The best phones for seniors of 2024: Reliable and intuitive designs

Phones designed with an older user in mind.

best smartphones for seniors

by Ryan Houghton |
Updated on

Finding the best phones for seniors can be tricky in the world of shiny, cutting-edge smartphones packed with power. But there are hundreds of available mobiles designed to connect your elderly relatives to you in a simple, streamlined way.

Some older people struggle with eyesight and motor skills and our favourite smartphones for seniors take this into account, making them ideal for family and friends who might otherwise have trouble staying in touch.

The best phones for seniors at a glance:

Adjustable font sizes, voice controls and more: the best smartphones make accessibility easier than ever before, and bundle it up in an affordable package – even the best phones under £300 have some excellent options for all ages.

Whatever your needs, there's a smartphone out there that's perfect for you. We've gathered a list of our favourites, taking into account factors such as affordability, battery life, and design, so we can find the perfect budget smartphone for you.

Best phones for seniors of 2024:

Please note: All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.

Best overall

Doro 8100 PlusAmazon/Doro

The Doro 8100 Plus is designed specifically for older people, with features including clear menus that are easy to navigate and hearing aid compatibility. This well-made smartphone allows for quick and easy access to essential features, without unnecessary additional technology.

Built to last with a tough wallet case, the Doro 8100 Plus should survive any drops. It also takes more serious falls into account with an assistance button which is perfect for requesting help when no one is close by.

Additional features include a vertical charging stand and the pre-installed TeamViewer Quick Support app. This handy feature allows an invited and trusted contact to access the phone and offer assistance remotely.

The only notable shortcoming of the Doro 8100 Plus is limited memory storage. While 32GB is more than enough to store photos and videos, you'll find that similarly priced smartphones may have better capacity.

That said, for senior smartphone users who value simplicity the Doro 8100 Plus is a great option. Accessibility and ease of use are the focus – all in a phone for under £200.

Pros

  • Very durable
  • Menus are easy to understand and navigate
  • Accessible and well-designed for seniors

Cons

  • Not the largest memory capacity
  • Performance:
    4.5
  • Build:
    5.0
  • Battery:
    4.5
  • Camera:
    3.5
  • Value:
    4.0
Cameras:13MP (main), 2MP (portrait), 2MP (macro), 5MP (front)
Display:6.1-inch, 720 x 1560p
Processor:Android 11 GO
RAM:2GB
Storage:32GB
Battery life:Up to five hours of calls
Dimensions:156 x 73 x 9.2 mm (L x W x H)
Weight:167g

Best budget

Uleway Big Button Mobile PhoneAmazon/Uleway

Ideal for both budget buyers and those who don't get along as well with technology, the Uleway big button mobile phone is the perfect pick, with enough safety features for complete peace of mind.

A traditional flip phone with a little extra to offer, Uleway's excellent budget phone has large, tactile buttons which are easy to press when needed. The Uleway Big Button phone is equipped with SOS functionality, which you can link to an emergency phone number, so if anything happens, regardless of whether you can reach the phone, help can still be requested.

This is a fairly basic phone which will disappoint grandparents who are looking to use their mobile to take photos, but for those wanting something cheap and and reliable the Uleway Big Button is worthy of consideration.

Pros

  • Simple, durable and easy to use
  • SOS functionality for at-risk seniors
  • Dock charging is great for easy charging

Cons

  • Lacks the sophistication of a smartphone
  • Performance:
    4.0
  • Build:
    4.0
  • Battery:
    4.0
  • Camera:
    3.0
  • Value:
    5.0
Cameras:2MP (main)
Display:2.4-inch (front) , 1.8-inch (rear), 240 x 320p
Processor:Not specified
RAM:Not specified
Storage:16GB
Battery life:Up to five hours of calls
Dimensions:104 x 53.5 x 21 mm (L x W x H)
Weight:103g

Best battery life

Doro 2404 2GAmazon/Doro
Price: £63.81
Alternative retailers
Newegg$219.00View offer

For the best battery life, the Doro 2404 is easily one of the best mobile phones for its price. Simple to use, it has a flip phone design for quick call-ending and a small, yet bright 2.6-inch screen.

Doro's range of mobile phones are designed consider the health and circumstances of their users, and with the 2404 there is SOS emergency functionality, which allows for five family members to be a push of a button away.

There isn't the array of features of a typical smartphone, nor the speediness, but the Doro 2404 offers all the basics. Best of all, you can call all day without needing to charge for long.

Pros

  • Terrific simple mobile phone for seniors
  • Tough and well-designed
  • Includes SOS functionality for instant family member contact

Cons

  • Lacks the sophistication of an ordinary smartphone
  • Performance:
    4.0
  • Build:
    4.5
  • Battery:
    5.0
  • Camera:
    3.0
  • Value:
    5.0
Cameras:0.3MP
Display:2.4-inch display
Processor:Nucleus OS
RAM:16 MB
Storage:0GB (microSD required)
Battery life:600 hours (standby)
Dimensions:102 x 53 x 19 mm (L x W x H)
Weight:

Best under £30

Artfone C1Amazon/Artfone

A hardy mobile phone that's as affordable as it is easy to use, the Artfone C1 ticks the boxes for a senior person looking for simplicity in their technology.

Drop-proof with a rubber coating for improved grip, the C1 is a phone that's built to last, despite costing under £30. Larger buttons help older users with mobility impairments type numbers quickly, as does the tactile rubber click.

Perhaps the most impressive feature of the Artfone C1 is its 300-hour battery whilst on standby. This substantial battery life means it'll be there when you need it.

Lastly, the C1's SOS button, which is positioned on the back, can be used for instantly calling emergency contacts.

Pros

  • Excellent value mobile phone
  • Terrific 300-hour battery life
  • SOS functionality is easy to access

Cons

  • Lacking any sophisticated features
  • Performance:
    4.0
  • Build:
    4.5
  • Battery:
    5.0
  • Camera:
    3.0
  • Value:
    4.0
Cameras:0.08 MP
Display:1.77-inch
Processor:Not specified
RAM:Not specified
Storage:32 MB
Battery life:Up to 240-300 hours (standby)
Dimensions:122.1 x 59.3 x 13.9 mm (L x W x H)
Weight:89g

Best under £150

A powerful phone that's perfect for budget buyers, the Motorola Moto G14 is built for longevity, and its 6.5-inch screen is perfect for large text and easy to identify icons.

Great battery life and plenty of accessibility features, the G14 is ideal for those who want a few more options with their basic smartphone: take pictures, make a Facebook account and text message friends and family with ease, the G14 is simple, and perfectly priced.

This mobile is more advanced than the options above, so it's a good middle ground for those interested in trying out other aspects of smartphone technology without risking being overwhelmed. The Moto G14 is a great cheap smartphone that's perfect for anyone, including older users.

Pros

  • Great build quality
  • Packed with incredible features
  • Ideal for easy browsing and comfortable use

Cons

  • Perhaps overcomplicated for some seniors
  • Performance:
    4.5
  • Build:
    5.0
  • Battery:
    4.5
  • Camera:
    4.0
  • Value:
    5.0
Cameras:50 MP (wide), 2 MP (macro), 8 MP (front)
Display:6.5-inch, 1080 x 2400p
Processor:Unisoc Tiger T616 
RAM:4GB
Storage:128GB
Battery life:Up to 36 hours
Dimensions:161.5 x 73.8 x 8 mm (L x W x H)
Weight:177g 

Best Google smartphone

Google Pixel 7Amazon/Google

Rrp: £784.78

Price: £23.00
https://redirect.viglink.com?key=349f95720ce5cc9591e15152a710dbb3&prodOvrd=PCR&opt=false&u=W0BNFkoPGB1HFBIbFAJVWFhDER9WXlgdCEcedwsNBV9RFDZQTVJeHVRIcTYidRhqeCgcBAMNdSMaY38pT1p0dhQ0eHgadWMuSHYnLngYf1AGRVpDTB80WV1fBwkHVxkMIRRmWlNCFxVdDA1cGHZTFlhRWFRcTH5fRAEQDFJAUAlXVFsfZgYXRgoMVxoMAlEBBwIFBFgH&x=v1&prdId=9875524337&barcode=AwQBUgkHAwYHU1UDVlE%3D
Alternative retailers
Newegg$629.00View offer

The Google Pixel 7 is not specifically designed for seniors, but it's still a great pick. It has plenty of accessibility options, with an interface that feels natural to control, so you shouldn't have much issue navigating to your preferred apps.

It also sports an impressive charge that can last up to 72 hours, making it a great pick for anyone who doesn't want to be tethered to a charging port. The Pixel 7 also has a fantastic storage capacity, allowing you to store 256GB of photos, videos and more.

While the fingerprint reader is less than stellar, there are plenty of other features that make this brilliant phone absolutely worth the price.

We've tested the Google Pixel 7 Pro and found it a hugely accomplished phone. If you like the sound of the standard Pixel 7 but feel that a little more power is required the Pro might be the way to go.

Pros

  • Brilliant memory storage
  • Great battery life
  • Solid accessibility options

Cons

  • The fingerprint reader is a bit unreliable
  • Performance:
    4.5
  • Build:
    5.0
  • Battery:
    5.0
  • Camera:
    4.5
  • Value:
    5.0
Cameras:64MP (wide), 13MP (ultrawide), 13MP (front)
Display:6.1-inch, 1080 x 2400p
Processor:Google Tensor G2
RAM:8GB
Storage:256GB
Battery life:Up to 72 hours
Dimensions:152 x 72.9 x 9 mm (L x W x H)
Weight:193g

Best Samsung phone

An incredibly affordable option for a proper smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy A13 is a solid choice for those who want high performance with useful customisation for older or less tech-savvy users.

A unique feature of Samsung phones is their 'Easy Mode' functionality, which removes the A13's extra features for a standard mobile phone experience.

Of course, at its price, the performance of the Galaxy A13 is not the greatest, with some lag in navigation and accessing the camera. However, it remains a desirable choice for those needing affordable tech designed with the needs of the user in mind.

Pros

  • Fantastic screen size
  • Brilliant value
  • Excellent 'Easy Mode' functionality

Cons

  • Could do with a few more accessibility options
  • Performance:
    4.0
  • Build:
    4.0
  • Battery:
    5.0
  • Camera:
    4.5
  • Value:
    5.0
Cameras:50 MP (wide), 5 MP (ultrawide), 2 MP (macro)
Display:6.6-inch
Processor:Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version A
RAM:4GB RAM
Storage:64GB
Battery life:48 hours
Dimensions:167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (L x W x H)
Weight:201g

Best iPhone

Apple iPhone 14Amazon/Apple

A premium smartphone with plenty of features for improved accessibility the Apple iPhone 14 is a tough mobile with a long-lasting battery, appealing aesthetic and tactile haptic vibrations for a responsive typing feel.

With Siri, an incredibly easy-to-use tool which shouldn't take long to learn, iPhone 14 users can access friends and family with a simple voice command, something that isn't as readily available on standard smartphones aimed at a senior audience. What's more, it has a great camera that's intuitive to use.

It can also be adjusted for older users with particular needs – including a magnifying glass and an increased font size. In addition, you can set-up 'SOS' mode for instant, hands-free emergency calls.

The iPhone 14 is one of the best iPhones of the year, and there's no reason it shouldn't also be this for someone who falls into an older age bracket.

Pros

  • Camera is superb
  • Lightweight yet still durable
  • Excellent accessibility options

Cons

  • Some features are a bit technical
  • Performance:
    5.0
  • Build:
    5.0
  • Battery:
    4.0
  • Camera:
    5.0
  • Value:
    4.0
Cameras:12 MP wide, 12 MP ultrawide
Display:6.1-inch Super-Retina XDR OLED, 1170 x 2532p
Processor:Apple A15 Bionic Chip
RAM:6GB
Storage:128GB
Battery life:9 1/2 hours
Dimensions:146.7 x 71.5 x 7.80 mm (L x W x H)
Weight:172 g

Best Nokia

Nokia 2660 FlipAmazon/Nokia
Price: £62.77

Certainly a blast from the past, the Nokia 2660 Flip is a super-simple phone that's beautifully designed and built for hours of use without charge.

With large buttons and a decently sized 2.8-inch display, senior users can expect the typical functions from this mobile phone, but when paired with Nokia's famously rugged design, you can expect this mobile phone to perform well for a long time.

As for additional features, the Nokia 2660 Flip lacks camera functionality and doesn't have voice controls. But this plain and to the point presentation might be exactly what you're after.

In our Nokia 2660 Flip review we highlighted its solid build and impressive battery life. This makes it a great phone in general, but perhaps even more so for an older person looking for straightforward and reliable tech.

Pros

  • Incredibly accessible and well-made
  • Ideal for less technologically-inclined users
  • Phenomenal battery life

Cons

  • Lacks the refinement of competing smartphones
  • Performance:
    4.0
  • Build:
    4.5
  • Battery:
    5.0
  • Camera:
    4.0
  • Value:
    5.0
Cameras:Rear camera 0.3MP
Display:2.8-inch
Processor:Unisoc T107​
RAM:48 MB
Storage:128 MB (MicroSD card up to 32 GB)
Battery life:Up to 19 hrs
Dimensions:108 x 55 x 18.9 mm (H x W x D)
Weight:123g

Best high-end

Samsung Galaxy S23 UltraAmazon/Samsung

Last but certainly not least, the Samsung S23 Ultra is a truly high-end smartphone, perfect for amazing performance and some really nifty features that'll amaze those less familiar with smartphone technology.

Compatible with Samsung's brilliant easy mode, this mighty 6.8-inch smartphone is one of the biggest on the market, making it easy to type, and even easier to find in a pinch. Ultra-loud, and incredibly smart, senior users can control the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra using voice commands, accessing contacts without lifting a finger.

This is a powerful mobile which might not be suited to an elderly user who values simplicity, but it's still a quality Android smartphone that you shouldn't dismiss.

Pros

  • Ultra large screen is great for easy use
  • Equipped with easy mode for simple functionality
  • Excellent camera and great stylus features

Cons

  • Perhaps too advanced for some senior users
  • Performance:
    5.0
  • Build:
    5.0
  • Battery:
    4.5
  • Camera:
    5.0
  • Value:
    4.0
Cameras:200MP (wide), 10MP (periscope telephoto), 10MP (telephoto), 12MP (ultrawide)
Display:6.8-inch, 3088 x 1440p
Processor:Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
RAM:12GB
Storage:512GB
Battery life:Up to 70 hours
Dimensions:163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm
Weight:228 g

How to choose the best phones for seniors

When searching for the best phones for older users, there are a few things you should consider.

Screen size

A large, clear screen is perfect for improving readability: many standard mobile flip phones have tiny screens, which isn't ideal for someone with visual impairments.

©Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

Easy Mode

If you've bought a smartphone for a senior family member, it's worth seeing if it has an 'Easy Mode'. This will reduce the number of features and potentially make for a less confusing experience.

Durability

If you're looking for a mobile for an older person, choosing a great tough phone may be advisable – many smartphones have tough clamshells and sturdy plastic that reduce the likelihood of damage from the occasional drop or fall. For added peace of mind, invest in a reliable phone case.

How do I make a smartphone easier for elderly users?

Turn up the volume of notifications and calls

Turning up the volume for calls and messages on a smartphone is an easy and effective way to make a difference.

Hearing aid compatibility

Many smartphones have built-in hearing aid support, which is great for senior smartphone users, here's a rough guide for both Android and iPhone:

iPhone:

Go to Settings and ensure that Bluetooth is turned on. Then go to Accessibility and Hearing Devices. Turn the hearing aid off and on again, and you should have hearing aid support activated.

Samsung:

Open Settings and tap Accessibility, then Hearing enhancements. Next, tap Hearing aid compatibility and turn it on to use.

Are there any emergency features I should look out for?

SOS

There are several SOS options available for mobile phones including the ability to call friends, relatives or the emergency services without typing.

Crash and fall detection

Some modern smartphones have crash and fall detection, which knows if you've fallen or been involved in an accident. Check to see whether this potentially life-saving technology is toggled on or off.

Emergency calls

If you've sustained an injury and can't unlock your phone, you can skip the face detection and passwords by using an emergency call. This bypasses your phone lock, enabling speedy contact with the emergency services.

FAQs

What is the best phone for a 70-year-old?

For some users who are in their seventies and above, a phone with limited technical features might be appreciated.

We feel that the best option for those who want a functional mobile which is also recognisably a modern smartphone is the Doro 8100 Plus. It's easy to use, robustly designed and has been created with an older user in mind.

The best smartphones for seniors
©Andrea Piacquadio

Is iPhone or Android better for seniors?

iPhones and Android smartphones are both brilliant for seniors thanks to the breadth of options on the market. But is there a brand that wins out?

For us, Android takes the victory thanks to a range of accessibility features, including 'Easy mode' which removes most of the features for a far easier layout. Generally speaking, Android phones are far more affordable and offer similar performance to iPhones, so may well be perfect for an older user more concerned with basic functionality.

What is the best phone for someone with memory problems?

Someone who is living with dementia or experiencing problems with their memory may struggle with some smartphones. Consider some of the simpler options above and aim to match the specific needs of the user to the product.

How we chose

We selected our pick of the best smartphones for seniors based on reliable and trusted brands, average user reviews, price, and suitability for each use case. We look carefully at the technical specifications of all products before we recommend them to ensure that they will meet buyers' needs without requiring modifications or costly additions to function as intended. Retailers are selected based on price, availability and reputation as a reliable and trusted seller.

When we test smartphones we use them over several weeks. During this time, we're able to get a deep understanding of performance and user experience. We make sure to use all of the phone's features and push its battery to the limit.

When writing our reviews we judge the smartphone on a handful of factors (performance, build, battery, camera and value) and give a rating out of five for each.

Ryan Houghton is a Tech Writer and Reviewer for What’s The Best, known best for his expertise in gaming, with a particular soft spot for PC gaming, audio tech, televisions and smartphones.

Diligently writing for What’s The Best for almost two years, there are very few tech products Ryan hasn’t had his hands on to review; televisions, headphones, folding phones and even LEGO, if it’s nerdy, he’ll be there.

His well-versed history as one of the resident techies at What’s The Best has kept him keen to uncover the very best deals, savings and offers for those in need of a cracking deal to upgrade their setup.

In his downtime, Ryan most likely has his nose buried in a fantasy book, or his eyes glued to a screen whilst playing a tough-as-nails Soulslike or leisurely RPG, indulging in most forms of escapism where possible.

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