The 10 best phones for the elderly

Every year in the stores appear more and more new smartphones that receive some kind of improvement. Manufacturers try to give them a powerful processor, colorful display and a large amount of memory. As the operating system is usually used Android. Many people have been familiar with the “green robot” for quite some time, so there are no problems. However, there is a separate category of people who are afraid to use a modern smartphone. We are talking, of course, about the elderly – they are much more accustomed to call on a push-button device. If you are looking for a phone just for that person, then we recommend to pay attention to our selection. This text is about the ten best phones, originally designed specifically for use by an elderly person. In short, we will talk about the so-called “granny phones.

Rating of the best phones for the elderly

ONEXT Care-Phone 6

Rating: 4.9

While clamshell smartphones have all but disappeared, cell phones for the elderly are occasionally created in this form factor. Of course, you don’t have to wait for an extra screen on the top cover – this “feature” is forever left in the 2000’s. ONEXT Care-Phone 6 has received a red SOS button instead. When you press it, the phone starts to act according to a pre-programmed algorithm. In particular, the first setting offers to set up to five numbers – these numbers will then be sent to SMS and make calls. This behavior of the SOS button can not but rejoice – it is much more useful than the siren sound. However, the siren can also be turned on in the settings – it will scare away the robber or a hooligan, who has the temerity to attack an old woman. You can also activate the “Auto redial” function in the settings. This means that after pressing the SOS button calls from pre-installed numbers will be received automatically.

You should know that the SOS button settings are only available in the second revision of the phone. Be sure to look for the “rev 2″ sticker on the box with the device.0”.

This model boasts a high-quality speakerphone. This is what is activated after the auto-dial. But the normal conversational speaker does not behave well – some people will find it too quiet. It is impossible to increase the volume – there is simply no such option in the menu.

Otherwise, this is a typical “granny phone,” the insides of which are ground into a plastic housing. As befits any modern phone, this model has two slots for SIM cards. There is also a slot for a memory card. An external drive is required to store MP3-music, playback of which is also possible here. But it seems to us that the owner of this device much more often will listen to music via FM-radio, which does not even require the connection of headphones – there is a separate antenna inside the phone. Also the memory card could be useful for saving photos. But its purpose is questionable, because the camera built in here has a resolution of 0.1 megapixel – it is almost impossible to see anything in the picture.

The image is displayed on a simple 2.4-inch display. The font in the menu is quite large, so that even an elderly person with impaired vision can use the device. Still able to boast the product Bluetooth-module. Whether the “babushkofonu” needs it is another question. And the owner of the gadget will not have access to the World Wide Web. More precisely, here is implemented support for WiMAX, but these networks in our country has long been not used.

A flashlight can be considered a useful bonus – it will be useful in the case if you have a burned out bulb in the entrance again. There is nothing else interesting about this device. Built-in memory is minimal, and the battery capacity does not exceed 1000 mAh, which makes the unit extremely light. Strangely enough, even such a modest battery lasts for a 10-hour conversation. Or the creators of the phone are deceiving, naming such a figure?

Advantages

• Convenient form factor;
• There is a button SOS;
• The behavior of the emergency button is programmable;
• There are two slots for SIM cards;
• Not a bad display;
• There is an FM-radio with a built-in antenna;
• Decent battery life;
• There is a flashlight;
• Automatic answer on a call when you open the lid.

Disadvantages

• The cost may seem a little excessive;
• Bad Camera;
• The buttons are pressed quite tight;
• Not the best behavior of the audio player;
• Quiet speaker.

Sigma mobile Comfort 50

Rating: 4.8

This representative of our rating is a usual monoblock. A very light and compact monoblock that weighs less than 98g. Like many other “babushkophones”, the device has the keys, the numbers on which are written in very large print. The diagonal of the screen installed here does not exceed 2.2 inches. The resolution is only 96×128 pixels. It is hardly enough to display numbers and menu texts. The impression is that the calculator is unlikely to be a pleasure to use – the low resolution of the display makes itself felt. On this background it is surprising that the manufacturer has not saved even more – he did not make the display monochrome.

Many phones for the elderly have an FM radio. Here it is present too. And this is the only way to listen to music with voice. The fact that the device does not support the MP3 format. In this regard, you can not worry about the fact that there is no slot for memory cards, there is absolutely nothing to store on an external drive. The device is not even capable of creating photographs – it does not have even the most simple camera.

Of course, this device will not offer to go on the Internet. This is a maximally simplified cell phone that functions strictly in 2G-networks. An incoming call is signaled by a polyphonic ring – just like the turn of the millennium. To insert the phone is allowed only one SIM-card. But this should not scare you. Practice shows that most elderly people do not need more of them at all. They are much more important for auto dialing and handsfree – functions that are fully represented here. The flashlight can be useful.

On the back of the cell phone there is a big enough SOS button. If you turn the device upside down, you can get access to two special keys, which are programmed in the appropriate settings section. It is recommended to put on these buttons to call the people with whom the elderly person speaks most often. If we talk about the equipment of the device, then it is very poor. You can highlight only the cradle – this accessory greatly simplifies the connection of the network adapter. This is important, because older people are often faced with problems using the plug micro-USB (it is too tight he goes in the slot).

Advantages

• Very low cost;
• There is a button SOS;
• There are a couple of programmable buttons;
• It comes with a cradle and a wired headset;
• Implemented autodialing;
• Built-in flashlight;
• There is an FM-radio;
• Long enough to work on a full charge;
• Weight is only 98g.

Disadvantages

• Lack of Bluetooth support;
• The low resolution of the display;
• No MP3 music support;
• Only one slot for the SIM card.

Nobby 240B

Rating: 4.7

Another monoblock in our rating. It is also able to boast of the keys, the numbers on which are printed in a huge font. Well, the difference from the model discussed above is that there are fewer buttons. As you may have noticed, there are no two programmable keys. In other respects, the device does not have any serious simplifications or drawbacks. In Russian stores it sells for 1600-1700 rubles. For a device like this, it’s a pretty decent price tag, so the manufacturer didn’t try their best to save money. In particular, he did not abandon the quality 2.4-inch color display, whose resolution of 320×240 pixels. The menu is kept as simple as possible with only two keys in most cases.

It’s nice that the device has two slots for SIM cards. And under the plastic casing hides a microSD card slot. The firmware supports a 16-gigabyte drive at most. First of all, the memory card is needed to store MP3-music, support for which is fully implemented here. It is impossible to place tracks in the built-in storage, since its volume is only 32 MB. And this is not a disadvantage of a particular model – almost all “granny phones” have the same amount of memory. By the way, there is an FM-radio. It will allow an elderly person to listen to music and read the news.

Many representatives of our rating have a very modest battery. Here its capacity is brought to 1500 mAh. Unfortunately, the manufacturer has not reported on the battery life, and there are no reviews on this model at all yet – the phone went on sale just a month before writing this article. But we can assume that you will need to use the charger no more than once every three or four days. The screen has the highest power consumption, because of the very high resolution. Also the charge is actively consumed by the flashlight, but it will be activated quite rarely. Well, there is nothing else the device can boast of. It works exclusively in 2G-networks, it is impossible to go online. Only Bluetooth 2 is listed among the wireless modules.1. It is designed to connect a headset. Of course, an elderly person is unlikely to use this feature very often – usually they just do not need it. An exception to the rule would be people with impaired hearing, but they are much easier to use wired headphones.

Advantages

• Minimal size and light weight;
• The high resolution of the display;
• There are two SIM card slots;
• MP3 support is implemented;
• It is possible to listen to FM-radio;
• There is a slot for a memory card;
• Uses a high-capacity battery;
• The flashlight was not forgotten;
• Not very high cost;
• There is an SOS button.

Disadvantages

• Not a very large font in the menu;
• Disgusting camera.

VERTEX C315

Rating: 4.7

Perhaps the main feature of this phone for the elderly is its display. The screen diagonal is increased to 2.31 inches, and the resolution is 320×240 pixels. All menu items are perfectly visible, and the font is quite large. But the most important is that the picture is easy to see even outdoors when the phone is in the sunlight.

Otherwise it is a typical representative of our rating, made in the form of a monoblock. However, the product with the plastic case, selling for 1600 rubles., Can boast of another feature. You can record calls! Of course, for this you need to insert a memory card, since the amount of built-in storage is traditionally good for nothing, but the fact of such a function can not but rejoice! This feature can be useful if the person you are talking to decides to dictate his/her address or some other important information and you do not have a pen handy.

You will need a microSD card in case you want to play a MP3 song on the phone. Without an external drive, you can choose only polyphonic tunes, which do not cause much interest. The phone also has an FM radio. As it is easy to guess, it is started without headphones, so you can start listening to some “Lighthouse” at any moment, even when you are outside the house. Well, if you still need to use headphones, you can use either a 3.5 mm audio jack or Bluetooth 2 for their connection.1.

Of course, this device does not support the installation of additional applications, as it is not able to provide Internet access. But it has a camera. Its resolution is 0.3 megapixels, so do not hope to get any impressive pictures. Also here is a flashlight – with a kind hand of Nokia almost all button phones, designed for the elderly received it.

It remains to add that the battery capacity of 1000 mAh is hidden under the back cover of the cell phone. This is enough for 7-8 hours of talk time. Charging is done in the traditional way – through the socket micro-USB, which is not the most convenient.

Advantages

• Excellent LCD display;
• There is a flashlight;
• At least some kind of camera is built in;
• You can connect a wireless headset;
• There is a slot for a memory card;
• Implemented the function of recording calls;
• There is an FM-radio;
• The SOS button has not been forgotten;
• There are two SIM card slots;
• Adequate price.

Disadvantages

• The battery could be more capacious;
• Not very convenient to call from contacts (a lot of unnecessary presses);
• Constantly hanging inscription “no SIM card” (software error);
• There is a fairly large number of defective copies.

BQ BQ-2441 Comfort

Rating: 4.6

Another cell phone, distributed under the Russian brand. This representative of our rating is also a monoblock. The only major difference from the above devices is the greater number of color options – on sale you can find not only black, but, say, a red device. As expected, about half of the front panel area is occupied by a keyboard. All buttons are pressed without any problems, and the numbers on them are printed very large print. The only problem is the answer and answer keys – they are not highlighted in green and red. So the older person needs to remember that “answer” is on the right and “receive” is on the left.

The product has the most simplified menu, which is organized by using only two buttons. Glad that all the icons are clearly distinguishable – to thank for this should be the resolution of the 2.4-inch display, which is 320×240 pixels. The font may seem small, but it can easily be enlarged. Despite its low price, the device is able to boast of a camera and view images. However, the smart photography is definitely not about this phone. Under the lens hides a simple matrix, which produces more noise than useful information. Also here is the SOS button. The cradle, which comes with the kit, plays into the advantages of the device. But it’s just a piece of plastic that plays the role of a docking station, but nothing more. The person always has to insert the USB plug into the corresponding slot, which is located at the top of the phone (above the lock button).

The device is relatively small and lightweight. In this case, under its back cover found a place for two SIM-cards. There is also a slot for microSD. The producer assures that his creation can recognize even a 32-gigabyte drive. However, in most cases the card with capacity four times less is installed here – if only there would be enough place for several tens or even hundreds MP3 songs. There is a FM-radio, allowing you to enjoy music, even without using a memory card. All sorts of additional functions have not been forgotten – for example, the device can be used as an alarm clock.

Of course, this device does not know how to access the Internet. But he got at its disposal Bluetooth-module. It is known to allow you to use the device with a wireless headset. However, the buyer is much more pleased with the presence of high-capacity battery. A full charge should be enough for three to four days of battery life, and that’s assuming regular conversations.

Advantages

• Comes with a docking station;
• The battery capacity reaches 1450 mAh;
• There is a slot for a memory card;
• Can be used with two SIM cards;
• Bluetooth is not forgotten;
• FM-radio is built in;
• There is a button SOS;
• Excellent LCD display;
• Small size;
• Weight does not exceed 110 grams;
• There are three color options available;
• Not very high cost.

Disadvantages

• No flashlight;
• Some people find the menu inconvenient;
• The answer and reception keys are not highlighted.

VERTEX C311

Rating: 4.5

The VERTEX brand becomes more and more popular in our country every year. And if smartphones under this brand while inspire fear, then the button phones do not say that. For example, VERTEX C311 does not lie in stores – it quickly enough finds its customers. At the same time, the device collects a lot of positive reviews. People like both its small size and the blue or red colored plastic body. It’s also worth noting that all the keys are easy to feel in the dark – this is the rare case where they are not combined into a single continuous keyboard.

As in many other “babushkophones”, it uses a simplified menu, to move around using only two keys. Images are displayed on the color display, the diagonal of which is only two inches. The display resolution is 176×220 pixels. Not much, but it’s enough to display the menu and the caller’s name. The device even shows something when you activate the camera. But it is something, do not count on a quality picture, because the resolution of the sensor is only 0.3 megapixels.

The 93-gram device includes a Bluetooth module that serves to connect a wireless headset. Of course, the owner of the phone is unlikely to use at least once, because these headphones are more expensive than this device. Nevertheless, it is nice that even such an inexpensive mobile today get a “blue tooth” (in the past decade, its support was a terrible rarity). As for the wired headphones, their connection is also possible, the manufacturer has not forgotten about the 3.5-mm audio jack. In addition, to listen to MP3-music you will need a memory card on which to store all the tracks. However, you can listen not only to them, but also to FM-radio.

Most modern phones are equipped with at least two SIM card slots. VERTEX C311 – is no exception to the rule. And he got a flashlight, which should help the owner in case he suddenly found himself in the dark.

Otherwise it’s a typical mobile based on the MediaTek MT6261 – a processor that barely costs a couple of dollars. The device is not tuned to access the Internet. But it can work on a full charge for a very long time. You should not thank the competent optimization of the firmware, but the battery, the capacity of which reaches 1400 mAh.

Advantages

• It comes with a simple docking station;
• There is a flashlight;
• A very high-capacity battery;
• Do not forget the slot for memory cards;
• There is a Bluetooth-module;
• FM-radio is built in;
• Available photography;
• The minimum size and weight;
• You can insert two SIM cards;
• Adequate price;
• There’s an SOS button.

Disadvantages

• Heavy removal of the back cover;
• A lot of defective copies;
• The firmware does not always write the name of the caller;
• There is a possibility of accidental pressing of the SOS button;
• A quiet speaker.

teXet TM-B226

Rating: 4.5

Another monoblock in our rating. If you look at his pictures, it would seem that the device came out extremely small. This is not really the case. On the front panel there is a place for the display, the diagonal of which reaches 2.31 inches! The buttons here are also quite large, so they are easy to press. Figures can see even a visually impaired person who forgot to wear glasses. It’s nice that the answer and return keys are colored accordingly.

Placed here the screen has a resolution of 320×240 pixels. It is worth noting that none of the modern push-button phones can not boast of a higher parameter, even if we are talking about a fairly advanced model. However, the elderly will appreciate not the resolution, and a large font, which spelled out all the items in the menu. Still pleasantly surprised by the fact that the viewing angles of this screen – quite decent, and in the sun the display almost does not fade. You should also like the design of the back panel. Here you can find not only the camera lens, complete with LED flash, at the same time acting as a flashlight, but also a button SOS. What is important, it stands out almost nothing, whereas in other devices of this kind the button is colored red, which spoils the appearance of the phone.

This model is capable of working with two SIM cards. Also under the back cover there is a separate slot for a memory card. The maximum capacity of external storage – 16 GB. The memory card can contain not only photos taken by the built-in camera, but also MP3-music. Unfortunately, the phone uses a simple speaker, which does not want to listen to at all. The problem solves the connection of headphones or an external speaker. Interestingly, you do not have to use the 3.5 mm audio jack – you can use and Bluetooth. The phone also has an FM radio – it seems that they have them all “granny phone.

It is impossible not to admit that the device has a number of disadvantages. We recommend to look in its direction only as a last resort, if you can not find the cell phones considered above. And it’s not even in the battery, which capacity could be a little higher. The problem is that the device can not boast of high quality build. It so happens that most of the reviews on this model describes some kind of failure.

Advantages

• The battery capacity reaches an acceptable 1250 mAh;
• There is a flashlight;
• It is possible to take pictures;
• There is a slot for a memory card;
• It has Bluetooth;
• The use of two SIM-cards is possible;
• Built-in FM radio;
• Compact size and light weight;
• Reasonable price tag;
• There is a button SOS;
• The high resolution of the display.

Disadvantages

• Quickly goes out of order;
• The battery indicator is almost not visible.

MAXVI B2

Rating: 4.4

Another monoblock in our rating. And, it must be said, one of the most compact! The height of the device is only 112.5 mm. The keyboard occupies the most part of the front panel area, as it is not difficult to guess. The numbers on the buttons are written in white and very large print. The background can be one of the four available colors – on sale you can even find red and yellow MAXVI B2. Slightly surprising that the manufacturer has decided to move the SOS button on the front side – in fact, its role is performed by the central button. There is a suspicion that an elderly person would not remember the existence of such a button, while a separate key would always remind of itself. But accidental pressing in the bag is almost completely eliminated, and the back panel now looks much more elegant. Strictly speaking, the back cover is a haven only for the camera lens, the grille of the musical speaker and the manufacturer’s logo.

The price of this model doesn’t exceed 1100 rubles. It is clear that it would be foolish to expect any impressive features in such an inexpensive phone. Engineers have simplified almost everything that can be simplified. For example, they opted for a tiny display. Its diagonal is 1.77 inches and the resolution is 128×160 pixels. It is unlikely that such parameters will suit a person who has problems with vision. It is pleased that the screen remained color, with the image is clearly visible even in direct sunlight.

Another simplification touched the camera. In its composition includes the matrix, the resolution of which is equal to 0.3 megapixel. It takes terrible quality pictures that don’t look good even on such a small display. The third simplification is in the battery – its capacity is only 1200 mAh. However, our ranking shows that some “granny phones” get an even more modest battery.

Fortunately, some aspects of the device can still interest the potential buyer. For example, the device can be used as a simple MP3-player. Do not forget to buy a memory card, because there is almost no built-in storage – well, not count as such a modest 32 MB? The phone also received a built-in antenna for FM-radio. This means that to listen to a particular radio station, you only need to select the appropriate icon in the menu; no need to plug in the headphones. And there is a voice recorder, which in some cases may also be useful. Perhaps, the advantages of the device can be included in its weight – it does not reach even a hundred grams.

Interestingly, the manufacturer has implemented in its creation GPRS-module. Since it makes no sense to visit mobile sites with such a slow phone, the appropriate type of connection is recommended to turn off right away.

Advantages

• Four color options;
• Two slots for SIM-cards;
• Very small size and weight;
• It is possible to take pictures;
• It is possible to listen to FM-radio;
• There is a slot for a memory card;
• It has a flashlight;
• The set is completed with headphones;
• Built-in sound indication of the talk time;
• Very low cost;
• After all, not the weakest battery.

Disadvantages

• A small display with minimal resolution;
• The SOS button is not a separate button;
• The answer and rejection keys are not highlighted in separate colors.

ONEXT Care-Phone 5

Rating: 4.3

In our rating already mentioned phone for the elderly, equipped with a camera, whose resolution is 0.1 megapixel. Well, it’s time to tell about another one of these devices. ONEXT Care-Phone 5 has exactly the same camera. That means you can’t take pictures with it. Instead of a normal picture you will see only solid noise. Though, the cost of such a module is counted in cents, not dollars, so the removal of the camera would not affect the final price tag.

On the back of the device is not only the lens, but also the SOS button – it is located directly under it. Its red color will not let an elderly person forget the presence of such a button. Also on the back of the phone is a music speaker. Most often it is used to play a call. But someone from the owners of the device may think about listening to MP3-songs. Here such a possibility is present, but with one caveat: the music must be stored on a memory card. If you do not want to bother with it, you can activate the FM radio. What is important, to listen to the radio is not necessary to connect headphones – the antenna is already built into the phone. However, this is also a distinctive feature of many “granny phones.

Of course, you can listen to music with headphones, enjoying the higher sound quality. To connect them uses 3.5 mm audio jack, located on the top end. Well, if you have a wireless headset, then Bluetooth-module will come in handy – it is surprising that the manufacturer of such a cheap phone did not abandon it.

The image here is displayed on a 1.8-inch color display. It has a low resolution, and therefore not all of the menu items are placed on the screen. More product has a flashlight that can light the way somewhere in the dark corners of the city. Well, as a source of power here is used a simple battery capacity of 1200 mAh. The manufacturer claims 12 hours of battery life in talk time. I can hardly believe this figure.

It remains to add that the device has two slots for SIM cards. And if many of the devices discussed in this article have turned out a fluff, the weight of this model is 120 grams.

Advantages

• The body can be painted in one of four colors;
• Two slots for SIM cards;
• Dimensions can not be called large;
• Bluetooth is available;
• FM-radio listening is available;
• There is a slot for a memory card;
• Not forgotten is the SOS button;
• There is a flashlight;
• Decent battery life;
• Low cost.

Disadvantages

• A small screen that has a low resolution;
• The picture quality is disgusting;
• A lot of defective copies;
• You can not program the buttons for speed dials;
• The low volume of the music speaker.

teXet TM-D429

Rating: 4.3

Most often phones for the elderly have a simple body, made of plastic. This unit is easy to damage – just drop it somewhere on the pavement or paving tiles. But the teXet TM-D429 – not so. The body of this device is also made of plastic, but there are numerous rubber pads over it. This makes the use of the cell phone more confident. We can say that this is the only protected phone in our rating. However it is impossible not to admit that there is no moisture protection, so the fall in water will be fatal for the device.

Like most representatives of this selection, teXet TM-D429 has two SIM card slots. It is nice that the rubber pads almost did not affect the weight of the device. But there was no place for a big screen – the manufacturer had to give his creation 1.77-inch screen, whose resolution is 160×128 pixels. Otherwise, you would have to make the keys quite small, and pushing such buttons is often uncomfortable even for a young person. To move through the menu here is used an orange joystick – this is one of the best solutions of its kind. Although we must admit that active use can lead to a breakdown of this element of the design. What can not be said about another control, painted in orange – a button to activate the flashlight, placed on the side end.

You can listen to MP3 music on this phone. For its storage will have to use a memory card. Through this model you can also listen to FM-radio. The manufacturer has not forgotten about the 3.5-mm audio jack, and a more advanced user activates the transfer of sound to headphones via Bluetooth. A nice bonus is the already mentioned flashlight – practice shows that it is regularly useful for older people, even within the confines of the native apartment.

What protected phones are famous for?? Perhaps with its high-capacity battery;. It uses a 1500 mAh battery. This, as you may have noticed, is a record. At least for those “granny phones” that have been considered in this rating.

Advantages

• Very low cost;
• Long battery life;
• There are two slots for SIM cards;
• Reinforced housing;
• Convenient menu control;
• There is an FM-radio;
• The flashlight is not forgotten;
• There is a slot for a memory card;
• Bluetooth is available.

Disadvantages

• The size may seem too large;
• A modest display;
• Joystick is a concern;
• The disgusting camera;
• No SOS button.

Conclusion

As you may have noticed, the devices mentioned in our article do not offer any broad functionality. It is explained by that now it is absolutely unprofitable to endow the button phone with the advanced software. And why would an elderly person need a phone that supports Java applications and has a quality camera?? As practice shows, pensioners simply do not need it. But usability and loud ringing is extremely important – usually “granny phones” brag about it.