Best Android Phones for Seniors

January 19, 2022 amie-clark

Author: Amie Clark | January 19, 2022

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Jitterbug Smart3 - Easiest to Use

Overall Rating:

4.8 / 5

View Packages

Call for best price:
855-403-6340

What We Like ↓

Google Pixel 5a - Best Overall Value

Overall Rating:

4.6 / 5

What We Like ↓

OnePlus 9 Pro - Best Advanced Features

Overall Rating:

4.1 / 5

What We Like ↓

Apple’s line of iPhones continues to be a popular option to seniors, but Android phones offer a solid alternative. Capable of doing nearly anything an iPhone can — and often coming at a lower price — an Android phone is a great choice for any older adult looking for a more customizable phone experience.

The newest Android phones are also compatible with 5G, which enables them to run at lightning-fast speeds.

FYI: If you’re looking to save money on a new phone or plan, check out our guide to senior discounts on phones.

List of the Best Android Phones for Seniors

Jitterbug Smart3 : Easiest to Use
Google Pixel 5a : Best Overall Value
OnePlus 9 Pro : Best Advanced Features

How We Chose the Best Android Cell Phones for Seniors

When choosing the best Android phones for seniors, here’s what we looked for.

Cost: Other smartphones can cost upward of $1,000, but Android phones often offer an affordable alternative. We looked for the phones that come at prices for every budget.
Camera quality: If you’re upgrading from a flip phone to an Android, you’ll likely be impressed by the camera quality on these devices. When choosing our favorites, we looked for devices with cameras that could even replace your traditional digital camera.
Battery life: You’ll likely use your phone to accomplish many tasks, so make sure it will last a long time. When testing these phones, we made sure each of their batteries could last an entire day before needing a recharge.
Hearing aid compatibility: To make sure people who use hearing aids don’t experience excess noises, we tested these phones to see whether they’re compatible with hearing aids.
Low-cost data plans: If you purchase an Android, you’ll likely want to use it for streaming videos and browsing the web. Because of this, we looked only for phones that are compatible with affordable data plans that won’t slam you with overage charges.

Android Phones for Seniors Compared

Phone	Price	Screen Size	Camera Quality	Battery Life	Ideal For
Google Pixel 5	$449.99	6.43 inches	16MP	9 hours talk time 7 days standby	People who want a high-powered smartphone without the hefty price tag.
Jitterbug Smart3	$149.99	6.2 inches	13MP	12 hours talk time 10 days standby	People who want a simple phone that can make video calls, send messages, and browse the web.
OnePlus 9 Pro	$969.00	6.7 inches	50MP	12 hours talk time 11 days standby	People who want an advanced smartphone with high-powered cameras, battery, and processing.

Best Android Based Phones for Seniors

1. Jitterbug Smart3 - Easiest to Use

4.8 / 5

View Packages

Call for best price:
855-403-6340

What We Like Most:

Large, bright screen
Easy menu navigation
Medical alert features
Affordable price

Overview

Price: $149.99

Made by Lively, the creators of the original Jitterbug Flip Phone and other phones for seniors, the Jitterbug Smart3 combines simple design with the advanced features of a smartphone. Powered by the Android operating system, the Jitterbug Smart3 can make video calls, send messages, and browse the web with aplomb.

What stands out most about this phone, however, is how easy it is to use. With its intuitive list-based menus, the Jitterbug Smart3 streamlines the traditional Android layout. The downside is that you can’t customize this phone as much as others on this list, but it also allows just about anyone to pick it up and start using it. The learning curve is practically nonexistent.

When you purchase a phone from Lively, you’ll have the option of adding a health and safety package to your cellular plan. These plans, starting at an additional $19.99 per month, give you quick access to emergency responders, turning your phone into a medical alert device.

Pros

Intuitive Design
Hearing Aid Compatible
Large, Bright Screen
No Long-Term Contracts
Medical Alert Capabilities
Powerful Camera

Cons

Must Be Charged Nightly
Somewhat Large

To learn more about this phone, read our Jitterbug Smart review. If you prefer a simpler option, take a look at our Lively Flip review.

Lively consistently ranks as one of our favorite cellular providers for seniors. To learn more, check out our list of this year’s best smartphones for seniors.

2. Google Pixel 5a - Best Overall Value

4.6 / 5

What We Like Most:

High-quality camera
IP67 water-resistance
Large, bright screen
Compatible with 5G

Overview

Price: $449.99

Made by Google, the Pixel 5a is our favorite Android phone for seniors because of its large screen, durability, and striking camera quality. Despite its impressive specs, it costs less than half of other premier Android phones.

The first thing we loved about this phone was its large and bright screen, which made it incredibly easy to adjust the size of text and navigate the internet. The screen makes the Pixel 5a one of the best phones for visually impaired seniors. In our tests, we also found the Pixel 5a worked with hearing aids without causing any extra noise or feedback.

When it came to the Pixel 5a’s camera, we were impressed by the quality of images we were able to capture. The rear-facing camera took photos worthy of a photo album, and the front-facing camera made for high-quality selfies and video calls.

On top of all this, the Pixel 5a was simple to use. Android devices are known for their high level of customization, but inexperienced users can pick up the Pixel 5a and use it with little hassle.

Pros

High-quality camera
IP67 water resistance
Large, bright screen
Compatible with 5G
M4/T3 hearing aid compatibility

Cons

Average battery life
No wireless charging

The Pixel 5a is our choice for the best Android phone for seniors.

FYI: Did you know Android phones can be purchased unlocked, which means they can be used on any network? To learn about the process, check out our rundown of the best unlocked phones for seniors.

3. OnePlus 9 Pro - Best Advanced Features

4.1 / 5

What We Like Most:

Stellar camera
Long battery life
High-definition screen
Water-resistant

Overview

Price: $969.99

If we think of the Jitterbug Smart3 as the Toyota Camry of Android phones — durable, reliable, and affordable — then the OnePlus 9 Pro would be a Rolls Royce. Its 120-hertz display renders videos and images with a high level of clarity and definition, and the overall design is beautiful to look at.

The phone features three cameras: a 50-megapixel ultra-wide, a 48-megapixel wide, and an 8-megapixel telephoto, all of which adds up to the phone being able to take professional-quality photographs. Its 16-megapixel front camera also makes for quality selfies and video chats.

Another thing we love about the OnePlus 9 Pro is its battery life. In our test, the phone lasted for 12 hours with heavy use (streaming, calling, etc.), giving it the longest battery life of any phone on this list. It can also charge — wirelessly or traditionally — in less than 30 minutes, which makes it perfect if you’re prone to using all your battery life.

Pros

Stellar camera
Long battery life
High-definition screen
Water resistant
Rapid charging
Advanced processing

Cons

More expensive than other phones on this list
Difficult to use with one hand

The main drawback of the OnePlus 9 Pro is its cost. Starting at $969, it is on the more expensive end. It’s priced lower than flagship phones from Samsung and Apple, though, which makes it a decent deal.

Which Cellular Network Is Best for Android Phones?

Android phones are compatible with most major networks, but you’ll want to select a provider that offers unlimited data. Otherwise, you risk getting hefty overage charges. Currently, the best and most affordable unlimited plans are from T-Mobile.

T-Mobile cellular plans for seniors start at $27.50 per month. They include unlimited talk, text, and data, in addition to 5G access, allowing your phone to operate at faster speeds.

If you’re interested in medical alert features, then you may want to consider Lively phones for seniors. Unlimited data will cost a bit more with this provider, but some plans provide access to urgent responders and board-certified doctors to help answer any medical queries.

Why Should Seniors Consider an Android Phone?

The primary benefit of choosing Android is freedom. iPhones are known for simplicity and a general sleekness, but Android phones come in all shapes, sizes, and price points, allowing you to find the best option for your needs.

If, however, you’re interested in an iPhone, check out our rundown of the best iPhones for seniors. Additionally, check out our other helpful guides to phones.

Best Androids for Seniors Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest smartphone to use for seniors?
The Jitterbug Smart3 is the easiest smartphone to use for seniors due to its large screen, simple design, and voice commands.
Which Android phone is best for senior citizens?
The Google Pixel 5a is our favorite Android phone for seniors due to its durability, hearing aid compatibility, and ease of use.
What is the best smartphone for seniors?
The best smartphone for seniors will depend on the person, but you can’t go wrong with the iPhone 12, the Jitterbug Smart3, or the Google Pixel 5a.
Which is better: Samsung or Apple?
Both manufacturers make quality smartphones, but we prefer Apple’s iPhones since they are incredibly easy to use and their cameras offer consistently good quality.

Written By

Amie Clark

Amie has been writing about senior care products and services for the last decade. She is particularly passionate about new technologies that help improve the quality of life for seniors and their families. Seeing her parents and grandparents age made Amie ask herself, “Would this be good enough for my loved ones?” In her spare time, Amie enjoys outdoor adventures and spontaneous road trips. Learn more about Amie here