Buying guide · 7 min read

The best simple mobile phones for older people

If a smartphone feels like too much, a simple phone with big buttons and clear sound can be all someone needs to stay in touch. Here is how to choose one, and the models worth considering.

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Who a simple phone suits

A simple phone is a good fit for anyone who mainly wants to make calls and send the occasional text, and who finds a touchscreen fiddly or stressful. Large physical buttons, a clear screen and loud, clean sound usually matter far more than apps or a camera.

What to look for

  • Big, well spaced buttons with a positive click.
  • A bright screen with large, high contrast text.
  • Loud, clear earpiece volume, and hearing aid compatibility if needed.
  • 4G, so the phone keeps working now that older 2G and 3G networks are closing.
  • A simple menu, and ideally an SOS or emergency button that calls a chosen contact.

Worth considering

For a familiar folding design on 4G with an SOS button, the TTfone TT760 4G is a sensible starting point. If you want the lowest cost option for calls and texts, the TTfone TT190 and TTfone TT880 both keep things simple, with the TT880 adding modern USB-C charging. If the person is happy with a little more and would value video calls, the Senifone S1 is a smartphone with a deliberately simplified layout.

Recommended solutions

Elovi Score 9.0

TTfone TT760 4G

A simple 4G flip phone with an SOS button

from £42.99View
Elovi Score 8.5

TTfone TT190

A straightforward big-button mobile

from £19.99View
Elovi Score 9.0

TTfone TT880

A simple big-button phone with USB-C

from £18.99View
Elovi Score 9.0

Senifone S1

A smartphone simplified for older users

from £149.95View

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Frequently asked questions

UK networks are switching off older 2G and 3G services, so a phone that only uses those can lose signal. Choosing a 4G phone avoids that problem.

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