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Phone Recommendations For Seniors

klr4evr
Good Citizen / Bon Citoyen

My folks are in their 90’s, still in good health, able to drive and care for themselves. Although they have had cell phones in the past they currently do not have a phone but now are asking me to set them up with one. Problem is they have already checked out Amazon and got their mind set on some $60 flip phone.

I’m looking for advice from folks who may have a similar situation for a phone for them. All my folks need is something that will allow them to make phone calls. They won’t be needing to use data or texting etc. They want an old style flip phone which is compact and simple to operate.
Greatly would appreciate suggestions for a decent phone for a reasonable cost.

 

thanks.

 

11 REPLIES 11

Rastin
Model Citizen / Citoyen Modèle

One thing to consider is that if your parents have hearing aids you may not want to get a flip. As they may have apps that need to be used if you want to connect there hearing aids to the phone. I know my father's hearing aids do.

Also if they plan to do any texting its much harder to do on a flip. 

If you still want a flip the cat s22 is well made but a little heavy. Runs on Android. Has a touch screen although small and hard to text with and many apps don't work well on it  because of its screen size doesn't match what the app design for.

In my experience I find it easier to get them use to a touch screen as you can make text large for them. Put the numbers they use most on the main screen.  The hardest thing to get them to do is spend money on a better phone. I would recommend asking some friends and see if they have an older phone that they can use. You Usually can get for cheep. 

@klr4evr 

You could probably keep the S22 for yourself and look for a flip phone or 2 for them.

klr4evr
Good Citizen / Bon Citoyen

Thanks for the lead. They likely would qualify but the plans and type of phone wouldn’t suit them.

BKNS27
Mayor / Maire

@klr4evr 

Just wondering if your parents qualify for the Telus Senior Discount for phone and plan?

https://www.telus.com/en/social-impact/connecting-canada/connecting-for-good-programs/seniors 

other phones to consider

TCL Flip

Sonim XP3plus

klr4evr
Good Citizen / Bon Citoyen

The Cat S22 phone is listed as supporting VoLTE. Looks like getting a phone from Telus requires a more expensive plan than what they need and on a two year term. At 95 my Dad isn’t wanting to be locked into any terms and we think it’s best to bring our own phone.

someone said the phone works on Telus, but I can tell you almost certain that it won't have VoLTE, which will be a needed feature in 2 years or so

I would avoid this phone, get one of those flip (unsmart) phone sold by Bell or Telus to assure it is compatible


@klr4evr wrote:

The phone they are considering is:  https://www.amazon.ca/artfone-G3-Charging-Flashlight-Red/dp/B0CY5G6R27/ref=sr_1_12?crid=2Q0IFDU307B7...

 

 


I actually bought one of those too to try it out... granted on sale for cheaper but...  it's not bad of a phone however be aware it's very ... cheap....  sort of speak. Breaking it accidently or when dropped will be super easy to do. It's very light weight and just feels... well, cheap.

I also purchased this one here and man oh man.... I love it. It's got some pretty good weight to it though and at the time I only paid I think $80 but got a $20 refund as it had T-Mobile bloatware on it. I purchased a program to remove the bloatware so...  let's stick with $80. My buddy liked it so much he bought one to work on Telus. He's 75 btw. LOL.  Something to consider. Can always buy one of each and return the one they don't like and then go from there.

Cat S22 Flip

 

hairbag1
Mayor / Maire

@klr4evr 

All current Public Mobile plans come with some data and texting as well as Unlimited Canada wide calling. I bought a Jethro sc490 on Amazon for a senior relative.   The Jethro is an inexpensive bar type rather than a flip. It seems to be working well for my relative. He doesn't use the data or text functions...only to make and receive calls. I see that Amazon doesn't have that phone but you can get one by calling them...here's a link to their number if you're interested....https://www.jethroshop.ca/product-page/sc490-4g-bar-style

Chalupa_Batman
Mayor / Maire

You asked for my honest opinion so here it is. Public Mobile is not for them. However, staying within the Telus umbrella, here's a plan that will be right for them.

https://www.telus.com/en/mobility/prepaid/plans

There is a $100 prepaid service for 1 year with unlimited talk and text with 2GB of data per month if they need it. 

BTW, which phone on Amazon?

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