Nokia 100
This is not explicitly a phone which is aimed at older folks but performs the function of “I just want a simple phone” very well. It relies on Nokia’s user interface from before it started to try clever things. It’s quite small for a senior phone, the screen is only 1.8in but it’s clear and uncluttered and numbers are well displayed.
The buttons are well separated and, if you buy it in red, there is good demarcation between the buttons and the body of the phone. A month’s standby time and 8hrs of talktime make it a good emergency phone. At under half the price of rival senior phones it’s the best bet for those on a budget.
Panasonic KX-TU 301
Panasonic is the only major manufacturer to sell senior phones in Europe, with the KX-TU301 being part of a small range of devices. It looks like a domestic cordless phone to put older users at their ease, but is substantially larger than Panasonic’s own cordless.
The OLED display is bright and crisp and it reads digits out loud when you dial. There is a well recessed but easy to press emergency button on the back and it has hearing aid support. The metal chassis gives it a good heft and makes it feel of a higher quality than most of the phones here.
Reg Rating 65%
Price £49.95 plus £10 top up.
More info Panasonic or Carphone Warehouse
Next page: SafelinQ QlinQ
COMMENTS
Re: Ageism much? @Chris Miller
'What's your next review: "Ten... phones for black folks"?'
Bit of an overstatement don't you think? Or was it said to add a bit of drama.
It's a legitimate article as there are older people who are not able to cope with technology especially smartphones, and speaking as someone who has cared for partially sighted people, the big numbers and screens are a godsend for some.
This isn't about ageism at all, its about access. Plonker.
Re: Ageism much?
The article took pains to point out that there are some physical conditions that many people develop as they age, which can hinder the use of a phone. Some people are lucky enough to retain a great deal of use in their hands, eyes and ears as they age, some people are less so. I don't know why catering to the needs of some people has been compared to racial stereotyping by the first poster. If anything, the designers have actively attempted to consider the requirements of people who are not like themselves- if that is not down the road of understanding and concern for their fellow human, I don't know what is.
My old man has large hands, and though I suspect that he would be able to use an Android phone, he is very drawn to a Motorola clamshell phone which has large buttons, to match his fingers. Having a clear way of turning the phone off would be a bonus for him (and for those of us he might ring up and then not hang up on). Having the screen and keypad protected from scratches and dust would be good as well.
Another old boy in the pub, a sharp and witty retired teacher, keeps enquiring as to how easy the keyboard on my Android phone is to use- he claims to have useless fingers, too. He often uses a laptop to keep in touch with his children and grandchildren, via skype or what not, but fancies an alternative device for when his home internet is playing silly buggers. I'm tempted to recommend him a 7" tablet rather than a smart phone- if needs be he can easily take it down the pub for the use of an alternate hotspot and free tech support.
Re: Ageism much?
"Senior" as far as I'm concerned is 75+, chances are folks of that age aren't going to be reading El Reg, whilst younger folks like me who have to decide what phones to buy for 95 year old great aunts find this kind of article useful.
Re: Ageism much? @Chris Miller
Enjoy making mountains out of mole hills do ya?
This was a sensible review of phones suitable for those 'senior' or 'elderly' people (or phone with impairments) who would not be comfortable with a current gen Smartphone. As specified in the article. Or was it TL;DR;?
What's your problem with that? Stereotypes? WTF? This article couldn't more more clear about it intentions. There was no stereotyping. There are old people, many have problems with Smartphones. That is a fact. Not all of them, of course, but that was specifically pointed out. So how about we title the article "Ten Phones for Seniors/Elderly. Except for those who like Smartphones, Oh, and also those who don't like smartphones and want something simple".
JFC.
Re: Ageism much?
Did you read this article or just the title? It clearly states that there are elderly people who are comfortable with smartphones, just not the majority.
My own father just got a smartphone for his 76th birthday and he is quite happy with it.
I am in my mid 50s and always found "feature phones" totally confusing to use, the menu structure was always different on differing makes and I never got the hang of texting. At least I can pick up any android phone and have a good idea where to find all the settings, apps etc. and can text on a full keyboard.
Sent from my Sony Tablet S, one of the best android tablets (of it's time)
Sherlock, because he looked before commenting.
