- Best overall
- Best for hearing imparied
- Best for less
- Best for vision problems
Best overall: Samsung Galaxy S9
The Galaxy S9 is one of the most well-rounded phones on the market, and it’s a great choice for power users and first-time smartphone owners alike.
From outstanding build quality and a gorgeous design to one of the best cameras on the market, the Galaxy S9 leaves little to be desired, but its long list of features can feel overwhelming to someone who’s new to smartphones entirely. Luckily, the Galaxy S9 has an Easy Mode that lowers the bar for people who are transitioning from an older feature phone, or who needs a bit of extra guidance. Samsung also has a number of intuitive accessibility features that go above and beyond the average Android device.
Bottom line: The Galaxy S9 packs everything and the kitchen sink, and includes Easy Mode to make its myriad of features more approachable.
One more thing: Samsung’s Easy Mode can be activated from anywhere, but once you get the hang of it, it’s also simple to turn off!
See at Amazon
Why the Samsung Galaxy S9 is best
The Galaxy S9 is the best phone for seniors because it’s the best phone for most people, and has plenty of options for those who need a bit of extra help.
Easy Mode doesn’t have to be a negative thing, and Samsung has done a great job making its Android software simple and intuitive. Even without it, the Galaxy S9 is one of the most accessible Android phones, with plenty of ways to make the software more user-friendly.
Features like Always-On display show you notifications even when the phone is off, while wireless charging support means you don’t have to fumble for a USB-C cable in the dark.
The Galaxy S9 is also one of the best-selling Android phones on the market, so it’s easy to find someone who can help if you can’t figure out a certain feature. Finally, even though it’s a relatively compact device, the Galaxy S9 manages excellent battery life.
Best for hearing impaired: LG G7
Like the Galaxy S9, the LG G7 is very easy to pick up and begin using. It has a large display in a relatively small body, excellent performance, and great cameras. More importantly, its speaker is loud — like really loud — which makes it perfect for those with limited or impaired hearing.
Also like Samsung’s latest, the G7 has an intuitive Easy Mode, enlarging home screen icons and text while simplifying navigation. Its large display also leaves plenty of room for a large keyboard, and its dual cameras around back take fantastic photos. This is a quality phone from every angle, so whoever is using it will be happy.
Bottom-line: The LG G7 has the loudest, most impressive speaker on a smartphone today, and that’s great for those with limited hearing.
One more thing: The LG G7’s Accessibility Mode also works with most Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids.
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Best for less: Moto G6
You can’t do much better than a $250 phone that performs like a much more expensive phone. The Moto G6 combines fast and fluid performance with useful features like Moto Display, all while retaining the simplicity of near-stock Android.
No one makes cheap phones like Motorola, and the company improved every aspect of its Moto G line this year, from the camera to the battery life.
Bottom line: The Moto G6 is an outstanding value with simple software, and it comes unlocked out of the box so you can use it on most carriers around the world.
One more thing: This phone is splashproof, not waterproof, and that is an important distinction.
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Best for vision problems: Jitterbug Flip
For those with vision issues, or anyone who just needs a cheap, simple phone, the Jitterbug Flip is the one to go with. For $70 outright, this flip phone features large buttons and a vibrant, sharp screen that’s easily seen in all lighting conditions.
Bottom line: For something a little simpler and easier to use, the Jitterbug Flip is one of the best options.
Important: You’ll need to activate the Jitterbug Flip with GreatCall, an easy-to-use service provider that starts at $15 per month.
See at Amazon
Conclusion
The Galaxy S9 is the best choice for seniors because it is the best choice for most people. Compact, affordable, and extremely easy to use, the phone’s Easy Mode is a great example of Samsung broadening the appeal of its phones as they grow more popular. But there are other great options, too, including the LG G7, the Moto G6, and the Jitterbug Flip for those who want something a little simpler.
Best overall: Samsung Galaxy S9
The Galaxy S9 is one of the most well-rounded phones on the market, and it’s a great choice for power users and first-time smartphone owners alike.
From outstanding build quality and a gorgeous design to one of the best cameras on the market, the Galaxy S9 leaves little to be desired, but its long list of features can feel overwhelming to someone who’s new to smartphones entirely. Luckily, the Galaxy S9 has an Easy Mode that lowers the bar for people who are transitioning from an older feature phone, or who needs a bit of extra guidance. Samsung also has a number of intuitive accessibility features that go above and beyond the average Android device.
Bottom line: The Galaxy S9 packs everything and the kitchen sink, and includes Easy Mode to make its myriad of features more approachable.
One more thing: Samsung’s Easy Mode can be activated from anywhere, but once you get the hang of it, it’s also simple to turn off!
See at Amazon
Update, July 2018: The Galaxy S9 is our new best overall recommendation, and the Moto G5 Plus was replaced with the Moto G6. We’ve also added the LG G7 for those with hearing difficulties, and the Jitterbug Flip for those with vision needs.
