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  4. 10 Best Mobile Phones for Seniors UK 2024 | Doro, iPhone SE and More
  • 10 Best Mobile Phones for Seniors UK 2024 | Doro, iPhone SE and More 1
  • 10 Best Mobile Phones for Seniors UK 2024 | Doro, iPhone SE and More 2
  • 10 Best Mobile Phones for Seniors UK 2024 | Doro, iPhone SE and More 3
  • 10 Best Mobile Phones for Seniors UK 2024 | Doro, iPhone SE and More 4
  • 10 Best Mobile Phones for Seniors UK 2024 | Doro, iPhone SE and More 5

10 Best Mobile Phones for Seniors UK 2024 | Doro, iPhone SE and More

Approximately 3.6 million elderly people live alone in the UK, and having access to a mobile phone can improve the quality of life for senior relatives who may otherwise feel lonely or isolated. Whether it's through social media or a regular phone call, a mobile phone is a fantastic way to stay connected.


To help seniors regain independence and keep in contact with loved ones, we've ranked the top 10 best mobiles and smartphones for the elderly in the UK. From handsets with large buttons, to the Android Accessibility Suite, we compare mobile phones from Apple, Samsung, Doro and more.

Last updated 28/03/2024
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Mobile Phone for Seniors in the UK - Buying Guide

Picking the right mobile phone for seniors can be a difficult prospect, due to difficulties with dexterous tasks, poor eyesight, and the fact some may find modern technology overwhelming. Whether they're tech-savvy or not, we'll go through all the features to look out for in our handy buying guide below.

1

Pick the Right Type of Phone for Your Elderly Relative’s Abilities

The most important decision to make is what type of phone is best suited to the person who's going to be using it. Choosing between a smartphone and a more traditional design is the first step in picking the right one.

Some Seniors Are More Comfortable With a Basic Phone

Some Seniors Are More Comfortable With a Basic Phone

While it's easy to underestimate how tech-savvy some seniors are, there are a large number of elderly people who find using modern smartphones and computers incredibly stressful and intimidating. Thankfully, there are many phone manufacturers who still make traditional button-based phones that are easy to hold and operate.


If your elderly relative has mobility issues, like arthritis or tendonitis, then we'd recommend a phone with large buttons that are comfortable to press. That said, traditional phones with smaller buttons can be frustrating to use, so you may be better off choosing a simple smartphone aimed at the elderly with large icons instead.

Smartphones Can Help Tech Savvy Seniors Stay Connected

Smartphones Can Help Tech Savvy Seniors Stay Connected

Nearly everyone over the age of 40 develops a condition called presbyopia which causes you to lose the ability to focus on small print and objects. So when choosing a mobile phone for an elderly relative, you want the screen to be as big and clear as possible. Undoubtedly, smartphones offer the biggest and highest definition screens around.


You may be surprised at how up-to-date many seniors are with modern technology, as almost 10 million people in the UK over the age of 55 have a Facebook account. Having a smartphone with internet capabilities is a great way for them to stay connected with younger relatives who may not be able to visit often.

Flip Phones Offer Large Screens and Easy to Use Buttons

Flip Phones Offer Large Screens and Easy to Use Buttons

Picking the largest screen possible isn't always the best idea, because large phones can be very difficult to hold and operate. Those with large dimensions also tend to weigh more than smaller handsets. Flip phones offer the best of both worlds when it comes to large screen devices that are easy to operate.


Flip phones are often lightweight and simple to use, folding down into a neat little package that doesn't take up any space in a bag or pocket. There are many flip phones that are aimed exclusively at the elderly thanks to their ease of use, long battery lives, and cheap pay-as-you-go plans.

2

Choose a Lightweight Handset That’s Easy to Hold

Choose a Lightweight Handset That’s Easy to Hold

Size and weight are crucial when picking the best mobile phone for a senior relative. So it's worth giving some time and consideration to make sure that the phone is comfortable in your hand and pocket.


In terms of weight, we wouldn't recommend anything over 200 g for a smartphone, but that depends on how much strength and mobility your elderly relative has in their hands. For more traditional designs, you shouldn't have much difficulty finding handsets that are around 100 g or less.


When looking at dimensions, there is some payoff between the overall size of the phone and the size of the screen, but 17 cm in length should be the uppermost limit. It's also worth looking out for "simple modes" or other features that increase the size of the icons and text.

3

A Powerful Battery Will Provide Charge for Multiple Days

A Powerful Battery Will Provide Charge for Multiple Days

Having a phone that can hold a battery charge is extremely important when it comes to everyday use, but more importantly, you want it to be available in case of an emergency. Batteries are measured in milliamp-hours (mAh) and the higher the number, the larger the battery capacity.


For smartphones, anything with a battery of 3000 mAh or higher can deliver multiple days worth of charge, provided it's not being used to watch videos for hours on end every day. When it comes to simpler, more traditional mobiles, even those with relatively small 800 mAh batteries will keep a charge for a full week on standby.

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Top 10 Best Mobile Phones for Seniors in the UK

Now that you've had a chance to look through the different features that make mobile phones more suitable for seniors, it's time to check out our top 10 recommendations! Whether you're thinking about picking up an inexpensive smartphone or a handset with large buttons, there's something for everyone.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Doro

8080

Doro 8080 1

£248.99

High Mid

The Smartphone Specifically Designed for Seniors

2

Motorola

Moto G30

Motorola Moto G30 1

£156.20

High Mid

A Budget Option for Tech-Savvy Seniors

3

Doro

1370

Doro 1370 1

£32.50

Low Mid

Emergency Functions for Vulnerable Relatives Living Alone

4

Samsung

A52

Samsung A52 1

£399.00

High Mid

Accessibility Suite Makes Navigation Easy

5

Ushining

F200 Flip Phone

Ushining F200 Flip Phone 1

£25.99

Low Mid

A Solid Flip Phone With Camera and Radio

6

Nokia

130

Nokia 130 1

£34.99

Low Mid

A Reliable Phone That Holds Charge

7

Huawei

P Smart

Huawei P Smart 1

£159.99

High Mid

An Entry Into the World of Smartphones

8

Artphone

Big Button Mobile PhoneCS182

Artphone Big Button Mobile Phone 1

£28.60

Low Mid

Included Dock to Keep Phone Safe and Charged

9

Artphone

Big Button Mobile PhoneC1

Artphone Big Button Mobile Phone 1

£26.50

Low Mid

Big Button Phone for Those Not Worried About Surfing the Web

10

Apple

iPhone SE

Apple iPhone SE 1

£389.00

High Mid

Considered the Best Apple iPhone for the Elderly

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Doro8080

8080 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£248.99
High Mid
Reference price
£248.99
High Mid

The Smartphone Specifically Designed for Seniors

Our pick for the no. 1 spot is the Doro 8080. As a smartphone specifically designed for seniors, it features a simple operating system that can be easily read, as well as an emergency button on the back.


The phone is fully hearing aid compatible and has an audio boosting function, increasing call volume an extra 20% for those with hearing difficulties. It also comes with a handy charging dock that doubles up as a phone holder, meaning that you won't have to worry about it losing its charge.

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No.2

MotorolaMoto G30

Moto G30 1
Source:argos.co.uk
Moto G30 2
Source:argos.co.uk
Moto G30 3
Source:argos.co.uk
Moto G30 4
Source:argos.co.uk
Reference price
£156.20
High Mid
Reference price
£156.20
High Mid

A Budget Option for Tech-Savvy Seniors

The Moto G30 is the best budget option out there when it comes to smartphones, thanks to its large capacity battery. It also benefits from a multitude of accessibility options thanks to the Andriod Accessibility Suite. 


If you're looking for an affordable way to keep in contact with an elderly relative via video chat and social media messaging, then Motorola is the brand to look for. The near-stock Andriod experience is also very easy to pick up and learn.

No.3

Doro1370

1370 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
1370 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
1370 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
1370 4
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£32.50
Low Mid
Reference price
£32.50
Low Mid

Emergency Functions for Vulnerable Relatives Living Alone

When it comes to making mobile phones for seniors, then Doro is possibly the world's best brand. The 1370 is one of their more traditional designs, featuring an ultra-wide screen and large, well-spaced buttons. 


This phone is hearing aid compatible, has four direct keys for quick contact with family members, and an emergency button on the back in case of an accident. So if you're worried about a relative who lives alone, this cheap mobile can help provide some peace of mind.

No.4

SamsungA52

A52 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
A52 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
A52 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
A52 4
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£399.00
High Mid
Reference price
£399.00
High Mid

Accessibility Suite Makes Navigation Easy

If you have a tech-savvy senior in mind, then the Samsung A52 is going to be the best Andriod smartphone on the market. Featuring impressive specs and a crystal clear AMOLED display, you won't be disappointed!


Thanks to the android accessibility suite, there are a number of solutions for various disabilities and difficulties. For example, the "select to speak" function will enable your phone to read out any text. Plus, there is a large on-screen control menu for common functions.

No.5

UshiningF200 Flip Phone

F200 Flip Phone 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
F200 Flip Phone 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
F200 Flip Phone 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
F200 Flip Phone 4
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£25.99
Low Mid
Reference price
£25.99
Low Mid

A Solid Flip Phone With Camera and Radio

If you're buying for an elderly relative who's still quite active and mobile in their daily life, but wouldn't get on well with a smartphone, then it's worth considering this flip-phone from Ushining.


Featuring a camera and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as an FM radio and mp3 player, this ergonomic phone is a cheap and simple choice. While the battery may seem small, it'll happily last up to a week with normal use.

No.6

Nokia130

130 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
130 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
130 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
130 4
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£34.99
Low Mid
Reference price
£34.99
Low Mid

A Reliable Phone That Holds Charge

If you're looking for a reliable phone that will hardly ever run out of charge, then Nokia is the best brand on the market. The 130 harkens back to older Nokia designs, and even though the display is small, it's very clear. 


While it is a traditional button design, the buttons are a little smaller and closer together than some of the other models on our list. That means this may not be a suitable option for those with arthritis or similar mobility issues.

No.7

HuaweiP Smart

P Smart 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
P Smart 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
P Smart 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
P Smart 4
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£159.99
High Mid
Reference price
£159.99
High Mid

An Entry Into the World of Smartphones

Originally released in 2019, you may be surprised to see the P Smart on our list. What you may not have known is that all Huawei phones have a simple mode with large, easy-to-read icons, making them a great choice for seniors.


It also represents great value for money, working very well as an elderly relative's first smartphone. The only issue is that it may become outdated quicker than some of the newer models. 

No.8

ArtphoneBig Button Mobile PhoneCS182

Big Button Mobile Phone 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Big Button Mobile Phone 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Big Button Mobile Phone 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Big Button Mobile Phone 4
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£28.60
Low Mid
Reference price
£28.60
Low Mid

Included Dock to Keep Phone Safe and Charged

The CS182 is something of an upgraded version of the C1, with the biggest difference being the inclusion of a handy dock which acts as both a phone stand as well as a charger. It also features a voice function to confirm which buttons have been pressed.


It's a little smaller than the C1, and less durable than its more robust sibling. But thanks to a more streamlined design, it's a relatively lightweight option that's unlikely to cause any hand or wrist strain when used.

No.9

ArtphoneBig Button Mobile PhoneC1

Big Button Mobile Phone 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Big Button Mobile Phone 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Big Button Mobile Phone 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Big Button Mobile Phone 4
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£26.50
Low Mid
Reference price
£26.50
Low Mid

Big Button Phone for Those Not Worried About Surfing the Web

Artphone is one of many phone manufacturers that specifically cater to the elderly. The C1 features large accessible buttons, as well as an operating system that uses a large font and clear menu icons. It's also quite robust and can handle a few drops and bangs.


The phone has a clear loudspeaker for those with hearing impairments, and a large capacity battery that can last for up to 300 hours on standby. Unfortunately, the screen is quite small and you won't be able to surf the web.

No.10

AppleiPhone SE

iPhone SE 1
Source:apple.com
iPhone SE 2
Source:apple.com
iPhone SE 3
Source:apple.com
iPhone SE 4
Source:apple.com
Reference price
£389.00
High Mid
Reference price
£389.00
High Mid

Considered the Best Apple iPhone for the Elderly

You would be surprised how many seniors are comfortable using Apple products like the iPhone and iPad. So it's well worth considering one when choosing a mobile phone for an elderly relative. The iPhone SE is extremely user friendly, making it a great choice for those who would prefer something more advanced.


Although this is Apple's budget offering, it's still something of an investment. However, if you're comfortable with the higher price point, it's worth giving it a go!

More of the Best Tech for Seniors

More of the Best Tech for Seniors

The evolution of smart tech has resulted in a plethora of consumer electronics that can help elderly relatives retain their independence and manage daily tasks around the home. Whether that's voice activated smart plugs, or key finders to help locate misplaced items, we've linked some of the top recommended tech for seniors below!

Summary

A mobile phone is an inexpensive way to really help elderly relatives feel more connected to their families. Whether through a daily phone call, or being able to scroll through pictures on social media, every senior should have a mobile phone of some sort, even those who are technophobes!


Author: David Sexton

Top 5 Mobile Phones for Seniors

No. 1: Doro8080

No. 2: MotorolaMoto G30

No. 3: Doro1370

No. 4: SamsungA52

No. 5: UshiningF200 Flip Phone

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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