An online search to compare the best cell phones for seniors that are hearing aid compatible comes up with only a handful of phones.
Making the search all the more challenging is the confusion among the Easyfone models which all look very similar and difficult to differentiate.
So, what phones are good for seniors?
This article compares similar specs of the best cell phones for seniors across the board for different hearing aid compatible models. It also identifies the key differences between the Easyfone models which although hearing aid compatible have limitations of internet access, GPS (in most models), access to the App store and without camera.
They are better suited for more elderly seniors that simply want a classic phone.
Table of Contents
How is a Cell Phone Designated as Hearing Aid Compatible (HAC)?
Hearing aid compatible cell phones are characterized by two areas of performance. An HAC cell phone has a lower likelihood of causing interference noise in the hearing aids and may also be capable of working with a hearing aid’s telecoil.
HAC cell phones are designed to work with hearing aids that have some level of built‐in protection against the interference that cell phones may cause.
Cell phones that are hearing aid compatible have packages labeled with “M” or “T” ratings.
If the phone is labelled as “M3”, “M4”, “T3” or “T4” on the box, then the cell phone has been designated as hearing aid compatible.
“M” refers to the cell phone’s rating for its interference potential. “T” refers to the ability of the cell phone to couple with a hearing aid’s telecoil.
The higher the “M” or “T” ratings of the phone the safer it is to use with your hearing aid.
The higher the “T” rating of the phone the safer it is to use the phone with your hearing aid on the telecoil setting.
When it comes to addressing the question ” what is the best phone to buy for seniors “, there really is no one-size-fits all answer.
Aside from some technical requirements to meet specific needs, not wants, when selecting for grandma or grandpa, 3 of the top phone specifications were hearing aid compatibility, unlocked phone, and compatibility with many other carriers.
You do not necessarily want to be eternally tied to one carrier!
Jethro-SC490 Unlocked 4G LTE Senior Cell Phone
This simple phone for the elderly and kids has big buttons, a large screen with a charging dock. It is designed for Talk & Text Only.
There is NO INTERNET, GPS, OR ACCESS TO THE APP STORE although the phone is Hearing Aid Compatible, and Certified Safe FCC. These limitations account for its rating. If these features are an absolute must, this is NOT the phone for you. Consider phones that offer these features.
FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS
| Model name: | Jethro SC490 |
| PARCEL Dimensions: | 13.72 x5.59 x 1.27 cm, 110 Grams |
| Wireless Carrier: | Unlocked for all Carriers |
| Form Factor: | Bar |
| Memory Storage Capacity: | 8 GB RAM, 8 GB ROM |
| Cellular Technology: | 4G/VOLTE/VO-WIFI |
| Operating System: | MTK |
| Color: | Black |
| Display Type: | LCD |
| Sim Card Slot: | Mini size SIM Card |
| Model Year: | 2021 |
| Screen Display: | 2.8 inches |
| Camera: | 2 MP |
| Battery: | Lithium Ion 1800 mAh Battery |
| Warranty: | Not stated |
| Special Features: | Speed Dial, SOS Buttons, Text / Messaging, Numeric Keypad |
| Compatible Carriers: | Include Telus, Rogers, Bell, Shaw Mobile, Koodo, Fido, Virgin Mobile, Chatr, Public Mobile, Lucky Mobile, and others run off their networks |
| Hearing Aid Compatible: | Loud volume and an announcing keypad |
| Speed Dial: | Allows programming of up to 8 contacts for quick and convenient calling |
Some reasons cited for purchasing the phone
- The screen is large and clear enough even with one bad eye not seeing too well
- No confusing apps or other software and updates
- If you are looking for a basic phone, without any browsing/apps/links, this phone is great, especially if you want to restrict the user to use only the basic phone – calls and text, alarm, calendar etc.
- The volume is loud enough for the elderly to hear on the phone.
- Good emergency phone for technology challenged aging parents and grandparents
- SOS button easy to setup and rings three numbers consecutively
- Notifies the emergency contacts when battery life is low so they can call and remind the senior to charge the phone
- Dial by picture is a great feature which makes it easier to use.
Some concerns noted
- The power on and power off button could be a sole separate button instead of together with the answer button. Older seniors tend to hold it too long to answer and this tends to shut off the phone instead
- Battery life is ok but usually lasts for less than one day
Why The Easyfone Series Can Be Confusing – The Best Cell Phones For Seniors
There are 5 models of Easyfone on the market, all of which are hearing aid compatible:
- Easyfone Prime A1 Pro (Has camera) – Currently unavailable
- Easyfone T100 (Has camera)
- Easyfone T200
- Easyfone Prime A6
- Easyfone Prime A7(Has camera)
The problem many seniors complain about is their difficulty comparing them and identifying the major differences.
Noted differences are based on whether the model is equipped with a camera or not, weight of the phone, size of the screen display, and memory storage capacity.
All phones are Unlocked. Because of the popularity of these phones they may be temporarily unavailable when you want to purchase them online at Amazon.
The good news is that stock is quickly replenished in a few days.
Easyfone T200 4G Big Button Unlocked Basic Senior Mobile Phone
This is an easy-to-use basic mobile phone with emergency SOS button, hearing aid compatibility and a charging dock. No internet browser. It is considered as one of the best cell phones for seniors because it is hearing aid compatible. The under 4 rating is mainly because it is a classic bar phone for calling and texting with no Internet access and without camera.
FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS
| Model name: | EasyfoneT200 |
| PARCEL Dimensions: | 13.6 x 11.9 x 6.6 cm; 370 Grams |
| Wireless Carrier: | Unlocked, Virgin Mobile |
| Form Factor: | Bar |
| Bluetooth: | Yes |
| Operating System: | Easyfone OS |
| Memory Storage Capacity: | 4 GB RAM, 64 GB ROM |
| Color: | Black |
| Cellular Technology: | 4G Unlocked (Does Not Include a SIM-Card) |
| Display Type: | LCD |
| Sim Card Slot: | Single SIM Card |
| Model Year: | 2021 |
| Screen Display: | 1.8 inches |
| Camera: | None |
| Battery: | Lithium Ion 1050mAh |
| Warranty: | Not stated |
| Special Features: | Big Buttons with backlight and Talking number feature, Speed Dial, SOS Button, Torchlight, FM Radio, Audio Player, Bluetooth, Alarm, Calculator |
| Compatible Carriers: | Include Telus, Rogers, Bell, Koodo, Fido, Virgin Mobile, Chatr, Public Mobile, Lucky Mobile, and others run off their networks |
| Hearing Aid Compatible: | Loud volume and announcing keypad; M4/T4 Hearing Aid Compatibility |
| Speed Dial: | Allows programming of up to 8 contacts for quick and convenient calling |
Some reasons cited for purchasing the phone
- Simple phone with minimal frills; calling and texting is basically all it does
- Great for seniors and people fed up with the smartphone game. And all you need is a SIM card, so it’s very convenient to set up.
- This device has a specific purpose and that’s to send and receive phone calls and text messages., no web browsing, email, Facebook etc. This is perfect for a “pay as you go” plan
- It has a color screen that displays large numbers and letters that are clear and easy to see. The buttons are large, easy to distinguish and much simpler to use compared to a touch screen.
- This phone has safety features that make it ideal for seniors and people with health issues and disabilities. The built-in emergency dial and text system works perfectly.
- If you need help just hold down the emergency button on the top of the phone, and then the phone will automatically dial and text preselected numbers. This one feature alone could easily save a life.
- It has a built-in flashlight
- Phone can be paired to car’s Bluetooth
- Lightweight
- Phone reads out the numbers as you dial them
Some noted concerns
- Short battery life
- Menu does not list everything
- Concern about pocket dialing 911
- The SIM card is difficult to insert, and very difficult to remove, while the SD card goes in easily, but is difficult to remove.
- If you leave the battery out for more than a few minutes, the phone will forget what time it was, and you will have to enter your language preference and the current date and time again. Fortunately, the date and time will update to the one set by the cellular network you connect to.
Easyfone Prime-A6 4G Unlocked Big Button Basic Senior Mobile Phone
This is an easy-to-use cell phone for the elderly with a Charging Dock and SOS Button. It is Hearing Aid Compatible and IC and FCC Certified (Black)
FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS
| Model name: | Easyfone Prime-A6 |
| PARCEL Dimensions: | 13.6 x 11.9 x 6.2 cm; 330 Grams |
| Wireless Carrier: | Unlocked for all Carriers |
| Form Factor: | Bar |
| Bluetooth: | Yes |
| Operating System: | Easyfone OS |
| Memory Storage Capacity: | 16GB RAM, 64 GB ROM |
| Color: | Black |
| Cellular Technology: | 4G, 4G VoLTE, 3G WCDMA, 2G GSM |
| Display Type: | LCD |
| Sim Card Slot: | Does not require a memory card but there is a slot if you want to add additional memory with a memory card |
| Model Year: | 2021 |
| Screen Display: | 1.8 inches |
| Camera: | None |
| Battery: | Lithium Ion 1050mAh |
| Warranty: | Not stated |
| Special Features: | Big Buttons with backlight and Talking number feature, Speed Dial, SOS Button, Torchlight, FM Radio, Audio Player, Bluetooth, Alarm, Calculator |
| Compatible Carriers: | Include Telus, Rogers, Bell, Koodo, Fido, Virgin Mobile, Chatr, Public Mobile, Lucky Mobile, and others run off their networks |
| Hearing Aid Compatible: | Loud volume and announcing keypad; M4/T4 Hearing Aid Compatibility |
| Speed Dial: | Allows programming of up to 8 contacts for quick and convenient calling |
Some reasons cited for purchasing the phone
- Similar reasons for purchasing the phone and noted concerns were cited as stated for Easyfone T200 above. This is only a classic bar phone for calling and texting with no Internet access and without a camera.
- This model has a larger memory storage capacity than the T200 – 16GB instead of 4GB
- USB charging is possible
Easyfone Prime-A7 4G Unlocked Big Button Mobile Phone
A simple mobile phone for seniors and kids with SOS Button, GPS, Photo Speed Dial and a charging dock (Black)
FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS
| Model name: | Easyfone Prime-A7 |
| PHONE Dimensions: | 11.6 x 5.66 x 1.4 cm; 340 Grams |
| Wireless Carrier: | Unlocked, Virgin Mobile |
| Form Factor: | Slider |
| Bluetooth: | Yes |
| Operating System: | Easyfone OS |
| Memory Storage Capacity: | 16GB RAM, 64 GB ROM |
| Color: | Black |
| Cellular Technology: | 4G, 4G VOLTE, 3G WCDMA, 2G GSM |
| Display Type: | HD IPS |
| Sim Card Slot: | 1* Nano size sim card (Smallest size and not included): Micro-SD card supports up to 16G (Not included) |
| Model Year: | 2021 |
| Screen Display: | 2.0 inches |
| Camera: | 0.3MP |
| Battery: | Lithium Ion 1500mAh |
| Warranty: | Not stated |
| Special Features: | Extra Big Buttons with backlight and Talking number feature, Speed Dial, SOS Button, Torchlight, FM Radio, Audio Player, Bluetooth, Alarm, Calculator |
| Compatible Carriers: | Include Telus, Rogers, Bell, Koodo, Fido, Virgin Mobile, Chatr, Public Mobile, Lucky Mobile, and others run off their networks |
| Hearing Aid Compatible: | Loud volume and announcing keypad; M4/T4 Hearing Aid Compatibility |
| Speed Dial: | 8 Speed Dial Buttons with photos to call favorite contacts easily |
Some reasons cited for popularity of the phone
- Similar reasons for popularity of the phone and noted concerns were cited as stated for Easyfone T200 and Prime A-6 above
- This model has a larger memory storage capacity than the T200 – 16GB instead of 4GB
- USB charging is possible
- Phone has a camera
Easyfone T100 4G LTE Big Button SIM-Free Unlocked Senior Mobile Phone
This easy-to-use basic cell phone comes with a charging dock, has big buttons, emergency SOS button with GPS, and is hearing aid compatible. Tested to comply with FCC and IC Standards with Certification.
FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS
| Model name: | Easyfone T100 |
| PHONE Dimensions: | 11.6 x 5.66 x 1.4 cm; 340 Grams |
| Wireless Carrier: | Unlocked |
| Bluetooth: | Yes |
| Memory Storage Capacity: | 16 GB – Micro-SD Card(Support up to 16G (Not included) |
| Color: | Black |
| Cellular Technology: | 4G LTE |
| Display Type: | LCD |
| Sim Card Slot: | 1* Nano sim card (Smallest size and not included); Micro-SD Card |
| Flash Memory Installed Size: | 128 MB |
| Digital Storage Capacity: | 64 MB |
| Model Year: | 2021 |
| Screen Display: | 2.0 inches with Large font |
| Camera: | 0.3 MP |
| Battery: | Lithium Ion 1500mAh; Standby time up to 96+ hours |
| Warranty: | Not stated |
| Special Features: | GPS positioning/Integrated torch/FM Radio/Camera/Photo Speed dial/Tasks/ Audio player/Bluetooth/Alarm/Calculator. Special SOS button with GPS for emergency help |
| Compatible Carriers: | This phone is compatible with Telus, Rogers, Bell, Koodo, Fido, Virgin Mobile, Chatr, Public Mobile, Lucky Mobile, and other carriers run off their networks. |
| Hearing Aid Compatible: | Loud volume and announcing keypad |
| Speed Dial: | Allows programming of up to 8 contact buttons with photos for quick and convenient calling |
Some reasons cited for purchasing the phone
- Good for elderly parents who are not tech savvy at all as majority of the phones on the market are smart phones.
- Unlocked phone which can work with various Carriers
- Buttons are large and the phone is simple to use and not confusing.
- Have safety features – SOS button and GPS
- Battery does not take long to charge, and holds a charge very well
- This is first and foremost a PHONE!. It’s not an Internet browsing device. So, no surfing at all.
- This phone is also equipped with an SD Card slot. One is not included but you can easily add your own.
- There is a 3.5mm jack for a wired headset or earbuds.
Some concerns noted
- Charger beeps too loud
- The only thing that’s still required will be a Nano SIM CARD (which will be specific to your regional Mobile Carrier). Many will provide that to you for Free when signing up, but that varies with the Carrier
- Poor camera quality
- One case of sound issues
Conclusion – The Best Cell Phones For Seniors
The cell phones for seniors which are hearing aid compatible are compared in a format that allows comparison of “apples to apples” using similar criteria. This is a format that most seniors, their children and caregivers prefer as it makes their decision making about which phone to purchase easier.
If you enjoyed reading this article and found value, please leave a comment with your thoughts.
Related Articles
- Compare The Best Cell Phones for Seniors. Top Rated Models
- Mobile Phones for the Hearing Impaired. How to Select
- Best Cell Phones for Senior Citizens
References
Lynch, David 2021 What Is A GB? The Real Definition Of A Gigabyte! https://www.upphone.com/learn/glossary/cellular/what-is-a-gb-real-definition-of-gigabyte/
Hildenbrand, Jerry 2022. How much RAM does your Android phone actually need in 2022? https://www.androidcentral.com/ram-what-it-how-its-used-and-why-you-shouldnt-care
The Best Cell Phones for Seniors
We are always looking for the best for the people we care about the most. thanks for the information shows other important things necessary to purchase Overall, it’s a cell phones for Seniors. All have similar characteristics and elements of technology But if we compare, we can see that there is one brand that I am interested in is Easfone T100 because it has GPS location, sos button, special features with GPS for emergency assistance because of its outstanding features, and focus on GPS. GPS is the main positioning technology. and very important for Seniors.
Hi Arisara,
The SOS button and the GPS functions are really important for safety features for seniors should they have a fall, or become lost. They provide their care givers with “peace-of-mind” in knowing that help will not be too long coming should their loved one slip, trip and fall
Ceci
Hi Ceci. Thanks for another great post related to elderly. I really liked the Easyfone Prime A6 mainly because of two reasons. Firstly it has 96 hours stand by time ,I mean wow! That’s a lot! Secondly, the memory of 64 GB is also extraordinary.That’s more than my iPhone?I have a grandpa who uses cellphone .So ,I will check with him, which one he has. If his present one is jot sufficient ,will consider buoying this one. Great post, keep up your great work . Cheers
Hi Julius,
If your grandpa is only a minimal to moderate cell phone user, he may not need all that memory provided by the Easyfone Prime A6. There is no need to pay for what you do not need. You might wish to reference a previous article on this site about how to carefully review your criteria for the phone needed.
https://metamorphosishub.com/best-cell-phones-for-senior-citizens-how-to-select/
Ceci
Hi Julius,
If your grandpa is only a minimal to moderate cell phone user, he may not need all that memory provided by the Easyfone Prime A6. There is no need to pay for what you do not need. You might wish to reference a previous article on this site about how to carefully review your criteria for the phone needed – https://metamorphosishub.com/best-cell-phones-for-senior-citizens-how-to-select/
Hope this helps
Ceci