Smartphones for Elderly

What Makes a Smartphone for the Elderly Different?

A smartphone for the elderly differs in several aspects from a conventional modern mobile phone.

Smartphones for the Elderly have SOS Buttons that can Save Lives

Smartphones for the Elderly have one essential feature that makes them stand out - the SOS button. When you press it, your mobile phone sends an emergency message to up to five selected contacts or the emergency services. The best mobile phones for the elderly also include a built-in GPS locator which will also send your exact location to your contacts. The SOS buttons vary depending on the operating system.

• Android phones for seniors usually include an SOS button on the back of the phone and you only need to press it once. On newer models, however, it can appear directly on the main screen as a large icon that you just need to hold down.

How to Choose Smartphones for the Elderly?

If you're choosing a smartphone for the elderly, look at the following parameters.

Smartphones for the Elderly Should Have a Clear Display

Be sure to choose a smartphone for the elderly user based on the display. A larger phone with a diagonal above 5.5″ will be harder to operate with one hand, but it's easier for older fingers to hit the right buttons. The next most important parameter is then the display resolution, which is given in PPI. The higher the value, the brighter, sharper and easier to read the display of the mobile phone for the elderly will be.

Smartphones for the elderly with HD display resolution are not among the best, but they are still widely used. The resolution of the display tells you about the quality of the image and is given in pixels. More pixels mean a finer image. FullHD resolution delivers better image detail that you'll appreciate when watching videos.

How Long Does a Smartphone for the Elderly Last on a Single Charge?

A touchscreen smartphone for the elderly with Wi-Fi generally has a shorter battery life than a traditional button phone because the smartphone will have more features and a larger display. You can tell the capacity by the milliampere hour (mAh) value, and higher means longer lasting. Touchscreen phones for seniors can last longer than two days, but it depends on several factors (brightness, Wi-Fi, apps, features).

The Operating Systems of Smartphones for the Elderly

A touchscreen smartphone for the elderly has an operating system while a traditional push-button phone works without an operating system. This affects both the operation and the functioning of the smartphone. The Android phone for seniors has a software extension that features a simple interface and menu without unnecessary functions. It also has large icons and buttons with easy-to-read letters and numbers. These phones for the elderly have larger memory which makes them run more smoothly, ensures they don't crash, and make them handle several operations at once.

Even Smartphones for the Elderly Can Take Lovely Photos

Even a smartphone for the elderly can take surprisingly good photos. The number of megapixels (Mpx) usually affects the quality of the photo or video you take. The more pixels the phone has, the more detailed the photos you can take. The common smartphone for seniors is equipped with a 13- to 64-megapixel lens and possibly a fairly good quality front-facing camera for family video calls.

The more photos you take, the more internal storage the smartphone for the elderly will need to have. 32GB is enough for basic use, but 64GB is now considered by manufacturers to be the most basic option. So choose a smartphone for retirees with more memory or a slot for an SD card which will expand the storage capability.

Do you want a Smartphone for the Elderly with Extra Protection?

Accidents happen from time to time, and even smartphones for the elderly may not be the most durable. So choose a model with additional protection against drops, dust or even water. A durable smartphone for elderly people is perfect for weekend trips to the countryside. A minor disadvantage may be a higher weight and larger dimensions.

Which Features are Handy in Smartphones for the Elderly?

A smartphone for the elderly usually offers only basic functions. But some may also offer advanced features that are sure to make life easier for any retiree. Find out what a mobile for seniors has to offer.

• USB-C and USB micro are the charging connectors that always connect on the first try.
• A Stylus is a special pencil for more precise control of touchscreens on smartphones.
• The 3.5mm jack is used to connect headphones for listening to music or the radio.
• The Notification LED alerts you to incoming calls, messages and other notifications.
• A Smartphone with an FM Tuner allows you to listen to your favourite radio stations.
• A Fingerprint reader increases the security of your personal data and unlocks your phone if you don't remember your password.
• Wireless charging simplifies the charging process. You can just put your smartphone on a special charger.
• Data Services (3G/4G/5G) connects the smartphone for seniors to the Internet even outside of home Wi-Fi.
• Face unlocking is an intelligent feature to keep your data safe. Just look into the front camera.

Smartphones for the Elderly with Wireless Technology

These days every smartphone for the elderly already has a Wi-Fi connection to the home internet. Bluetooth can be used to wirelessly connect headphones and speakers, or send files between phones. You can use a smartphone for seniors with GPS as a navigation device, just with a downloaded map or an active internet connection. NFC enables secure and very fast data exchange, especially when it comes to payment and it can replace Bluetooth.

Not Taking Advantage of the Features Offered by Smartphones for the Elderly?

Classic push-button phones for seniors is sufficient for all those who use their mobile phone only for making phone calls and text messages. Some models also connect to the internet and some even have an Android operating system. However, all phones for the elderly share a key feature - large and clear control buttons.