Smartphones, once a novelty especially for seniors, have become commonplace. With access to the internet, you have a wealth of information at the tip of your fingers.
With social media, you can keep up with friends and family as well as make new friends. This is no less true for senior citizens who may have reduced mobility and fixed incomes that may prohibit seeing friends in person.
In the past, seniors, as a demographic, have been slow to embrace smartphone technology. This has changed recently, however, as increasingly more seniors are buying cell phones.
The Pew Research Center reported that the percentage of adults 65 years or older that have a cell phone increased from 18% to 24% between 2013 and 2017.
Perhaps one aspect that has led to this growth is the development of smartphones that are better suited for seniors. This article discusses the top 5 smartphones for seniors on the market today.
Table of Contents
Best Smartphones for Seniors: Side By Side Comparison
Motorola Moto G Play 2023
- Carrier compatibility: ATandT: VoLTE, Verizon: VoLTE, T Mobile: VoLTE, WiFi Calling, Video Calling,...
- 6.5" HD plus display. Bring your favorite content to life on a stunning ultra-wide screen.
- Up to three-day battery. Leave your power worries behind thanks to a massive 5000mAh battery.
The Motorola Moto G Play 2023, released on January 6, 2023, is first on this list. The Moto G Play 2023 works with all major US cell phone carriers and prepaid carriers.
Moto G Play 2023 Specs & Features
Here are the specs and features of the Moto G Play 2023:
Display
This phone features a 6.5-inch LCD screen with a Full High Definition+ resolution (1600 x 720 pixels). When you increase the display and font size of text, less is displayed on the screen at one time.
However, the Moto G Play 2023’s display has more real estate available so that you can see more.
Battery Life
The Moto G Play 2023’s battery is rated at 5,000 mAh. Motorola’s website claims the battery can last for up to 3 days of average use under ideal network conditions.
When tested by PC Magazine, the battery lasted for just over 11 hours while streaming High Definition videos over Wi-Fi at full brightness continuously.
Volume
The earpiece volume peaks at 85 dB, making it easy to hear; for reference, a running lawnmower’s sound is usually between 85 and 90 dB. The phone’s stereo speakers peak at 92 dB.
Hearing Aid Compatibility
The Moto G Play 2023 has a hearing aid compatibility rating of M3/T3; a rating of 3 indicates that this phone satisfies the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) standards for use with a hearing aid on the microphone (M) setting or telecoil (T) setting.
TalkBack
The Moto G Play 2023 features TalkBack, an accessibility service developed by Google. TalkBack reads the text on your phone screen out loud.
Google Assistant and Google Voice
With these, you can give your phone voice commands to call or send a text. You can also command your phone to create calendar entries, set reminders, and complete Google searches. The ability to command your phone with your voice makes it easier to use if you have difficulty typing on the touchscreen.
Triple Camera
5MP selfie camera, 13MP + 2MP triple camera.
USB-C Port
The days of struggling with plugging the mini-USB cable into phones will not be missed. USB-C cables are reversible and much easier to use.
Unlocked
Since the phone is unlocked, it will work with all major US carriers.
You can hardly make an informed decision about which is the right phone for you if you don’t know the negative aspects as well, right?
Moto G Play 2023 Potential Issues
Some issues with the Moto G Play 2023 are:
- The camera performance was called “mediocre” in a PC Magazine review. The review states that daylight photos are good, but low light photos are merely okay. This is hardly a scathing review, and the camera will still allow you to capture memories with your family and friends.
- The display’s glass extends a bit past the phone’s frame, making it vulnerable to drops. However, you can use a case that protects the body and screen.
This phone is particularly great for seniors because of its large display, loud volume, and battery life. There are other phones with batteries that can compete with the Moto G Play 2023, but not within its price range.
Sources: Moto G Play User Guide; Springerplus;
Pros
- Value
Cons
- Speed
- Storage space
- Freezing
Samsung Galaxy A50
- Included Components: Handset and Cling, Travel Adapter, Data Cable, Ejection Pin, Quick Reference...
- Camera Description: Rear
- Operating System: Android
The Samsung Galaxy A50 was released on May 1, 2020. The Samsung Galaxy A series is more budget-friendly than higher-end Samsung phones. The Galaxy A50 works with all major US carriers.
Samsung Galaxy A50 Specs & Features
Here are the specs and features of the Samsung Galaxy A50:
Display
The Samsung Galaxy A50 features a 6.2-inch screen with a High Definition+ screen resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels).
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A50’s battery is rated at 4000 mAh. A blogger with Ting.com reports they used the phone regularly for just over two days on a full charge.
Hearing Aid Compatibility
M3/T3.
Screen Reader
Samsung provides a screen reader that is not available with other Android brands. It works with Samsung’s Voice Assistant to provide audio of what’s on the screen for the blind and visually impaired.
TalkBack, Google Assistant, and Google Voice
As this is an Android product, Google’s accessibility features are also available for use.
Triple Camera
25 MP main lens, 8 MP ultrawide lens, 5 MP depth sensor lens + 25 MP selfie camera.
USB-C Port
Unlocked
Since the phone is unlocked, it will work with all major US carriers.
Samsung Galaxy A50 Potential Issues
One complaint about the Samsung Galaxy A50 are common issues with the fingerprint reader not working consistently.
The Samsung Galaxy A50 is another great budget-friendly smartphone for seniors to consider. The Moto G Power beats it in terms of screen resolution and battery life, but not by much. Not to mention, the Samsung Galaxy A50 is just a few dollars cheaper.
Pros
- Quality
- Value
- Battery life
Cons
- Fingerprint reader
- Charging speed
LIVELY Jitterbug Smart4 Smartphone for Seniors
- Only Compatible with Lively Phone Service: The Jitterbug Smart4 is only compatible with Lively phone...
- Simple Cell Phone: This is our simplest smartphone yet, with a larger 6.7” screen,...
- Help When You Need It: Once your new phone is activated with Lively, the Lively team is here to help...
The LIVELY Jitterbug Smart4, released on Dec 23, 2023, works solely with it’s own service and isn’t compatible with other carriers. However, LIVELY specializes in cell phones and medical alerts specifically with seniors in mind.
LIVELY Jitterbug Smart4 Spec & Features
Here are the specs and features of the LIVELY Jitterbug Smart4:
Display
The LIVELY Jitterbug Smart4 features a 6.75-inch screen.
Battery Power Rating
The LIVELY Jitterbug Smart4’s battery is rated for 4850 mAh.
Hearing Aid Compatibility
M3/T4 rating
Camera
Main Camera – 13 MP; Secondary Camera – 2 MP;
LIVELY Jitterbug Smart4 Potential Issues
Some potential issues with the LIVELY Jitterbug Smart4 include:
- Volume
- Battery Life
The biggest drawback to this phone for a senior would have to be the volume according to numerous reviews; for what it offers, though, the price is very competitive.
Sources: LIVELY
Pros
- Quality
Cons
- Volume
iPhone 12
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g....
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- When you receive the phone, insert a SIM card from a compatible carrier. Then, turn it on, connect...
The iPhone 12, released on December 3, 2020, is also not the most recent Apple release. This particular phone is unlocked and will work with all major carriers.
iPhone 12 Specs & Features
Here are the specs and features of the iPhone 12:
Display
The iPhone 12 features a 6.1-inch screen with a High Definition+ resolution (2532 x 1170 pixels).
Battery Life
The iPhone 12’s battery is rated for 2,815 mAh. Techradar tested the battery and found that it lasted a little over 24 hours with low usage. When PC Magazine tested the battery by streaming High Definition videos over Wi-Fi with the screen at maximum brightness, the battery lasted 5 hours and 40 minutes.
Volume
The earpiece speaker peaks at 103.7 dB; the stereo speakers peak at 75.5 dB.
Hearing Aid Compatibility
M3/T4.
VoiceOver
iOS screen reader. VoiceOver gives a verbal description of everything on the screen.
Input braille with or without a braille display.
Sound Recognition
Gives hearing-impaired users a notification when the phone hears and recognizes certain sounds such as doorbells or alarms.
RTT and TTY
Software for the deaf and hard of hearing; no need for TTY hardware.
Gorilla Glass
With Gorilla Glass on the front and back, this phone is more durable than previous iPhones.
Dust and Water Resistant
up to 2 meters for 30 minutes.
Dual Camera
12 MP main lens and 12 MP ultrawide lens.
Dual Selfie Camera
12 MP and a Depth/biometrics sensor.
USB Port
Proprietary Lightning connector. This is similar to the USB-C in that it is reversible, but the Lightning connector is smaller and is only compatible with Apple products.
NFC
Available.
iPhone 12 Potential Issues
Some potential issues with the iPhone 12 include:
- No headphone jack
- iOS file management is complicated
The main drawback for the iPhone 12 as a smartphone for seniors is its price tag. The iPhone 12 doesn’t stand up against the other phones quite as well. Its only clear advantage is its hearing aid compatibility rating.
Sources: Apple
Pros
- Value
- Appearance
- Ease of setup
Cons
- Sound quality
- Lock
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Series
- GALAXY AI IS HERE: Search like never before¹, get real-time interpretation on a call², format your...
- CAPTURE THE NIGHT IN LOW LIGHT: Whether you’re headed to a concert or romantic night out,...
- HIGHEST PHONE CAMERA RESOLUTION: Create crystal-clear content worth sharing with Galaxy S23...
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Series was released on February 1, 2023. This phone works with all major US carriers.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Series Specs & Features
Here are the specs and features of the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Series:
Display
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Series features a 6.8-inch LCD screen with a High Definition+ resolution of (3088 x 1440 pixels).
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Series’s battery is rated for 5,000 mAh.
Volume
The speaker peaks at 74.8 dB.
Durability
Gorilla Glass 3 front with a plastic frame and body.
Quad camera
12 MP main lens, ultra-wide 12 MP lens, 200 MP wide-angle camera.
USB-C Port
NFC
Available.
Unlocked
This phone works with all major US carriers.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Series Potential Issues
Some potential issues with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Series include:
- Smart pen can be challenging for new users
- Too oversized – many complain about it being as big as a tablet
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Series is a solid smartphone for seniors, with a large display, a good battery life, and loud volume.
Sources: Hearing Loss Association of America; DXOMARK; Samsung
Pros
- Quality
- Camera
- Value
- Charging
Cons
- Ease of use
- Size
Amazon’s Best Seller Smartphones
- Carrier compatibility: ATandT: VoLTE, Verizon: VoLTE, T Mobile: VoLTE, WiFi Calling, Video Calling,...
- 6.5" HD plus display. Bring your favorite content to life on a stunning ultra-wide screen.
- Up to three-day battery. Leave your power worries behind thanks to a massive 5000mAh battery.
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPERSMOOTH: Whether watching shows, playing games or reading online, the ultra-clear,...
- STORE MORE & WORRY LESS: With improved internal storage of up to 128GB and up to 1TB** of expandable...
- MANAGE PERSONAL DATA w/ CONFIDENCE: Securely manage your files and rest easy knowing your sensitive...
- CAMERA: Galaxy A03s gives you a triple-lens camera system with Macro lens for close-ups, & Depth...
- 6.5 HD Infinity Screen: Extra-large screen is matched with a slim body to comfortably fit in your...
- Expandable Storeage: Provides plenty of storage space for your contacts, music, photos, apps & more....
Conclusion
Unless you plan to do some serious photography or hardcore gaming on your phone, any of the above-listed phones will be an excellent smartphone for a senior to use. Of the five phones listed, the Motorola Moto G Play 2023 and LIVELY Jitterbug Smart4 are the best.
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If you’re on a budget or new to smartphones and don’t want to spend too much on your first phone, the Motorola G Play 2023 will be your best choice. It has the longest-lasting battery and the second-highest resolution on the list. However, if you have the money to spend, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Series is the phone to buy.
