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Mobile phones for seniors reviews

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Last updated: 08 March 2023
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Older people and young children may find a simple, easy-to-use mobile phone to be a more accessible (and cheaper) option than a smartphone. 

Our experts test and review a range of phones from Opel, Olitech, Doro, Telstra and more to help find the models that:

  • are best for low vision
  • are best for hearing loss
  • have the best sound when making and taking a phone call
  • have the largest buttons
  • make it simple to call out to emergency services
  • make it easy to install a SIM.
 
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This test covers popular phone models targeted at older Australians, such as the Olitech EasyFlip 2, Opel BigButton M mobile and Swissvoice C50s.

Our Recommended list will quickly show you which models come out on top, and you can use our interactive comparison tool to find out which models can automatically make emergency calls or send text messages and which ones offer good support and help.

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Brand

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List of brands we tested in this review.

    Price

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    The recommended retail price at the time of testing.

    enter value/s in increments of 1 between 0 and 999

    Recommended products

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    Mobile type

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    Bar mobiles and flip phones have a physical number keypad. Rugged mobiles can endure extra wear and tear and tend to have a rubber casing, while smartphones can do a lot more than just talk and text with greater support for apps. Android mobile owners also have an option to download and use an Android senior app, which provides a simpler main menu for common tasks.

      4G support

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      The ability for the mobile to support a 4G mobile network is important if you intend to keep your mobile phone for more than a couple of years as the existing 3G network is scheduled to be shut down for mobile phone calls and texting by 2024.

        Hearing aid support

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        The Microphone (M) rating and T-coil (T) rating determine how well your hearing aid will work with your mobile phone. If you use your hearing aid in Microphone mode (M), look for a phone with an M3 or M4 rating. If you prefer telecoil coupling (T), look for a phone with T3 or T4 rating. 

          Maximum speakerphone volume (dB)

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          Measurement (dB) taken at 1 metre from speakerphone.

          enter value/s in increments of i between 42 and 88

          Included in this review

          Members-only access
          • CHOICE Expert Rating
          • Recommended
          • Vision score
          • Dexterity score
          • Sound receiving score
          • Sound sending score
          • SMS score
          • Manual and support score
          • SIM installation score
          • Maximum ringer volume dBa
          • Maximum speakerphone volume dBa
          • Good points
          • Bad points
          • Price
          • Mobile type
          • 4G support
          • Screen size inches
          • Standard headphone socket 35mm
          • Hearing aid support
          • Emergency button
          • Charging cradle
          • USB type
          • Torch
          • MMS support
          • WhatsApp installed
          • Predictive text
          • Menu font adjustable
          • Video capture
          • Micro SD
          • FM radio
          • Removeable battery
          • Maximum speed dial storage
          • In use claimed hours
          • Standby claimed days
          • Battery capacity mAh
          • Camera resolution mp
          • Bluetooth
          • Total storage possible GB
          • Country of origin
          • SIM type
          • Dimensions mm h x w x d
          • Weight grams
          • SAR wkg

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