For many of us, mobile phones have become a fundamental part of our daily lives. Beyond helping us keep in touch with family and friends, smartphones aid us to do everything from giving directions in unfamiliar areas to keeping us updated on the weather and even monitoring our daily exercise.

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But, they aren't always the most user-friendly. The sheer quantity of options and apps now available on most smartphones means that their interfaces can be crowded and difficult to navigate, with often limited instructions.

To help you find a device that suits your needs, we have put together a list of the best smartphones for ease of use, detailing their pros, cons and key features.

Before that, we've also included advice on what to look out for when it comes to smartphones for older people, including large, high-resolution screens, simple interfaces and any accessibility settings that may be helpful to get the most from your new device.

Here is our pick of the best smartphones for older people to buy in 2024.

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For more on the latest technology and gaming, check out our roundup of Xbox Game Pass games available in January 2024 and find out our answer to the question is the Meta Quest 3 worth it?

Or take a look at our recommendations for the best tablet for older people for more user-friendly products.

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Best smartphones for older people at a glance:

How to choose the best smartphone for older people

Everyone's priorities will be a little bit different when it comes to choosing a smartphone. Which phone you end up choosing will depend on what you want to use it for, how often you'll be using it and what you're willing to spend.

However, there are some overarching features that are worth being aware of when looking for a smartphone for older people. These include a large display that's sharp and vibrant, a user-friendly interface and a good range of accessibility settings.

Big screen

There's no denying that smartphones have steadily gotten bigger and bigger over the last decade. While this means that most smartphones have outgrown our pockets, it does mean larger and higher resolution screens.

The aim is to get a nice balance between the two: to get the largest and best quality display possible without the smartphone being so cumbersome, it becomes an inconvenience to carry around with you.

Screen sizes on smartphones can now vary anywhere between 4.7-inches and 6.7-inches.

User-friendly interface

With more and more tech crammed into our smartphones, an easy-to-navigate home-screen and simple interface is essential. If an interface is easy to use, it should only take you a matter of moments to find the apps to make a call, add a new contact or search the internet.

The two main interfaces you're likely to find are iOS (Apple) and Android. Apple's iOS is specifically designed for iPhones. Generally, a well-laid-out interface, key apps for iPhone users, such as those for calls, Safari (Apple's internet browser) and iMessages, are found across the bottom of the screen. However, these can be swapped out if there's an app you feel you use more, and you can download new apps from the App Store.

Android is the most commonly-used interface and can be found in phones from brands such as Google, Samsung, Nokia and Oppo. This doesn't mean the home screen will look identical across these brands as each will fiddle to add their own unique look, but the basics will be the same. For example, all Android phones will have Google Play from which you can download new apps.

Accessibility settings

Modern-day smartphones should have basic accessibility settings, but exactly what is available will vary from brand to brand.

Most will allow you to adjust the size of the font to make reading easier, and have hearing aid support and speech-to-text functions. Many will also now allow you to leave voice notes over text or messenger, which are short messages in a similar style to a voicemail that you can record rather than typing out the message.

There are also specialist brands, such as Doro, that create mobile phones for older people in mind. These tend to have the most comprehensive functions. In the case of the Doro 8050, it comes with extra-large icons for those with visual impairments, hearing aid compatibility, and a 'Response' button that will immediately alert designated 'responders' when pressed.

All these features won't be necessary for everyone, but they do vary between brands, so it is worth considering which, if any, additional settings you may like before making a purchase.

Best smartphones for older people to buy in 2024

Nokia 3.4

Best budget option

Nokia 3.4

Key features:

  • 39-inch 1560 x 720 IPS LCD screen
  • 161 x 76 x 8.7 mm
  • 180g
  • Android 10
  • 13/5/2MP rear cameras
  • 8-megapixel selfie camera
  • Snapdragon 460 CPU
  • 32GB storage
  • 3GB RAM
  • 4000mAh battery

Pros:

  • Low cost
  • Clean software

Cons:

  • Slow performance
  • Limited storage
  • Uninspiring camera quality

Nokia has made a name for itself by making simple yet reliable phones at budget prices, and that's exactly what the Nokia 3.4 is.

Features include a 6.39-inch 720p LCD display, a rear fingerprint sensor and a front punch hole camera that is tucked away in the top left corner of the screen. Plus, it also has a wired headphone jack.

As with any smartphone at this price point, there are a few caveats. The main one is that the cameras don't quite offer the 108MP of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, but it's also a good deal cheaper.

Read the full Nokia 3.4 review.

Buy the Nokia 3.4 SIM-free:

Google Pixel 7

Best for simple interface

Google Pixel 7 featured image

Key features:

  • Google Tensor G2 chip
  • 6.3 inch AMOLED display
  • Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
  • Android 13
  • IP68 dust/water resistant
  • 90Hz AMOLED display
  • 8GB of RAM
  • 128GB or 256GB of storage

Pros:

  • Amazing camera
  • Speedy new processor
  • Brilliant value
  • Google software and Google hardware combine with great results
  • Slick interface and user experience
  • Accessible and easy to use

Cons:

  • Display only 90Hz
  • No optical zoom
  • Unremarkable fast-charging

The Google Pixel 7 is one of our favourite phones right now, and it can suit older users — and those less familiar with smartphones — too. It has one of the easiest interfaces to navigate, the home screen is clutter-free, and apps are alphabetically ordered in the pull-up menu.

Beyond this, the best-selling point of the Google Pixel 7 is the camera. Google's image processing software makes it easy to take great photos, even if smartphone cameras are new to you. Also, the IP68 dust and water resistance rating offers peace of mind.

Read the full Google Pixel 7 review for more info.

Shopping for yourself? Take a look at the best Google Pixel 7a deals.

Buy the Google Pixel 7:

iPhone SE

Best for iPhone fans

iPhone SE

Key features:

  • Glass and aluminium design
  • 4.7-inch retina display
  • A13 Bionic chip
  • 12MP wide camera
  • Portrait Mode and depth control on camera
  • 4K video
  • QuickTake – which means you can start recording by just holding down on the shutter
  • 1,821mAh battery
  • Touch ID
  • Water-resistant up to 1 metre for 30 mins
  • Apple Pay

Pros:

  • Lightweight
  • Access the App store to plunder
  • iOS experience is seamless
  • Camera results excellent

Cons:

  • Fairly short battery life
  • Uses some old screen tech
  • Portrait mode doesn’t work on pets and objects

Marketed as the 'affordable' iPhone, the iPhone SE is smaller than the likes of the iPhone 14 Pro. Featuring a 4.7-inch display, the iPhone SE doesn't quite come with all the bells and whistles of the flagship, but that doesn't mean it should be discounted either.

Powered by the same A13 Bionic chip as in the iPhone 11 Pro, the user experience is still brilliant, and you get access to the same Apple-only apps such as iMessage and FaceTime.

Read the full iPhone SE review.

Buy the iPhone SE SIM-free:

Oppo A54 5G

Best for sharp display

Oppo A54 5G

Key features:

  • Snapdragon 480 CPU
  • 4GB RAM
  • 64GB storage
  • 6.5in 1080p 90Hz screen
  • 162.9 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm
  • 190g
  • 48/8/2/2MP rear cameras
  • 16MP selfie camera
  • 5000mAh battery

Pros:

  • Low price for a 5G phone
  • Nice sharp screen
  • Long battery life
  • Solid primary camera

Cons:

  • Plastic build – typical in this class
  • Weak secondary cameras
  • Mono speaker

The Oppo A54 5G's battery will easily last a full day of errands and have some charge to spare. This makes the A54 a great option if you'd rather not have to top-up during the day or just have a habit of forgetting to plug in your phone before bed (we hate it when that happens).

The HD screen is a decent 6.5-inches, too. The phone has a total of five cameras, but the main 48MP camera is the one worth talking about: it's extremely quick to respond with no delayed focusing or lag when you press the shutter button.

The design is a little plastic-y, but that is fairly typical of a 5G phone at this price point, and it does mean it's less likely to scratch or wear badly than a glass or metallic finish.

Read the full Oppo A54 5G review.

Buy the Oppo A54 5G SIM-free:

Moto G50

Best budget 5G option

Moto G50

Key features:

  • 6.5-inch
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G CPU
  • 5G mobile internet
  • Android 11
  • 64GB storage
  • 4GB RAM
  • 5000mAh battery
  • 48/5/2MP rear cameras
  • 13MP front camera
  • 164.9 x 74.9 x 9 mm
  • 192g

Pros:

  • Low price for 5G
  • Excellent battery life
  • Decent, if mono, speaker

Cons:

  • Low-resolution screen
  • Basic camera array
  • It’s not a gaming powerhouse

The Motorola Moto G50 is an affordable smartphone that does the basics well. None of the features are ground-breaking, but it promises reliability and ease.

Featuring a 6.5-inch screen, the phone is plenty big enough to use for video calls or to watch TV on, and you get a basic, clear silicone case included. This is also another smartphone with a battery that easily lasts a full day (and a bit). Our reviewer found that they often had 40% of their battery life still remaining at the end of the day.

Read the full Motorola Moto G50 review.

Buy the Motorola Moto G50 SIM-free:

Samsung Galaxy A32 5G

Best for Samsung users

Samsung Galaxy A32 5G

Key features:

  • 5G
  • 6.5-inch LCD display
  • 48/8MP rear camera
  • 13MP front camera
  • 4K video
  • 64GB storage
  • MicroSD card for expandable storage
  • 5000mAh battery
  • Headphone port

Pros:

  • 3.5mm headphone port
  • Large display
  • Big battery
  • 5G ready

Cons:

  • Maybe a little big

If you already have Samsung devices like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 or the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus, you might want to consider a Samsung Galaxy phone. It should make getting to grips with it a little easier as you're already used to the software Samsung uses, and there will often be overlap when it comes to layout or design features.

The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G is from the brand's more affordable A-series and features a 6.5-inch LCD display, can shoot 4K video and a huge 5000mAh battery.

Take a look at the best Samsung offers this month, and if you're in the market for a new TV, here are the best QLED TV deals.

Buy the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G SIM-free:

Emporia Smart 5

Best simplified interface

Emporia Smart 5 phone with simplified interface.

Pros:

  • Clever protective cover included
  • Light dust/water protection (IP54)
  • Android smartphone with customised interface
  • Long battery life (over 25 hours)
  • Fully charged within 155 minutes
  • Emergency push button

Cons:

  • No fingerprint sensor

The Emporia Smart 5 is the perfect phone for anyone who's looking for a more stripped back, simplified experience. The streamlined interface puts emphasis on the most important apps and core features, making it perfect for older users.

The Smart 5 is jam packed with features that make the smartphone more accessible to older users. Firstly, it’s one of the rare modern smartphones that comes with a coveted headphone jack, making it perfect for listening to music, podcasts and audiobooks. It’s IP54 rating also gives you added protection from dust and water splashes - though it still shouldn’t be submerged - and the over 25 hour battery is perfect for those days when you forget your charger.

The lack of a fingerprint sensor does hold the phone back but it does come with facial recognition to unlock the phone. Overall, if you’re looking for simplicity at a reasonable, albeit not cheap, price then the Emporia Smart 5 fulfils the brief.

Buy the Emporia Smart 5:

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Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro

Best for big screen

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro

Key features:

  • Curved toughened glass back panel
  • 6.67in 120Hz OLED screen
  • Snapdragon 732G CPU
  • 128GB storage
  • 108MP/8/5/2MP rear cameras
  • 16MP selfie camera

Pros:

  • Large OLED screen
  • Classy glass back
  • Macro camera
  • Good primary camera
  • Long battery life

Cons:

  • No 5G
  • May be a little large for some

There are three main talking points when it comes to the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro: its massive OLED screen, its quad-camera set-up and its battery that can easily be stretched across two days. All of which is still available for a surprisingly affordable £199.50.

The 6.67-inch display makes it a great device for watching videos or making video calls on, but it does mean the smartphone is a little on the larger side. This won't suit everyone, but there's no doubt the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro is a brilliant budget smartphone.

Read the full Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro review.

Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro SIM-free:

Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G

Poco M3 Pro

Best for battery life

Key features:

  • Future-proofed with 5G connectivity
  • 161.81mm x 75.34mm x 8.92mm
  • 6.5-inch FHD+ LCD display (2400 x 1080)
  • 90Hz screen refresh rate
  • MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset
  • 5,000 mAh battery
  • 48 MP main camera, 8MP selfie camera
  • Side fingerprint sensor and face unlock
  • Bluetooth 5.1
  • 3.5mm headphone jack on top

Pros:

  • Great value for money
  • 5G connectivity
  • Smooth 90 Hz display
  • Long-lasting battery
  • UI is nice once tidied up

Cons:

  • Large logo on the back
  • Too much pre-installed software
  • Battery takes a long time to charge
  • Glossy back is a fingerprint magnet

Poco may not be as prominent in the UK market as the likes of Google, Nokia and Samsung, but the M3 Pro 5G has some good features to its name.

Firstly, it's another smartphone with decent battery life. The phone can easily be used all day and still have 50% charge left the following morning. If you're looking for that assurance that the phone won't die on you during the day, the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro is a solid choice.

Secondly, the big 6.5-inch Full HD display is a winner. The Poco M3 Pro also comes with 'reading mode' which adjusts colours to warmer hues while reducing blue light. A good option for the evenings when you may be after more subdued lighting.

Read the full Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G review.

Buy the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G SIM-free:

Doro 8050

Best for accessibility

Doro 8050

Key features:

  • 5.5-inch screen
  • Android
  • 13MP rear camera
  • 5MP front camera
  • Dedicated home button
  • Assistance button to call friends/family quickly
  • 16GB storage
  • MicroSD card slot

Pros:

  • Long battery life
  • Easy to navigate
  • Built-in screen protection

Cons:

  • Bulky compared to competitors
  • Poor camera quality

Doro specialises in making mobile phones for older people who may have additional accessibility needs.

Along with a 'Response' button that alerts designated 'responders' when pressed, the phone also has built-in screen protection so it can survive a few knocks and falls.

The Doro 8050 can last up to 330 hours (or 13 days) when not in active use. This makes it a good option as an emergency device, or if you know that it's not going to get much use beyond the occasional call or trip out.

The screen of the Doro 8050 is a little small at 5.5-inches, and it doesn't have the same camera specs as most of the others on this list, but it is hearing aid compatible, and the interface is one of the simplest and easiest to navigate.

Buy the Doro 8050 SIM-free at:

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For more guides and product reviews, head to the Technology section. Make sure to protect your phone with one of the best phone case brands.

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