Looking to buy the perfect phone for yourself or an elderly person? We’re rounding up and counting down our top 5 best phones for seniors!
Buying a decent smartphone can be a trial on its own, and sometimes looking for a feature-bare or specialised smartphone for a senior can be a doubly difficult challenge. In light of this, we’re rounding up our top 5 best phones for seniors to help make this entire process easier!
We’ll be looking at a mixture of feature phones, budget devices, and one or two oddball contenders that we feel are ideal for the 21st century senior. Our goal with this list is to begin by fulfilling basic communication needs, and gradually work up the feature list.
Read: Top 5: Budget smartphones to buy this Christmas (2015)
Without further ado, lets begin!
Alcatel OneTouch 2004C
Internationally, feature phones might be a dying breed, but thankfully there is still strong local demand in South Africa for a no-nonsense contender, and that demand has brought one of the finest – and leanest – contenders to this list: the Alcatel OneTouch 2004C.
Reminiscent of Nokia devices of yesteryear, the 2004C arrives with a numerical keyboard, large buttons, an extremely basic interface, and a 2MP camera for quick snaps.
The 2004C brings a great value proposition, and comes with a perfect feature set that’s neither lacking or overwhelming. The biggest drawback of this device is its lack of security – but, hopefully, the 2004C is so nondescript it likely won’t be high on the swipe-and-run list.
Nokia Asha 230 Dual SIM
Toting Nokia’s basic (and senior friendly) Asha software platform, the Asha 230 is a great take on a basic smartphone that offers feature phone-style functionality in addition to support for WhatsApp, Facebook and more.
With emphasis on large icons in a small 2.8″ frame, and sporting a small 1.3 megapixel main camera, the Asha 230 arrives in a host of fun colours and not only boasts a maximum standby time of 3 weeks, but further offer a second slot; perfect for a senior who still works during the day and parties at night.
Vodacom Smart Kicka
Vodacom’s Smart range is squarely aimed at users who’re transitioning from a feature phone into basic smartphone territory, and this is particularly useful for a senior who’s fairly smartphone literate, but doesn’t need to tote a Galaxy Note 5 at their next game of bowls.
Priced at the same juncture as the OneTouch 2004C, the Smart Kicka is similarly produced by Alcatel. The device includes a 320×480 SD display, a 2MP camera, a 14,00 mAh battery and an internal memory of 4GB. The Smart Kicka arrives with Android 4.4.2, giving any senior the potential to connect to the web without having to fork out extra cash for feature sets they might not use, costing just R549 at retail.
LG Gentle
We were initially quite bemused by the LG Gentle – an Android 5.1 Lollipop smartphone that makes a throwback to the days of flip-keyboard with a large numerical keyboard.
Things progress from the Smart Kicka here, as the Gentle includes a 0.3 megapixel front facing camera (should any senior feel like busting a selfie) and additionally includes a 1.1Ghz processor, 1,700mAh battery, and a 320×480 display here.
For seniors, this is a great throwback device that offers a hint of familiarity but includes the means to converse with loved ones over the likes of WhatsApp. The LG Gentle sees limited availability in SA, but should cost a rough retail price of R400-600 ZAR.
LG G4 Beat
We loved the LG G4 Beat, which manages to distill many of the premium qualities of the flagship G4 into a far more affordable package. What makes this an equitable contender for seniors is not only its value proposition, but its customisable nature as an Android phone and its rich leather back, which LG will treat South African consumers to.
We’d recommend running LG’s Simple Home option on the G4 Beat, but we’ve placed this device on our best phones for seniors list as feel that this device – between its great camera, premium feel and large size compared to the other devices on this list – offers a great spec for seniors who’re smartphone literate but don’t need nor want a top-of-the-line Android phone. The LG G4 Beat retails for approximately R4000 ZAR, but is presently being offered by Vodacom on contract for R220pm.
What are your thoughts on our top 5 best phones for seniors? Do you have a device you’d like to recommend? Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Follow Bryan Smith on Twitter: @bryansmith1138
