Mobile phones are an excellent way to stay in touch with loved ones and maintain a safe level of independence at home. However, as we get older, age-related challenges can make using a mobile phone difficult and frustrating. Loss of dexterity, arthritis or poor eyesight may leave older adults feeling as though phones aren’t worth the trouble.
Many loved ones prefer the idea of their elderly relatives having a phone close by so they can call for help should they need it. Today, we’ll explore the best easy-to-use mobile phones for the elderly, features to look for and more.
Features to Look for When Buying an Easy-to-Use Mobile Phone
Before you start looking at the best easy-to-use mobile phones on the market for older adults, first consider the most essential features that your loved one would find helpful. Below are some of the most useful features that older adults may benefit from:
Size of Buttons
Buttons aren’t often found on the most popular smartphones, but certain brands still create button handsets designed for individuals with dexterity issues. If you are looking for a phone with buttons, consider the size and spacing of them, taking into account your loved one’s hand movements.
Most touchscreen phones allow you to make the apps on the screen bigger and more or less sensitive, which some people find easier to use than those with big buttons.
Functionality
The functionality of mobile phones varies greatly between providers. For example, the debate between Apple and Android’s interfaces is long-standing, with most users having strong opinions on which is best.
Consider the type of functionality your loved one requires:
- Will they be using the phone for anything other than calls and texts?
- Do they need superfast 5G connectivity for internet-based activities?
- Will they want a powerful camera and lots of storage to take pictures?
Weight and Size of Phone
Phones are becoming both lighter and larger at the same time, making it challenging to determine whether a phone will be the best fit for older loved ones. Your loved one should be able to hold the phone comfortably, ensuring the screen is large enough to see and use. Regarding weight, lighter phones are often easier to hold for longer.
Hearing and Sound Features
The ability to hear the phone ringing or playing sounds is one of the most crucial factors to consider when purchasing a phone for older adults. Look for phones with clear audio and impressive volume controls, especially if your loved one is hard of hearing.
Battery Life
The most impressive smartphones on the market often boast the most gadgets and features, but these can negatively impact battery life. If your loved one finds it difficult to move around their home independently, they may struggle to keep their phone charged easily. Looking for a phone with a long battery life can counter this.
Durability
If your loved one struggles with dexterity, mobility or seems to be dropping things more frequently, then you may want to consider getting them a durable phone. Most phones with touch screens are made from glass, so consider a plastic, button-handset if this is a concern. Make sure you also get a premium case and screen protector.
Big Button Phones
Big button phones are excellent for older adults with dexterity issues or vision loss. They often include additional safety features, such as speed dial buttons and simplified functionality, for enhanced ease of use.
Our favourite big button phones are:
Doro 1380
- Large buttons, separated for higher contrast
- Wide screen for easy use
- Assistance button to use in emergency situations
- Calling and SMS for easy, dependable connection
- Torch and camera
TTfone Mercury 2 TT200
- Simple, easy-to-read fonts to enhance visibility
- Adjustable ringtone volume for hard-of-hearing users
- Programmable SOS button for peace of mind
- The included charger dock replaces a fiddly cable
- Talking buttons and Bluetooth connectivity
Uleway Big Button Mobile Phone
- Basic functionality stripped of confusing features
- SOS emergency button that calls trusted loved ones
- Loud volume for individuals with hearing loss
- Large font on buttons for easy reading
- Flashlight and FM radio included
Simple Interface Phones
Ease of use is essential for older adults who may be hesitant to use a mobile phone due to concerns about technology. If your loved one is reluctant to learn how to use their phone, consider a phone with a simple interface that focuses on connectivity rather than special features.
Our top picks for easy-to-use phones are:
Nokia 2660 Flip Mobile Phone
- Big display and easy-to-use interface that focuses on calls and SMS
- Big buttons to help with dexterity issues
- Long battery life to prevent frequent charging sessions
- Hearing Aid Compatibility (HAC)
- Emergency button to call a loved one
Doro 6820
- Talking number keys to help with visual impairments
- Decent camera for taking pictures
- Assistance button to use in emergency situations
- Charging cradle for ease of charging and storage
- Bright colours to help locate the phone quickly and easily
TTfone Jupiter 2 TT850
- Simple, big-buttoned phone that prioritises calling
- Lightweight and small enough to fit in a pocket
- Loud volume for individuals hard of hearing
- Text capabilities, FM radio, torch and large colour display
- Docking charger for ease of use
Phones with Big Screens
Large screens are particularly important for older adults with visual impairments, as they make text easier to read and use. Bigger screens also give you more freedom to customise the home screen, making the buttons bigger and easier to see.
Our favourite big screen phones are:
Doro 2404
- Large colour display allows the user to read everything easily
- An assistance button that calls up to five trusted loved ones when pressed
- Large, high-contrast buttons that are easy to press and see
- 2G connectivity for basic internet use
- Adjustable font sizes for individuals with visual impairments
iPhone SE
- Touchscreen that extends right to the outer edges of the phone
- Customise the sensitivity, font and app size, and appearance of the screen
- Toughened glass for added durability
- Front and rear camera
- Access to the App Store, which features plenty of safety applications
Doro 7010
- Older adults can benefit from a large screen and big buttons
- WhatsApp and Facebook are enabled for better connection
- Bright LCD display for easy reading
- GPS connectivity to help find the phone
- Large app widgets and time
Lightweight Phones
Older adults with certain medical conditions may find it increasingly difficult to hold a phone for extended periods, making lightweight designs more important than ever. If your loved one gets fatigued easily or has lost muscle mass in their arms, consider a lightweight phone.
Our top recommendations are:
Nokia 106
- One of the lightest phones at just 79.4 grams
- Spaced out buttons for easy pressing and reading
- LED torch and FM radio included
- Room for 2,000 contacts
- Loud volume is ideal for individuals with hearing loss
Samsung Galaxy S24
- Weighing 167 grams, the S24 is one of the lightest smartphones on the market
- Integrated AI to make functionality even easier for older adults
- SMS, calling and internet connectivity make communication easier than ever
- Large screen that can be customised to make it more user-friendly
- Long battery life to avoid constant charging
Alcatel 1
- Weighs just 134 grams to avoid hand or arm fatigue
- FullView display is easy to read and customise for individuals with visual impairments
- Excellent front and rear cameras for those who love to take photos
- Simple, easy-to-use interface that is ideal for older adults
- 16 GB storage to avoid running out or slowing the phone down
Phones with Long Battery Life
Charging a mobile phone can be challenging for older adults, especially when the phone comes with a thin, fiddly charger that challenges dexterity and patience. Choosing a phone with a long battery life helps make sure your loved one is always reachable without risking their phone running out of battery life.
Motorola Edge 50 Fusion
- Incredible battery efficiency, letting the user do more without draining the battery
- Large screen for customisation and ease of use
- Bright colour options, making the phone simple to spot
- Excellent camera for older adults who like capturing memories
- Lightweight and thin, but durable enough to withstand several drops
Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Up to 32 hours of video playback on a single charge
- Galaxy AI functionality, making it easier for older adults to use with their voices
- Huge screen that’s completely customisable
- Option to install applications to enhance older adults’ safety
- One of the best camera smartphones on the market
Nokia 3310 4G
- Talk and text for longer with the long-lasting battery
- Play classic games like Snake on an upgraded colour screen
- Enjoy the nostalgia of a phone that turns 23 years old
- Rounded, ergonomic design that makes it easy to hold and use with one hand
- Large screen and contrasting widgets to find them quickly
Durable Phones
As we age, we may experience a loss of balance, mobility or strength that makes it easier for us to drop things, including phones. This makes it incredibly important to find a dependable phone that can withstand these accidents without the screen cracking or internal systems failing.
Our favourite durable phones for older adults include:
Motorola Rugged Defy Rugged Smartphone
- Dust, water and drop-proof, making this phone extra rugged
- Triple camera system, which is perfect for taking photos and videos
- Large display suitable for individuals with visual impairments
- Two-day battery on a single charge
- Rounded corners that can withstand harsher drops
Ruggex Rhino Quest 4G LTE Rugged Smartphone
- Tough, shockproof exterior makes this phone ideal to withstand several accidents
- An IPS screen that is resistant to dust, preventing scratches and cracks
- Waterproof with an IP68 rating
- Made to military standards, so you know you can depend on its strength!
- Fingerprint reader for easy access without having to remember a passcode
Nokia 105
- Designed with a tough build quality that has undergone rigorous durability testing
- 25% bigger than previous versions of Nokia, ideal for older adults
- Wireless FM radio works with and without headphones
- A battery that can last for weeks in standby mode
- Built-in torch and games, such as Snake
Talk to Trinity Homecare Today
If your loved one requires home care, chat with one of our friendly care team today. We offer a free, no-obligation enquiry and assessment service and are happy to offer information and advice to help you find the perfect home care solution.
Call us on 0207 183 4884 in confidence for a free no obligation quotation. If enquiring outside of our opening hours, please complete our online form and we will contact you the next day.
