Why Having a Phone is Essential for Seniors? How Do Phones Help Seniors?
We live in the midst of the digital age. Therefore, nowadays, we rely on cellular phones for virtually everything. We use phones to stay in touch with loved ones, for entertainment, for healthcare and other emergency services, and much more.
While young people all own cell phones, certain senior citizens are still stuck with the limiting landline phones, which are not portable, nor are they practical, as they don’t offer any location freedom whatsoever. And what if your beloved senior friend goes on a walk in nature, falls, and is unable to call for help as he or she simply doesn’t have a phone? To avoid such scenarios, we must make sure that our senior friends always have cell phones wherever they go.
It is especially important for seniors to have cell phones, as seniors are one of the most vulnerable groups in society. Elderly people often live alone and cannot rely on others to take care of them. As such, cell phones help seniors in numerous ways:
- Phones enable seniors to communicate with friends and family members
- Phones allow seniors to contact healthcare and emergency services
- Phones enable seniors to take photos and videos of loved ones and keep their favorite memories close at all times
- Phones enable seniors to keep track of their contacts
- Phones enable seniors to set medical reminders (to take medications and visit a doctor)
- Phones enable seniors to call a taxi, an Uber, or other transport
- Phones enable seniors to order food and groceries
- Phones provide entertainment (games, music, videos)
- Phones help seniors carry out daily tasks
- Phones enable seniors to get organized
- Phones increase personal safety and peace of mind
Things to Consider Before Buying an AT&T Flip Phone for Seniors
AT&T is one of the three largest carriers in the United States. It offers phone, wireless, internet, TV, and home phone services with various limited and unlimited plans, phones (both flip and smartphones), tablets, laptops, smartwatches, hotspots, and much more. AT&T also offers a large selection of cell phones for seniors. However, before you choose the AT&T phone for seniors that will best fit your or your friend’s needs, you must take certain important factors into consideration.
Are Flip Phones Really Suitable for Seniors?
The average senior citizen is not particularly tech-savvy. As such, he or she may find an advanced smartphone with complicated and confusing features very difficult to use. Therefore, many seniors prefer to use simple cell phones with specialized senior-friendly features, such as flip phones. Flip phones (as well as certain senior-specialized smartphones) offer basic communication functions, a long battery life, simple, user-friendly features, quality sound, a stronger and more durable design, and more. They are less expensive and offer both simplicity and security, both of which most seniors would appreciate.
However, there are also some seniors who are surprisingly well educated in modern technology. Those may prefer to have a smartphone that offers more than just simple communication features. They may benefit more from a smartphone that also offers premium entertainment, health apps that allow them to monitor their fitness levels, games that boost cognitive abilities, and more.
As such, choosing between flip phones and smartphones is really a matter of a person’s abilities and preferences.
Do Your Parents or Seniors Need Internet?
An important factor when choosing a suitable phone for seniors is whether or not your parent, grandparent, or another senior friend will need to use the internet. Make sure to consider this before choosing a device.
Unlike smartphones, most flip phones have no internet access, which has its pros and cons. The pro of not having internet access is that your phone cannot be subject to viruses, malware attacks, and frauds – your private information is secure. However, not having internet access also makes it difficult (if not impossible) to browse the internet and use some data-based apps.
Nevertheless, there are also some flip phones that are packed with Android features and can access the internet, install and use apps, and have touch screen displays. One such flip phone is the Samsung Galaxy Z flip phone.
Look for Senior-relevant Special Features
When choosing an AT&T flip phone for seniors (or a senior-friendly smartphone), make sure to look for senior-relevant special features, such as simple use and navigation, large keys, large fonts, long battery life, guaranteed privacy, large screen, SOS button, etc. See the whole list of senior-relevant features in the section ‘What Important Features to Look for When Choosing an AT&T Flip Phone for Seniors?’.
Consider Contracts or Prepaid
This too is an important factor that has its pros and cons and depends on the user’s preferences. For example, with a contract, you can trust that you will be able to call, text, and use the internet whenever you wish. Prepaid plans, on the other hand, tend to be cheaper and the customer knows where the money goes, however, once you have used your balance, you won’t be able to use the services anymore.
Network Coverage and Internet
Before you choose a carrier, make sure to use the network coverage and the amount of data included in the plan. It is vital that the carrier offers reliable coverage and network in your senior friend’s area, as this will ensure that he or she will be able to contact emergency services and/or loved ones from wherever he or she goes.
If your senior friend will also rely heavily on the internet, it’s also wise to check the amount of data included in the plan, internet speeds, and availability.
Focus on Safety Options and Safety Features
When choosing a device, also make sure to prioritize safety options and features. The last thing your senior friend needs is a problem with viruses, frauds, or malware attacks. As most flip phones do not have internet access, they are less susceptible to such issues.
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10 Best AT&T Flip Phones for Seniors
Now that we have established that AT&T offers a wide variety of flip phones for senior citizens and which factors are vital to take into consideration, let’s take a look at the 10 best AT&T flip phones for seniors – both 5G and 4G compatible.
AT&T 4G Compatible Flip Phones
AT&TCingular Flip IV
Features: This is a high-quality device that offers numerous features that are suitable for seniors, including a large keypad with large navigation keys, HD voice, a long-lasting battery life, and both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. It has a 1.77-inch external and a 2.8-inch internal display with a 320 x 240 pixel resolution, a 2 MP rear-facing camera with photo and video shooting options, up to 4GB of internal memory storage, up to 32 GB of expandable memory storage, and a microSD memory format.
Reasons to buy: The device is designed to be user-friendly with easy navigation. It features a large keypad with large keys and large fonts, HD voice, a long-lasting battery, a durable design, a programmable emergency button, and more. It is a reliable device that would surely benefit your senior friend. In addition, it is very affordable.
Reasons to avoid: It has an average size display, a weak camera, and small storage space.
KyoceraDuraXE Epic
Features: This flip phone from Kyocera has a 2.6-inch display with a 320 x 240 pixel resolution, a 5 MP rear camera with autofocus, photo and video shooting options, a solid battery with up to 10 hours of talk time and 16 hours of standby time, internal memory storage of up to 16 GB, expandable memory storage of up to 512 GB, 2 GB of RAM, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and more.
Reasons to buy: This phone comes with many features that are convenient and beneficial for seniors, such as multiple programmable buttons, loud, dual speakers and noise-canceling mic, HD voice, and an ultra-rugged, waterproof, and drop-proof design.
Reasons to avoid: The phone has average battery life, small RAM, and a rather high price tag, considering that it is not a smartphone.
Alcatel GO Flip 4044 V
Features: This phone features a quality 2.8-inch display with a 320 x 240 pixel resolution, a 2 MP rear camera, a removable Li-Ion 1350 mAh removable battery, 16 GB of RAM, 8 GB of ROM, and a microSD slot for up to 32 GB of additional memory, and more.
Reasons to buy: The device is light and easy to carry. It has a large keyboard and a rather large display and fonts, which makes it easier to read and write. It is simple to use and provides good value for money.
Reasons to avoid: It doesn’t offer the option to download apps and it lacks an SOS emergency button.
Ushining Unlocked Flip Phone
Features:The device comes with a rather small 1.8-inch VGA display, a simple camera, a powerful 1000 mAh battery that offers up to 5 hours of talk time and up to 160 hours of standby time, 64 MB of RAM, 128 MB of ROM, a microSD card slot for up to 16 GB of additional memory space, etc.
Reasons to buy: The phone allows users to set up large icons, which provides better clarity. The device is easy to use and its navigation system comes in 5 different languages. It has a large backlit keyboard and a lightweight, yet durable design.
Reasons to avoid: It has a small display, it lacks an SOS emergency button, and it may not be the best option for people with poor eyesight.
Plum Rugged 4G GSM Flip Phone
Features: This phone has a 2.4-inch display, a very solid 5 MP rear camera with flash, a powerful battery that offers up to 120 hours of standby time, 32 GB of RAM, 128 MB of storage, Bluetooth connectivity, and more.
Reasons to buy: This phone is extremely durable and is a waterproof and dust-proof design with an iP68 military rating. It has a dedicated SOS emergency button and a dual SIM slot that allows you to store more contacts. It also has a large and easy-to-use keypad and a powerful battery.
Reasons to avoid: It may not be compatible with U.S. service providers and it requires a large SIM card size, which is nowadays somewhat hard to get.
Alcatel Quick Flip 4044C 4G
Features: This Alcatel flip phone has a 2.8-inch LCD display and an external 1.8-inch display, a 2 MP rear-facing camera, 4 GB of RAM, 512 MB of ROM, a microSD slot for up to 32 GB of additional storage, a removable 1350 mAh battery, which allows up to 18 hours of talk time and 16 hours of standby time, HD voice capability, and more.
Reasons to buy: It has a rather large display and keypad that ensures more accuracy. It is lightweight and portable. It has HD voice, therefore it is suitable for people with hearing defects. In addition, it has a powerful battery with long battery life.
Reasons to avoid: It has a weak rear camera and it lacks an SOS emergency button.
AT&T 5G Compatible Flip Phones
Generally, flip phones are not capable of running on a 5G network. However, there are some smartphones that have a flip phone design and work with 5G. AT&T currently offers one of those phone models – the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G. Nevertheless, this is the only 5G AT&T flip phone for seniors currently available.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G
Features: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 is a smartphone with a flip phone design. It is an advanced phone with the latest features and a rather expensive price. However, at AT&T, you can pay for it in many affordable monthly installments. It has a 6.7-inch main screen and a 1.9-inch cover screen, a wide 12 MP rear camera and a 10 MP front camera, 8 GB of RAM, up to 128 or 256 GB of internal memory storage, a non-removable 3300 mAh battery with up to 26 hours of talk time and up to 9.2 days of standby time, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and it is packed with advanced apps and features.
Reasons to buy: This phone is light and portable. It has a flip phone design, yet it is packed with the latest smartphone features. It has a very powerful battery with remarkably long battery life, HD voice, noise suppression, hearing aid compatibility, a compact design with water resistance, and more.
Reasons to avoid: The many advanced features make the phone a bit more difficult to use. The device is quite thick when folded, and the screen coating is unavoidably reflective.
In addition to this flip 5G smartphone, there are numerous other 5G smartphones with senior-friendly features available at AT&T. Some of the best AT&T 5G smartphones for seniors include:
Apple iPhone XS
Features: This is an older and simpler iPhone model with a 5.8-inch LCD display with a 2436 x 1125 pixel resolution, a 12 MP wide-angle rear camera with dual optical image stabilization, a 7 MP TrueDepth camera with portrait lighting and advanced portrait modes, a powerful built-in battery that offers up to 20 hours of talk time, up to 64 GB, 256 GB or even 512 GB of internal memory storage, face ID, dual SIM, and many advanced features.
Reasons to buy: The device has an HD 5.8-inch Super Retina display, a dual-camera system, and a durable design with a splash, water, and dust resistance.
Reasons to avoid: iPhones are notoriously expensive and they are far more compatible with other Apple devices than any other computers, laptops, and electronics. In addition, fast chagrining requires additional accessories.
Apple iPhone SE 3rd Gen (2022)
Features: This is a slightly older iPhone model with the latest features. It has a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, a 12 MP wide rear camera and a 7 MP TrueDepth face time HD camera, a powerful built-in battery with up to 50 hours of audio playback, up to 64 GB, 128 Gb, or 256 GB of internal memory storage, dual SIM, touch ID, voice control, and other features.
Reasons to buy: It has a good battery life, wireless charging, a reliable touch ID sensor, and a water-resistant design. In addition, it has a relatively low price for an iPhone.
Reasons to avoid: It has a relatively small screen compared to other smartphones. Moreover, the camera tends to underperform in certain settings.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Features: This Android smartphone from one of the most reputable brands has a 6.8-inch Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED display, an excellent 108 MP rear camera, a 40 MP front camera, a 5000 mAh non-removable battery, 8 GB of RAM, up to 128 GB, 256 GB, or 512 GB of internal memory storage, and many more super-advanced features.
Reasons to buy: The device has a powerful battery with up to 40 hours of talk time. It offers 8K video streaming and it comes with an embedded S Pen for easy notes, scribbles, and sketches. Moreover, it has one of the best cameras.
Reasons to avoid: It has no microSD card expansion. It is also pretty advanced and therefore complicated. Plus, it is relatively expensive.
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What Other Phones are Compatible With AT&T for Seniors
Some of the other smartphones and AT&T flip phones for seniors that are compatible with the provider’s network and services include:
- Apple iPhone XR
- Apple iPhone XS Max
- Samsung Galaxy Note9
- Samsung Galaxy S9
- LG G8 ThinQ
- Alcatel Prepaid SmartFlip
- AT&T Prepaid Cingular Flip 2
- AT&T Prepaid Cingular Flip 3
- Alcatel Flip 2
- Sonim XP3
- Sonim XP5s
- Plum Ram PLUS
- AT&T Cingular Fley
- LG B470 Prepaid Basic 3G
- Easyfone A1 3G
- Uleway 3G Senior
- CPR CS900 Retro Flip
What are the Best AT&T Plans for Seniors?
In addition to the AT&T flip phones for seniors and the senior-friendly smartphones, the carrier also offers access to its reliable nationwide network, lots of entertainment, fast delivery, expert setup, hassle-free returns, and even some special plans for senior citizens.
The best AT&T plan for seniors is the AT&T Senior Nation Plan. It is available for account holders of age 65 or older. It costs $29.99 a month and comes with 200 Anytime minutes, unlimited Mobile to Mobile minutes for AT&T customers nationwide, 500 Nights and Weekend minutes, nationwide long-distance and roaming, voicemail, call forwarding, call waiting, conference calling, caller ID, and more.
Note: This plan is only eligible for basic phones (flip phones) and can’t be used on smartphones or tablets.
In addition, at AT&T, AARP members save 10% on the monthly service charge of eligible wireless plans and 15% on eligible accessories. To receive this seniors discount, simply show your AARP membership card at an AT&T retail store or an authorized retailer. You can also confirm your AARP eligibility online.
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What Important Features to Look for When Choosing an AT&T Flip Phone for Seniors?
We have talked a lot about ‘senior-friendly’ phones. However, what exactly makes a phone senior-friendly? What are the features that you should look for in an AT&T flip phone or smartphone for seniors? Well, here are some of the most important ones:
- Big Buttons and Large Screen: Many seniors citizens are visually impaired, therefore, the device must have large buttons, fonts, and a large screen. This enables the user to read, write, and navigate the device with ease.
- Ease of Use and Accessibility: The simpler the phone, the easier it is to use. The device must have a large, backlit keyboard, loud speakers, HD voice, and a simple navigation system.
- Voice-to-text Compatibility: Elderly people often have difficulty typing. Therefore, they should consider opting for a phone with voice-to-text compatibility (also known as speech-to-text and voice texting). Some devices even read messages, however, this feature is only available in pricier phones.
- Audio and Compatibility With Hearing Aids and High Volume: Elderly people also often struggle with hearing impairment. Moreover, many of them wear hearing aids and in order to be able to make a simple phone call with a hearing aid, the device must be hearing aid-compatible. Hearing aid compatible flip phones have a high M and T rating, which measure compatibility with acoustic hearing aids and compatibility with induction hearing aids.
- Battery Capacity: Also, make sure the phone has relatively long battery life. After all, seniors may not have the discipline to charge their phones regularly, which means that they can run out of battery when they need it most.
- Keypad Backlight: In order to make the dialing, texting, and navigation even simpler, make sure to opt for a device that has a large backlit keypad.
- Emergency Dial or SOS Button: Elderly people who have health problems and live on their own should definitely make sure to choose a phone with an emergency dial or an SOS button, as this feature may save their life.
- Guaranteed Privacy: Seniors tend to be less tech-savvy, as such, it may be easier for fraudsters to scam them. As such, it’s important to choose a phone with maximum safety and privacy. When it comes to security, flip phones are definitely a better option as they have no internet access, which subjects the phone to fraud.
Why AT&T Flip Phones are a Great Option for Seniors?
AT&T is a great carrier for senior citizens, as it provides many senior-friendly devices and services, including AT&T flip phones for seniors, smartphones for elderly people, and affordable senior plans and discounts.
AT&T flip phones for seniors are particularly suitable for elderly people for several reasons:
- They are easy to use
- They have large keypads and fonts, which enables easy dialing and texting
- They are secure
- They have a long battery life
- They have HD voice and hearing aid compatibility
- They have senior safety features, such as SOS buttons
- They are durable and reliable
- They are lightweight and portable
- They are relatively inexpensive
What to Do With Old Flip Cell Phones?
The best thing you can do is to donate an old flip phone in good working condition for a good cause. Alternatively, you can drop it off at a cell phone recycling kiosk. You can also trade it in for another device.
Is There a Flip Phone That Is a Smartphone?
Yes. The most popular smartphones with 5G capability and a flip phone design are the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Motorola Razr 5G. Other flip phones that are smartphones include Alcatel Go Flip 4, Nokia 2720, Kyocera KYF31, Kyocera DureXE, TracFone ZTE Z233, etc.
What Is the Best Flip Phone for AT&T?
Some of the best AT&T flip phones for seniors are AT&TCingular Flip IV and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, which is also a smartphone.
Does AT&T Offer Seniors Discounts?
Yes, AT&T offers a 10% discount for AARP members, plus, it offers an AT&T Senior Nation plan.
Is AT&T Good for Seniors?
Considering the fact that it offers plans, discounts, and phones for seniors, it is pretty great for seniors.
Is a Flip Phone or Smartphone Better for Seniors?
Smartphones come with more features, but they tend to be more complicated to use. As such, it depends on the user’s skills and preferences.
How to Get the Best Deal With AT&T?
AT&T offers special deals for seniors. In addition, they provide regular promotional offers.
How Does AT&T Compare to Other Phone Carriers?
AT&T is one of the three largest carriers in America. It offers great services, devices, and a nationwide network.
How to Shop With AT&T?
You can shop in-store or online at att.com/buy/phones.