This article will help you make the best choice for your needs, whether you are new to smartphones or have been using them for a while.
Smartphones are extremely popular, but they have become more complicated for beginners. For those who grew up before the internet, what may seem simple to young people can be very confusing for older generations.
The vast majority of phones on the market are made for experienced users. Unfortunately, this means that older people will need to search deeper to find phones that suit their needs. While a smartphone is probably the best device, a basic mobile may be better if you are mainly interested in texting and calling.
We’ll be discussing the characteristics of a smartphone and how they affect usability. We’ll then suggest simple things you should look out for when purchasing a smartphone.
These are some handset recommendations if you’re looking for an easy-to-use smartphone or feature phone.
Nokia 2720 Flip – Best feature phone
Nokia 2720 Flip, one of Nokia’s most popular throwback phones is here to resurrect the iconic flip phone format. You will have to pay a little more for nostalgia and novelty, but it’s worth it.
You still have a lot of modern features. You can still use Google Maps and Facebook, as well as some essential apps, including 4G. You can even download the Google Assistant app, which has a button that activates it. Or, you can use this to send an emergency text to a specified contact in case of an issue.
Nokia claims a battery life of 28 days. We haven’t tested the 2720 for that length, but it seems clear that it will last a while.
Bluetooth, a headset jack and a camera are included. There is also 4GB internal storage, with microSD card support up to 32GB.
Doro 8035 – Best Smartphone
Some companies make the mistake of patronizing their target market. Doro is fortunate to strike the right balance. The 8035 offers a usefully modified Android smartphone experience to help those who need some guidance about the operating system.
It’s straightforward to set it up with the on-screen prompts. Once you have added contacts and set up your email accounts, it’s easy to navigate making calls, sending messages, and downloading apps.
The 8050 is the latest version, but we don’t think it’s worth the extra expense.
Moto G8 – Full-featured Android smartphone
The Moto G8 is affordable and runs Google’s Android software, just like the Doro 8035. If you feel you require less assistance from your phone to download apps, make calls and send messages, the G8 is the right one.
Android is easy to use if you are not a heavy user.
It should also be straightforward if you have used a smartphone before. The 6.4-inch display is the highlight of this phone. A fast-charging 4000mAh lithium battery adds another dimension to its appeal.
iPhone SE (2020). – The Best iPhone
The new iPhone SE 2020 is smaller than its predecessor but has a more prominent display, easier-to-use controls and an excellent camera.
Although it is the most expensive entry on this list, it will last you for many years. Not to mention that it’s one the best value-for-money propositions Apple ever made.
TTfone Lunar TT750 – Most assistive features
Although the TTFone Lunar may not be the first phone to come to mind, the company has made a name for itself in recent years by offering affordable products that are primarily aimed at seniors and people with vision impairments.
The large print on the keypad makes it easy to differentiate between the two without the need for a bulky handset or large fonts. The TT750 has many accessibility features. It also boasts a loud overall speaker volume that ensures text messages and calls don’t get missed. There’s also a programmable SOS button that can alert the user if they fall or are in an accident.
The TT750’s clamshell design makes it easy to carry in your pockets or bags. A desktop cradle dock eliminates the need for you to fiddle with leads when you need to charge the battery.
The TT750 is a great phone to buy for an elderly relative. It’s simple and easy to use.
Alcatel 2019G – Best for simplicity
Alcatel chose a traditional design for the 2019G phone. The smaller screen allows for a larger button keypad.
It can be used with the T9 legacy texting, but it will be best suited for those who rely on phone calls to keep in touch. An SOS button, which can activate several preset numbers, is another feature. The rear camera is capable of recording video and stills at 3.2Mp.
Smartphones for the elderly: What’s a smartphone?
A smartphone is essentially a mobile phone that can connect to the internet. It can send and receive email, browse the internet, and install apps – small programs designed for use on smartphones or tablets.
These provide easy access to news, sports, and weather information. There are also fun games to pass the time. You can access the dedicated stores to get new content, and you can enjoy your music, movies, and ebooks.
All smartphones can also be used as a compact camera
Smartphones are equipped with a dedicated operating system. The vast majority of them run either Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android. These smartphones have larger screens than regular phones, often exceeding six inches.
They can connect to the internet using either WiFi or cellular technology. A SIM card with data allowance is required for cell technology. You will need to pay the same as you pay for calls or text messages. Your smartphone will automatically choose the free option if you have access to a WiFi network that requires a password.
You can basically do everything on your smartphone that you can on a web-connected computer, anywhere you can get connected. Although some things, such as email, may be more straightforward to access on a smartphone, the smaller screen is often better for long-term use.
How to find the best smartphone for seniors
These are some tips to help you get started with the smartphone world. You should always test out a phone in person to get an idea of the interface and hardware. Although the choice of handsets can seem overwhelming, it’s worth taking your time to try all possible options before you make a decision. You will only make this purchase once every two to three decades, so it’s important to do it right.
Simple interface
Smartphones can be challenging to use due to the many functions that feature phones don’t have. You want a smartphone that is simple to use and intuitive. You will want to do the following: make a call, send a message, find a number, and then ask to test them in the store. Ask for help, but be prepared to wait for a sales associate to show you how to do these key tasks.
You should also make use of the on-screen keyboard. Many keyboards will respond to keypresses by increasing the size of the number or letter, vibrating lightly and making it larger. While this can help with usability, not all interfaces work the same.
Apple products are known for being easy to use. The iPhone is a simple, intuitive device that’s easy to learn. Apple’s prices are usually higher than other alternatives, so you will need to choose one.
However, most smartphones available on the market use Google’s Android OS. Android phones are more diverse and available in a greater range of sizes, shapes, and prices. You should also be aware that different handsets might have different versions or launchers of the Android interface. You can test the launchers of each manufacturer before buying to get a feel for how easy they are to use and if it is right for you.
A touchscreen interface that is difficult to use is a problem. Studies have shown that age-related problems with hand-eye coordination and hand-eye coordination are common in older people.
Large screen
Nearly all smartphones these days have at least 5in displays. The displays of high-end smartphones, like the Android-based Samsung Galaxy S21, have displays larger than 6in. A larger screen is more expensive, so that the battery will drain faster. It’s important to remember that not all screens work the same. The display of a smaller device may be sharper than the one on larger phones. It is crucial to test before you buy.
It’s easy to take with you
Smartphones have so many features that they need a large battery and a powerful processor. A smartphone with a large screen can quickly become overwhelming for some users. This is why it is worthwhile to test out a smartphone before making a purchase. It may look great on a smartphone with a large screen, but it won’t be practical if it is too heavy to transport around.
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