Why is It Important for Seniors to Have a Phone?
Can you imagine spending a day or a whole week or even a month without a phone? Neither can I! And probably, neither can any of your senior friends. They may not spend tons of time on TikTok, watch countless YouTube videos, and browse the internet non-stop, as many of the younger people do, however, seniors rely on phones just as much as any of us.
They need a phone to stay in touch with family members and friends, healthcare providers, and emergency services, which is especially important for those seniors who live alone. Seniors also use their phones for alarms and notifications, which remind them to take their medication or go for a walk. In addition, they appreciate having a small portable device with which they can take photos of their grandchildren and then admire them even when they are not there. Moreover, elderly people may also use their mobile devices for moderate amounts of entertainment – perhaps they wish to listen to some music, play games, or watch some videos. As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why having a phone is of utmost importance for seniors.
What are the Things to Consider Before Buying a Flip Phone for Seniors?
When buying a phone for an elderly person, it is especially important to choose one that will best fit the person’s needs. For example, while certain seniors may be exceptionally tech-savvy and might enjoy all the modern apps for entertainment, health monitoring, and other conveniences, most seniors are not familiar with all the advanced technologies and features that come with the latest smartphones and may find the usage complicated and confusing. As such, most seniors prefer a simple flip phone with basic features and a senior-friendly interface. When choosing the best phone for your senior friend, make sure to consider the following important factors:
Is a Flip Phone Really for Seniors?
Is your senior friend like most elderly people and needs a device for making and taking calls, texting, and taking a few photos? If so and if they may be overwhelmed by all the modern features, a basic flip phone should be the best choice for them.
Do Your Parents or Seniors Need Internet?
It’s also important to ask yourself if your parents or other senior friends may need to use the internet and if so, how much and for what? Modern flip phones allow users to browse the internet, however, they do not offer most of the internet-based apps contemporary smartphones are packed with.
Look for Senior-relevant Special Features
Perhaps the most important consideration when choosing an appropriate device for your senior friend are senior-relevant features. Seniors tend to prefer the following specifications and characteristics:
- Simplicity – make sure the interface is simple and senior-friendly
- Durability
- Long battery life
- Large buttons and fonts, which simplify the writing and reading process
- High-quality audio and hearing aid compatibility
- Affordable pricing
- See other senior-friendly features in the section ‘What Important Features to Look for When Choosing a Verizon Flip Phone for Seniors’
Consider Contracts or Prepaid
Don’t forget to consider whether your senior loved one would prefer a prepaid plan or is he/she comfortable with signing a contract.
Network Coverage and Internet
As mentioned before, some flip phones come with network coverage and internet access but some don’t. As such, make sure to check with your elderly friend if he/she may need these features.
Focus on Safety Options and Safety Features
Most importantly, when choosing an appropriate phone for your senior friend, make sure to focus on safety options and safety features.
The 2 Best Verizon 5G Compatible Flip Phones for Seniors
Verizon is one of the largest and most popular carriers in the United States. In fact, Verizon has the best 4G coverage in the entire country. It offers countless mobile devices, accessories, entertainment, special deals, versatile plans, prepaid plans, apps, add-ons, and more.
The company offers numerous flip phones that are perfect for senior citizens. They are easy to use, durable, and packed with senior-relevant features. See the list of the best Verizon flip phones for seniors below.
Basic flip phones do not come with 5G connectivity features, however, there are certain smartphones that come with all the modern features of an advanced smartphone, yet have a flip phone design. Currently, Verizon only offers two such devices.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Phone
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Phone Features:
Unlike any of the traditional flip phones with basic features listed above, this is a super-advanced smartphone packed with the newest technology and the coolest features, yet it has a practical and portable flip phone design. This phone has a huge a vivid 6.7-inch display, 8GB of RAN, 256GB of storage, a 12 MP main camera, as well as a 10 MP selfie camera (great for taking selfies with the grandkids), a powerful battery with fast charging and decent battery life, and tons of advanced apps.
Reason to Buy Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Phone:
As a modern smartphone, this device offers much more options for our senior friends. It allows them to track their health, video call their loved ones, and use all kinds of fun and useful apps. Its accessibility features improve the phone’s usability for people with impaired vision or hearing, cognitive difficulty, and reduced dexterity.
Reason to Avoid Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Phone:
While the advanced features may seem like a real treat, we have to warn you that this device is only suitable for tech-savvy seniors. Most elderly people find it way too complicated to use.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G Phone
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G phone Features:
This feature-packed smartphone offers a vibrant 6.7-inch display, 8 GB of RAM, 129 to 256 GB of ROM, a 10 MP front and 12 MP back camera, good battery life (up to 18 hours of usage and 9 days on standby), Google Assistant and Bixby voice assistance, advanced privacy features, and numerous apps that can make a senior’s life simpler and more fun, if only they know how to deal with them.
Reason to Buy Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G phone:
Just like the model above, this phone offers a compact, foldable, and portable design and is jam-packed with advanced features and awesome apps. This is a very high-quality, powerful, and efficient device that takes great photos and videos, charges incredibly fast, and offers tons of entertainment options.
Reason to Avoid Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G phone:
Again, this phone is only suitable for tech-savvy users that can handle advanced features and an overwhelming amount of apps and options.
The 10 Best Verizon 4G Compatible Flip Phones for Seniors
Kyocera DuraXV Extreme Flip Phone
Kyocera DuraXV Extreme Flip Phone Features:
Kyocera is a popular flip phone manufacturer. This simple yet reliable phone by Kyocera has a 2.6-inch display, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of ROM storage, a memory card slot for up to 512 additional GB, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, a long battery life (up to 18 days of standby time and 49 hours of usage time), a 5 MP camera, M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility, and more.
Reason to Buy Kyocera DuraXV Extreme Flip Phone:
It has a long battery life, hearing aid compatibility, and a very durable design. Its IP68 rating protects the device against dust and water. It also has loud speakers for crystal clear calls.
Reason to Avoid Kyocera DuraXV Extreme Flip Phone:
Some users complain about the complicated text app and others claim the device works incredibly slow.
Kazuna eTalk Flip Phone
Kazuna eTalk Flip Phone Features:
This very affordable device is appropriate for seniors as well. It has a 2.8-inch inner screen, 4GB of storage, a basic video-capable 2 MP rear-facing camera, 4G connectivity, a standby time of 5 days and usage time of up to 8.4 hours, HD voice capability, M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility, and more.
Reason to Buy Kazuna eTalk Flip Phone:
The phone comes with a bright, easy-to-read 2.8-inch internal display, which simplifies texting, calling, and browsing the internet without having to worry about the tiny font. It is loud and hearing aid compatible.
Reason to Avoid Kazuna eTalk Flip Phone:
The phone’s battery life isn’t great and some users complain about dropped calls.
Alcatel GO FlipV Phobe
Alcatel GO FlipV Phone Features:
When it comes to reliable flip phone brands, Alcatel may be the leading one. The inexpensive 4G LTE-powered device has everything seniors need to stay connected. It has a user-friendly interface, dedicated text and camera buttons, a 2.8-inch internal screen, a 1.44-inch external display, 8GB of ROM and 1GB of RAM, Wi-Fi connectivity, a good battery life with 12.5 days of standby time and 24 hours of usage time, HD voice capability, M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility, and so on.
Reason to Buy Alcatel GO FlipV P hobe:
The phone features big, tactile buttons, a backlit keypad, sound amplification for crystal clear calls, and convenient text-to-speech functions. It is also very compact and durable and it offers many senior-friendly features, such as hearing aid compatibility.
Reason to Avoid Alcatel GO FlipV Phone:
Some users are dissatisfied with the design, saying that it is not durable and therefore prone to breakage.
TCL Flip Pro Phone
TCL Flip Pro Phone Features:
TCL is also a renowned name in the world of flip phones. This 4G phone comes with a 2.8-inch internal LCD display and a 1.44-inch external display, 4GB of flash ROM, 512MB of RAN, Bluetooth connectivity, hotspot, a 2 MP video-capable camera, HD voice with Wi-Fi calling, a reliable battery with 14 days of standby time and 24 hours of usage time, and more.
Reason to Buy TCL Flip Pro Phone:
The phone comes with all the basic features and many senior-relevant options. It has extra-large tactile buttons, a simple interface, and hearing aid compatibility, which enables seniors to stay connected. It also has powerful speakers that provide crystal clarity.
Reason to Avoid TCL Flip Pro Phone:
The phone has poor voice-text capabilities and some users tend to complain about the battery life and overall performance.
Nokia 2720 V Flip Phone
Nokia 2720 V Flip Phone Features:
Nokia’s flip phone offers all the basic flip phone options and features. It comes with a 2.8-inch internal LCD display, a 1.3-inch external LCD display, 4GB of ROM, 512MB of RAM, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, a basic 2 MP flash camera, and a 1500 mAh removable battery that can last 26 days on standby and up to 5.56 hours of usage. It is hearing aid compatible, easy to use, and can connect to 4G networks. In addition, the device allows the user to download various apps, including social media and texting/video call apps.
Reason to Buy Nokia 2720 V Flip Phone:
The phone is great for seniors, as it comes with many senior-friendly features (hearing aid compatibility, simple navigation, bright and large text, large and tactile buttons, increased standard alert volume), it also has Google Assistant, which allows seniors to surf the web, send messages, check the weather forecast, and more with simple voice commands. Moreover, it has a dedicated emergency button.
Reason to Avoid Nokia 2720 V Flip Phone:
There is no speed dial and some users complain about the voice clarity.
Orbic Journey V Flip Phone
Orbic Journey V Flip Phone Features:
This phone by Orbic comes with a 2.8-inch inner screen and a smaller inner one, 1 GB of RAM, 8 GB of ROM, a 2 MP camera, a 1400mAh removable battery that can last up to 9.7 days on standby and 7 hours of usage time, and all the basic features you can expect from this type of a device.
Reason to Buy Orbic Journey V Flip Phone:
The large keypad with simple controls enables simple navigation and easy access to the phone’s voice, text, and data features. The device also has a bright screen, which comes in handy for the visually impaired and it is designed to reduce background noise to provide a clearer sound. Plus, it has a dedicated emergency button.
Reason to Avoid Orbic Journey V Flip Phone:
At Verizon, the phone has pretty bad reviews. The built-in dictionary is very limited, the buttons are said to be stiff and difficult for texting, and people complain about the limited battery life.
Orbic Journey L Flip Phone (Voice and Text Only)
Orbic Journey L Flip Phone (Voice and Text Only) Features:
If your senior friend is looking for a simple phone and doesn’t feel the need to use the device for anything else but calling and texting, this model may be right for them. It has a 2.8-inch main screen and a 1.77-inch external display, 1 GB RAM, 8 GB of ROM, a 2 MP camera, 9.7 days of standby time, 7 hours of usage time, HD voice with Wi-Fi calling, and other basic features.
Reason to Buy Orbic Journey L Flip Phone (Voice and Text Only):
The device has a large, well-spaced keypad, intuitive controls for simple navigation, and simple features. This model too reduces distracting background noise for clearer conversations, no matter where the user is calling from.
Reason to Avoid Orbic Journey L Flip Phone (Voice and Text Only):
This model comes with very limited features and options and as it only allows users to call and text, it is obviously not suitable for everyone. In addition, users seem to complain about durability and poor functioning in general.
Kyocera DuraXV Extreme No Camera Flip Phone
Kyocera DuraXV Extreme No Camera Flip Phone Features:
We have already seen this model, however, this device comes with a twist – it doesn’t have a camera. Some people may consider this fact a deal-breaker, but others wouldn’t be bothered by it. It comes with a 2.6-inch display, 2 GB of RAM, 16 GB of ROM, a microSDXC memory card slot, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, a powerful 1770mAh battery that lasts 18.3 days on standby and up to 49.23 hours of usage, and M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility.
Reason to Buy Kyocera DuraXV Extreme No Camera Flip Phone:
Just like the similar model that has a camera, this phone has an incredibly rugged and durable design with an IP68 rating that protects it against drops, shock, and other impacts. It also has a long-lasting battery, loud speakers with noise cancellation, hearing aid compatibility, and other senior-relevant features.
Reason to Avoid Kyocera DuraXV Extreme No Camera Flip Phone:
It does not have a camera. The phone is also relatively heavy.
TCL Flip Pro Voice and Text Only Phone
TCL Flip Pro Voice and Text Only Phone Features:
We have already mentioned this model, however, this particular device only has voice and text options, which may be unacceptable for certain users. Other users, on the other hand, may be glad to see that this fact makes it very affordable. It has a 2.8-inch internal LCD display, a 1.44-inch external display, 4 GB of Flash ROM, 512 MB of RAM, a microSD card slot, Bluetooth connectivity, a 2 MP video-capable camera, HD voice with Wi-Fi calling, a 1850mAh removable battery that lasts 14 days on standby and 24 hours of usage, and M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility.
Reason to Buy TCL Flip Pro Voice and Text Only Phone:
It is practical and functional. Its simple navigation, colorful display, which can be personalized with large fonts and increased brightness, HD amplified sounds, large buttons, and hearing aid compatibility make it suitable for seniors.
Reason to Avoid TCL Flip Pro Voice and Text Only Phone:
It has very basic features and options. In addition, users seem to complain about the battery, durability, and the Caller ID feature.
Schok Classic Flip Phone
Schok Classic Flip Phone Features:
This phone also has some features and specifications that may benefit your senior friend. It has a bight 3.2-inch display, a 2-inch secondary display, an impressive 8 MP rear camera with autofocus and flash, 1 GB of RAN, 8 GB of internal storage, a single nano-SIM card slot, a 1680mAh battery that lasts up to 2 days on a single charge, internet connectivity, T4/M3 hearing aid compatibility, and other basic features.
Reason to Buy Schok Classic Flip Phone:
It has a durable design with an IP68 rating that makes it water and dust proof, a large and bright display that offers vivid colors, a large and backlit keypad, and a surprisingly good camera considering the fact that it’s a flip phone.
Reason to Avoid Schok Classic Flip Phone:
The buttons are not deactivated when the flip is closed, which may have all kinds of consequences, including unknowingly placing calls, texting, taking photos, etc.
What Other Phones are Compatible with Verizon for Seniors
In addition to the great and reliable Verizon flip phones for seniors listed in the previous chapter, Verizon also offers tons of high-quality smartphones and other mobile devices.
In addition to the Verizon flip phones for seniors listed above, the following Verizon-compatible devices are also suitable for senior citizens:
- Sonim XP5s
- Apple iPhone SE
- Motorola Razr
- Motorola moto g power
- Google Pixel 3
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S9
- Apple iPhone 8
- Samsung Galaxy A10e
- Motorola edge+
- Samsung Galaxy Note10+
Verizon also allows customers to bring their own devices to Verizon. However, to do so, the phone must be carrier unlocked and compatible with Verizon’s network.
In order to check your phone’s compatibility, go to verizon.com/bring-your-own-device, press ‘Get Started’, choose the kind of device you wish to bring (a smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, or another device), and press ‘Continue’. Then, you will be required to enter your phone’s make and model. If you don’t know it, click the ‘I don’t know my make and model’ option below to see the instructions on how to find out. Select the carrier the device was purchased from and press ‘Continue’. Then, the system will automatically let you know whether or not your phone is compatible with Verizon.
Does Verizon Offer Any Special Plans for Seniors?
Not only does the company offer great Verizon flip phones for seniors and other mobile devices, but seniors can also enjoy an Unlimited Senior Plan known as 55+. People who sign up for this plan can enjoy unlimited data at a discounted rate. The Unlimited Senior Plan 55+ offers:
- Unlimited 4G LTE data
- Unlimited talk
- Unlimited text
- Unlimited mobile hotspot (600 Kbps)
- Calls to Mexico and Canada
- Verizon Up rewards
- DVD-quality streaming
You can enjoy this plan for $60 a month if you need 1 line and for $40 per line for 2 lines ($80 together). To sign up, you must be at least 55 years old and live in one of the eligible states (currently, only Florida’s residents can apply). Check your eligibility for this plan at verizon.com/plans/55plus.
Another great plan option for seniors is for a family member to add a new line to their own plan. This will provide a discount for your elderly loved one and you.
In case your elderly friend does not wish to sign an annual contract, Verizon also offers prepaid plans for smartphones and basic phones.
What are the Important Features to Look for When Choosing a Verizon Flip Phone for Seniors?
Before you choose a Verizon flip phone for seniors or another senior-friendly phone, make sure to take the following important features and factors into consideration. These features are of utmost importance when searching for a senior-friendly device:
- Big Buttons and Large Screen: Many senior citizens have visual impairments, as such, it is important for them to have a phone that has big buttons and a relatively large screen with large fonts. This will make it easier for them to read and write text messages.
- Ease of Use and Accessibility: Seniors tend to feel overwhelmed by complicated devices with tons of advanced features. As such, they prefer to use phones that have simple navigation and are accessible and easy to use.
- Voice-to-text Compatibility: Some phones even have the voice-to-text feature, which allows them to send text messages without having to type them. As we all know, typing can be slow and exhausting, especially with visually impaired people.
- Audio and Compatibility With Hearing Aids and High Volume: A phone is only suitable for seniors if it offers crystal clear audio and high volume for notifications and calls. In addition, if the user has hearing impairments, it’s also vital for him/her to have a phone that is compatible with hearing aids.
- Battery Capacity: Having to frequently charge your phone is annoying to anyone. However, elderly people who are accustomed to landline phones that don’t have to be charged ted to find is especially aggravating. As such, they often forget to charge the device, which may make them unavailable when they need you (or vice versa) the most. Therefore, make sure the phone you select has long battery life.
- Keypad Backlight: Not only is it important to have a large keypad, but it is also important to have a backlit one, which will enable your senior friend to see all the numbers and letters even in the dark.
- Emergency Dial or SOS Button: Elderly people often struggle with health conditions. As such, it is of utmost importance to provide them with a device that has a dedicated emergency dial or SOS button, as simply pressing this one button will notify loved ones and emergency services that the person is in trouble.
- Guaranteed Privacy: In addition, the device must have advanced safety and privacy features. The last thing your senior friend needs is for his personal information to be stolen and abused.
Why Verizon Flip Phones are a Great Option for Seniors?
Senior-friendly and relevant phones are offered by many carriers, MVNOs, and retailers. Now, why would you wish to choose a Verizon flip phone for seniors instead of a device from AT&T or another provider? Well, Verizon flip phones for seniors come with certain advantages:
- Verizon offers a large selection of senior-friendly phones
- Verizon offers detailed descriptions of its devices, which make it easy to review and know what kind of a device you are opting for
- Lots of Verizon flip phones come with senior-relevant features, such as emergency buttons, hearing aid compatibility, large screens and buttons, etc.
- Verizon has a responsive and professional customer support service and its representatives will be able to help you pick the device that best fits your friend’s needs
- Verizon has a special plan for seniors
- Verizon flip phones for seniors are mostly reliable, durable, and relatively affordable
How Do Phones Help Seniors?
As mentioned before, phones help seniors in many ways, including:
- They enable elderly people to stay in touch with loved ones, family members, and friends.
- They are a great source of entertainment for seniors.
- They provide the opportunity for seniors to set alarms and reminders to take their meds.
- They enable seniors to take photos and videos of their grandchildren and other family members.
- They enable seniors to contact their healthcare providers.
- With the emergency button that immediately calls for help, they can literally save a person’s life.
Can I Replace or Upgrade a Verizon Phone if it is Not Working or is Damaged?
If the user experiences any kinds of issues with his/her mobile device (if the phone gets damaged, broken, lost, stolen, or starts malfunctioning), Verizon offers several options to help the user.
If the phone gets damaged (cracked screen, water damage, etc.) and you are enrolled in a device protection program, such as Verizon Mobile Protect/Verizon Mobile Protect Multi-Device, Total Equipment Coverage, or Wireless Phone Protection, you can file a claim on Asurion’s website at phoneclaim.com/verizon. If you are enrolled in AppleCare, contact Apple support at support.apple.com/en-us/HT201232#us-ca. If, however, you aren’t enrolled in any of those protection options, you can buy a certified pre-owned replacement device, purchase a new device at retail cost, or activate another device that you already own.
If your phone is malfunctioning 30 days or less after the purchase, it will be replaced with a new one. If the phone starts malfunctioning more than 31 days and up to 1 year after purchase, it will be replaced with a new or refurbished one. If it starts malfunctioning over 1 year after the purchase, your insurance program will cover the expenses. If, however, you aren’t enrolled in a device protection program, you can buy a certified pre-owned replacement device, purchase a new device, or activate your own previously owned device.
