How to Choose the Best Cell Phones for Blind or Visually Impaired Seniors

Visual impairments take many forms, and few phones address all the related concerns, but there are a few key traits we looked for when choosing the best phones for people with visual impairments.

• Screen reader: Users hear what is on their smartphone screen through an intuitive screen reader. The synthesized voice reads the content and any elements found on the screen.

• Voice to text: There’s no need to contend with a hard-to-see keyboard. Send a text, make a call, or write a note through voice commands instead of typing.

• Audible alerts: Audio alerts for missed calls, text messages, and low battery help reduce difficult-to-view on-screen notifications.

• Backlit keypad: Bright, backlit buttons make it easier to see when in a dim lighting environment. Backlit buttons can be found on some of the best flip phones and brick-style cell phones.

• Built-in accessibility features: Preloaded accessibility features such as screen contrast, text size, and magnification help streamline the setup process so users can focus on getting comfortable with their phone.

• Big buttons: Large tactile buttons help users navigate their cell phone without the frustration of pushing the wrong keys when making calls or sending texts. 

• Audio descriptions: Video streaming may be a struggle for the vision impaired. Audio description provides a narration of the video’s key visual elements.

• Emergency SOS or integrated help service: Cell phones with health and safety features add an extra level of protection for older adults with low vision. 

• Large screen: Cell phones with a generous screen size provide visually impaired seniors with a larger viewing area when browsing and making video calls.

• Vision aid app capability: In addition to built-in accessibility features, there is a wide range of downloadable apps (including text and facial recognition) to assist people with visual impairment.

Cheapest Cell Phones for Seniors and the Visually Impaired 

1.Jitterbug Smart3

User reviews:4.1/5.0

The Jitterbug Smart3 is an Android phone that lets you do all the things most smartphones do, such as access the internet, conduct video chats, navigate email and play games. But because it was designed with seniors in mind, there are features that people with dexterity, vision or hearing challenges often welcome, such as a large screen, an easy-to-read list menu, voice typing capabilities and hearing-aid compatibility.

Perhaps the most significant value add of the Jitterbug Smart3 is its Lively health and safety packages, which, depending on the plan you choose, can give you 24/7 telephone access to emergency personnel or doctors and even call a ride service for you.

Jitterbug Smart3 Features

• Large 6.2-inch screen

• Simple, list-based menu

• Voice typing

• Video chat

• High-quality camera

• Long-lasting battery

• Powerful speaker

• Urgent Response button

• How-to guides right on your phone

Advantages and Disadvantages of Jitterbug Smart3

Price and Where to Buy?

•  Lively:$74.99,Regularly $149.99 (Up to 20% cashback)

• Bestbuy:$74.99,Regularly $149.99 (Up to 0.5% cashback)

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2.Apple iPhone 13

User reviews:4.6/5.0

The Apple iPhone 13 outshines its tough competition, earning our best overall cell phone for visually impaired seniors. For such an advanced smartphone, the user interface is straightforward, making setting up (and using) the iPhone a stress-free experience. The crystal-clear 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, state-of-the-art accessibility tech, and easy integration with other Apple products makes the iPhone 13 a fantastic choice for both newbie and tech-savvy smartphone users.

Apple certainly has its finger on the pulse of individuals with vision loss! With an impressive number of resources, including Apple’s accessibility support communities, AppleVis (an online resource for blind and low-vision users of Apple products), and technical help dedicated to accessibility assistance, Apple guides users through customizing accessibility features based on their individual needs. Talk about top-notch customer service and support!

 Apple iPhone 13 Key Features

• 5.4 and 6.1-inch sizes

• Similar to iPhone 12 lineup

• 13.5 Hours talk time
  

• Smaller notch

• New colors

• Camera improvements

• A15 Bionic Chip

• 5G

Advantages and Disadvantages of iPhone 13

Price and Where to Buy?

• Apple:From $799 

• T-Mobile: From $33.34/mo. for 24 mos. with $0 down

3.Samsung Galaxy A12

User reviews：4.5/5.0

The Galaxy A12 from T-Mobile has an ultra long-lasting battery life. Seniors already have enough on their plate to remember, whether it’s taking medications every day, doctor’s appointments, book club meetings, or planning visits with the family. The last thing you need to add to that list is remembering to charge your phone constantly. With the Galaxy A12, you’ll have a full 34 hours of talk time, or 16 days of standby time, when you’re not actively using your phone. 

Depending on how much you use your phone and the types of activities you use it for, your battery will last at least a full day, if not more. You won’t have to worry about a dead battery while you’re out and about and you need to make an important call. It also has fast charging capabilities, so you won’t have to sit around waiting for hours for the device to fully charge.

Aside from the battery life, there are several other things to love about this phone. The Galaxy A12 has a 16MP multi-lense back camera, so all of those vacation and family photos will come out crystal clear. It comes with a fingerprint sensor, so you can unlock your phone using your unique fingerprint. You’ll never have to worry about trying to remember your password, and this feature also increases the security of your phone so that no one else can access it.

Samsung Galaxy A12 Key Features

• 34 hours talk time; 16-day standby battery life

• Fast-charging option

• Fingerprint sensor

• 6.5-inch HD display

• Up to 1 TB in memory

• 16MP triple camera

• Built-in mobile apps

Advantages and Disadvantages of Samsung Galaxy A12 

Price and Where to Buy?

• Samsung :$180 (Up to 4% cashback)

• Newegg:$179.99 (Up to 1% cashback)

4.Jitterbug Flip2

User reviews：3.8/5

The Jitterbug Flip for GreatCall is a simple clamshell flip phone with a few handy features that make it a fantastic choice for seniors and people with special health needs.The Jitterbug Flip2 has the simplicity of a flip phone with more modern features. It’s equipped with a built-in reading light and magnifier for illuminating and enlarging reading materials. Extra large, legible buttons make texting on the keypad easier for vision-impaired users. The flip phone comes in two colors, red and graphite, in a sleek, clamshell exterior.

Fussing with the menu and apps can be tricky for those with vision or dexterity issues, which is why the Flip2 is equipped with Amazon Alexa. Users can use their voice to access many phone features through Alexa, like calling or texting, setting reminders, and checking the weather. Just address your phone “Alexa” to activate your phone’s listening ability.

You hope to never have to push it, but the big red star on the center of your keypad is one of the most supportive Flip2 features. This SOS button is active for those users who’ve opted for Urgent Response, allowing them to easily contact a trained operator to assess the situation, day or night.

Jitterbug Flip2 Key Features

• Large screen and buttons

• Easy list-based menu

• Powerful speaker

• Long-lasting battery

• Urgent Response button

• Amazon Alexa

• Magnifier and flashlight

• 8MP camera and video

• One-touch speed dialing

Advantages and Disadvantages of Jitterbug Flip2 

Price and Where to Buy?

• Lively: $49.99,Regularly $99.99 (Up to 20% cashback)

• Bestbuy:$49.99,Regularly $99.99 (Up to 0.5% cashback)

5.BlindShell Classic 2

User reviews：3.2/5

BlindShell is a classic cell phone for the blind as it is a simple device. The phone uses voice-enabled commands to make calls without having to use a keypad. It seems like any other cell phone, just that you can do so much more and it works great as one of the cell phones for the visually impaired. The important features with voice are to make calls, send texts, open applications, find GPS, track your address, know about your location, learn about weather. Dictate your voice notes to be added on your phone.

The BlindShell Classic 2 Cell Phone is the perfect phone for those who are visually impaired. With an updated sleek design, improved tactile keypad, a larger screen with more information displayed for easier reading, and enhanced voice control functionality, 

it's simpler than ever to use your cellular device if you have a visual impairment or other disabilities that make operating a standard smartphone or cell phone difficult.

BlindShell Classic 2 Key Features:

• Voice control

• Loud speaker

• Tactile kepad

• Extended battery life

• WhatsApp

• BlindShell App catalog

• YouTube

• Internet browser and email

• NFC object tagging

• Assistive tools

• Color sensor

• Charging cardle

Advantages and Disadvantages of BlindShell Classic 2 

Price and Where to Buy?

• Blindshell:$489

• The Low Vision Shop:$489
  

6.Kyocera DuraXE Epic 

User reviews:4.5/5

The Kyocera DuraXE Epic is excellent for older adults with unsteady hands or health conditions that make them more prone to falls and accidents. It offers industry-leading durability, so you won’t have to worry about it breaking due to a drop on the ground or in water. This flip phone is MIL-STD-810H and IP68-certified; all those letters and numbers just mean that this military-tested phone won’t be damaged by dust, extreme temperatures or weather, being dropped (within reason), or being submerged in water for a short time. If you struggle with grip or find yourself dropping or damaging your phone often for whatever reason, the Kyocera DuraXE Epic is a great solution.

Although we love this phone’s durability and rugged design, it is a bit more costly than other flip phones. The Kyocera DuraXE Epic costs $269.99, but it features important functions for older adults, such as an SOS button, hearing aid compatibility, larger font sizes, and a waterproof design.

Kyocera DuraXE Epic Key Features:

• Ultra-rugged, waterproof and drop-proof (military grade tough)

• Loud, dual speakers and noise cancelling mic

• FirstNet Ready

• Multiple programmable buttons

• 16 GB of storage

Advantages and Disadvantages of Kyocera DuraXE Epic 

Price and Where to Buy?

• AT&T:$269.99 (up to $27.5 Cash Back)

• Firstnet:$269.99

7.Moto G7 Power

User reviews:4.5/5

The Moto G name has become synonymous with quality on a budget. Time and again, Motorola has got this price point right with relatively high spec handsets when compared to the competition at the same price.And the Moto G7 may be a solid choice for older adults who are looking for a larger screen, built-in voice commands, and intuitive shortcuts. Google Play has plenty of useful apps for seniors, and the built-in Alexa functionality allows you to operate a majority of your phone’s features without pressing a button.

When using the Moto G7’s voice commands, we were able to make calls, check the weather, set reminders, and browse the web. The G7’s large, 6.2-inch screen also makes it easy to read information or view images and video. What’s more, the phone’s customization features make it easy to adjust text size and color and improve readability. For seniors with visual impairments, this cell phone was particularly helpful because it has Motorola-exclusive shortcuts to quickly access important features and apps with ease.

The G7 features impressive battery life and can last more than a day on a single charge. With its rapid charging capabilities, we charged the phone to full capacity in just under an hour.

Moto G7 Key Features:

• 12 MP + 5 MP dual camera system

• 50% faster performance

• 6.2" Full HD+ Max Vision display

• 15W turbopower™ charging

• Water-repellent, 3D glass design

• motorola-exclusive shortcuts

Advantages and Disadvantages of Moto G7

Price and Where to Buy?

• Motorola: Unavailable now(up to 5% cashback)

• Walmart:$329(up to 4% cashback)
  

8.Samsung Galaxy S20 FE

User reviews:4.5/5

The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE has been announced, which offers a faster Snapdragon 888 chip, a better 240Hz touch response rate and improved cameras with a beefed up Night mode and dual recording mode.

The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G from T-Mobile is an excellent choice for tech-savvy older adults with vision impairment. This Android smartphone provides valuable accessibility features and voice commands to help users with limited vision make the most out of their phone (just like the Motorola Moto G Power 2021).

Samsung’s Voice Assistant can act as your eyes when you’re using your phone. For example, it describes what you touch, select, and activate.2 Use the TalkBack screen reader to hear notifications, check how much battery life is left, and receive texts. With lightning-fast charging (wireless and plug in) and a large 6.5-inch infinity display screen, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G doesn’t disappoint.

 Samsung Galaxy S20 FE Key Features:

• 6.5-inch flat Super AMOLED

• Infinity-O cutout, centered

• FHD+ (2,400 x 1,080) resolution

• 407ppi

• 120Hz refresh rate

• HDR 10+

• Gorilla Glass 3 cover

Advantages and Disadvantages of  Samsung Galaxy S20 FE

Price and Where to Buy?

• Samsung: from $299.99 (up to 4% cashback)

• Amazon:$499.99

9.Snapfon ez4G

User reviews:3.7/5

The Snapfon ez4G is built for the ultimate simplicity and usability. It’s also affordable, priced at just $79.95. With large keys for sending texts and making calls, simplified menus, and no extra buttons or unnecessary frills, this phone is about as straightforward as it gets. The Snapfon ez4G also features an emergency button with 24/7 monitoring that can be added to any plan for an extra monthly fee. 

During an emergency, simply press the button to be connected to a live operator who will get you the help you need. This is a great feature if you’re looking for a cell phone with basic medical alert capabilities. At just $79.95 for the device and monthly plans starting at $10, the ez4G is an affordable cell phone for seniors who want an easy-to-use cell phone to stay connected.

Currently, Snapfon does not offer a specific plan or discount for older adults; however, we think their basic plan of 100 minutes and 100 texts is ideal for those who have an existing landline and only need a cell phone for emergencies. Alternatively, their basic unlimited minutes and texts plan is a great option for those who don’t need their phone for internet usage.

Snapfon ez4G Key Features:

• Bluetooth 4.2

• 4G LTE

• VoLTE (Voice Over LTE)

• GPS

• WiFi, WiFi Calling, & WiFi Hotspot

• Hearing Aid Compatible (HAC T3/M3)

• 4GB Built-in Storage

• Micro-SD Slot for additional storage

Advantages and Disadvantages of Snapfon ez4G

Price and Where to Buy?

• Snapfon:$79.95

• Walmart:$125 (up to 4% cashback)

10.Consumer Cellular GrandPad

User reviews:3.5/5

Consumer Cellular’s GrandPad is a senior-friendly tablet with all the right features to keep older adults connected and entertained, which is why it made this year’s list. While it’s not a traditional cell phone, the GrandPad can be used to make calls, send texts, video chat, take pictures, play games, and access mobile apps. It’s a great option for seniors who spend a lot of time at home, want a very large screen, or are technology-averse. The tablet runs on Consumer Cellular’s 4G LTE connection, so you won’t have to worry about connecting to Wi-Fi.

The GrandPad’s large screen is easy to grip, and the buttons are large and easy to see. It also has a companion mobile app that allows family members to add, personalize, or restrict features and contacts to keep their loved ones safe and make the user experience as simple as possible. Family members can also upload photos to the GrandPad, send messages, and video chat through the mobile app. Overall, the GrandPad provides a unique way to stay connected for those who don’t want a traditional cell phone.

The GrandPad is much larger than a cell phone, so it’s not as portable as the other phones on our list. If you spend a lot of time on the go or simply don’t want a large device, the GrandPad may not be the right fit for you. However, if you spend a lot of time at home and want a larger screen that’s easy to grip and use for things like reading, video chatting, and playing games, it’s a solid option. 

Consumer Cellular GrandPad Key Features:

• Touchscreen tablet with HD display

• 5MP front and back cameras

• 4G LTE connection; no Wi-Fi required

• Make calls, send texts, and video chat

• Companion mobile app for family and caregivers

• Stylus included

• Battery lasts 1-3 days with wireless charging

• Built-in mobile apps

• Large font and buttons

Advantages and Disadvantages of Consumer Cellular GrandPad

Price and Where to Buy?

• Consumer Cellular:$149

• Walmart:$199.99 (up to 4% cashback)

FAQ

1.Which cell phone is best for the visually impaired?

We’d recommend either the Jitterbug Smart3 for its intuitive design or the iPhone SE for its sophisticated voice commands.

2.How does a blind person use a cell phone?

A blind person can use a specially designed cell phone on their own. As they are equipped with features such as voice commands, recognizable buttons, etc to help them.

3.Which is the easiest cell phone for seniors to use?

The Jitterbug Flip2 is likely the easiest phone for seniors to use due to its simplistic design and Alexa-based voice commands.

4.Which carrier has the best cell phone deals for seniors?

T-Mobile offers the most affordable unlimited talk, text, and data plans for seniors, but other providers, such as Lively and Consumer Cellular, offer affordable plans for people who don’t use or need data.

5.What is the best cell phone for a visually impaired person?

Jitterbug and Lucia Phone are the best cell phone for a visually impaired person as they come equipped with handy features.

6.Which cell phones have a built-in Braille keyboard?

Android and Apple smartphones include an on-screen Braille keyboard so you can type Braille directly onto your phone. Both offer Grade One (six dot) and Grade Two (contracted) Braille keyboards.

7.Can a cell phone help visually impaired seniors live independently?

Individuals with low vision or blindness are at risk for injury in the home, especially from dangerous falls. Help is just a button push away with health and safety plans providing 24/7 protection.

Read More:

Top 7 Smartphones for Live Streaming in 2024

OnePlus 9 vs. Samsung S21 vs. iPhone 13: Which is the Best Option in 2024?

Samsung Galaxy S21 vs. S21 Plus vs. iPhone 13 vs. 13 Pro: Full Comparison & Verdict 2024

Jitterbug Smart2 vs. Smart3 vs. Flip2: Specs/Differences/Reviews 2024

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