How To Pick The Best Flip Phone For Seniors 2021 - Forbes

Use this list to help you determine important features and functions in a new flip phone for you or an older friend or family member.

Ease of Use and Accessibility

Basic features that make a phone easy to use include:

• A large, tactile keypad for easy navigation, texting and calling.
• A bright, high-contrast screen to counter vision problems (a backlit keyboard may also be useful).
• Loudspeakers with volume control, particularly if you're experiencing hearing loss.
• A longer battery life than most smartphones (typically multiple days) so you don't have to worry about constantly charging your phone.
• An ability to set multiple alerts and reminders over a variety of timespans (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.) easily.

Ultimately, a flip phone should be easy and intuitive for you or your senior to use.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth compatibility on a flip phone is important if you plan on using hands-free services or have a pair of wireless headphones or wireless-enabled hearing aids. Voice-to-text services may also rely on a Bluetooth connection.

Voice-to-Text Compatibility

People who have difficulty typing or find it cumbersome to text—or simply prefer to dictate messages—should look for a phone with voice-to-text (also called speech-to-text or voice texting) capabilities. Some phones can also read messages to you, though you will pay a higher price for this feature.

Hearing Aid Compatibility

If you wear hearing aids, you likely know the struggles of trying to use a non-compatible phone: Feedback and interference can ruin a conversation. Hearing aid-compatible flip phones come with an M and T rating, based on standards set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). M measures compatibility with acoustic hearing aids and T measures compatibility with induction hearing aids. Look for an M or T rating of 3 or 4 for the best user experience.

Emergency and SOS Services

If you want the basic emergency services, look for phones with a dedicated emergency assistance button, commonly located on the keypad or on the outside of the phone. Most cell phones made for senior consumers include this feature.

Only a select number of flip phones come with more complex, built-in medical alert capabilities, so pay attention when purchasing. These phones can include features like fall detection, enhanced GPS and a certified urgent response system to make sure a senior user can quickly and easily receive help anywhere, any time. You also save money by not having to purchase a separate medical alert device, though be aware of battery life differences between products.

Compatibility With Chosen Service Provider

Not all flip phones are compatible with every service provider—in fact, some are only compatible with one. So when purchasing a flip phone, check that it's compatible with your particular carrier. You can also ask specific carriers about the packages they offer. Some companies offer discounts on plans if other members of your household use the same service.

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