The era where aged adults were afraid of using smartphones is gone. Nowadays, approximately 60 to 70 percent of older American adults (seniors) use smartphones, according to research by AARP, which is why selecting the best cell phone for seniors is crucial.
Cell phones have changed from devices with large buttons and screens. Technology has changed everything, now integrating modern with intuitive and reliable features that match the lifestyle of older adults, helping them stay connected to their loved ones.
Getting the best cell phone for seniors in 2025 has gone beyond what we used to think. As a result of this, my team and I conducted thorough research and testing of different smartphones with elderly people, gathered their feedback, and carefully selected the best cell phone for seniors. Evaluating their features and prices.
So in this comprehensive guide, we’ve carefully selected the best cell phones for seniors, exploring different categories like flip phones, big button phones, and other easy to use smartphones, and also revealing the AARP and Consumer Reports recommendations.
Best Cell Phone for Seniors: Easy to Use Cell Phones
So, if you’re searching for the best cell phones for seniors, then here are our top 8 of easy to use, and reliable cell phones for seniors:
1. Jitterbug Flip 2
The Jitterbug flip 2 is a Lively flip that remains one of the most accepted cell phones designed with seniors in mind. This device was specifically designed for seniors, because it comes with large, demonstrative buttons for easy accessibility and a bright screen.
This classic device features a user-friendly interface that enables seniors to make calls, send text messages, and navigate various sections of the phone. One notable feature of the Jitterbug Flip 2 that sets it apart is the emergency call button, which allows seniors to stay connected to the reliable 24/7 urgent response service.
The Jitterbug flip2 also comes with a medical alert feature that includes a loudspeaker to help seniors with hearing challenges hear properly. Additionally, it is compatible with a hearing aid.
2. Doro 7050
Another senior-friendly cell phone is the Doro 7050, which is one of the best cell phones for seniors. This phone is built with easy to use features, like the simple to navigate menus, large buttons, loud speaker, and a dedicated assistance system. Like the Jitterbug flip, the Doro 7050 also has the emergency button.
The Doro 7050 is compatible with the T4/M4 hearing aid. The SOS button and flashlight are other cool features of this amazing cell phone. With all of these user friendly features, it is an excellent choice for senior accessibility and safety.
3. Nokia 2720 Flip
For seniors who love the blend of modern facilities and simplicity, the Nokia 2720 flip is a perfect choice. This phone runs on Kai OS and supports modern apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and even Google Assistant, allowing seniors to stay connected with their loved ones through calls and text messages.
Apart from just featuring modern apps, the Nokia 2720 is a flip phone with large buttons and a bright screen. It also features voice-activated controls to ease the operation process. For mature adults who want the comfort of a flip phone, the Nokia 2070 is a suitable option.
4. Jitterbug Smart 4
The Jitterbug Smart 4 is one of the best phones for seniors. It is an easy-to-use device that allows the elderly to stay connected to their family through calls and text messages. It has a large screen to enable seniors to see clearly, and a voice typing feature to ease them from the stress of typing.
The key features of the Jitterbug Smart 4 are that it supports enjoyable features like internet browsing, video calls, and also features the most important apps for seniors. Most importantly, it also comes with built-in health services for safety.
5. Samsung Galaxy A14
For seniors who are Samsung lovers and modern smartphone users, the best Samsung phone for seniors is the Samsung Galaxy A14. This phone is very affordable and easy to use. With its large display and senior friendly interface, seniors can navigate through different sections of the phone.
The Samsung Galaxy A14 is a modern Android smartphone that can access all Android apps, making it the best smartphone for seniors who love technology, but still an easy smartphone for seniors. So, for those who want to blend affordability, accessibility with a modern device, the Samsung Galaxy A14 is the best Samsung cell phone for seniors.
For seniors using smartphones, you can also check How to Retrieve Text Messages from Android Phone (Step by Step Guide)
6. Apple iPhone SE (2022/2025)
One of the best cell phones for seniors is the iPhone SE, which is a powerful, portable, and compact smartphone. The iPhone SE is a phone with amazing features like display zoom, voice assistant, and even the new senior mode (Assistive Access) feature for seniors. Although Apple discontinued the iPhone SE in early 2025. However, the refurbished iPhone can be purchased from third-party retailers.
The iPhone SE is regarded as one of the reliable phones for seniors because of its swift performance and scalability, making the iPhone SE the best Apple cell phone for seniors who value a sustainable and reliable device.
7. Kyocera DuraXV Extreme
The Kyocera DuraXV Extreme is an ultra-rugged flip phone built with virtually indestructible components for durability. It has a tank shape and can even perform under the toughest situations, making it the best option for seniors in tough environments.
This device is a sturdily built phone with big buttons, loud audio, a bright screen, and strong network support through Verizon. Apart from that, it is a water-resistant and shockproof device that can handle any situation, making it one of the most preferred phones for seniors.
8. Nokia 2660 Flip
The Nokia 2660 flip is one of the affordable best cell phones for seniors that has a big screen and buttons. This device has an FM radio, a long-lasting battery life, and features the option to take pictures, send text messages, and make calls. Though it does not have the modern advanced features, it is user-friendly and affordable, making it a perfect option for seniors.
Best Big Buttons Cell Phones for Seniors
For seniors who prefer simplicity over flamboyancy. Then, cell phones with big buttons like the Nokia 2660 Flip and Jitterbug Flip2 are your perfect options. These phones are designed with big buttons to help seniors punch on their preferred buttons, loud speakers, and clear displays for seniors who have vision challenges or struggle with touchscreen accuracy.
Most phones with big buttons usually come with easy-to-understand menus and SOS buttons for easy calling and sending of text messages. The RAZ SmartVision 3 is also one of the preferred big-button cell phones for seniors.
Easy to Use Smartphones for Seniors
There are still seniors who love phones that not only support calls and text messages, but also have other advanced features modern smartphones have, and are easy to use. If that’s the case, then models like the Samsung Galaxy A14 (a Samsung senior citizen phone) and the iPhone SE (which is the best Apple cell phone for seniors), that balance both modern features with accessibility.
These smartphones for seniors support modern apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, Zoom, and other health tracking tools. It also features the magnification options, font adjusting, and a user-friendly home screen. So, if you’re searching for easy to use smartphones to get for your seniors or elders, the Samsung Galaxy A14 and iPhone SE are preferred choices.
AARP Recommended Cell Phones for Seniors
AARP, which means the American Association of Retired People, is a non-profit organization that advocates for older Americans and empowers them on how to live as they advance in age. They have also come up with some recommendations for smartphones that should be used by seniors.
So, the AARP recommended smartphones for seniors are the Lively Jitterbug Smart 4 and the Apple iPhone SE. These smartphones were recommended because of their accessibility, affordability, and are backed by senior-friendly carriers like Lively, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.
In addition, these phones were designed with health features like the emergency response buttons and are hearing-aid compatible, which means they were designed with seniors in mind, and that’s why they’re the recommended smartphones.
Verizon Phone for Seniors
Many are obsessed with the Verizon carriers because of the numerous plans, affordable plans, and user-friendly features. However, there are Verizon phones that are specifically made for seniors, and these phones are the Jitterbug Smart4 or the Kyocera DuraXV Extreme. These devices work seamlessly with the Verizon carrier.
There are cell phones for seniors with dementia, Verizon for older adults who are tied to Verizon carrier. This is a more basic flip phone that helps you get emergency access seamlessly. So, seniors with dementia can go for the Jitterbug Flip2, a simple flip phone for easy operation.
You can as well check my article on the Best Cell Phone Signal Boosters 2025 – For Homes and Offices
Regional Recommendations
When getting the best phones for older adults, one thing you should always consider is the region, because the best phone depends on where you reside. Here are my recommendations of the best cell phones for seniors in Canada and New Zealand:
For Seniors in Canada
For seniors in Canada, the best cell phone for seniors is the Jitterbug Smart4 and the Samsung Galaxy A13. These phones are recommended because they are fully available in Canada and support all the Canadian carriers. Then, for seniors looking for phones with big buttons, the Nokia Flip or the Jitterbug Flip Phones are your perfect option.
For Seniors in New Zealand
For seniors in New Zealand searching for the best phones, the Doro phone, big purple phone silverfox, Vodafone Smart Flip, Doro, Samsung A series, Nokia 8210, and the iPhone SE. These devices are user-friendly, affordable, and have safety features.
Prepaid and Unlocked Cell Phones for Seniors
If you’re searching for the best prepaid and unlocked cell phone suitable for seniors
Best Prepaid Cell Phones for Seniors
Getting a prepaid cell phone keeps you free from any contract with any carrier. However, carriers like the Tracfone, Mint Mobile and other consumer friendly carriers offer affordable prepaid plans compatible with many senior-friendly flip phones and unlocked smartphones
Best Unlocked Cell Phone for Seniors
For seniors who prefer unlocked cell phones, the phones like the Samsung A14 (or other A-series), IPhone SE and other 4G/5G-enabled flip phones. Getting these unlocked devices allows you to switch between carriers without hassle. Unlocked cell phones are perfect choice for seniors who love travelling or those who just don’t want to stick to one carrier.
Conclusion: Best Cell Phone for Seniors
To wrap it up, getting the best cell phone for seniors depends on the feature you expect in a cell phone. For most seniors, flip phones like the Jitterbug Flips 2 or the Nokia Flip seem to be their best while others, the Samsung Galaxy A14, Doro 7050, or the Apple’s iPhone SE are their best phones because of the modern features they have.
Most senior-friendly cell phones are compatible with carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are my top recommendations. Seniors also have to get cell phones that aligns with AARP recommendations. Nevertheless, getting the best phone is based on specification.
Whether you need phones with big buttons, loud speaker, emergency features, vision assistant tools, or even dementia-friendly phones, there’s always a perfect option for you.
