These are some of the best cellphones for seniors. (Rick Broida/Yahoo Tech)
Everyone needs a cellphone, but not everyone has the same cellphone needs. Many seniors, in particular, want a lifeline to loved ones and emergency services, to say nothing of apps for health and safety, social media and more. Such a phone should also be ultra-easy to use, with a large, bright screen, a straightforward user experience (meaning a simple interface) and ideally some accessibility features for users with physical challenges (such as eyesight or motor-skill impairments).
With those specs in mind, I've identified five models that I consider the best phones for seniors in 2025. (And if you're not seeking a senior-specific solution, here's our roundup of the best cellphones, period.)
Update, Dec. 13, 2024: We checked all product prices and availability. Our number one pick for best cellphone for seniors remains unchanged.
Android phones and iPhones can be made senior-friendly, but the Smart3 arrives that way: It's a phone made specifically with seniors in mind. In place of a sea of cryptic icons, it offers a handful of core features (e.g., phone, text messages and email) represented by large, clearly labeled buttons on a simple menu accessed through a touchscreen. And at the very top: an Urgent Response button for quick access to live human caregivers who can assist with everything from rides to minor health issues to real emergencies. (It can also be set to notify friends and family if that emergency button gets tapped.) The senior cellphone itself is quite affordable, and service plans start at just $20 per month. While this is far from the most capable smartphone out there, it is without question the best phone for seniors and the smartest choice.
It may be Samsung's entry-level Galaxy phone, but the A23 5G offers plenty of power and includes an Easy Mode, which helps simplify an interface some might find intimidating. Stocked with four camera lenses, the A23 is also great for photography. In fact, if you think you'll be shooting lots of photos and videos, you'll appreciate the expandable storage (up to 1TB via microSD cards), a feature not found on any iPhone. The 6.6-inch screen is also downright huge, great for seniors who have vision issues. And because this phone is unlocked for use with all phone carriers, it's easy to take it somewhere offering dirt-cheap monthly service.
An inexpensive iPhone isn’t too good to be true, because you can snag this Verizon iPhone from $3 per month from Walmart, where you’ll also get 36 months at 0% interest on it.
Despite being the simplest Apple iPhone on the market, this baseline model still packs plenty of power with a bright display and excellent cameras. The iPhone SE still has a physical Home button, something tech-challenged seniors will appreciate. Take note, however, that the screen is on the smaller side, at 4.7 inches, so this may not be the right phone for those with vision limitations.
That said, if you are looking for an easy-to-use smartphone that’s not too big, this is a great option compared to larger, bulkier mobile phones.
Measuring 6.3 inches long and 3.02 inches wide, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is the perfect size for those who enjoy a bigger screen. You might notice that the charging port requires a USB-C connector, which is the same charger used for Mac and iPads. With the iPhone 15 Pro Max, you get up to 29 hours of video playback, and up to 20 times faster file transfers. Additionally, the phone has Roadside Assistance and Emergency SOS via satellite and Crash Detection, providing extra comfort and security.
The phone itself is pricey at a one-time payment of $1,249, or 36 monthly payments of $29.14.
It may seem odd to include a tablet in this roundup, but the GrandPad is part phone: It includes 4G LTE service with its monthly subscription plan ($65). That means it can be used for email, phone calls and Zoom video calls. It also means it's not limited to home use; it works out and about as well, just like a phone (though not one you'd want to hold up to your head). In addition, there's baked-in live customer support that's available 24/7, which helps justify the somewhat pricey service plan. Read my complete GrandPad review, and here's our list of the best tablets.
Price: As with any basic phone you buy, there's the cost of the phone itself and the cost of service. Thankfully, while the hardware can range from a few hundred dollars to nearly $1,000 (or more!), you can often take advantage of zero-interest financing to make it more affordable. The iPhone SE, for example, can be paid off over three years for as little as $3 per month.
Cellphone plan: As for service, consider whether you really need an unlimited data plan. If you spend much of your time at home, connected to Wi-Fi, then you probably don't. By choosing an unlocked phone, you can get service from whichever carrier offers the best plan to meet your connectivity needs and budget. Consumer Cellular, for example, is widely regarded as the "senior-friendly" carrier, with excellent customer service and plans starting at $20 per month. Mint Mobile is another popular option, with plans as low as $15 (amortized) with a prepaid option for a year at a time. For more information, be sure to check out our deep dive into the best cellphone plans for seniors.
Phone cases: Whatever phone and carrier you end up with, I strongly recommend buying a high-quality case as well. Although everyday phone durability has improved over the years, with screens that promise to withstand minor bumps and scratches, gravity is not your friend — and a cracked screen is no fun.
Phone accessories: Speaking of accessories, consider keeping a mobile charger close at hand. Depending on how you use it, your phone's long battery life might last a couple of days on a charge or it might expire by dinnertime. If you're near an outlet you can always plug it in, but a power bank like this one from Anker can help when you're out and about.
In our list above, you'll find a variety of phones from iPhones, to Android, to specialized options and even a tablet. Although the Android-versus-iPhone debate has been raging for years, the truth is that neither operating system is especially senior-friendly. One exception: Samsung's Galaxy A23 offers something called Easy Mode. When activated, the functionality makes the user interface (text, icons, onscreen keyboard, etc.) larger and simplifies the home screen. When you swipe to the leftmost screen, for example, you'll see it's now populated with one-tap icons to call "favorited" contacts.
That's a great option, one that's available on all Samsung Galaxy phones (not just the A23). However, the Android operating system on the whole — navigation, settings, etc. — can be a little complicated. Overall, I find iPhones a bit easier to learn and use, and they offer an unrivaled selection of accessibility features and assistive technology. For example, users who suffer from low vision can enable Speak Screen, which verbalizes the contents of whatever's currently showing. Those with hearing impairments can toggle the rear LED (normally used by the camera) to flash repeatedly when a call, text or other alert comes in. A triple click of the side button can activate a camera-powered magnifier, and so on.
Newer iPhones also offer medical-alert-style safety features like crash detection and, when paired with a newer Apple Watch, fall detection. In the unfortunate event of a driving incident or a tumble, these helpers can notify family members and even contact on-call emergency services like other medical alert devices. (Worth noting: Google Pixel phones offer crash detection as well, and fall detection is coming to Google's Pixel Watch.)
There's no exact science to this one, but over time you will notice that performance may degrade and the battery won't quite hold a charge as long as it used to. According to the FTC, most people keep their phone for two to three years, but it's definitely possible that phones can last longer than this based on your personal usage habits.
For many people, their cellphone is the main way they keep in touch with friends and family, and in case of an emergency it's how they can get help. It's worth keeping an eye on how it performs over time, and when you start to see signs of it not working the same, you get a replacement.
Medicare does pay for cellphones, but not for everyone. To qualify for a free phone, you must also be enrolled in a qualified government assistance program or be under the income limits. These conditions do vary, so it's recommended to contact Medicare to discuss your exact situation and see if you qualify for the free phone.
