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Is there a valid case for cell phones for seniors ? There is. It is no secret that as the days roll by, our gadgets get smaller, faster and smarter. These days we have in our pockets smartphones with more computing power than the rocket that first took man to the moon. There is little to nothing our phones can not do these days, make and receive calls, send and receive texts, access high-speed internet, capture and record pictures and videos alike.
To many, the more features, the better, but to seniors, too many functionalities can be overwhelming , when all you want to do is call and be called, text and be texted, it really would not matter if the phone has 5G connectivity. Cutting back on the features would mean the mobile phones are straightforward and easy to use and also would mean that money is saved buying budget phones rather than the higher-end models. The camera is often the one feature most people, young and old alike, can not do without; if you fall into this category, make sure to choose one of the best budget camera phones below or from trusted brands like bestbudget.com .
Considerations for choosing cheap cell phonesfor seniors
There are many factors to consider when shopping for smartphones, even more so, when shopping for cheap smartphones for seniors. We have listed the following so you would be able to pick out the right brand and model.
Size
The size is tricky because we are used to smaller being better, but it might not stand right in this situation. You want the phone to be midway between small and large. You want it to be big enough that it stands out and can be easily seen, so it would not be forgotten someplace or lost, and you also do not want it to be too big that it becomes a chore to carry around. Finding that sweet spot between both extremes is discretionary and mostly dependent on the individual that would be using the device.
Build Quality and Functionality
With most phones these days being more than 70% glass, we have gotten used to being careful with our devices, but seniors might not be that careful with theirs. We expect it to drop more than a few times, even fall in liquid and be exposed to other elements. For this reason, it is important that the mobile phone be able to withstand some of these problems; the phone should be made from non-hazardous, durable, and aunty-shock materials in case of a fall.
It is also important that the device has limited functionality; the primary function should be to communicate. As such, it should have quality reception, loudspeakers and a battery that can power the device for days. These are key considerations in recommending cell phones for seniors.
Price
There is no guarantee that the device would not get damaged; there is always that chance that it could develop a fault or be lost entirely; for this reason, you should consider getting the cheapest phones available. So in the event that you need to replace the mobile phone, you would not be too hurt from the fact that the former was damaged or misplaced, and you would also be able to get a replacement quickly.
Top 5 budget cell phones for seniors
In addition to the cheapest smartphones available on the market for older citizens, below are the best and cheapest cell phones for seniors.
1. Nokia 3310
Features of Nokia 3310
- 2MP Camera
- Bluetooth
- FM Radio
- MicroSD Card Slot
- Headphone Jack
- Color Options
- Games
2. Alcatel QUICKFLIP 4044C
This Alcatel mobile phone combines aesthetics with functionality; the flip design helps protect the screen and the keypad from damage in case of a fall. The buttons on the keypad are large and allow for easy use for all hand sizes. The screen can be used even in low light areas, and quality speakers ensure that calls are crystal clear, with the added option of a browser to browse content and media online.
Alcatel QUICKFLIP 4044C is available on Cricket Wireless
Features of Alcatel QUICKFLIP 4044C
- 2MP Camera
- 1350 mAh battery
- High definition voice quality
- Voice recording
- Large Keypad
- Audio Jack
- Wi-Fi and Internet connectivity
3. AT&T CRL82312
This phone offers the user an extended range for talks due to its intelligent antenna design and technology to filter out the background noise. The phone also features a one-button volume boost to increase the volume on incoming calls, and the extra-large screen makes all the texts legible and readable and can be easily used in both daylight and low light.
Features of AT&T CRL82312
- Large Keypad
- One button volume boost
- HD customized audio
- Call ID announcer
- High Contrast LCD screen
- Do Not Disturb (Quiet) Mode
- Power Saving Eco Mode
- Call Screening
- Last Ten Number Redial
- Any key to answer calls
- Message Counter
4. VTech SN5127
The VTech phone has all the essential features you would need from a phone for seniors; the device has a smart block functionality that allows unwanted callers to be disallowed from reaching the user. You have the option to use talking prompts to set up the answering system.
VTech SN5127
Features of VTech SN5127
- Program frequently dialled numbers
- Call directory
- Large buttons
- 90Db Ringer Volume
- Photo Dial
- Caller ID Announcer
5. Blu Joy
The one thing that immediately stands out about this device is the one-button SOS feature; at the push of this button, emergency services can be alerted. The phone also features a large keypad, a 2.4” screen and a built-in flashlight. And when you are looking to relax, you can do that with the FM radio or MP3 Music Player.
Blu Joy
Features of Blu Joy
- MP3 Player
- FM Radio
- Clear Display
- Built-in flashlight
- One button SOS
- Durable build
These are some of the available budget cell phones for seniors. You can find more expensive ones, if you are not looking for the most affordable models. Happy shopping.
Author:Content Partner
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I am an avowed lover of Google’s Android One project. I have followed the project closely and owned a handful of Android One devices, including: Nokia 7 Plus, Nokia 6.2, Nokia 3.1 Plus, and Nokia 6.2, among others. But even I must admit that as far as meeting one of the objectives of the programme is concerned, Android One has been a monumental failure.
The Android One programme is built on two key pillars, which are to produce the following:
- smartphones that run pure Android OS
- smartphones that offer speedy Android software updates
Does Android One need to die?
While all Android One phones have lived up to the objective of the first pillar – they all run stock Android OS – as far as speedy updates are concerned, Android One has been a farce. There has been nothing speedy about the software updates for any of the Android One smartphones in the market in the last four years.
Manufacturers like Nokia, Xiaomi, Infinix, Motorola, BQ, HTC, Genral Mobile, and others have all produced Android One smartphones. Not one of them have lived up to the ideal of speedy updates.
Google’s goal for the programme was that manufacturers should be able to rollout software updates within days or even a few weeks of the rollout of new Android versions. For example, Google Pixel phones start getting a new software update the day it is announced. Essential PH-1 was the only other phone that lived up to this ideal and got a new update the same day Google pushes it out.
Nokia 5.3 is an Android one smartphone
But there is not one smartphone from Nokia or Motorola or any of the other Android One brands that has pushed out software updates speedily. Owners of thsoe devices wait months – many months mostly – before the update is available.
For example, Google officially rolled out Android 10 on September 3rd, 2019. My Nokia 6.2 did not get it until April 19, 2020 . That was 7 months after. And as we speak, some Nokia smartphones that are eligible for Android 10 are yet to get it. Note that Android 11 is already official and rolling out to various devices.
There is not one manufacturer that has lived up to the promise of speedy updates for Android One phones. Not even Nokia, the bright and shining knight and champion of the programme.
To make it worse, almost every other manufacturer that was on the programme has jumped off, having discovered that delivery software updates isn’t a walk in the park. It is a long list too. Xiaomi is out. Infinix is out. Motorola has not made any statement about exiting the proramme, but they have stopped mentioning Android One in their phone specs and promotional materials.
Only Nokia remains officially championing Android One, and as already noted, the software updates are anything but speedy. Not even Nokia’s premium flagships get software updates speedily.
Google Pixel 4 Oh So Orange
The Android One programme needs to die and go away, because as things are right now, it exists only in name. If you want stock Android OS and speedy software updates, buy a Google Pixel device.
Or perhaps manufacturers need to stop making false promises of fast and timely updates, so our expectations do not keep getting dashed. Personally, unless things change with the current slow pace of Android updates, I am done with Android One. Can we have Android Two, please, whatever that may turn out to be?
Author:Mister Mobility
Digital Skills and Communication Coach | Mobile Phone Connoisseur since 2001 | Tech Blogging since 2004
