The best smartphones for seniors

The best phone for a senior is not necessarily the phone with the largest text or the fewest buttons. Most older adults are not technophobes. They want a phone that handles the things they actually do - calls, texts, photos of grandchildren, video calls with family - without requiring them to navigate through layers of interface they do not understand.

We tested five phones with a group of adults over 65, ranging from people who had never owned a smartphone to people who had used one for a decade. The iPhones consistently got the most positive responses, for reasons we explain below. But the right answer depends on the individual.

Our pick: Apple iPhone 16

The iPhone 16 is our top pick for most seniors. Apple's accessibility features are deeper and more consistently maintained than any Android manufacturer's. Text size can be increased across the entire system - not just in certain apps. Display Zoom makes every element on the screen larger. Spoken notifications can read incoming texts aloud. Hearing aid compatibility is rated M3/T4, one of the highest ratings available on any smartphone.

Emergency SOS via satellite is included at no extra charge. If a senior falls or is in an emergency situation without cell coverage, pressing and holding the side button connects to emergency services via satellite. In our view, this feature alone justifies serious consideration of iPhone for older adults who live alone or in areas with spotty coverage.

FaceTime is the easiest video calling experience available on any platform. Every iPhone user has it by default, calls are free over Wi-Fi, and the interface is as simple as making a phone call. For seniors whose family members also use iPhones, FaceTime eliminates the need to download and learn a separate video calling app.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: the learning curve for someone switching from Android or from no smartphone is real. The iPhone interface is not objectively easier - it is just consistent and well-supported. Setup takes time. If a family member is not available to help, Apple Stores offer free one-on-one setup sessions, which is a meaningful support resource that most Android manufacturers cannot match.

Best Android option: Google Pixel 9a

For seniors who prefer Android or are already comfortable with it, the Pixel 9a ($499) is the pick. Google's accessibility suite is strong: font scaling, display size adjustment, Live Caption (which transcribes speech in real time on the screen), and Sound Notifications (which alerts users to sounds like doorbells or smoke alarms when hearing aids are in). The Pixel 9a also includes Emergency SOS features similar to iPhone.

The camera is excellent for the price. Video calls work through Google Meet or FaceTime on Android if family members use Apple. Seven years of software updates means the phone will stay secure and functional for a long time without needing replacement.

Best for very simple needs: Lively Jitterbug Smart4

The Lively Jitterbug Smart4 is designed from the ground up for older adults who want a smartphone with a simplified interface. It runs a custom home screen with large icons, large text throughout, and a streamlined menu. It adds Lively's urgent response service - a one-button call to a 24/7 response team - and optional nurse-on-call access. Monthly plans start at $15 plus the service add-ons.

The trade-off is that it is a mid-range Android phone underneath the simplified interface. Standard apps work, but the custom launcher limits access to some features. For a senior who wants maximum simplicity and a built-in safety net, it is worth considering. For a senior who wants a full-featured smartphone that is accessible rather than simplified, the iPhone 16 or Pixel 9a is more capable.

What to look for in a phone for seniors

Hearing aid compatibility

Hearing aid compatibility ratings - M (microphone) and T (telecoil) - matter for seniors who use hearing aids. The FCC requires phones to disclose these ratings. The iPhone 16 is rated M3/T4. The Pixel 9 series is rated M3/T4. Higher numbers indicate better compatibility. Check the rating for any phone you are considering if hearing aids are a factor.

Display size and text scaling

Screen size matters, but text scaling matters more. A phone with a smaller screen that scales text well is easier to use than a large phone that does not. Both iOS and Android allow system-wide text size adjustment. iOS also offers Display Zoom, which scales the entire interface - not just text - to be larger. We found this the most practically useful accessibility feature for users with vision challenges.

Battery life

Charging a phone daily is an easy habit to forget and a frustrating one to establish. Phones with larger batteries - the iPhone 16 Plus and most Android phones with 5,000 mAh or larger batteries - reduce how often charging needs to happen. The Pixel 9a lasts comfortably through a full day of moderate use with battery remaining.

Physical buttons and size

The trend toward all-screen phones with minimal buttons can be disorienting. The iPhone 16 still has a physical side button for Emergency SOS and power. The Action Button on iPhone 16 models can be programmed to a single frequently used function - a flashlight, a specific contact, or accessibility features. Seniors who find on-screen controls difficult can take advantage of this.

Setup tips

For iPhone: Apple Stores offer free Today at Apple sessions including Personal Setup, where a staff member helps configure the phone. This is one of the most underused free services in consumer tech. Booking one of these before handing the phone to a parent or grandparent is genuinely worth doing.

For Android: Google's accessibility shortcut - triple-pressing the volume button - can activate screen reading or other accessibility features quickly. Setting this up during initial configuration means it is available immediately if needed.