The best smartphones for older people and pensioners in 2021: which one should you buy?

Huawei Y6 (2019)

A smartphone from Huawei, which has a fairly large 6.09-inch display, a budget MediaTek Helio A22 processor, 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal memory. This is not the most powerful solution in this price segment, but it will be sufficient for almost all tasks (we exclude powerful games).

As for the battery capacity, it can be said to be classic - 3020 mAh. On the back cover you can find a fingerprint scanner.

Both cameras are single cameras and take good pictures.

• Screen diagonal: 6.09 inches

• Screen resolution: 1560×720

• Weight: 150 g

• Number of SIM cards: 2

• Processor: MediaTek Helio A22

• Memory capacity: 32 GB

• RAM capacity: 2 GB

• Battery capacity: 3020 mAh

• Rear camera: 13 MP

• Front camera: 8 MP

• Memory card support: yes

Should you pay attention to push-button phones?

Among the offers for older people there are also push-button phones that do not have a high-level operating system.
They can be considered as an option due to their high autonomy and simplicity, but only if it is not possible to teach an elderly relative to use an Android smartphone.

Smartphones have much wider functionality and can provide security for older people, since they have built-in navigation, with which you can send your location to your family at any time. Therefore, they should remain a priority option when choosing a new gadget.

Xiaomi Redmi 8A 2/32GB

The newcomer from Xiaomi is one of the most budget-friendly devices from the Chinese company. And despite the budget, it has everything you need and even more.

The display is 6.22 inches diagonal. The case is plastic, nice, but not striking. Inside there is a very powerful 5000 mAh battery, with support for fast charging. Fast operating speed is ensured by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 chipset and 2 GB of RAM.

The smartphone has a very good main camera with a resolution of 12 MP, but there is no fingerprint sensor, but at least the face unlock function is supported.

• Screen diagonal: 6.22 inches

• Screen resolution: 1520×720

• Weight: 188 g

• Number of SIM cards: 2

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 439

• Memory capacity: 32 GB

• RAM capacity: 2 GB

• Battery capacity: 5000 mAh

• Rear camera: 12 MP

• Front camera: 8 MP

• Memory card support: yes

Which company should you choose?

A reliable company is a serious parameter, because manufacturers with a good reputation invest a lot of effort and money to ensure that the devices they produce last a long time and meet all safety requirements.

Therefore, when choosing a device for the oldest family members, you should choose models from brands such as:

• Xiaomi is a well-known Chinese innovator that creates modern and user-friendly smartphone models;
• Alcatel is a manufacturer from France, whose budget and functional models have been popular among Russians for more than 20 years;
• Samsung is a well-known Korean transnational company, one of the leaders in the production of a variety of household appliances, characterized by a variety of models, high quality products and reasonable prices;
• Meizu is an international corporation, a well-known manufacturer of decent, stylish smartphones with reasonable and reasonable prices;
• Philips is a European company headquartered in the Netherlands that produces a variety of home appliances and mobile devices that meet European standards of reliability, safety and quality.

Honor 8S

Budget option from Honor.

By today's standards, the screen here is not so large - its diagonal is 5.71 inches, but the device turned out to be relatively compact. The processor is an 8-core MediaTek Helio P35 (MT6765) and 2 GB of RAM.

Quite simple cameras are installed, a 3020 mAh battery, and the body is plastic. Like other similar smartphones, it supports two SIM cards and has a slot for a memory card.

There is no fingerprint sensor.

• Screen diagonal: 5.71 inches

• Screen resolution: 1520×720

• Weight: 146 g

• Number of SIM cards: 2

• Processor: MediaTek Helio P35 (MT6765)

• Memory capacity: 32 GB

• RAM capacity: 2 GB

• Battery capacity: 3020 mAh

• Rear camera: 13 MP

• Front camera: 5 MP

• Memory card support: yes

The best smartphones for a pensioner

After analyzing online resources, we have selected the best smartphones that are suitable for use by older people. When compiling the rating, we took into account price-quality ratio, ease of operation, internal characteristics, as well as reviews from owners.

HUAWEI Y6 Prime – easy control and long charging time

Huawei introduces phone models that are well suited for use by older people. The large display (6.09 inches, diagonal) allows you to see large icons quite well, 32 GB of internal memory and 2 GB of RAM, the MediaTek Helio A22 processor is suitable for solving the required number of tasks.

The battery charge lasts for two days, thanks to the good battery capacity of 3020 mAh. There is additional protection for the phone - a fingerprint scanner on the back.

The smartphone is equipped with two cameras – rear – 13 MP, front – 8 MP. The pictures are clear with good color reproduction.

The phone sound is very loud. You can quickly find it by ringtone.

The camera takes pictures quite well.

Advantages:

• large screen;
• good amount of memory;
• the ability to install two SIM cards;
• loud noise;
• fingerprint unlocking;
• there is a slot for memory cards;
• lightweight slim body;
• good quality and price.

Flaws:

• weak camera.

HUAWEI Y6 Prime smartphone review ►

Xiaomi Redmi 8A – large screen and easy navigation

New from Xiaomi. An inexpensive new product from a Chinese company is equipped with everything you need.

The large display (6.22 inches diagonal) does not overload the eyes when working. The body is made of plastic. The attractive design of the phone does not catch the eye.

Thanks to a powerful battery (5000 mAh), the phone retains its charge for a long time. Its performance is ensured by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 processor. The smartphone’s memory is 2 GB. There is a function to support two SIM cards.

The main camera has a good resolution - 12 MP. You can unlock the display by scanning your face.

The phone menu is simple and clear. You can quickly figure it out.

Advantages:

• long battery life and fast charging;
• large bright screen with good color rendering;
• performance;
• loud speaker;
• large icons.

Flaws:

• slow GPS;
• no cover;
• heavy model.

Honor 8S – everything you need at a good price

Compact inexpensive phone. Diagonal – 5.71 inches. Processor – 8-core MediaTek Helio P35 (MT6765). RAM – 2 GB.

There is a 3020 mAh battery. The plastic case has a compartment for two SIM cards, and a memory card, SIM cards.

There is no fingerprint sensor. There is space for two SIM cards and a compartment for a memory card.

The phone has the necessary minimum functions. Suitable for use by retirees who do not need a large number of additional options.

Advantages:

• large amount of memory;
• convenient screen;
• loud noise;
• battery volume;
• inexpensive.

Flaws:

• low functionality.

Meizu M8 – reliable body, loud call

An excellent option for an elderly person. The display (FullView) is bright and does not harm the health of the eyes. The touch screen is small - 5.7 inches. It allows you to quickly move from one application to another. The necessary buttons can be installed on the main screen.

A special feature is the metal body, made in several shades. The phone does not slip in your hands. The processor is Mediatek Helio P22 (MT6762V), the battery capacity is 3100 mAh, there are two cameras – a dual rear camera (12/5 MP), a front camera – 5 MP.

The memory capacity of 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of ROM is sufficient to install everything you need. There is a compartment for a memory card.

On the back cover there is a scanning device to recognize the user's fingerprint.

When you make a call, you can hear the sound even when the phone is in another room, in your pocket or inside your bag.

Advantages:

• nice non-slip body;
• good price-quality ratio;
• charges quickly and works for a long time:
• no screen glare;
• large amount of memory;
• good camera.

Flaws:

• the sensor sensitivity is slightly worse at the edge of the screen;
• no glass or cover.

More about Meizu M8 ►

HUAWEI Y6 Prime (2018)

Budget model HUAWEI Y6 Prime with a diagonal of 5.7 inches. Such a display will allow pensioners to see everything that is happening on the screen. The “old man” processor – Snapdragon 425 – is responsible for the phone’s performance. However, it fully supports all the functions necessary for older people.

The interface of the model is based on Android 8 with the EMUI 8 shell.

Bright colors, large application buttons, and light text ensure simplicity and ease of use.

The speakers in HUAWEI Y6 are loud, so everyone will hear an incoming call, even if the phone is in their pocket. To relieve eye strain, there is a vision protection mode in which blue color predominates. The battery capacity is 3000 mAh, which allows you to use the phone without recharging for more than a day.

Advantages:

• Camera with 13MP matrix;
• Wide diagonal;
• Battery life;
• Cheap model - 9000 rubles.

Flaws:

• Takes a long time to load when turned on;
• Small built-in keyboard that can be changed;
• Sometimes the indicators light up falsely.

More about HUAWEI Y6 Prime ►

Xiaomi Redmi 6A 2/16GB

If the user has asked the question: “Which smartphone should I buy for my mother?”, we recommend the Xiaomi Redmi 6A 2 model. Redmi 6A 2 is a budget line from Xiaomi. Although older people treat technology with care, the gadget is protected by durable glass. The matte cover prevents the gadget from slipping out of your hands.

The battery capacity is 3000mAh. It is enough for 9 hours of watching video at maximum resolution. With normal functions, such as calls, sending SMS, using instant messengers, charging will drop to zero in a day and a half. Communication capabilities are modest, but they are enough for elderly mothers and grandmothers. There is 4G, GPS and Bluetooth.

Software – Android 8.1. In the settings there is a function to increase the size of application icons.

Bright colors, large text, and white background allow older people to quickly adapt when working with a smartphone.

The cost of a gadget from Xiaomi starts at 9,000 rubles.

Advantages:

• Powerful components;
• Good picture quality;
• The battery life reaches two days;
• Loud speaker;

Flaws:

• Frequent advertising from Google and Xiaomi that cannot be disabled;
• Lack of function for transferring applications from phone memory to SD storage.

Xiaomi Redmi 6A smartphone review ►

Alcatel 3 5052D

If you need to choose which smartphone to buy for your grandmother, we suggest the Alcatel 3 5052D model. The phone is equipped with a 5.5-inch diagonal screen with a resolution of 1440x720 pixels. This display has high color rendering and ease of use. The Android 8.0 operating system allows you to quickly get used to the gadget.

The battery capacity is 3000mAh. You can use the model for two days, and the phone body does not heat up.

The built-in speakers are loud, you won't be able to miss a call. There is noise reduction when talking with other subscribers.

The developers constantly update the operating system, which is why there are no slowdowns or lags when working with the gadget. You can purchase the model at a price of 3,500 rubles, depending on the stores.

Advantages:

• Bright display with high color rendering;
• Low price;
• Battery life;
• Loud speaker and noise canceling capability;
• Large dimensions, but light weight.

Flaws:

• Small notification indicator on the front side;
• In demanding games, the back cover gets hot.

Nokia 5.1 16GB

If you need to choose which smartphone to buy for an elderly person, Nokia 5.1 will be a suitable gift. The 5.5-inch display is extended upward and occupies 73% of the front space. Equipped with an IPS matrix, which has high color rendition and a wide viewing angle.

The MediaTek Helio P18 processor allows you to perform not only basic phone functions, but also watch videos and run demanding applications. The Android 8.1 operating system ensures ease of use without lag or stuttering.

The battery capacity is 2970 mAh. The battery charge lasts for 19 hours of talk time. The phone charges within 2 hours.

The menu interface is simplified. There are no additional menu buttons; it is now possible to group applications into categories, which makes it easier to find the information you need.

Advantages:

• Inexpensive price from 8500 rubles;
• There is an NFC module for contactless payment;
• High color rendering;
• Protective glass.

Flaws:

• During prolonged operation, the housing heats up;
• Inconvenient dimensions due to the elongated model.

Meizu M6T 3/32GB

If you have to choose which smartphone model to buy for a pensioner, Meizu M6T 3/32GB will be an excellent option. Equipped with a Full View display that is not harmful to eye health. The phone is designed for grandparents who can use touch phones.

The battery capacity is 3300 mAh, with basic functions, it lasts for 3 days. This battery life is due to the implementation of the Flyme operating system, which consumes a small amount of energy. The shell allows you to customize the interface individually for a person. The necessary application icons are displayed on the main screen, adding ease of use. When using instant messengers, the phone perceives their messages as basic SMS.

Communication capabilities include LTE and 3G module. When making a call, the ringtone is heard loudly, even if the phone is in a bag or pocket.

Advantages:

• High frame rate during operation;
• Availability of two SIM cards;
• Productive components;
• Wide screen without frames;
• You can buy the model for 8,700 rubles;
• Increased degree of security – fingerprint, facial recognition.

Flaws:

• Medium cameras;
• Weak microphone.

More about Meizu M6T ►

Nokia 4.2 3/32GB Android One

But this smartphone can be very useful for some users. The fact is that a separate mechanical button has appeared here to call the Google voice assistant - very convenient.

Other features of the Nokia 4.2 include a stylish design, the presence of an NFC module (can be used, for example, to pay for something), good cameras, and a high-quality 5.71-inch display.

Nokia 4.2 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 chipset, this is a very good, albeit budget, solution.

• Screen diagonal: 5.71 inches

• Screen resolution: 1520×720

• Weight: 161 g

• Number of SIM cards: 2

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 439

• Memory capacity: 32 GB

• RAM capacity: 3 GB

• Battery capacity: 3000 mAh

• Rear camera: dual 13/2 MP

• Front camera: 8 MP

• Memory card support: yes

Rating of the TOP 14 best phones for seniors in 2021

Meizu M8

Despite the 5.7-inch FullView display, the Meizu M8 can hardly be called such a compact smartphone. But it has something very interesting - it is an all-metal body that practically does not slip in your hands (most manufacturers today use plastic or glass).

The Mediatek Helio P22 (MT6762V) chip is installed, 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of ROM, good cameras (dual rear), there is even a fingerprint scanner on the back cover.

You can also choose Meizu M8 in one of several available shades.

• Screen diagonal: 5.7 inches

• Screen resolution: 1440×720

• Weight: 159 g

• Number of SIM cards: 2

• Processor: Mediatek Helio P22 (MT6762V)

• Memory capacity: 64 GB

• RAM capacity: 4 GB

• Battery capacity: 3100 mAh

• Rear camera: dual 12/5 MP

• Front camera: 5 MP

• Memory card support: yes

Minimum functions

First of all, it is receiving incoming and outgoing calls, sending SMS. A necessary condition is a simple menu, using which one could find the desired contact. A special keypad lock button is also desirable. All other functionality - alarm clock, flashlight, calculator, camera or stopwatch - is optional. It all depends on the wishes of the future owner. A pensioner will hardly need to surf the Internet from a mobile gadget.

Also read: TOP 10 best smartphones under 20,000 rubles: 2021 rating and which model to choose in terms of price/quality ratio

OPPO A5s

The OPPO company is well known in our market and has a fairly large number of smartphones.

The A5s model received not only a nice appearance, but also a large 6.2-inch screen - of course, with a drop-shaped cutout at the top, as is done with most of its classmates. We also note a powerful 4230 mAh battery. There is a fingerprint sensor.

In terms of speed, everything is very good, including thanks to the MediaTek Helio P35 (MT6765) processor. The main camera takes good pictures, although this mainly concerns daytime shots. But there is a working 2x zoom.

• Screen diagonal: 6.2 inches

• Screen resolution: 1520×720

• Weight: 170 g

• Number of SIM cards: 2

• Processor: MediaTek Helio P35 (MT6765)

• Memory capacity: 32 GB

• RAM capacity: 3 GB

• Battery capacity: 4230 mAh

• Rear camera: dual 13/2 MP

• Front camera: 8 MP

• Memory card support: yes

Candy bar, clamshell or touchscreen?

Each of the listed options has its own strengths and weaknesses. The simplest option is an inexpensive push-button monoblock. The menu is extremely clear and uncomplicated. Most models are equipped with cameras, but they are low-power and practically not used. If there are games, they are the simplest ones. The advantage of flip phones is their beautiful design, but these phones are not convenient for everyone. But the screen is reliably protected from accidental falls. Touch models are least common among pensioners. They are suitable for “advanced” older people who can handle a multitasking gadget and are not averse to high technology. This option has two disadvantages: high price and difficulty of use. In addition, due to the large number of functions, the battery quickly loses charge.

Also read: TOP 10 best inexpensive smartphones: 2021 rating and which reliable model to choose with a good battery

Nokia 5.1 Plus Android One

A typical middling product from Nokia, but it is interesting for its surprisingly low cost, and this despite the fact that even the back cover is made of glass.

The buyer receives a 5.8-inch screen, albeit with a rather large cutout at the top of the display, a stock version of Android with subsequent updates, a good dual main camera, and a platform based on the MediaTek Helio P60 chipset. Battery capacity - 3060 mAh.

There is also a fingerprint scanner.

• Screen diagonal: 5.8 inches

• Screen resolution: 1520×720

• Weight: 162 g

• Number of SIM cards: 2

• Processor: MediaTek Helio P60

• Memory capacity: 32 GB

• RAM capacity: 3 GB

• Battery capacity: 3060 mAh

• Rear camera: dual 13/5 MP

• Front camera: 8 MP

• Memory card support: yes

Xiaomi Redmi 8 3/32GB

In many ways, Redmi 8 repeats the younger model Redmi 8A, but you can’t tell by its appearance - Redmi 8 looks much brighter!

It already has a fingerprint sensor, and the main camera is dual. At the same time, the screen diagonal is the same (6.22 inches), as is the battery capacity - the same impressive 5000 mAh. Even the processor is Qualcomm Snapdragon 439. But the amount of RAM and internal memory here is higher, which will certainly have a beneficial effect when running some applications with high system requirements.

Of course, Redmi 8 is more expensive.

• Screen diagonal: 6.22 inches

• Screen resolution: 1520×720

• Weight: 188 g

• Number of SIM cards: 2

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 439

• Memory capacity: 32 GB

• RAM capacity: 3 GB

• Battery capacity: 5000 mAh

• Rear camera: dual 12/2 MP

• Front camera: 8 MP

• Memory card support: yes

Honor 8A

An inexpensive and attractive smartphone from Honor with a fairly large 6.09-inch display and a plastic body. As you can see, there is a fingerprint scanner on the back of the case.

Honor 8A is powered by a MediaTek Helio P35 (MT6765) processor, memory capacity is 2 GB RAM and 32 GB main. Battery capacity is 3020 mAh.

A special feature of this smartphone is the presence of an NFC module.

• Screen diagonal: 6.09 inches

• Screen resolution: 1560×720

• Weight: 150 g

• Number of SIM cards: 2

• Processor: MediaTek Helio P35 (MT6765)

• Memory capacity: 32 GB

• RAM capacity: 2 GB

• Battery capacity: 3020 mAh

• Rear camera: 13 MP

• Front camera: 8 MP

• Memory card support: yes

Motorola Moto E5 Plus 32GB

Motorola Moto E5 Plus primarily attracts with its stylish design, and, as it seems to us, this is especially true for the round rear camera module and fingerprint sensor with a logo inscribed in it.

But if we abstract from the design, it turns out that the Moto E5 Plus is good in other ways: it has a high-quality 6-inch display, a powerful 5000 mAh battery (sorry, no fast charging), good cameras, albeit a budget one, but still quite good part of the power is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 processor.

And all this for a very reasonable price.

• Screen diagonal: 6 inches

• Screen resolution: 1440×720

• Weight: 200 g

• Number of SIM cards: 2

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 425

• Memory capacity: 32 GB

• RAM capacity: 3 GB

• Battery capacity: 5000 mAh

• Rear camera: 12 MP

• Front camera: 8 MP

• Memory card support: yes

ALCATEL 2008G - the most popular push-button (but definitely not the best)

Judging by the number of reviews on Yandex.Market and the number of offers in online stores, this phone clearly holds the lead in the category of the most popular model with keys.
Reviews note that the main disadvantage of this device is the inconvenient menu. However, it has the ability to configure shortcut keys (so that when you press and hold a number, the specified number is immediately dialed). Therefore, all you have to do is fiddle with the menu once, set up quick calls, and you’ll end up with a good, solid grandmother’s phone. Yes, another disadvantage is the relatively weak vibration alert. It is better to turn on the sound signal, there are no problems with it.

But the reviews note a lot of advantages: a non-slip and well-assembled case, large and soft keys, large and easily readable text on the screen, a relatively powerful battery, a loud signal, good call quality. The phone has Bluetooth, which is probably not needed. And there is also a camera, but the shooting quality is, as expected, mediocre. But there is a radio, which according to reviews works very well. This may be relevant.

ZTE Blade V10 Vita 3/64GB

Inexpensive solution from ZTE.

The buyer gets everything he needs: a large 6.26-inch display, a dual camera, a budget Unisoc SC9863A chipset, which is more than enough for normal use (without powerful games), a relatively light body (150 g), and a battery capacity of 3200 mAh .

The icing on the cake is the NFC module.

• Screen diagonal: 6.26 inches

• Screen resolution: 1520×720

• Weight: 150 g

• Number of SIM cards: 2

• Processor: Unisoc SC9863A

• Memory capacity: 64 GB

• RAM capacity: 3 GB

• Battery capacity: 3200 mAh

• Rear camera: dual 13/2 MP

• Front camera: 8 MP

• Memory card support: yes

Xiaomi Redmi 7A 2/32GB

One of the cheapest Xiaomi smartphones on the Russian market. Although formally this is a model of the previous generation, it is still on sale, and it also has a significantly smaller display than the new generation device - 5.45 inches.

A powerful 4000 mAh battery is installed, a proven Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 processor and 2 GB of RAM in this version.

There is no fingerprint sensor, but the face unlock function is supported.

• Screen diagonal: 5.45 inches

• Screen resolution: 1440×720

• Weight: 165 g

• Number of SIM cards: 2

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 439

• Memory capacity: 32 GB

• RAM capacity: 2 GB

• Battery capacity: 4000 mAh

• Rear camera: 13 MP

• Front camera: 5 MP

• Memory card support: yes

Criterias of choice

• Comfortable use. A phone for the elderly should fit comfortably in the hand and not slip out or cause fatigue.
• Easy to use. An important criterion for older people, so that they can quickly navigate the device interface.
• Ring volume. Before purchasing, it is necessary to clarify this parameter, especially when choosing a device for a person with reduced hearing function. Phones with loud speakers will help you always stay in touch.
• Large symbols. Large font on the keyboard will ensure error-free dialing.
• Battery capacity. The battery must hold its charge in autonomous mode for a long time, otherwise the pensioner risks being left without communication. This is an important parameter for those who are unattended for a long time or live alone.
• Key size. The larger they are, the more comfortable it is for pensioners to use the phone. It is worth paying attention to the location of the buttons and their distance from each other.
• Voice guidance for dialing. A useful option, using which a person with poor vision can determine by ear whether the number is correct.
• SOS button . It allows you to quickly call emergency services or loved ones - messages are sent to preset numbers, and automatic redial is activated. In some devices, the button works as a siren when you need to attract the attention of others.

Today, the digital market is replete with goods of different price categories. Choosing the best phone for seniors is a difficult task. After studying all the proposals, a rating was compiled for 2021 - 2022, which included the best models according to experts and user reviews.

Nokia 2.2 16GB Android One

Budget model from Nokia.

The features are as follows: a separate key for calling the voice assistant from Google, a stock version of Android, as well as replaceable rear panels.

The display diagonal is 5.71 inches, the battery capacity is 3000 mAh, the chipset is 4-core MediaTek Helio A22 + 2 GB of RAM.

There is no fingerprint scanner, but like its competitors, it has face unlock.

• Screen diagonal: 5.71 inches

• Screen resolution: 1520×720

• Weight: 153 g

• Number of SIM cards: 2

• Processor: MediaTek Helio A22

• Memory capacity: 16 GB

• RAM capacity: 2 GB

• Battery capacity: 3000 mAh

• Rear camera: 13 MP

• Front camera: 5 MP

• Memory card support: yes

ONEXT Lollipop 3G

• screen: 2.4 inches, color
• permission:
• battery: 1450 mAh
• memory: 32 MB, memory cards up to 16 GB
• SOS button: no
• additional features: FM radio, 2 SIM cards

This is the case when a phone can be bought only for its design. It’s unlikely that design decisions are important for “granny phones,” but bright colors are a matter of functionality, since such a device is easier to find than a black one if lost. Otherwise, the characteristics are typical for such phones.