer Cellular is often one of the most affordable choices for seniors. Most major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile also work with the Moto G Power 5G.

All Consumer Cellular plans feature unlimited talk and text, so you’ll just need to choose the amount of data that’s right for you. With an unlimited plan, you don’t need to track your data, texts, or minute usage. That’s nice, but if you’re on a budget, it can get pricey at $50 per month. I also found that you can save on the price per line when you sign up for two or three lines instead of just one. If you don’t need unlimited data, Consumer Cellular has other plans starting at just $20 per month. As an AARP member, I also saved 5 percent on monthly service and usage charges.

» More Ways to Save: AARP membership guide

Senior-Friendly Features

Even though smartphones have been around for a while now, some seniors may struggle with using the technology. Fortunately, the S Pen makes everything feel more natural, as you can click, swipe, write, type, and navigate with your S Pen. But if you don’t like the S Pen, you’re not obligated to use it. I also used the touch screen like any other smartphone and found no issues. Here are some of the features that my grandma and I liked the most:

• S Pen for touch-free operation of the phone
• Charges to 100 percent in 66 minutes or less
• Intelligent battery conserves battery life
• Super durable Gorilla Glass Victus+ screen
• Stream music via YouTube Music
• Quad rear camera with 40 MP front camera
• 40 hours of talk time
• 6.8-inch display
• Wireless charging

Because the screen is extra durable, I didn’t have to worry about pressing down too hard; it was literally designed to take a beating. As a bonus, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra has a fast-charging battery that works to conserve your battery.

Camera Quality

I was particularly fond of the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra’s quad-camera system. It’s easy to use and offers some of the best picture quality of any smartphone on this list. The rear-facing camera features an astounding 108 MP main lens plus three additional lenses (10 MP/12 MP/10 MP). Even the selfie camera has a 40 MP lens. We had fun taking some of the most beautiful selfies I’ve ever seen! Compared to the Apple iPhone 13, which has an excellent camera system, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra’s camera blows the competition out of the water.

The only downside is that the phone weighs 8.07 ounces. It may not sound like much, but it’s nearly 15 percent heavier than the second-heaviest phone on our list, the REVVL 6 5G. While I didn’t have any issues holding up the phone for pictures, my grandma felt that it was too heavy to comfortably hold for more than a few minutes at a time.

Pricing

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra might seem pretty pricey at $699.99, but I found that you get what you pay for. Don’t forget to take advantage of AT&T’s perks and discounts. When I tried out the Samsung Galaxy S22 from AT&T, the carrier was offering a deal to trade your old smartphone for up to $200 in credit toward monthly installments. You can also finance the Samsung Galaxy S22 for $19.45 monthly over 36 months. Only certain postpaid phone plans are eligible, though. If you want to avoid spending so much on a smartphone, you could save upwards of $500 by opting for the Jitterbug Smart4 or Moto G Power.

» Take a Closer Look: Best Samsung phones for seniors

AT&T also offers an Unlimited 55+ plan priced at $60 per month for one line or $80 per month for two. Similar to Verizon, this plan is available to Florida residents only, which is a pretty major drawback in my book. Still, AT&T has plenty of other plans to pick, including traditional unlimited plans starting at $65 per month for one line.

Senior-Friendly Features

The REVVL 6 5G smartphone from T-Mobile features a long-lasting battery (up to 30 hours of talk time in my experience), M3/T4 hearing aid compatibility, and a bright, 6.5-inch screen. The home screen is also minimalistic by design, which my grandma loved, with an internet search bar at the top and a few icons for your favorite apps at the bottom. My grandma could easily navigate the phone without any issues. Best of all, the REVVL 6 5G is better at keeping out phone and text scams than most other smartphones on the market thanks to T-Mobile’s Scam Shield app, plus the built-in Scam ID and Scam Block features.

» Learn About: Scams targeting older adults

Here are some of the best senior-friendly features I noticed during my testing:

• Fingerprint unlock
• Built-in scam-blocking protection
• Battery lasts all day
• Large 6.5-inch HD+ screen
• High-resolution triple-camera system

The only major drawback for older adults is the sheer size and weight of the REVVL 6 5G smartphone. Weighing in at 6.84 ounces, it is one of the heaviest phones on this list. My grandma preferred putting the phone on a table or flat surface while she used it, especially when she used it for more than a few minutes. If you’re worried about dropping your phone or experiencing discomfort from holding your phone for extended periods, the REVVL 6 5G may not be your best option.

Camera Quality

The REVVL 6 5G offers a decent camera system at this price range. The rear-facing triple-camera system has 13 MP/2 MP/2 MP lenses. The front-facing camera has a 5 MP lens, so you’ll get average picture quality for selfies. However, my grandma and I snapped several solid pictures, both indoors and outdoors, at various times of day with the rear cameras. Overall, its cameras were pretty comparable to the Jitterbug Smart4.

Pricing

The REVVL 6 5G costs $179, making it one of the least expensive phones on our list. The only cheaper option is the Jitterbug Smart4, which costs $149.99. When I signed up for T-Mobile online, I saw that you may even be able to pay nothing upfront if you sign up for a new T-Mobile plan at the time of purchase. While your monthly costs will vary based on the chosen plan, T-Mobile offers some of our favorite unlimited cell phone plans for seniors. Its 55+ plans range from $40 to $80 monthly for one line.

» Further Reading: Best unlimited phone plans for seniors

You can save money per line on T-Mobile’s 55+ Unlimited plans if you sign up for two or more lines. So, now might be the time to get your spouse a new phone! The Essentials Unlimited 55 plan comes with unlimited talk, text, and data for just $40 per month for one line or $55 monthly for two lines. Alternatively, you can opt for the Go5G 55 or Go5G Plus 55 plan, which starts at $100 and $120 per month for two lines, respectively. Just make sure T-Mobile offers reliable coverage in your area. I’ve personally experienced spotty T-Mobile coverage where I live, so I’d recommend asking nearby friends and family about their experience with T-Mobile.

Senior-Friendly Features

Most Apple products are known for being user-friendly, and the iPhone 13 is no exception. Even if you’ve never used an iPhone, you can figure out the basics quickly. I opened the box, plugged in the iPhone 13, and handed it to my grandma. Within minutes, she was already downloading new apps and browsing the internet.

Here are some of our favorite senior-friendly features:

• Secure Face ID for privacy
• Fast, high-performing device
• Tough glass screen
• 12 MP front and rear cameras
• 6.1-inch Super Retina display
• 5G connectivity

The large icons make it easy to know where to go when you want to take a picture, browse photos, call friends and family, or even look for new apps. Plus, the iPhone 13 is M3/T4 compatible and has strong speakers, making it a great option for seniors with hearing loss. My grandma loves chatting with friends and family throughout the day, and she never has trouble hearing, thanks to the phone’s powerful speakers.

» Need New Hearing Aids? Guide to choosing a hearing aid

Camera Quality

I have plenty of experience with iPhones, as I’ve owned Apple products for over a decade, so I knew what to expect with the camera. My grandma is also an iPhone owner, and she enjoyed tinkering with different camera modes, like portrait and panoramic. She even recorded a slow-motion video! The iPhone 13 has a dual 12 MP camera system that is great for taking photos of loved ones, snapping selfies, and recording and editing videos. I took the phone out on a hike and captured some beautiful photos.

A photo taken during my hike on the iPhone 13

Pricing

The iPhone 13 is certainly not the cheapest smartphone on our list, as the Jitterbug Smart4 and REVVL 6 5G both cost more than $400 less than the iPhone 13. Still, my research found that if you get your iPhone with a qualifying Verizon plan, you won’t have to pay anything upfront. Instead, you can pay a small amount each month in addition to your service fee. This amount goes toward the cost of the phone until it’s paid off. Essentially, Verizon lets you finance your phone over three years with no interest. Remember that the iPhone 13 currently retails for $629.99, so even with zero-interest financing, it is far more expensive than more basic Apple models, like the iPhone SE, which retails for $429.99. However, sometimes Verizon runs a promotion that scores you a completely free iPhone 13 (yes, you heard that right) when you sign up for a new line.

Verizon offers several unlimited plans for the iPhone 13, too. Live in Florida? You might be eligible for the Verizon 55+ Unlimited plan. I don’t love that this plan is available to Floridians only, as other carriers like T-Mobile offer their 55+ plans nationwide. If you live outside of Florida, my next-best pick for seniors is the Prepaid 5 GB plan with unlimited talk, unlimited text, and 5 GB of data. Our latest Verizon review found that you’ll pay only $35 monthly with loyalty and AutoPay discounts. Consumer Cellular’s 5 GB plan costs $25, which is still pretty affordable.