The best mobile phones to make your life easy

We know that it’s not always easy to get on with the latest generation of phones. With smartphones that have never-ending apps or phones that have too many buttons, it can be frustrating trying to find a phone that calls and texts without all the faff.

Whether you’re buying for a family member or just looking for something easier to use, the best phones for older people don’t have to be so hard to find. Looking at accessibility and mobile phones for older people, there are phones across the board for people who might have difficulty with hand mobility, sight or hearing.

We’ve sought out the most stylish but also most efficient phones for you right here so you don’t have to dig deep. From the Nokia 105 to the newest Doro 8080 phone, you can choose one that’s perfect for you or your family member.

What are the best phones for elderly people?

There is a mass of phones out there on the market in today's world, so when you're looking for a phone that suits you, there are definitely some things to consider.

Simplicity

If you're looking for a phone for yourself or someone who has dealt with sight or memory loss, you'll want to buy something simple to keep it easy for them to use. There are many phones which offer large buttons - even some with emergency buttons - so they're much easier to use than complex smartphones.

Price

Racking up a bill for a complex smartphone can be really expensive, but there are many better value options out there, especially if you're looking for a phone for someone older.

Most of these phones come in the range of around £30-70. If you're looking for a newer version of the higher-end ranges like a Doro 8080, you can be looking at around £250, but of course, it depends on the features you're looking for.

Brand

For simple, easy-to-use phones, we'd go to Doro, a brand we've recommended before here at Yours. These come in lots of different versions but are aimed at people who struggle with hearing, sight or dexterity issues.

If you're branching out, all of the popular brands will have simpler phones to use, aimed at older people. Check out all of our in-depth recommendations below.

The best mobile phones for older people in the UK

Specifications:

Battery life: Lasts 240-300 hours on standby (up to 6 hours talk time)
Display size: 1.77"
Memory: Supports up to 32GB
Button size: Big

Pros / cons:

Pros:
Large buttons, easy to see and easy to use
Stereo loudspeakers for those phone users hard of hearing
One-button SOS function for immediate help
Includes flashlight, lock key and you can set up to 11-speed dials
Contract free and compatible with any mobile network supporting 2G

Cons:
Difficulty with mobile data

Overview:

Need a phone with big buttons so you can see them clearly? This phone is a perfect classic phone with a display to make it easy to use.

With all the typical features such as Bluetooth and speed dial, you're getting everything you need in this phone. One thing that stands out is the unlocked sim compatible with any 2G network - contract-free, all you need to do is buy the sim and pop it in! It also comes with an easy charging port, SOS buttons, flashlight and FM.

Customer review:

"Wasn't expecting too much from this phone and how wrong I was. This big button phone is perfect for my needs, unlocked to any network so just bought a SIM card, inserted and it works perfectly. Ideal for someone who just needs a phone without all the internet. It has a great camera so can take pics and fits nicely in hand not heavy. You can lock the buttons so no calls by mistake. Nice big screen - would recommend."

Specifications:

Battery life: Lasts 150 hours on standby (up to 4 hours talk time)
Display size: 1.77"
Memory: 4MB (no microSD support)
Button size: Medium

Pros / cons:

Pros:
Great price under £20
Durable in its material and battery
Nothing crazy, simple but effective

Cons:
Screen can be a bit too small for some users

Overview:

The top-rated senior mobile phone on Amazon, this budget Nokia phone is perfect for any older person. At just under £20, you're getting what you need.

Made from a hard-wearing polycarbonate this phone is durable and meant to last, with amazing battery power that lasts for weeks. You get good storage with radio and classic mobile games. This is a good phone if you're looking to grab something cheaply and efficiently. Also available in pink and blue.

Customer review:

"Classic phone with a modern twist. I needed a new phone as my recent usage was way too high. The Nokia was the perfect candidate as it still allows you to perform the main functions that phones were made for, without all the fluff. After having it for a few days I can say that I've felt better about being in the present moment as there are fewer distractions."

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Specifications

Battery life: Lasts 360 hours on standby (up to 15 hours talk time)
Display size: 5.7"
Memory: 32GB
Button size: Adjustable

Pros / cons:

Pros:
Modern and stylish, but easy to use
Has all the extras including a great camera, flash, headset, Bluetooth, 4G, Wi-Fi access and Doro technology
Easy menu with large clear icons and intuitive menu system
Comes in white or black

Cons:
Fairly expensive

Overview:

If you're looking for something more modern on the market, check out the new Doro 8080 smartphone. A steeper price, this is perfect for a senior person who's into their tech.

This is a really smart piece of technology from Doro, even having a 'Response by Doro' function - like an emergency button - which will send all of your 'responders' the user's location. All you need to do is download an app and fill in the information.

As well as this, you have a great camera, flash, quality sound (as well as it being Hearing Aid Compatible) and has the newest Google Assistant apps on it. Well worth the money.

Is the 8080 out of your price point? Check out Doro's 8035 - a slightly older and cheaper version of this smartphone.

Customer review:

"I am recommending this to all my friends. Not a cheap phone, but worth every penny to me. Very intuitive, responsive, great battery life, excellent features in terms of sound, font size, brightness, I use it on Bluetooth to stream music for a dance group and have confidence in it. I liked my old Doro and this is even better. Not an 'old persons phone' but a good phone for internet browsing, banking, music etc. Now my constant companion."

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Specifications:

Battery life: Lasts 330 hours on standby (up to 8 hours talk time)
Display size: 2.8"
Memory: 4GB
Button size: Big

Pros / cons:

Pros:
Simplified keypad with only a few clear buttons to press
Contrasting buttons makes it easy to see
'Response by Doro’ function for emergencies and tracking
Hearing Aid Compatible speakers

Cons:
May be too simple for some

Overview

Another Doro winner, this mobile phone is best for those with dexterity issues and wants simplicity in their cellphone. We love the ease of this and all it takes is one button to call someone, perfect for someone with difficulty in hand mobility.

Although you can't text on this phone, you can receive messages and it will alert the sender when you've opened them. So it's great for those who don't like to fumble around with texting buttons but still want to hear from their loved ones. Again, this includes the 'Response by Doro' service, so your contacts can see where you are immediately. A great simple phone.

Customer review:

"This product was bought for my elderly father-in-law who has Parkinson’s and dementia with coordination problems. He is finding it very easy to use and the way it sits in a charging cradle stops the need to fiddle with tiny plugs. Excellent."

Interested in other Doro phone? Check out our picks forthe best Doro phone with simplicity in mind.

Specifications:

Battery life: Lasts 96 hours on standby (up to 5.5 hours talk time)
Display size: 1.8"
Memory: 4MB
Button size: Big

Pros / cons:

Pros:
Efficient and easy to use
SIM-free, unlocked phone for any network
Bright, big buttons make it easy to see
SOS button for emergency calls

Cons:
The central button can be fiddly

Overview:

This phone by Easyfone is great for those looking for a simple, easy-to-use all-rounder which gives you everything you need in one mobile.

The contrast, big buttons are helpful for those who need it but it isn't overly simple, so you can still text, call and speed dial as much as you need. With a bright SOS button on the back, you can send emergency calls easily with the simple press of a button. You won't have to worry about getting the right SIM either as this phone Is unlocked, working great with all GSM network providers.

Customer review: "Always wary of reviews but I had noticed previous buyers gushing about this little phone. It's a gem for the price and very simple to use. The phone was very easy to set up and navigate through the options. The buttons are nice and big and the phone charger makes a nice sound to tell you it's connected and charging! Happy days! The ring tone has a nice melody and can't be changed."

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Specifications:

Battery life: Lasts 150 hours on standby (up to 4 hours talk time)
Display size: 2.8"
Memory: 4GB
Button size: Big

Pros / cons:

Pros:
Classic folding design
SOS button to set up with five numbers
Up to 150 hours of battery
Comes with a torch and camera
Large big screen and buttons

Cons:
Buttons can be troublesome for some users

Overview:

Be aware that you will have to buy a SIM Card and SD Card with this phone, but it is unlocked so you can pop in whichever network you may already have.

With large buttons and a charging port, this is great for older people who just want something sleek and simple. It has a large display which makes it easy to see and you can also set five SOS numbers to call from the number on the back. It comes in a selection of colours including red and blue, so you can pick your favourite.

Customer review: "This is the perfect phone for people who cannot get used to a smartphone. Quality is awesome. The buttons are large and clear to see, as is the screen. I would give it six stars if I could!"

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My elderly loved one needs more assistance, how can I help them?

Whether it's your parents, grandparents or any family friend who needs more assistance, we know that it can sometimes be hard to deal with or knowing what to do.

Here at Yours, we've partnered with Eldercare, who also worked with Doro to provide thousands of people in the UK with personal alarms, advice and care.

It can be hard letting your loved one independently but smart tech can be one of the best ways to help them. Check out this video below which explains how Eldercare and Yours can help.