Compare phones for seniors

The key question is what the phone needs to do. If the main aim is to make calls and be reachable, a classic button or flip phone is a good fit: operation is clear-cut, the battery often lasts several days and accidental taps are almost impossible. If you also want WhatsApp, video calls with the grandchildren or photos, you need a smartphone – ideally one with a simplified interface.

An emergency button on the back calls stored contacts one after another or sends a text message. Some models have a built-in fall sensor. A charging cradle makes charging easier, as no cable needs to be plugged in. Also look for high earpiece and ringtone volume and for hearing aid compatibility (often labelled HAC or M4/T4).

Important for the future: mobile networks in Germany are being restructured – 3G has already been switched off, and 2G will be phased out in the medium term. So, if possible, buy a device with 4G/LTE and VoLTE support so the phone still works reliably in a few years’ time.

Many regular Android smartphones can also be set up to be senior-friendly, for example with Samsung’s Easy mode, larger text and a reduced home screen. This is a good solution if relatives can help with setup and answer questions later. A dedicated senior phone, on the other hand, scores with an emergency button and charging cradle out of the box.

Plan some time for setup before handing the phone over: store emergency contacts, assign speed-dial buttons, adjust volume and text size. For calls only, a cheap prepaid or basic plan without much data is often enough. Make sure the SIM card is in the right format, usually nano-SIM.

Reachability in an emergency is important too: check whether the emergency function is easy to cancel if triggered by accident, and whether the stored contacts know they will be called in an emergency. A short test run reassures everyone involved.