The 5 Best T-Mobile Phones for Seniors
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April 1, 2024
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T-Mobile is one of the best service providers for people 55 or older, offering unlimited talk, text, and data plans from $40 per line. Did we mention the plans include 5G data and require no contracts?
T-Mobile allows users to bring their own phones but also provides a wide range of devices, from smartphones to flip phones and everything in between. Our list of the five best T-Mobile phones for seniors has something for everyone (and every budget).
FYI: T-Mobile is one of our favorite networks, but there are several others with lower monthly prices. To find wireless plans from $10 per month, read our guide to the best senior phone plans.
The 5 Best T-Mobile Phones for Seniors in 2024
- Apple iPhone SE : Best iPhone
- Samsung Galaxy S23 : Best Android
- TCL Flip Go : Best Budget Option
- Sonim XP3 Plus : Most Durable
- REVVL 6 5G : Biggest Screen
How We Chose
To evaluate the best phones from T-Mobile, we looked at the following criteria:
- Call quality: Call quality is often taken for granted in 2024, but not all phones are created equal. We made sure the phones on our list could back up their price points with high-quality sound and a consistent signal.
- Pricing: Mobile phones come in a range of prices that may determine the features you can expect and the quality of the technology. We made sure to give you choices that offer value, and the majority of the phones on this list cost $450 or less.
- Ease of use: Accessibility is a huge aspect of choosing a phone, especially as we get older. We noted when screens, user interfaces, and voice command options contributed or detracted from a phone’s ease of use.
- Extra features: If you pay more for your phone, you should get extra features that make your time on your device easier and more fun. We noted when extra features made a difference in our experience.
The Best T-Mobile Phones for Seniors in 2024
1. Apple iPhone SE - Best iPhone
What We Like Most:
- Highly durable
- Easy-to-use voice commands
- Tons of free apps
- Great hardware
Cost: $429.99 when purchased from T-Mobile
Overview
The iPhone SE is an affordable phone from Apple with features like Siri the voice assistant, video chatting through FaceTime, and Apple Pay.
Standout Features
We’ve become dependent on the iPhone SE for just about every task. For example, rather than rifling through our wallets in busy checkout lines, we simply pull out our iPhone SE and pay with Apple Pay, which takes only a simple hover.
We’ve also become dependent on Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, for everyday tasks. Why turn on a smart light when we can have Siri do it for us? Why open the weather app when Siri can tell us if it’s raining or not? And why Google something if Siri knows all?
The iPhone SE has all of the great features we’ve come to expect from an iPhone, plus a 12-megapixel camera with Portrait Mode, which lets us blur and focus on objects like we’re using a film camera. We could even zoom in digitally up to five times to capture those details, like the buds of moisture on a flower in a botanical garden.
Drawbacks
Since the iPhone SE isn’t the latest and greatest from Apple, it lacks some of the most up-to-date features like Face ID, which lets us use our faces as our pass codes. While it has Touch ID, this requires our thumbprints, which becomes more cumbersome when we’re wearing gloves. If you live in a cold climate, get your Palmers Cocoa Butter ready, because your hands are about to face the biting wind. Or, get the iPhone 14 Pro, which has Face ID. You can learn more about it in our list of the best voice-activated phones for seniors.
Our Verdict
The good thing about the iPhone SE is its price of $429.99 from T-Mobile. Although this may sound like a large chunk of change, compared to the newest iPhones, which can run up to $1,599.99 (looking at you, iPhone 15 Pro Max!) this is a steal, and still has those great Apple features like Siri, FaceTime, and amazing cameras.
FYI: Looking for an iPhone with more powerful cameras and processors? Read our guide to the best iPhones for seniors.
Pros
- Siri
- 12-megapixel camera with Portrait Mode
- FaceTime
- Apple Pay
Cons
- No Face ID
- Not the cheapest option
2. Samsung Galaxy S23 - Best Android
What We Like Most:
- 6.1-inch screen
- Ability to play video for up to 22 hours without charging
- 50-megapixel wide-angle camera
- IP68 rating
Cost: $699.99 when purchased from T-Mobile
Overview
If this country is split on anything, it’s iOS vs. Android. But if you fall into the Android camp, you’ll love the amazing new artificial intelligence features and cameras of the Samsung Galaxy S23, the best Android from T-Mobile.
>>Read more: The Best Android Phones for Seniors
Standout Features
The Samsung Galaxy S23 has the best camera on this list — or should we say cameras, plural. Aside from the 12-megapixel selfie and ultrawide cameras, it also has a 50-megapixel wide-angle camera, which makes landscape shots incredibly clear. We were super impressed with the results when we took a panoramic shot on top of Runyon Canyon and were able to see the tiniest details of West Hollywood, including a man walking a rainbow-colored dog.
One of the reasons our photos looked so good on the Samsung Galaxy S23 (besides our talent, which was clearly a factor) was the way the camera used AI to make nighttime photos look better and brighter.
Aside from the camera and AI features, we loved this phone’s durability. It has an IP rating of 68, which means it’s completely safe from solids and liquids. Literally, we could’ve immersed it in water and it would’ve worked normally, which was not the case for the iPhone SE. If you’re accident-prone, you’ll appreciate the durability of the Samsung Galaxy S23.
Drawbacks
At $699.99, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is far from cheap; it’s actually the most expensive phone on this list at over $200 more than the iPhone SE. Plus, it’s only expandable to up to 256 GB of storage, a fraction of the storage capacity of the REVVL 6 5G, which is expandable to up to 2 TB.
Our Verdict
If you’re an Android user looking for a phone that also doubles as a high-quality camera, look no further than the Samsung Galaxy S23. Keep in mind that Galaxy S23 also works with other major carriers, including Verizon and AT&T. Currently, it’s priced at $699.99 at Verizon, the same price as T-Mobile, and $799.99 at AT&T.
Pros
- Beautiful 6.6-inch display
- 50-megapixel camera
- Ability to play videos for up to 22 hours
- Waterproof
Cons
- Only up to 256 GB of storage
- Pricier than other Androids
3. TCL Flip Go - Best Budget Option
What We Like Most:
- Budget price
- Long battery life
- M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility
- Large, tactile buttons
Cost: $96 when purchased from T-Mobile
Overview
Some of us don’t need the fancy features of the latest iPhones and Androids. If you want to save money, consider the TCL FLIP Go, which T-Mobile sells for only $96.
Standout Features
Compared to Apple and Samsung phones, the TCL FLIP Go is refreshingly simple. We love the fact that, instead of typing on a screen, we were able to type with actual buttons. The buttons were black with large, white numbers, ideal for someone with vision loss. Plus, the 2.8-inch inside screen was bright and easy to read, and displayed the time much clearer than our watches could.
Another thing we appreciated about the TCL FLIP Go was its battery life. We talked on the phone for 14 hours without needing a charge (five more hours than the iPhone SE), and it lasted for 14.5 days on standby. That’s great news for someone who often forgets to charge their phone.
The TCL FLIP Go is also rated M4/T4 for compatibility with hearing aids, much like the Sonim XP3plus, as you’ll read below. If you want compatibility with M3/T4 hearing aids, consider the iPhone SE or the REVVL 6 5G.
Drawbacks
The TCL FLIP Go only had a 2-megapixel camera, so the photos and videos weren’t even close to the quality of the ones we took on the iPhone SE and the Galaxy S23. Plus, at only 2.8 inches, the screen was much smaller than the smartphone screens (the REVVL 6 5G’s screen is 6.5 inches, for example.)
Our Verdict
If you want a phone that you can talk and text on with ease, you can save hundreds of dollars by choosing the TCL FLIP Go.
Pro Tip: If you’re willing to bring your own phone to T-Mobile’s network, you should check out our rundown of the best flip phones for seniors for more affordable options.
Pros
- Ultralow price
- Rated M4/T4 for hearing aid compatibility
- Large keypad
- Solid battery life
Cons
- Small screen
- Below-average camera
4. Sonim XP3 Plus - Most Durable
What We Like Most:
- IP68 rating
- Huge operating temperature range
- 15-hour talk time
- M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility
Cost: $210 when purchased from T-Mobile
Overview
Active seniors who love hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities will appreciate the durable design of the Sonim XP3plus, a flip phone we can only describe as unbreakable.
Standout Features
The Sonim XP3plus has that same IP68 rating as the Samsung Galaxy S23. The first number, six, means that it’s completely dust-tight and impervious to solids. The eight means that it’s waterproof and can operate normally while being immersed in water. But beyond that, the Sonim XP3plus works on temperatures from negative four to 131 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a great choice whether you live in the hot desert of Palm Springs or in the frozen tundra of Minneapolis.
Aside from its durability, the thing we most appreciated about the Sonim XP3plus was its simplicity. Like the TCL FLIP Go, it’s a flip phone with tactile buttons and a 2.8-inch screen. However, it has 16 GB of local storage, twice the amount of theTCL Flip Go, plus up to 256 GB available through a microSD card (again, twice as much as the capacity of the TCL FLIP Go.) For you, this means more room for photos, text messages, and contacts.
Drawbacks
The Sonim XP3plus is priced at $210 from T-Mobile, which is an awfully high price for a flip phone. If that’s a concern, go with the $96 TCL FLIP Go, but keep in mind that the Sonim XP3plus has a larger amount of local storage and expandable storage capacity. Additionally, the Sonim XP3plus has a camera that’s four times better than that of the TCL FLIP Go, but at 8 megapixels, it doesn’t compare to the Galaxy S23’s 50-megapixel camera.
Our Verdict
People looking for a durable flip phone with expandable storage should choose the Sonim XP3plus, which works with solids, liquids, and temperatures of all kinds.
Pros
- IP68 rating
- Large operating temperature range
- M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility rating
- Large buttons
Cons
- Expensive for a flip phone
- 8-megapixel camera with flash
5. REVVL 6 5G - Biggest Screen
What We Like Most:
- 6.5-inch screen
- Up to 30 hours of talk time
- 2 TB storage capacity
- Low price
Cost: $169.99 when purchased from T-Mobile
Overview
One problem with smartphones is that they can be hard to see. But that’s not the case with the REVVL 6 5G, which has a huge 6.5-inch screen, bright enough even for those with low vision.
Standout Features
We loved the scale of the REVVL 6 5G. With a 6.5-inch screen, nearly two inches larger than that of the iPhone SE, it was easy to find apps on the Google Play Store and check small-print emails. Plus, at 1,600 by 720 pixels, the screen was very clear and bright, ideal for anyone with vision loss.
Aside from Android apps, we also looked for dozens of Google Assistant “skills” associated with different apps and products. Take our Wyze smart lights, for example. By downloading the Wyze skill to our REVVL 6 5G, we could control our smart lights through voice commands, having Google Assistant turn off all our lights at night and turn them back on in the morning. If you have mobility issues, combining your voice assistant with smart devices will make it easier for you to control lights, your thermostat, or even a robot vacuum, if you happen to own one.
Drawbacks
We were a bit unimpressed with the REVVL 6 5G’s photos and videos. The best-quality camera was only 13 megapixels. That didn’t hold a candle to the photos we took on the Samsung Galaxy S23, which has a camera that’s nearly four times better.
Our Verdict
If you want an affordable smartphone with a large screen, the REVVL 6 5G is the smartphone for you.
Pros
- Affordable
- 6.5-inch display
- 30 hours of talk time
- Up to 2 TB of storage
Cons
- Low-quality cameras
- Only 26 hours of standby time
Does T-Mobile Have a Senior Plan?
Yes, T-Mobile has a senior plan available to adults ages 55 and older. All of the plans include unlimited data, talk, and text, protection against scams, and 5G access, and the monthly costs range from $40 to $80 a month.
These senior plans are identical to T-Mobile’s regular plans — just cheaper. If you want the fastest data with no throttling, go with the Go5G Next 55 plan, which costs $80 a month for one line.
Let’s look at the unlimited plans in more detail.
T-Mobile Senior Plan Comparison
| T-Mobile Plan | Essentials Choice 55 | Go5G Plus 55 | Go5G Next 55 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly price for one line | $45 | $70 | $80 |
| Monthly price for two lines | $60 | $100 | $120 |
| Unlimited talk, text, and 5G data | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Data throttling | No | No | Yes, after first 50 GB of premium data |
| International features | Low flat-rate international calling, unlimited texting in over 215 countries, unlimited international texting from U.S., unlimited talk, text, and data in Canada and Mexico | Low flat-rate international calling, unlimited texting in over 215 countries, unlimited international texting from U.S., unlimited talk, text, and data in Canada and Mexico with higher speeds | Low flat-rate international calling, unlimited texting in over 215 countries, unlimited international texting from U.S., unlimited talk, text, and data in Canada and Mexico with higher speeds |
| Extra features | Scam blocking | 50 GB mobile hot spot, Apple TV Plus and Netflix Standard with Ads subscriptions, up to 4K UHD video | 50 GB mobile hot spot, Apple TV Plus, Netflix Standard with Ads, and Hulu with Ads subscriptions, up to 4K UHD video |
Can You Bring Your Own Phone to T-Mobile?
You may be able to bring your own phone to T-Mobile! To find out if it’s compatible, you’ll need to find your phone’s IMEI number and enter it on T-Mobile’s site. When we entered our 15-digit code, we found that our phone was compatible, so we got a free SIM card on the website and were able to keep our old phone number. From there, getting service was as easy as picking out a plan.
Note that some phones may be compatible with eSIM cards, electronic cards that make the process even faster. Additionally, not all phones will work with T-Mobile’s network, but it’s worth a try, as checking compatibility takes only a few seconds.
Bottom Line
There’s a reason why about 118 million people have chosen T-Mobile as their cellular provider! With its vast 5G network and tons of phones to choose from for a variety of budgets, you’re sure to find a phone that works for your needs with T-Mobile.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does T-Mobile have specific phones for seniors?
T-Mobile doesn’t have specific phones for seniors. However, after testing dozens of phones from T-Mobile, we recommend that seniors consider the iPhone SE, the REVVL 6, or the Sonim XP3plus.
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Does T-Mobile still have flip phones?
Yes, T-Mobile still has flip phones like the TCL FLIP Go and the Sonim XP3plus. Additionally, you can bring an unlocked flip phone to their network.
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Does T-Mobile have payment plans for its phones?
Yes, T-Mobile has payment plans for its phones. With the Samsung Galaxy S24, for example, we could’ve paid $33.34 per month for two years with 0 percent interest rather than paying $799.99 for the phone upfront (plus tax). Most of T-Mobile’s phones have payment plans that let you pay for the devices over time.
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Do you have to be 55 or older to use T-Mobile’s senior plans?
Yes, you have to be 55 or older to use T-Mobile’s senior plans.