Best Unlocked Cell Phones for Seniors in 2023

1. Alcatel Go Flip 4 - Best Overall Unlocked Phone

4.9 / 5

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What We Like Most:

• Long-lasting battery
• Loud and high-quality speaker
• Two-week battery life
• Large internal display

Overview

Cost: $96 when purchased through T-Mobile

The Alcatel GO FLIP 4 is a user-friendly flip phone with large buttons, a powerful speaker, and a large 2.8” display to view important notifications and text messages from loved ones. For seniors, it’s a great beginner choice for those who need it for basic tasks such as taking photos from the 2MP camera or enjoying clear calls with family and friends.

Other standout features from this flip phone include over 12 hours of talk time, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. I appreciated that this phone comes with a SIM card along with a helpful Quickstart guide to familiarize myself with the phone. With strong 4G LTE connectivity, I was able to make clear calls through the phone’s clear VoLTE and enhanced audio settings. What’s more, there was an easy app shortcut menu to preview incoming messages and stay connected with loved ones when I’m on the go.

For the price, this flip phone is worth the investment because it combines both basic and advanced features to help you enjoy clear calls, a user-friendly screen, and stellar audio.

Plan: T-Mobile offers discounted plans for seniors over the age of 55. When purchasing the Alcatel GO FLIP 4 from T-Mobile, opt for the Discounts for Ages 55 & Older plans. From there, you can choose monthly senior plans ranging from the Essentials 55+ plan starting at $40 per month or the Magenta 55+ plan for $50 per month. The most expensive of the senior plans is the Magenta Max 55+ for $65 per month, which features unlimited data including talk and text. You also get access to Netflix basic and standard, along with 5G access.

2. NUU F4L Flip Phone - Most Durable Unlocked Phone

4 / 5

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What We Like Most:

• Great sound quality
• Affordable device
• WhatsApp functionality
• Durable buttons

Overview

Cost: $79 when purchased through Mint Mobile

The NUU F4L Flip Phone is one of the most durable flip phones for seniors who enjoy tactile buttons with a lightweight design. With a special flip mechanism that can withstand frequent use, the NUU F4L Flip Phone is a great unlocked phone for seniors.

Some of the features include a large 2.8” screen, which makes it easy to view important text messages and notifications. When I tested the call quality, I was pleased to notice the phone’s superior VoLTE calling abilities, which resulted in fewer dropped calls and static in the background. I was able to place a clear call without having to call back or miss an important conversation.

What’s more, this flip phone has 4G LTE connectivity and fast processing speeds, which meant I could download videos and stream videos without a problem. Overall, I appreciated the durability of this phone without dealing with the risk of a cracked screen or damaged buttons. The durability and reliability of this phone, along with helpful notification lights that indicated when my phone was low on battery, were much appreciated.

Plan: If you purchase this phone through Mint Mobile, you’ll have the option of picking from a variety of 12-month plans. You can choose from a 4 GB plan to an unlimited monthly plan, depending on your phone and data usage needs. For example, the 4 GB prepaid plan is for $130 for 12 months, in addition to the phone price which is $79. This adds up to $209 for the full year, which is an affordable price compared to other prepaid options. With the unlimited plan, you save even more by getting the 12-month plan for $310, plus the cost of the phone at $79.

3. Nokia 2720 V Flip - Best Compact Phone

4.5 / 5

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What We Like Most:

• Google Assistant capabilities
• Dedicated SOS button
• Long battery life
• Compatible with hearing aids

Overview

Cost: $79.99 when purchased through Verizon

With a sleek design, the Nokia 2720 is compact and lightweight with all the basic and advanced features that you need. For older adults who enjoy a classic flip phone, the Nokia 2720 comes with large buttons and an emergency contact button for extra peace of mind. What’s more, this particular phone has a long battery life with up to 26 days of standby time.

I appreciated its lightweight, compact design weighing at just 4.16 ounces, which is smaller than most flip phone and smartphone models out there. With built-in Google Assistant, I was able to ask questions without wearing out my hands and typing. For older adults with dexterity or wrist problems, this feature is extra helpful. I was also pleased to see that this phone is hearing aid- compatible, so you can easily connect your hearing aid and make sure you’re not missing important conversations.

Although the 2MP camera isn’t the best that’s out there, it still gets the job done. You can send quick photos to friends and family. Overall, I appreciated this phone’s compact design and its large 2.8” LCD screen to help older adults navigate messages and browse the web with clarity and ease.

Plan: If you purchase this phone through Verizon, you have the option of selecting a variety of monthly payment plans, such as the Start Unlimited, Play More Unlimited, Do More Unlimited, Get More Unlimited, and the 4 GB Basic Phone Plan. The Start Unlimited is the most inexpensive plan for this phone starting at $70 per line, per month, and it includes 5G nationwide coverage and other plan perks such as select streaming service access.

4. Apple iPhone SE - Best Unlocked Smartphone

4.6 / 5

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What We Like Most:

• Intuitive design and voice commands
• Water and dust resistant
• Great camera quality
• Thousands of free apps

Overview

Cost: $399 when purchased through T-Mobile

It’s easy to assume that seniors have no interest in smartphones, but studies show that nearly half of those aged 65 and over currently own a smartphone. And while the iPhone SE isn’t as advanced as their most recent models, it still provides a thoroughly solid smartphone experience at a fraction of the cost, not to mention it can be used on nearly any network.

In terms of call quality, the iPhone SE did not disappoint. Each of our test calls displayed crystal-clear audio and reception. We also loved that the iPhone SE allowed us to place video calls to our friends and loved ones.

Of all the phones on this list, the iPhone SE captured the best photos. Both people and landscapes came through with vibrant, accurate colors, making this phone a great way to share pictures with loved ones.

Plan: When purchased directly through Apple, you can connect to a variety of carriers such as T-Mobile, Sprint, AT&T and Verizon. During online checkout, you can choose your GB capacity for the phone ranging from 64 GB to 128 GB. If you select 64 GB, you’ll pay $399 for the phone, or $16.62 per month for 24 months through Apple Card monthly installments. You can also opt for AppleCare+ coverage to protect your phone from accidental damage.

For the older adult not intimidated by the latest in cellular capabilities, the iPhone SE offers a highly intuitive entry point. And with no long-term contracts required, we think it’s a great place to start.

5. Snapfon ezTWO3G - Best Senior-Specific Features

4.2 / 5

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What We Like Most:

• Large, Tactile Buttons
• SOS button
• Hearing Aid Compatible
• Affordable Service Plans

Overview

Cost: $44.95, plus a required Snapfon plan through Snapfon.

The Snapfon ezFlip 4G has the best senior-specific features for older adults who are looking for a streamlined flip phone for daily use. With a large keypad with big buttons for easy reach and dialing, the Snapfon ezFlip 4G comes equipped with a red SOS Emergency button on the back of the phone. What’s more, this phone is great for individuals with visual or hearing loss, as it is rated M3/T3 in terms of hearing aid compatibility.

I appreciated the simplified menu and ease of navigating apps on this phone. I was able to use the touch screen to find my contacts, and I especially enjoyed the eight speed dial keys and quick keys to access the flashlight or calculator.

The sound quality on this phone was quite impressive as I was able to enjoy talk time of up to 5.5 hours without worrying about a dropped call. When my battery was low, the phone had a helpful low battery warning system that’s built into the phone. What’s more, there were a variety of easy-to-use apps right at my fingertips. These apps included the Weather app, Facebook, email, and other helpful tools to help me stay connected to family and friends. Overall, this was probably the best streamlined phone with accessible features that are great for seniors.

Plan: The Snapfon ezFlip 4G requires a monthly Snapfon Network plan. Currently, Snapfon offers three plans: 100 Plan, 300 Plan, and the Unlimited Plan. You can also opt to add data, but it’s only offered through the Unlimited Talk and Text Plan. If you decide on the 300 Plan, you’d receive features such as 300 Talk & Unlimited Text along with nationwide coverage and no hidden fees starting at $14.99 monthly. Data plans—which are only available with the Unlimited Talk and Text Plan—start at $2.50 to $15.00, depending on the gigabyte of usage.

The Snapfon ezTWO is the most affordable option on this list; however, it provides a varied set of features, combining a cell phone with some features of a medical alert system.