Smartphones are incredibly popular devices, but their immense capability has made them increasingly complex for novices. What might seem second nature to young people can be incredibly confusing to a generation that grew up before the internet.
Unfortunately, the vast majority of the market caters to experienced phone users, so you have to look a little deeper if you want a phone that's truly appropriate for older generations. A smartphone might still be the way to go, but if calling and texting is still the priority then a basic mobile might be more appropriate.
Here we'll look in detail and what a smartphone is, and how that affects usability. Then we'll suggest some simple things to look for when buying a smartphone.
Here are a few handset recommendations, if you are after an easy to use, smartphones and feature phones.
Nokia 2720 Flip
- £89.99 (about $120)
The Nokia 2720 Flip is one of Nokia's popular throwback phones, here resurrecting the iconic flip phone form factor. That means you're paying a bit of a premium for the combo of nostalgia and novelty, but there's an argument that it's worth it.
It certainly helps that you still get a fairly modern feature set. There's 4G support, along with some basic apps - that means you can still use Google Maps, Facebook and - perhaps most importantly - WhatsApp. There's even an app for Google Assistant, with a dedicated button to activate it - or if you prefer you can set this up to serve as an emergency button, sending out a text to specified contacts in case anything goes wrong.
Nokia quotes a 28-day battery life, and while we haven't quite tested it for that long it is clear that the 2720 will run for a while.
You also get Bluetooth, a headphone jack, a camera (though it's admittedly a bit ropey) and 4GB of internal storage with support for microSD cards up to 32GB.
Doro 8035
- N/A
Some companies have made the mistake of patronising their target market. Thankfully, Doro strikes the right balance and the 8035 is a phone that provides a helpfully-modified Android smartphone experience for those that need a bit of guidance around the operating system.
It is very easy to set up, with on-screen prompts and instructions and once you've set up all your existing email accounts and added contacts, it's simple to find your way around to make calls, send texts and even download apps.
There is a newer version in the form of the 8050, but we don't feel the significant extra spend is worth the money.
Moto G8
- Unavailable
Like the Doro 8035, the affordable Moto G8 runs Google's Android software. The G8 is the one for you if you think you need less guidance from the phone as to how to make calls, send messages and download apps.
Android is fairly simple if you aren't a heavy user, and it shouldn't be too much trouble if you've used a simple smartphone before. Its biggest strength is its large 6.4in display and a fast-charging 4000mAh battery doesn't hurt either.
Read our full Moto G8 review
Apple iPhone SE (2020)
- $399 (64GB) | $449 (128GB) | $549 (256GB)
The updated iPhone SE for 2020 doesn't have the same compact nature as its predecessor but it instead delivers a larger display, easy-to-use hardware controls, great performance and a great camera.
It's one of the most expensive entries in this list but it'll undoubtedly last you, not to mention, it's one of the best value-for-money propositions Apple has ever released.
Read our full Apple iPhone SE (2020) review
TTfone Lunar TT750
- $65
The TTFone Lunar might not be the first phone that leaps to mind but the company has been making a name for itself in recent years with inexpensive products aimed primarily at the elderly and those with less than 20/20 vision.
This is borne out by the large print used on the keypad, making it easy to distinguish one from the other without needing a chunky handset and generous on-screen font size as standard. Accessibility features don’t end there, as the TT750 also boasts loud overall speaker volume to ensure that text messages and calls aren’t missed, plus a programmable SOS emergency button, which means the phone can double as an alert if the user has a fall or other accident.
The clamshell design makes the TT750 easy to fit into bags or pockets, and a desktop cradle dock removes the need to fiddle around with leads when you want to recharge the battery.
If you’re thinking of buying a phone for your elderly relative and want something easy-to-use, then the TT750 should be on your shopping list.
Buy the TTfone Lunar TT750
Alcatel 2019G
- £32.95
Alcatel has gone with a very traditional design for its easy-to-use 2019G phone. A smaller display makes way for a big button keypad.
It supports the legacy T9 texting, but will be most appropriate for a generation that relies on calls to stay in touch. Other features include an SOS button which will call several preset numbers when activated. There's even a 3.2Mp rear camera, which is capable of taking stills and video.
Smartphone for the elderly: What is a smartphone?
A smartphone is in essence a web-connected mobile phone. It has the ability to send and receive emails, browse the web and install apps - small programs designed for use on a smartphone or tablet.
These offer easy access to things such as news, sports and weather information, as well as fun games with which to waste an idle hour. All smartphones also double as media players, letting you enjoy music, films and ebooks you already own, as well as being able to download new content from dedicated stores, accessed directly from the smartphone. All smartphones work as compact cameras, too.
Smartphones have dedicated operating systems, with the vast majority of devices running either Apple's iOS or Google's Android. They have much larger screens than regular mobile phones (also known as basic phones or feature phones), often in excess of six inches.
They connect to the internet via either cellular or WiFi technology. Cellular technology requires a SIM card with a data allowance, which you have to pay for in the same way you pay for calls and text messages. But whenever you are in reach of a wireless network (WiFi) for which you know the password (or doesn't require one), your smartphone will seamlessly select the free option.
Basically, you can do on a smartphone anything you can do on a web-connected PC, wherever you can get connected. Some things - email, for instance - may actually be easier to do on a mobile device, although most of the time the smaller screen can mitigate against prolonged use.
Smartphone for the elderly: What to look for
Now that you are (hopefully) sold on the benefits of joining the smartphone world, here are a few pointers as to what to look for. It's always worth trying out a handset in-store, so you can get a feel for the hardware and the user interface. The breadth of choice can be off-putting, but don't be afraid to take your time and try as many handsets as you like before making a choice: this is a purchase you'll want to make only once every two to three years, so it pays to get it right.
A simple interface
Due to the massive amount of functionality smartphones offer over feature phones, they can seem complicated to use. Look for a smartphone with simple, easy to use, intuitive navigation. Think of a few key things you are going to want to do - make a call, send an email, find a phone number - and ask to try them out in the store. Don't be afraid to ask for advice, but if it takes a sales assistant a long time to explain how to undertake such key tasks, this may not be the phone for you.
Make sure you spend some time using the onscreen keyboard, too. Most will respond to keypresses by making the letter or number concerned bigger, and even vibrating gently. This can be a huge aid when it comes to usability, but not all interfaces are built the same.
Apple products are famed for their ease of use, and the iPhone is generally a very simple and intuitive device to get to grips with. Choosing one does mean that you pay Apple's prices though, which are typically higher than most alternatives.
Most smartphones on the market, however, use Google's Android OS. Android phones offer greater variety and come in a wider array of shapes, sizes and prices. It's important to note that individual handsets may have different versions of the Android interface - typically referred to as 'skins' or 'launchers'. Trying before you buy will help give a sense of how easy to use each manufacturer's launcher is and whether it's right for you.
If you find that a touchscreen interface is too difficult to effectively use - and studies have shown that issues with hand-eye coordination accompany ageing - it may be that a device that also comes with a hardware keyboard or supports a compatible accessory is the way to go.
A large screen
Virtually all smartphones have at least a 5in display, these days. High-end devices, such as the Android-based Samsung Galaxy S21, have displays that move past 6in. The bigger screen, the more expensive the phone tends to be, and a large screen will drain battery life slightly faster. Also, it's worth remembering that not all screens are created equal: the display on the relatively small device can be sharper than that of some larger phones. So once again, trying before buying is important.
Something easy to carry about
Simply because smartphones contain so many features, they have to include a big battery and a powerful processor. Add in the large screen and a smartphone can quickly become cumbersome in the eyes of some users. Again, this is where it is worth trying out a phone before you commit. The smartphone with the big screen may be easy to look at, but if it is too heavy to carry about it isn't going to be much use.
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