FYI: If you’re looking to save money on a new phone or plan, check out our guide to senior discounts on phones.
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View PackagesApple’s line of iPhones continues to be a popular option to seniors, but Android phones offer a solid alternative. Capable of doing nearly anything an iPhone can — and often coming at a lower price — an Android phone is a great choice for any older adult looking for a more customizable phone experience.
The newest Android phones are also compatible with 5G, which enables them to run at lightning-fast speeds.
FYI: If you’re looking to save money on a new phone or plan, check out our guide to senior discounts on phones.
When choosing the best Android phones for seniors, here’s what we looked for.
Phone | Price | Screen Size | Camera Quality | Battery Life | Ideal For |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Google Pixel 5 | $449.99 | 6.43 inches | 16MP |
|
People who want a high-powered smartphone without the hefty price tag. |
Samsung Galaxy A13 | $189 | 6.6 inches | 50MP |
|
People who want a long-lasting batter and high-quality camera. |
Jitterbug Smart3 | $149.99 | 6.2 inches | 13MP |
|
People who want a simple phone that can make video calls, send messages, and browse the web. |
OnePlus 9 Pro | $969.00 | 6.7 inches | 50MP |
|
People who want an advanced smartphone with high-powered cameras, battery, and processing. |
Price: $149.99
Made by Lively, the creators of the original Jitterbug Flip Phone and other phones for seniors, the Jitterbug Smart3 combines simple design with the advanced features of a smartphone. Powered by the Android operating system, the Jitterbug Smart3 can make video calls, send messages, and browse the web with aplomb.
What stands out most about this phone, however, is how easy it is to use. With its intuitive list-based menus, the Jitterbug Smart3 streamlines the traditional Android layout. The downside is that you can’t customize this phone as much as others on this list, but it also allows just about anyone to pick it up and start using it. The learning curve is practically nonexistent.
When you purchase a phone from Lively, you’ll have the option of adding a health and safety package to your cellular plan. These plans, starting at an additional $19.99 per month, give you quick access to emergency responders, turning your phone into a medical alert device.
To learn more about this phone, read our Jitterbug Smart review. If you prefer a simpler option, take a look at our Lively Flip review.
Lively consistently ranks as one of our favorite cellular providers for seniors. To learn more, check out our list of this year’s best smartphones for seniors.
Price: $189 when purchased through Consumer Cellular
The Samsung Galaxy A13 is a great value for budget-conscious shoppers. It has a 6.6 inch display, a rear 50 MP camera, and long-lasting battery life with fast charging capability. It runs on the Android 12 operating system and is powered by the Exynos 850 octa-core processor. Plus, it has 3GB RAM and 32GB of internal storage, expandable up to 1TB with a microSD card.
While this phone lacks a fingerprint scanner or the ability to use wireless charging, it’s still a highly powerful phone for under $200 and a great entry-point for those curious about Android phones.
To learn more about the plans for this phone, read our guide to Consumer Cellular.
Price: $449.99
Made by Google, the Pixel 5a is our favorite Android phone for seniors because of its large screen, durability, and striking camera quality. Despite its impressive specs, it costs less than half of other premier Android phones.
The first thing we loved about this phone was its large and bright screen, which made it incredibly easy to adjust the size of text and navigate the internet. The screen makes the Pixel 5a one of the best phones for visually impaired seniors. In our tests, we also found the Pixel 5a worked with hearing aids without causing any extra noise or feedback.
When it came to the Pixel 5a’s camera, we were impressed by the quality of images we were able to capture. The rear-facing camera took photos worthy of a photo album, and the front-facing camera made for high-quality selfies and video calls.
On top of all this, the Pixel 5a was simple to use. Android devices are known for their high level of customization, but inexperienced users can pick up the Pixel 5a and use it with little hassle.
The Pixel 5a is our choice for the best Android phone for seniors.
FYI: Did you know Android phones can be purchased unlocked, which means they can be used on any network? To learn about the process, check out our rundown of the best unlocked phones for seniors.
Price: $969.99
If we think of the Jitterbug Smart3 as the Toyota Camry of Android phones — durable, reliable, and affordable — then the OnePlus 9 Pro would be a Rolls Royce. Its 120-hertz display renders videos and images with a high level of clarity and definition, and the overall design is beautiful to look at.
The phone features three cameras: a 50-megapixel ultra-wide, a 48-megapixel wide, and an 8-megapixel telephoto, all of which adds up to the phone being able to take professional-quality photographs. Its 16-megapixel front camera also makes for quality selfies and video chats.
Another thing we love about the OnePlus 9 Pro is its battery life. In our test, the phone lasted for 12 hours with heavy use (streaming, calling, etc.), giving it the longest battery life of any phone on this list. It can also charge — wirelessly or traditionally — in less than 30 minutes, which makes it perfect if you’re prone to using all your battery life.
The main drawback of the OnePlus 9 Pro is its cost. Starting at $969, it is on the more expensive end. It’s priced lower than flagship phones from Samsung and Apple, though, which makes it a decent deal.
Android phones are compatible with most major networks, but you’ll want to select a provider that offers unlimited data. Otherwise, you risk getting hefty overage charges. Currently, the best and most affordable unlimited plans are from T-Mobile.
T-Mobile cellular plans for seniors start at $27.50 per month. They include unlimited talk, text, and data, in addition to 5G access, allowing your phone to operate at faster speeds.
If you’re interested in medical alert features, then you may want to consider Lively phones for seniors. Unlimited data will cost a bit more with this provider, but some plans provide access to urgent responders and board-certified doctors to help answer any medical queries.
The primary benefit of choosing Android is freedom. iPhones are known for simplicity and a general sleekness, but Android phones come in all shapes, sizes, and price points, allowing you to find the best option for your needs.
If, however, you’re interested in an iPhone, check out our rundown of the best iPhones for seniors. Additionally, check out our other helpful guides to phones.
The Jitterbug Smart3 is the easiest smartphone to use for seniors due to its large screen, simple design, and voice commands.
The Google Pixel 5a is our favorite Android phone for seniors due to its durability, hearing aid compatibility, and ease of use.
The best smartphone for seniors will depend on the person, but you can’t go wrong with the iPhone 12, the Jitterbug Smart3, or the Google Pixel 5a.
Both manufacturers make quality smartphones, but we prefer Apple’s iPhones since they are incredibly easy to use and their cameras offer consistently good quality.