Aging comes with many challenges, and as a result, seniors require the best mobile devices with assistive features. However, if you’re a senior adult, you may require a little help with your cell phone to help you during emergencies. You may also want to take photos, send texts, or enjoy social media, but you don’t know where to best buy cell phones for seniors.
Whatever your needs, there are the best places you can find the best cell phones for the elder. When you’re hunting for the best free phones for seniors on social security, an excellent place to begin your search is by understanding what you want in a cell phone. Usually, mobile phones for seniors adults specialize in simplicity and safety, giving senior citizens user-friendly features.
However, most seniors’ cell phones come with some upgraded features. You’ll likely have to consider the flip phones for seniors that feature big, bright screens, high-quality speakers, cameras, and large displays suitable for reading and viewing text messages, photos, and videos in full color. Alternatively, you can select the best smartphone for seniors, which provides the whole smartphone experience, including a large touch display, high-resolution cameras, and access to the internet and email.
The Best Phones and Plans For Seniors Providers
i) T-Mobile
T-Mobile is an ideal carrier for seniors who need an affordable device and unlimited plan. However, T-Mobile provides widespread 5G coverage across the United States and offers three senior-friendly unlimited options. These plans offer an excellent discount over T-Mobile’s traditional unlimited plans. Besides, it has fantastic perks, including free hotspot data and in-flight Wi-Fi for seniors who still love traveling.
ii) Consumer Cellular
The above carrier offers friendly mobile devices for seniors in every category, from flip phones to smartphones. However, the Company even stocks a unique tablet that doubles as a smartphone. Besides, a free tablet for seniors discount is available for qualified seniors looking for a larger screen and easy-to-grip device. Consumer Cellular provides a diverse range of affordable text, talk, and data plans.
iii) AT&T
AT&T is one of the nation’s two largest cell phone providers after Verizon and provides a comprehensive 5G cellular network. Besides, AT&T provides a full lineup of senior-friendly devices ranging from the latest smartphones to basic cell phones. AT&T provides a senior plan, referred to as AT&T Senior Nation, ideal for seniors who use their cell phones to make calls. AT&T also provides a discounted unlimited plan for seniors aged 55 and above, but the plan is currently available only to Florida residents.
iv) Verizon
The second of the leading nation’s two largest cell phone carriers, followed by AT&T. Verizon provides a comparative device lineup and coverage area similar to AT&T. However, Verizon’s 55+ senior phone plan provides unlimited text, talk, and data. Still, it is available to residents of Florida as well. The carrier also provides plenty of other affordable plans suitable for seniors in other areas, but it doesn’t provide a senior-specific discount.
Factors t o consider when buying Seniors cell phone
There are many free Senior cell phones you can buy that suit your needs. Whether you are looking for free phones for seniors on medicare, a flip phone compatible with hearing aids, or smartphones with features designed for older users, the tips below can help you find one. However, the available features differ from one phone model to another and sometimes even between carriers. Essential features to consider when buying cell phones for seniors include:
- Hearing aid compatibility –You should ensure this feature is available on flip phones and smartphones. The feature enhances communication for seniors with hearing problems.
- One-touch emergency calls– This is a must-have feature to help seniors call for help during emergencies or other health incidents
- Large and tactile keypad– legible keypad can be helpful for older hands and users with dexterity issues or arthritis
- Brighter display -this feature applies to visually impaired seniors or those who struggle to see clearly.
- Louder speakers- Suitable for seniors with hearing loss
- Magnifier tool- Located in the phone’s camera, it helps to zoom in on small prints for easier readability.
- Easy-to-navigate home screen- Apply for seniors who need to move around the home screen quickly.
- Bluetooth technology– this feature assists in connecting to Bluetooth-compatible hearing aids
The Available Cell Phones Plans For Seniors
i) T-Mobile Senior Plans
Mobile is America’s largest and fastest-growing 5G network. Unlike other carriers, T-Mobile provides three 55+ senior plan options that feature unlimited talk, text, and data. However, seniors who love to travel can get offers on free texting and data with select plans abroad and data in Mexico and Canada.
T-Mobile’s 55+ Unlimited plans begin at $40 per month for one line or $55 per month for two lines. Interestingly, T-Mobile allows you to add up to two lines on the Essentials 55+ plan or add on the Magenta 55+ and Magenta MAX 55+ plans four lines. Each extra line features a discounted rate, so the more lines you add, the more the savings!
ii) AT&T Senior Plans
AT&T ranks third among the nation’s largest and oldest carriers. The Company packs AT&T’s Unlimited 55+ plan for seniors. However, the plan offers unlimited text, talk, and data in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Additionally, you’ll receive free texting in more than 120 countries, making it an ideal choice for travelers.
Moreover, AT&T provides three unlimited texts, talk, and data plan options for seniors who reside outside of the Sunshine State. AT&T’s senior plan Unlimited 55+ for Florida residents goes for $60 per month for a single or $80 per month for two lines.
You can even save more on your AT&T plan by enrolling as an AARP member. In this case, members can save up to $10 per line monthly on AT&T’s Unlimited Elite plan. You’ll also receive up to $45 in waived activation and upgrade fees.
iii) Mint Mobile Senior Plans
Mint Mobile runs on T-Mobile’s 5G network and offers reliable and fast nationwide coverage. Recently, the Company launched the Mint 55+, an entire plan available for older adults that begins at $15 per month. This plan features a complete service from a MINTech advisor at no extra cost.
Usually, Mint Mobile’s plans cost between $15 to $30 per month for new customers, based on the data amount you select. After the first three months of service, you will opt to pay for three, six, or 12 months of service one time. However, if you opt to pay for 12 months of service, your plan will maintain the same rates you started with. However, rates will be a bit higher for three or six months of service.
iv) Consumer Cellular Senior Plans
Consumer Cellular has offered simple, affordable cell phone plans for more than 25 years. However, customers enjoy excellent service and senior-specific cell phone plans, with no hidden fees, contracts, or high overage charges. Interestingly, Consumer Cellular enables you to create your own plan to customize your minutes, texts, and data.
Additionally, Consumer Cellular is an excellent choice if you want to add a line. If you’re an AARP member, you’ll get a discount of 5 percent off any Consumer Cellular service plan.
v) Verizon Wireless Senior Plans
Verizon is one of the world’s leading wireless providers that provides a free government phone and is a popular choice for seniors seeking a reliable network nationwide. However, residents of Florida with 55 years and above can take advantage of Verizon’s senior-55+ plan.
On the other hand, Verizon provides several multi-line unlimited text, talk, and data plans if you reside in another part of the country. Verizon’s senior cell phone plan for Florida residents costs $60 per month for one line or $80 per month for two lines. Traditional Verizon Unlimited plans begin at $70 per line. If you add more than one line to your cell phone plan, you can enjoy significant savings of $25 per month.
Place to buy Seniors’ cell phones
i) Amazon
If you’re searching for friendly and affordable senior basic phones and smartphones, Amazon is worth looking at. Amazon focuses on providing cheaper handsets for anyone on a budget and doesn’t like the idea of spending $1,000 on a new smartphone. Besides, most devices come with free shipping; hence you can instantly get your hands on a new mobile phone from them when you order online.
ii) Best Buy
Best Buy is an authorized retailer for major US carriers and is an excellent option if you buy a new senior smartphone online or in stores. You buy a new smartphone from the online store and collect it from your local Best Buy brick-and-mortar the same day. Additionally, Best Buy has a diverse selection of smartphones and cell phones, both budget phones and the latest highest-end devices.
iii) Walmart
Walmart works like Amazon, and you can find affordable and budget-friendly smartphones and basic Walmart free cell phones for seniors. Its devices come at a slight discount compared to some of the competition, and you can buy online or at its physical branches. This carrier sells brand new devices and at the high- end smartphones from Apple’s iPhones and Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones.
Locations to Buy a Good Inexpensive Phone for Seniors
You do not require to spend hundreds of dollars on a new phone to keep your costs low. New technology comes out every year, and old telephones get released at a low price. If you’re looking for a cheap phone, check out eBay, Amazon, and other discount stores for old phones.
Besides, You can also get an excellent phone for a low price on Craigslist. Remember, cheap doesn’t always mean poor quality. Some of the best second-hand phones you can buy are from eBay. Shop around, and you’ll find that a cheap phone is no substitute for a good plan.
The Best Cell Phone for Elder
Everyone needs a mobile to communicate quickly and keep people in touch with their family and friends. So, cell phones for older need to be easy to use and understand, with software that’s not too complicated and a design that guarantees anyone can use the phone with ease. Some devices have useful extra features like a one-touch SOS button to contact emergency services, especially for seniors.
Additionally, it helps if they have big batteries, durable designs, and big, responsive screens like all phones. On the other hand, there’s also the selection element – like, with our comprehensive list of the best smartphones and feature phones, everyone has various tastes, and you make not interested in buying someone a phone they do not like.
In the following, we are trying t mention the best cell phone for seniors, which they can straightforwardly choose according to their demands. The two types of phones are very useable and demanding to seniors like Smartphones and Feature phones. Both cell phones are attainable for seniors to communicate smoothly with their friends and family.
Smartphones:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
- iPhone 13 series
- Light Phone 2
- Jitterbug Smart 3
- Grand pad
Feature phones:
- Nokia 6300 4G
- Jitterbug Flip 2
- CAT S22 Flip
- Alcatel Go Flip 4
- Punkt MP02
Why choose Unlocked cell phones for Older?
Although it may require a little more effort, a senior with an unlocked phone can save money on their phone bill by simply switching over to an unlocked phone. This means the Phone is unlocked for use with different networks, allowing you to save money by switching providers.
Furthermore, Many phones are unlocked right out of the box, but you can contact the manufacturer and request an unlock code if yours isn’t. As a bonus, unlocking your Phone can also give you more freedom by allowing you to take your phone to another carrier if your current one ever goes out of business or has outrageous fees.
Is there a free cell phone for seniors?
While most phone plans are expensive for seniors, sometimes you can find some great deals. For example, you can often get free phones with a wireless plan.
Some wireless companies offer free phones for seniors. When signing up for a wireless plan, ask if you can get a free phone as a gift from the company. This may include some of the following:
- A free phone every year after your first year – A free phone every two years – Free unlimited texts, calls, and data when you sign up for a wireless plan
- The best part is that you no need to pay any money for the phone. These free wireless phone plans come with a free phone as a sign-up bonus.
Bottom Line
There are many places you can buy cell phones for oder, but you can get a good deal at Walmart, Amazon, or Best Buy. However, you can get the best cell phone for seniors from the above-discussed wireless carriers. In this case, you can buy a phone aligned with a specific carrier and pay for the monthly charge in a long-term contract. You can also buy an unlocked smartphone, which gives you the freedom to choose your favorite carrier you want without getting locked into a contract.