As seniors increasingly embrace the digital age, finding a suitable and affordable smartphone becomes paramount. Fortunately, there are numerous strategies for older individuals to secure good deals on these essential devices. Firstly, consider opting for budget-friendly models that still offer robust features. Many reputable brands offer affordable smartphones with user-friendly interfaces, large screens, and simplified navigation, catering specifically to seniors.
The best cell phones for seniors combine features like big buttons and a bright screen that are easy to see. Many also offer a medical alert feature. Some models are compatible with national cell phone providers and can be financed for low monthly costs. Others are available from specialized senior-friendly carriers, such as Consumer Cellular and Jitterbug. Here's how seniors can find the best deals on smartphones.
Refurbished Smartphones
Another avenue to explore is the realm of refurbished smartphones. These devices, which have been restored to near-new condition, often come at a fraction of the original cost. Reliable vendors and manufacturers frequently offer warranties on these products, providing peace of mind to users.
Shop Seasonal Sales
Seniors can also benefit from keeping an eye on seasonal sales, promotions, and discounts offered by various retailers. Black Friday and holiday sales events, for instance, are excellent opportunities to snag high-quality smartphones at significantly reduced prices. Additionally, exploring carrier deals and bundles can yield substantial savings, especially when considering long-term contracts.
Government Assistance Programs
Moreover, technology assistance programs and government initiatives may provide subsidies or discounts for seniors seeking to acquire smartphones. Researching these options can uncover hidden gems, making modern communication technology more accessible for older individuals. By combining these strategies, seniors can navigate the smartphone market with confidence, finding devices that not only meet their needs but also fit comfortably within their budgets.
Here are some of the best smartphone models for seniors:
Samsung Galaxy S10
If you want a top-of-the-line phone that will stand out from other devices on the market, you can't go wrong with Samsung's Galaxy S10. This year's flagship phone features an impressive Cinematic Display, Steady Videos and Professional-looking Photos. The Galaxy S10 also includes a large battery that will last all day and offers a wide variety of storage options.
The Galaxy S10 has a 6.1-inch screen, which is smaller than Apple's iPhone 11 Plus, making it easy to handle in one hand. It has a triple camera array that includes a standard, ultra-wide and telephoto lens. The Galaxy S10 is available with 128GB, 256GB or 512GB of internal storage.
It runs Android 10 with Samsung's new One UI interface. This year's S10 models are less expensive than the ones released last year, which makes them a great choice for people on a budget. They also feature IP68 water and dust resistance and 3.5mm headphone jacks.
TCL Go Flip 2
The TCL Go Flip 2 is a great choice for those looking to get back to basics with a flip phone. The phone is priced at \$20 and has a familiar design with tactile buttons. It also has two display screens, so you can see who is calling or texting you without opening the phone. The external screen alerts you to new calls and messages, and the internal 2.8-inch display lets you personalize the color and text size on your own.
The phone has 8GB of storage, which is a lot for a flip phone. This is more than enough for most people, but if you want to store more photos and other files, you can use a MicroSD card.
The phone comes with 4G connectivity, which is reliable and fast. The 850mAh battery is a good size and should last all day. The TCL Go Flip 2 is also compatible with hearing aids, which is important for seniors.
Snapfon ezTWO3G
The Snapfon ezTWO3G is designed with seniors in mind. This cell phone is simple, easy-to-use, and affordable. Its features include a voice-activated virtual assistant and a large, bright screen. Its built-in GPS allows users to locate their phones if they misplace them, which is an important feature for many seniors.
The ezTWO3G is available with Snapfon services, which provide low-cost monthly plans that include talk, text, and data. It also includes a free smartphone replacement if it is ever lost or stolen. The phone’s sosPlus emergency response agent will connect to the user at the push of a button, which will alert their emergency contacts and will stay on the line with them until help arrives.
Seniors with dementia can benefit from having a cell phone, as it provides them with an invaluable connection to the people they care about. Choosing a cell phone that comes with safety and convenience features will ensure that your loved one will be able to use it safely.
RAZ Memory Cell Phone
The RAZ Memory Cell Phone is a one-touch-dial picture phone designed specifically for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s and other cognitive conditions. The streamlined device removes the fear that often comes with using smartphones and helps seniors stay connected to loved ones.
The large 6.5-inch display shows up to six contacts with photos and names. Seniors can place a call by touching a photo and then pressing the red emergency button. Caregivers can track the location of their loved one, set up Quiet Hours during which the senior cannot make calls and receive a text message when the battery level drops to a certain threshold.
Caregivers can use the RAZ Care mobile app to remotely manage all aspects of the Memory Cell Phone. The app lets caregivers create reminders that appear as “sticky notes” on the screen, limit incoming calls to selected contacts, block predatory robocalls and more. The Memory Cell Phone costs \$309 and includes three months of service from Mint Mobile, which is compatible with Verizon and AT&T.
