Best smartphones for older people to buy in 2025

As a movie lover, I can’t help but notice how deeply integrated smartphones have become in my life. They serve as much more than just a means of staying connected with loved ones; they guide me through uncharted territories, keep me informed about the day’s weather, and even track my daily physical activities. It’s amazing to think that such a small device can play such a significant role in our daily routines!

However, due to an abundance of features and applications on modern smartphones, these devices may not always have the most intuitive interfaces. The multitude of options sometimes leads to a cluttered layout, making it challenging for users to find their way around, and there’s often minimal guidance provided.

We’ve compiled a list of user-friendly smartphones, each with their strengths, weaknesses, and essential characteristics, to assist you in choosing one that aligns perfectly with your requirements.

In addition, we’ve provided guidance on features to consider in smartphones suitable for seniors, such as large, clear displays, user-friendly layouts, and any accessibility options that can enhance your experience with your new gadget.

Here is our pick of the best smartphones for older people to buy in 2025.

Explore our suggestions for tablets ideal for seniors, featuring easier-to-use options.

Jump to:

• Best smartphones for older people at a glance
• How to choose the best smartphone for older people
• Best smartphones for older people to buy in 2025

Best smartphones for older people at a glance:

• Best budget option: Nokia 3.4, £129.99
• Best for simple interface: Google Pixel 7, £320
• Best for iPhone users: iPhone SE, £429
• Best for sharp display: Oppo A80, £179
• Best budget 5G option: Moto G50, £359
• Best for Samsung users: Samsung Galaxy A32, £185
• Best simplified interface: Emporia Smart 5, £269.99
• Bets for big screen: Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro, £219
• Best for battery life: Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro 5G, £159
• Best for accessibility features: Doro 8050, £69.99

How to choose the best smartphone for older people

In terms of selecting a smartphone, each person’s preferences might vary slightly. The device you ultimately opt for will largely depend on its intended purpose, the frequency of usage, and your budget constraints.

It’s important to note certain key aspects to consider when selecting a smartphone suitable for the elderly. These essential features encompass a big, clear, and colorful screen, an intuitive layout, and comprehensive accessibility options.

Big screen

It’s undeniable that smartphones have progressively grown in size over the past ten years, which can make them too large for many pockets. However, this growth has also led to bigger and higher-resolution displays on most phones.

The goal is to strike a good equilibrium: we want the biggest and highest-quality screen on a phone, but not so large that it’s burdensome to carry; otherwise, it becomes more of a hassle than a convenience.

Screen sizes on smartphones can now vary anywhere between 4.7-inches and 6.7-inches.

User-friendly interface

As technology advances and packs more features into our smartphones, having a user-friendly home screen and intuitive design becomes crucial. A good interface should allow users to quickly locate the necessary apps for making calls, adding contacts, or browsing the web within seconds.

You’ll typically come across two primary user interfaces: iOS (for Apple devices) and Android. It’s important to note that iOS is tailored exclusively for iPhones. A neatly organized interface with essential apps for iPhone users like calling, web browsing via Safari (Apple’s browser), and messaging through iMessage are usually positioned at the bottom of the screen. However, you can change their arrangement if there’s an app you use frequently, and you can acquire new apps from the App Store.

Android is widely used in smartphones from various manufacturers like Google, Samsung, Nokia, and Oppo. Although the home screen designs may differ slightly due to each brand’s attempt to add a unique touch, the fundamental aspects remain consistent. For instance, all Android devices come equipped with Google Play Store, enabling users to access and download new applications.

Accessibility settings

In today’s world, it’s essential for mobile phones to include fundamental accessibility features, although the specific options may differ among various manufacturers.

Most devices offer adjustable font sizes for easier reading, as well as hearing aid compatibility and speech-to-text features. Additionally, many of these devices now enable users to record voice notes over text or messaging platforms, which function similarly to voicemails and allow you to speak your messages instead of typing them out.

Additionally, there are specialized brands like Doro, which design mobile phones specifically catering to the needs of elderly users. These devices often come equipped with extensive features. For instance, the Doro 8050 model offers larger icons for individuals with vision issues, is compatible with hearing aids, and has an ‘Emergency’ button that instantly notifies pre-assigned responders when pressed.

While not essential for everyone, the specific features differ among brands. Therefore, it’s beneficial to think about which optional settings might suit your preferences prior to buying.

Best smartphones for older people to buy in 2025

Nokia 3.4

Best budget option

Key features:

• 39-inch 1560 x 720 IPS LCD screen
• 161 x 76 x 8.7 mm
• 180g
• Android 10
• 13/5/2MP rear cameras
• 8-megapixel selfie camera
• Snapdragon 460 CPU
• 32GB storage
• 3GB RAM
• 4000mAh battery

Pros:

• Low cost
• Clean software

Cons: 

• Slow performance
• Limited storage
• Uninspiring camera quality

Nokia is recognized for creating basic but dependable phones at affordable costs, and the Nokia 3.4 follows suit in this tradition.

This device boasts a 6.39-inch 720p LCD display, sports a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, and conceals a front camera in the top left corner of its screen via a punch hole design. Additionally, it retains an old-school feature: a wired headphone jack. Dive into our Nokia 3.4 review for more details.

Google Pixel 7

Best for simple interface

Key features:

• Google Tensor G2 chip
• 6.3 inch AMOLED display
• Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
• Android 13
• IP68 dust/water resistant
• 90Hz AMOLED display
• 8GB of RAM
• 128GB or 256GB of storage

Pros:

• Amazing camera
• Speedy new processor
• Brilliant value
• Google software and Google hardware combine with great results
• Slick interface and user experience
• Accessible and easy to use

Cons: 

• Display only 90Hz
• No optical zoom
• Unremarkable fast-charging

Among the phones we currently adore, the Google Pixel 7 stands out as a favorite for both tech enthusiasts and those who are new to smartphones. Its user interface is exceptionally intuitive, making it easy to navigate, while its home screen remains uncluttered for a cleaner look. Moreover, all apps are neatly arranged in an alphabetical order within the pull-down menu for quick access.

Apart from its other features, one standout aspect of the Google Pixel 7 is its exceptional camera. Thanks to Google’s advanced image processing software, capturing impressive photos is a breeze, regardless of your experience with smartphone cameras. Moreover, the device boasts an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, providing added reassurance. For more details, be sure to check out our comprehensive review of the Google Pixel 7.

iPhone SE

Best for iPhone fans

Key features:

• Glass and aluminium design
• 4.7-inch retina display
• A13 Bionic chip
• 12MP wide camera
• Portrait Mode and depth control on camera
• 4K video
• QuickTake – which means you can start recording by just holding down on the shutter
• 1,821mAh battery
• Touch ID
• Water-resistant up to 1 metre for 30 mins
• Apple Pay

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Access the App store to plunder
• iOS experience is seamless
• Camera results excellent

Cons: 

• Fairly short battery life
• Uses some old screen tech
• Portrait mode doesn’t work on pets and objects

Positioned as an “economical” version of the iPhone, the iPhone SE is compact compared to its latest counterparts, boasting a 4.7-inch screen. While it may lack some of the high-end features found in the top-tier models, this doesn’t necessarily diminish its value.

With an A13 Bionic processor at its core, this device continues to deliver outstanding user experiences. You’ll have the ability to utilize exclusive Apple applications like iMessage and FaceTime just as before.

Oppo A80 5G

Best for sharp display

Key features:

• 8GB RAM
• 256GB storage
• 6.67in 1080p 120Hz screen
• 165.79 x 76.14 x 7.68 mm
• 186g
• 50/8/2MP rear cameras
• 5100mAh battery

Pros:

• Low price for a 5G phone
• Nice sharp screen
• Long battery life
• Solid primary camera

Cons: 

• Plastic build – typical in this class
• Weak secondary cameras
• Mono speaker

The battery life of the Oppo A80 5G is more than sufficient for a full day’s worth of tasks, with extra juice remaining. This feature makes the A80 an ideal choice if you prefer not to recharge during the day or tend to forget charging your phone at night (it can be quite frustrating when that happens).

This phone boasts an impressive 6.6-inch HD display, and what sets it apart is its main camera – a swift 50MP lens that captures images instantly without any focusing delays or shutter lag when snapped.

Moto G50

Best budget 5G option

 

Key features:

• 6.5-inch
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G CPU
• 5G mobile internet
• Android 11
• 64GB storage
• 4GB RAM
• 5000mAh battery
• 48/5/2MP rear cameras
• 13MP front camera
• 164.9 x 74.9 x 9 mm
• 192g

Pros:

• Low price for 5G
• Excellent battery life
• Decent, if mono, speaker

Cons: 

• Low-resolution screen
• Basic camera array
• It’s not a gaming powerhouse

The Motorola Moto G50 is a budget-friendly smartphone that performs essential tasks efficiently. While it doesn’t offer revolutionary features, it assures dependability and user-friendliness.

Equipped with a spacious 6.5-inch display, this phone is ideal for video chats or streaming TV content. Plus, it comes bundled with a basic yet durable silicone case. Notably, its battery performance exceeds expectations, often lasting beyond an entire day’s use. Our reviewer frequently found they still had about 40% of their battery left at the end of the day.

Samsung Galaxy A32 5G

Best for Samsung users

Key features:

• 5G
• 6.5-inch LCD display
• 48/8MP rear camera
• 13MP front camera
• 4K video
• 64GB storage
• MicroSD card for expandable storage
• 5000mAh battery
• Headphone port

Pros:

• 3.5mm headphone port
• Large display
• Big battery
• 5G ready

Cons: 

• Maybe a little big

Samsung is a trustworthy company that emphasizes advanced technology and user-friendly design. The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G, part of their budget-friendly A-series, boasts a 6.5-inch LCD screen, 4K video recording capabilities, and an impressively large 5000mAh battery.

Emporia Smart 5

Best simplified interface

Pros:

• Clever protective cover included
• Light dust/water protection (IP54)
• Android smartphone with customised interface
• Long battery life (over 25 hours)
• Fully charged within 155 minutes
• Emergency push button

Cons:

• No fingerprint sensor

The Emporia Smart 5 offers an ideal choice for individuals seeking a less complex, minimalist phone experience. Its user-friendly design prioritizes essential apps and fundamental functions, making it particularly suitable for senior users.

The Smart 5 smartphone stands out by offering numerous user-friendly features tailored to older users. For instance, it’s unusual among contemporary models to include a headphone jack, which makes it an excellent choice for enjoying music, podcasts, and audiobooks. Furthermore, its IP54 rating ensures extra resistance to dust and water splashes (though it shouldn’t be submerged), and its battery life exceeding 25 hours is ideal for those occasions when you might forget your charger.

As a movie reviewer putting my thoughts down, I must admit that the absence of a fingerprint sensor in the Emporia Smart 5 did hinder its potential to impress initially. However, it compensates with an effective facial recognition feature, making unlocking the phone a breeze. All things considered, if you’re after a device offering simplicity at a moderate price point, albeit not exactly budget-friendly, then the Emporia Smart 5 ticks all the boxes on your list.

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Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro

Best for big screen

Key features:

• Gorilla Glass screen
• 6.67in AMOLED screen
• 256GB storage
• 200MP/8/5/2MP rear cameras
• 16MP selfie camera

Pros:

• Large OLED screen
• Classy glass back
• Good primary camera
• Long battery life

Cons: 

• No 5G
• May be a little large for some

When considering the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro, there are three key aspects to focus on: its substantial AMOLED display, its trio of cameras, and its impressive battery life that often lasts more than one full day. Remarkably, all these features can be yours for just £219.

The 6.67-inch screen makes it an excellent choice for enjoying videos or video chats, however, it does make the phone quite sizeable. This might not be ideal for everyone, but there’s no denying that the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro is a fantastic budget smartphone option.

Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro 5G

Best for battery life

Key features:

• 161.81mm x 74.95mm x 7.98mm
• 6.67-inch FHD+ Flow AMOLED display
• 120Hz screen refresh rate
• 5,000 mAh battery
• 64MP main camera, 16MP selfie camera
• Side fingerprint sensor and face unlock
• Bluetooth 5.2
• 3.5mm headphone jack on top

Pros:

• Great value for money
• Smooth 120 Hz display
• Long-lasting battery
• UI is nice once tidied up

Cons: 

• Battery takes a long time to charge
• Glossy back is a fingerprint magnet

While Poco might not have the same level of recognition in the UK market as brands such as Google, Nokia, or Samsung, the M6 Pro 5G still boasts several appealing features.

To start with, this new smartphone boasts a good battery capacity. It can comfortably last an entire day of use and still retain about half its charge for the next morning. If you value reliability and want to ensure your phone doesn’t run out of power during the day, the Xiaomi Poco M6 Pro is a dependable option.

Doro 8050

Best for accessibility

Key features:

• 5.5-inch screen
• Android
• 13MP rear camera
• 5MP front camera
• Dedicated home button
• Assistance button to call friends/family quickly
• 16GB storage
• MicroSD card slot

Pros:

• Long battery life
• Easy to navigate
• Built-in screen protection

Cons: 

• Bulky compared to competitors
• Poor camera quality

Doro focuses on designing mobile phones tailored for the elderly, taking into account any extra accessibility requirements they might have.

In addition to a ‘Response’ button that notifies assigned responders when activated, the phone is equipped with a protective screen to ensure it can endure minor impacts and drops.

As a cinephile who appreciates reliable gadgets, I can confidently say that the Doro 8050 boasts an impressive standby time of up to 330 hours – that’s roughly 13 days! This makes it an ideal choice for emergency situations or for those who don’t anticipate heavy usage beyond occasional calls or brief outings.

The screen size of the Doro 8050 is relatively compact at 5.5 inches, and its camera features aren’t as robust as many other models in this roundup. However, it stands out for being hearing aid compatible, and its user interface is exceptionally simple and intuitive to use.

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2025-01-07 16:10