If you ever believed that the polar opposite of a “smart phone” was a “dumb phone,” just wait until you see the amount of individuals who have little or no interest in smartphones. Of course, smartphones are the current craze, and flip phones are only one step behind, but that’s exactly way most seniors want it.
The appeal of flip phones is that they are useful for aging elders who would benefit greatly from sparing themselves the burden of learning how to use a smart phone. While the primary role of flip phones is to provide customers with basic mobile device capabilities, some are specifically developed with older folks in mind.
What are flip phones?
Flip phones are mobile devices that provide consumers with basic mobile device capabilities. They are extremely user-friendly gadgets that are highly suggested for the elderly who wish to bridge the gap between outdated phones and smartphones.
They are distinguished by the presence of a flappable (flip) cover connected to the body of the phone. When flipped open, the cover also acts as the screen. This flap cover functions as a rapid notification system (with the little screen hidden behind it) as well as a protective feature for the device itself.
Why are flip phones suitable for elderly seniors?
We’ve all seen an old person make a complete mess of attempting to use a smartphone – it’s amusing, but it’s not a huge concern. It just wasn’t popular during their age (generational difference). Flip phones allow seniors to concentrate on their primary need for a mobile phone – communication (and most times, nothing more).
Why are flip phones used? The screen, the most crucial aspect of a phone, is automatically protected with flip phones. Furthermore, they have been around for a long time, and many senior people have become acclimated to their functioning and user interface.
Flip phones for the elderly (seniors): What to look out for
Just so you know, purchasing flip phones requires nearly as much attention to detail as buying a smartphone. This is due to the fact that there are a few things to consider when purchasing a flip phone for personal use or for older people.
The principles listed below will assist you in simply narrowing your selections to a few devices, saving you the stress of purchasing a flip phone only to discover later that you should have purchased a smartphone.
- Appearance: The structure of a flip phone is very important and even though all have the flappy top cover, some phones give you the option of carrying quite a number of operations without even flipping the cover open. On some flip phones, the mini screen serves more than just to notify you of incoming calls or text and to show you battery levels.
- Keyboard: The button arrangements on some keyboards make inadvertent dialing or stressful texting inevitable. On some other flip phones (especially the ones reviewed below), the buttons are big and well-spaced. Be sure to check out this feature before proceeding to purchase a flip phone… well, except you don’t mind.
- Speaker: Be sure to check out the loudness and clarity of the flip phone’s speakers, especially if the user has some form of hearing impairment. This feature might be the making or breaking factor and it varies from phone to phone.
- Durability: You might not be able to easily determine this, but there are some flip phones that give a sign away about how much fall or rugged use they can withstand. You might notice it in the way some phones flip, some it’s in the way their buttons press, and so on.
- Battery life: Flip phones should logically be able to go over a day on standby and around 5 hours of straight talk time. You don’t want to get a device that’ll be sulking for power every now and then. Be sure to confirm the capacity and duration of the flip phone’s battery before going ahead to part ways with your cash. This is a very important factor.
Review: Best flip phones for seniors (the elderly)
There are several brands of flip phones on the market. This explains why making the proper decision may be so difficult.
To make your decision simpler, we explored the market and evaluated several flip phones with the goal of producing a short list of the finest.
Based on genuine consumer comments, product characteristics, brand trust, and other crucial aspects, we determined that the following flip phones are the finest at the present.
1. GreatCall Jitterbug5 Cell Phone
The GreatCall Jitterbug5 Cell Phone is one of the most popular senior flip phones on the market. More and more consumers are discovering new uses for their Jitterbug5 flip phone.
The gadget has a noise cancellation function, so you don’t have to yell or strain your ears to hear or be heard clearly. It also has distinguishing keys to eliminate the possibility of mistakenly hitting the incorrect buttons. The highlight is that the Jitterbug5 features a medical emergency button and excellent customer service. It’s also shockingly inexpensive.
Cool features
- Distinctive big buttons to aid texting/dialing.
- Really light weight at just 3.8 ounces.
- Very interactive, with just “Yes” or “No” commands.
- Screen texts have bold fonts and size.
- Very user friendly.
- Long lasting battery.
- Toughly built to enhance durability.
- Voice commands/Voice dialing.
- One-touch 5Star button auto-dials for medical assistance.
- Very affordable device (a bargain for its functions).
Shortcomings
- The monthly plans can be expensive.
2. LG Exalt
The LG Exalt flip phone comes highly recommended for elders. It is tough, lightweight, and long-lasting. One of its main selling points is its battery longevity. The phone’s 3.2-inch display eliminates the need for straining, and the keys are neatly placed. It has a compass and a GPS-enabled navigation system. What else? It’s reasonably priced.
Cool features
- Interactive and very user friendly.
- Easy to carry around at just 3.8 Ounces.
- Voice interaction (text reader and voice dial).
- Bold text font and size, enabling easy reading.
- Bright LED backlight.
- Long lasting battery.
- Accurate GPS & Family Locator.
- A very affordable flip phone.
Shortcomings
- The speakerphone is at the back, making it difficult to use (except of course one holds it while using or turns it face-down).
3. Samsung Rugby 4
The Samsung Rugby 4 is, as the name suggests, a flip phone that you could use for a rugby ball and still have a nice game… Not quite, but it is a tough flip phone. If you often drop your phone, here’s a ‘friend’ who won’t mind.
The Rugby 4 is water, dust, and shock resistant thanks to military grade protection. Its 2.4-inch display has large font and Wi-Fi connection, so it can still be used for basic online browsing.
Cool features
- Superb battery life.
- Very strong, rugged and durable.
- Very strong network reception.
- Water, dust, and shock resistant.
- Accurate Compass and GPS direction guide.
- Bold text font and size to aid easy reading.
- Wi-Fi connection for basic web usage.
- A highly recommended flip phone for seniors.
Shortcomings
- The device is a bit heavy (it weighs 5.3 ounces).
4. Samsung Convoy 3
Many users consider the Samsung Convoy 3 to be the “smartphone” of the elderly. It has extremely basic functionality, a tough construction, and several exceptional features. This flip phone is resistant to water and dust, has a long battery life, a large 2.4-inch display, and noise-cancellation technology for pleasant talks.
Because the rear screen supports so many purposes, you can do a lot on this phone without having to flip it open.
Cool features
- Superb battery life.
- Noise cancellation feature for calls.
- Dual speakers for calls and music.
- Acceptable weight, at just 4.1 Ounces.
- Water, dust, and shock resistant.
- Memory card slot for access to files.
- Strong network reception.
- Very user friendly.
- Voice command and interaction
- Strong battery life and talk time.
- Functional back screen.
- Very affordable.
Shortcomings
- Some older customers complained about the thickness.
- Some customers also complained about the fact that it doesn’t have a slot for SIM card.
5. Samsung SGH A157 Go Phone
All of the great praise about the Samsung A157 isn’t for nothing. The phone epitomizes the phrase “simple and basic.” The flip phone is one of the most durable models available, the keys are well-spaced, and the small weight has been praised by many users.
Cool features
- Very affordable flip phone.
- Clear voice reception and speakers (so you neither have to strain your ears to hear nor shout to be heard.
- Really light weight, at just 2.88 Ounces.
- 77 inches super sharp display.
- Up to 10 days standby and 5 hours talk time.
- Strong network reception.
- Very friendly user interface.
- Voice command and interaction
- Distinct buttons to avoid inadvertent pressing.
- Very affordable.
Shortcomings
- Some customers have complained about the missing camera feature.
- Initial text maybe too small for seniors. (Simply go the phone’s settings, select font size and adjust it to the size that works best for you.)