Best phones for elderly users

As we get older, our phone needs can start to change. Whether that’s needing larger buttons, bigger screens or just simpler interfaces that make it easier to answer calls and messages.

We’ve previously covered how to set up a smartphone for older relatives, so this time around, we’ll recommend some of the best phones for older people. The goal here is to make it easier for over 65s to stay connected and get on with their daily lives, without technological barriers.

And with that, let’s get started!

Best iPhones for elderly people

Apple’s iPhones are a popular choice for seniors, as they include plenty of useful accessibility features including blown-up text and controls, louder ringtones and vibration, voice control via Siri, flashing LED alerts and voiceover descriptions of what’s on screen.

When it comes to specific iPhone models, there are two that stand out. The classically designed iPhone SE and the more modern, larger-screened iPhone 14 Plus. You can buy both these phones either new or refurbished from giffgaff.

Here’s what makes these the best iPhones for elderly users.

iPhone SE

The iPhone SE is a modern update to the classic iPhone design, complete with a clearly visible home button rather than touch gestures, fingerprint recognition rather than facial scanning, and a full rectangular screen rather than the notched design of later models.

The iPhone SE is also relatively compact, with a 4.7-inch display. Not exactly the size of an old Nokia, but perhaps more manageable and with more prominent bezels to hold onto than later designs.

Despite this, the 2022 iPhone SE is a modern iPhone internally with a fast processor and a long software support path ahead of it, so it will run apps quickly, minimising potential frustration, and it will continue to receive new accessibility features over time.

Another bonus is that the iPhone SE is more affordable than the new-design models, making it a better value option and more appropriate for a phone that may only be used for the basics like web browsing, messaging and calling.

Shop the iPhone SE at giffgaff

iPhone 14 Plus

Another great phone for elderly users is the iPhone 14 Plus, as this offers a larger screen that’s easier to read with display scaling turned up.

This model does come with a more modern design, which may be preferable for Face ID features. Again, you’re getting a recently released phone with plenty of software support and a powerful processor inside, so you can expect everything to run smoothly, and there’s extra horsepower compared to the iPhone SE, making it even quicker; not to mention a much-improved display.

You do pay a higher price for this model, but it’s still a great phone for elderly users.

Shop the iPhone 14 Plus at giffgaff

Best Android phones for elderly people

Google’s Android operating system is well-appointed with accessibility features that can prove useful for older users. There is also a wider range of options than with the iPhone, including phones that are specifically designed for the needs of older users.

With that in mind, we’ve selected two strong options for phones for elderly people. The specially adapted Doro 8100 and the more general, powerful Pixel 7A.

Here’s why these are the best Android phones for elderly users.

Doro 8100

The Doro 8100 is an Android smartphone designed as a great phone for elderly users right out of the box. It has a simple home screen with big and clear buttons for common functions like sending messages or taking photos, a special assistance button that calls a nominated contact, and a comfortable 6.1-inch touch display that is easy to grasp.

As an Android smartphone, you’re free to install other apps too, but the processor on board isn’t as powerful as on many of its contemporaries, so you may find that you need to wait longer for apps to load. There’s relatively little storage space too, though if you’re only using it for calls and texts, you shouldn’t have any issues.

For an affordable asking price, the Doro 8100 makes a very nice phone for older users.

Shop the Doro 8100 at giffgaff

Pixel 7A

The Pixel 7A is a more general-purpose smartphone, but it makes a great phone for elderly people too. Running Google’s own flavour of the Android operating system, you’ll be first in line to get new accessibility features, which tend to roll out automatically while your phone charges.

As Android is quite versatile, you’re able to replace the stock launcher with something simpler like simple launcher, biglauncher or baldphone if you prefer, and of course, the rest of the interface can be customised to be easier to read, with louder alerts and so on.

Overall, this is a fast, modern smartphone, offering great performance, a top-tier camera, and a large display, all for a reasonable price.

Shop the Pixel 7A at giffgaff

Wrapping up

So with those four options, we come to the end of our recommendations. Thanks for taking the time to read through this article. I hope you found it useful, and remember that you can pick up many of the phones above from giffgaff’s full range of new and refurbished phones.

If you want to know a little more about our refurbished phone grades, check out hcbol34’s review of one of our ‘Good’ condition refurbished phones. Our ‘Good’ condition phones are a great price and they’re perfect to give as a Christmas present.

I look forward to your questions or comments via the giffgaff community forums. You can also get in contact with me directly on Twitter at @wsjudd.

Thanks for reading and we’ll see you next time.