Editor’s Note: This post has been updated for 2022

While mobiles might seem complicated at first, they hold a number of benefits for seniors looking to stay in touch with family or friends and explore the world around them.

But which model should you choose? With hundreds of options available, finding the best mobile might seem intimidating.

You need not worry.

We're here to help!

Before diving into reviews to find the best senior mobiles in 2022, we came up with a few requirements:

Availability: A specialized mobile doesn’t help much if there’s no one there to provide support should things go wrong. We wanted to find options that most people could find either online through major retailers or at a local store.

Ease of Use: Having a mobile you can’t use is more frustrating than not having one at all. Whether this is your first mobile or an upgrade, we wanted to find choices that were simple to learn and use.

Reliability: As smartphones continue to become common parts of daily life, they aren’t always the dependable devices they used to be. We wanted to find models that offered consistent performance and would withstand daily use with minimal frustration and need for replacement.

Features for Seniors: From hearing aid compatibility or emergency call buttons to specialized menus and interfaces for easy use, we wanted our picks to include features beneficial to senior citizens.

With these options in mind, we filtered through a slough of contenders until these great options emerged.


iPhone SE (2020)

With its smaller size, front-facing fingerprint scanner, fantastic camera, and premium design, the Apple iPhone SE (2020) is easily our leading pick for seniors wanting a full-featured smartphone.

Its software is similar across all devices, so you can find endless tutorials to help you use your phone and upgrading to a new iPhone down the road will likely feel very familiar as well.

There are also endless accessories you can find for iPhones, including wireless chargers, protective cases, stands, and more.

Better still, AppleCare+ and access to the Geniuses at any Apple retail location can provide peace of mind and ensure you have access to help regarding your phone anytime you need it.

Learn More: Full Review


Samsung Galaxy A13 4G

If you're looking for a budget-friendly alternative to Apple's iPhone, the Samsung Galaxy A13 4G covers all of the essentials for casual or light use at an excellent price. 

The large screen will make texts, emails, videos, and photos pop while the mid-tier specs will keep things running smooth enough to avoid frustration. 

It's no power user's mobile by any stretch, but it offers excellent value for the price if you're looking for something dependable for everyday communications needs.

Learn More: Full Review

Doro 5860

If you're looking for a senior mobile that is super compact and won't break the bank, the Doro 5860 is a fantastic option. The tactile buttons make dialling easy, even at a glance, while the simple interface and bright screen put all the essentials at your fingertips.

Learn More: Full Review

Doro 8100

Doro's smart mobiles for seniors are interesting. They run the same Android software that some of the leading phones today use, but they have a high-contrast interface over the top with large app icons and fonts for easy visibility. They also simplify many menus to make a potentially daunting experience much easier.

Whether you're new to smartphones or looking for a streamlined upgrade option, the Doro 8100 has you covered.

Learn More: Full Review


Nokia 225 4G

Featuring the classic candybar design of older Nokia mobiles, the Nokia 225 4G is an excellent senior mobile option for anyone looking for a more traditional design.

It features hardware shortcut buttons for common features, a chunky d-pad for easy navigation, and a screen just big enough to read the occasional text and check call notifications. It's also capable of running for days on a single charge with light use—something you won't see from today's more powerful mobile options.

If you only need the basics and don't want a flip mobile, the Nokia 225 4G offers a stylish update to the dependable mobiles of yesteryear.

Learn More: Full Review



Final Thoughts

Mobiles are a great way to stay in touch with family and friends and reach help should an emergency arise. In the case of smartphones, they’re also becoming a central hub for the entertainment, news and research in our lives.

The five choices above for the best senior mobile span the full range of options—from simple to the cutting-edge—and offer exceptional value to senior citizens.

Before you get your new mobile, there are a few other points to consider:

The True Cost of Mobile Devices

When shopping around, many sites and stores will list two prices.

The lower price is often a monthly payment plan which typically requires a credit check and allows you to pay off the device over 2 years.

While this is great for getting a newer mobile without impacting your budget upfront, it also means you must maintain service with that carrier for the next two years as well.

The window to get a refund or cancel your contract is only 14 days.

If you choose to go with this type of deal, be sure to use your new device often to uncover any concerns or questions you might have before you’re locked into the contract.

Paying for your mobile upfront often removes this contract requirement. If it is also unlocked, you can switch between networks if you do not like the service you receive.

If you pay for your device in full and it isn’t already unlocked, most networks will unlock it for no charge once you meet their requirements.

For more information on the benefits of buying an unlocked mobile, consult our guide.

Choosing a Good Plan for Your Needs

When you’re picking a tariff to go with your mobile, there’s a good chance the salesperson will try to convince you to take a package much larger than you need.

Related: Compare mobile tariffs

Finding a good package for your needs might seem tricky at first. However, most postpaid and prepaid tariffs today offer fairly generous allotments for voice calls and texting.

Where the big price differences lie is data.

It’s important to have enough data because overage fees add up fast. However, if you’re paying for data each month that you don’t use, you’re paying more than you should.

Our guide on finding the amount of data you need will make this step simple.

Don’t Forget the Prepaid Networks

If you’re new to mobiles, you might think that a monthly tariff is the obvious way to go.

However, unless you need unlimited minutes, lots of data or international calling features, there’s a good chance prepaid networks will save you money and make billing simpler.

Most networks can tell you if your mobile is compatible with their service with a quick phone call.

Don’t Forget the Accessories

  • A stylus pen is a great way to improve accuracy and make it easier to use your screen. Not to mention there are fewer smudges and fingerprints to clean up later. 
  • You might also consider a protective case . While they’ll make your mobile a little bigger and heavier, a good case can be the difference between a shattered screen or no scratches at all should you drop it.
  • Lastly, if you’re always on the go, a smartphone car mount makes it easier to use navigation, hands-free calling, and other features without distracting yourself or forcing you to dig under the seat for your mobile when you get home.


Your Turn

If you have any additional questions about the options listed here or have an alternate suggestion, leave us a comment below!

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