RAZ Memory Cell Phone Review (2025)

Our Video Review

To see the Memory Cell Phone in action, watch our full-length video review.

Raz Memory Cell Phone Features

Despite resembling a typical Android smartphone, the Memory Cell Phone cannot send text messages, browse the internet, use apps, or even take photos. Even the volume rocker, located on the side of the phone, is disabled, and the Memory Cell Phone’s volume is always set to maximum.

The upside of the limited functionality is that it’s nearly impossible to get lost or confused with the phone. From the home screen, a user can:

• View six to 30 contacts, displayed alongside their photos.
• Initiate a call by pressing one of the contacts.
• Initiate a 911 call by pressing and holding the red Emergency 911 button.

The only time the Memory Cell Phone’s home screen changes is during an incoming call. When a person calls the Memory Cell Phone, the user will see the contact’s image, along with Answer and Hang Up buttons. Once the call is complete, the phone returns to the home screen.

Caregiver Features

To make use of the Memory Cell Phone, you’ll need at least one secondary user, who will set up the phone, add contacts, and manage additional settings of the phone. All these functions can be accomplished through the RAZ Mobility Memory Cell Phone Portal, which can be accessed either through your web browser or the RAZ Care mobile app.

As well as modifying the contacts list, a secondary user can:

• Change the Memory Cell Phone’s ringtone and ringtone volume.
• Send reminders to the Memory Cell Phone (see image below).
• Track the Memory Cell Phone’s GPS location.
• Change the way a user accepts calls, either by tapping and holding, double tapping, or single tapping.
• Add a dial pad to the user’s home screen.
• Limit incoming calls to be only from contacts.
• Monitor the battery level and signal strength of the user’s Memory Cell Phone.
• View the Memory Cell Phone’s call history.

I was a bit skeptical when I realized a majority of the Memory Cell Phone’s settings are outsourced to a secondary user, but that becomes a benefit when you consider that the phone’s primary user is a person with cognitive impairment.

From either a web browser or the RAZ Care app, a user can remotely adjust the phone’s settings, and the changes happen instantaneously. When you add a new contact in the portal, their image and name will appear instantly on the Memory Cell Phone.

Battery Life

During my tests, I was pleased with how long the battery lasted — nearly five days on standby and well over one day with heavy use. Whenever the battery level dipped below 20 percent, the phone sent automated text messages informing my contacts of the change.

To charge the Memory Cell Phone, you can either use the included USB-C charging cable or purchase a wireless charging kit from RAZ for $59.99. Since the Memory Cell Phone does not feature native wireless charging, the kit includes both an adapter that plugs into your phone and a wireless charging dock. To charge your phone with the kit, you simply place your phone on the stand, and it will automatically charge.

RAZ Emergency Service

By default, the Memory Cell Phone comes with an emergency button that dials 911; however, RAZ offers an optional service that directs emergency calls to a dispatch service, as opposed to 911. In receiving the call, the dispatch agent will know that the caller has memory loss and will determine whether to contact first responders or a loved one. In doing so, this feature can prevent the Memory Cell Phone user from making unnecessary 911 calls.

The RAZ Emergency Service is billed on an annual basis, costing $130 per year with no activation fee, or $13 a month plus a $20 activation fee if you sign up for a month.

RAZ Memory Cell Phone Costs

The RAZ Memory Cell Phone costs $349 and includes a charging cable. The price does not include the emergency service, either $13 a month or $130 a year.

Memory Cell Phone Plans

RAZ does not provide its own cellular service, so you’ll have to choose a wireless provider. You can either keep your own, or choose a new one. Here are your options:

• Affinity Cellular
• AT&T
• Consumer Cellular
• Cricket
• Mint Mobile
• Red Pocket Mobile
• Straight Talk
• T-Mobile
• TracFone
• Verizon

With Affinity Cellular, which uses the Verizon network, you’ll get three months of free service, then, after the first three months, a price of $20 per month.

NOTE: With any MVNO, Mobile Virtual Network Operator, you may see slowed traffic compared to a network itself like AT&T. This could affect activities like video chatting. The benefit of MVNOs is their lower cost, however.3

Memory Cell Phone vs. SmartVision 3

Among the phones offered by RAZ Mobility, the Memory Cell Phone and SmartVision 3 are two of our favorite options; however, they differ significantly in terms of features.

The Memory Cell Phone can essentially just make and receive calls, be they voice or video calls. The SmartVision3, however, is a fully-featured phone designed for people with vision impairment. If taking photos, browsing the web, or downloading apps are of concern, then we’d recommend the SmartVision 3.

To learn more about the SmartVision 3, read our SmartVision 3 review.

Bottom Line

In my time reviewing cell phones for seniors, I’ve never encountered a device as simple as the RAZ Memory Cell Phone. By limiting the front-end functionality to making and receiving calls while also allowing caregivers to track the phone’s use, the Memory Cell Phone is incredibly easy for anyone to use.

I think the RAZ Memory Cell Phone is one of the best phones for seniors, as well as one of the best phones for people with dementia.