There are many things to consider when purchasing a cell phone if you’re a senior or purchasing a phone for one. There are many popular brands to consider: Apple, Google, Motorola, Samsung are among the most featured by retailers.
Other considerations include network reliability, easy-to-use features, spam filtering, audio and video quality, and other functions that enable security, privacy, and connectivity. In this article, we’ll go over some of these ideas and how you can choose the best phone whether it’s for you or for a loved one.
Phones that are easy to talk and text on
A phone that has a large, high-contrast keyboard or allows you to customize for larger typesets, like the Apple iPhone 16, can help when you are dialing numbers and composing messages. Make sure the user interface is user-friendly and intuitive so that navigating the phone’s menus is a breeze. Voice-to-text functionality can be great for seniors who have trouble typing messages. Also, phones with speed dial functions and large icons for contacts can be handy for quick and easy calling.
Phones that can connect to 5G
A reliable cell phone plan is key. You’ll want a plan with a strong, reliable network so that fewer calls are dropped and messages get to where you want them to go. Faster download and upload speeds are important for a smooth performance, which is great if you want high quality video calls with your loved ones. If you can access high-speed internet on the go, no matter your location, your GPS navigation will be uninterrupted, and you will be able to stream in more places. Phones with 5G connectivity, like the Google Pixel 9, can also lead to lower latency, and that’s useful for applications related to safety and emergency situations where locating a person is key.
Phones that offer safety and security features
Many phones offer you the ability to easily dial a pre-programmed emergency contact with one press of a button. Phones that offer location tracking or GPS services, like the Motorola razr – 2024, are also available for loved ones who may need to monitor a senior’s location.
In an age of abundant identity theft and other fraudulent activity, having caller ID, blocking capabilities, as well as spam filtering are all increasingly useful to avoid scams. Check that your phone plan has these features.
Phones with high audio & video quality
Phones with clear speakers that allow for louder notifications, rings, and crisp call audio can help some hearing difficulties. Noise-cancelling microphones can reduce background noise so that your words are heard by the recipient without interference. Phones like the Samsung Galaxy S24 have high resolution cameras to help provide crystal clear picture quality when you are having video calls with your friends and family. And large, bright, crisp displays ensure that pictures and video playback and video calls can all be easily seen in detail.
Cases to protect phones and other accessories
A phone is only as good as the case protecting it. Getting a sturdy case is important to ensure that drops do not crack your phone’s screen or make it completely non-operational. Other cell phone accessories like Bluetooth earphones, chargers, and so on can enhance the experience of your phone so you can get the most out of it.
Reliable cell phone plans for seniors
At Xfinity, we offer two great options in cell phone plans:
- You can save hundreds a year over T-Mobile with Xfinity Mobile postpaid cell phone plans starting at $30/month per line for Unlimited. Or chose our by the gig plan starting at $20/month.
- And we offer prepaid cell phone plans with NOW Mobile starting at $25/line a month.
Learn more about internet and mobile plans for seniors
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