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Ever had one of those phone calls from your parents checking in on where your ah gong and ah ma are? We feel you, especially when your grandparents have left the house to who knows where and you’re caught in a bind. It’s hard to constantly keep tabs on them, but you’ll finally be able to check where your grandparents are with these best phones for elderly people!
| Type of Phone | Phone | Size | SOS Function? | Camera? | Price |
| Regular elderly mobile phone | Artfone C1+ | 12.19 × 5.92 × 1.40cm | Yes, calls to emergency contacts will be made. | No | $124.26 |
| Nokia 108 | 12.6 × 4.95 × 1.40cm | Yes, it has a speed dial option. | Yes | $86.11 | |
| Y2K 4G Flip Phone | 12.6 × 4.95 × 1.40cm | Yes, a siren will be activated. An SMS message and calls to emergency contacts will also be made. | Yes | $108.00 | |
| Elderly smartphone | oppo A18 | 12.6 × 4.95 × 1.40cm | No | Yes | $201.00 |
| realme Note 60 | 16.74 × 7.57 × 0.79cm | No | Yes | $159.00 | |
| Google Pixel 8a | 15.21 x 7.27 x 0.89cm | No | Yes | $799.00 | |
| Apple iPhone 16 | 14.76 x 7.16 x 0.78cm | Yes | Yes | $1,299.00 |
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For those with elderly grandparents who want a super straightforward phone, the Artfone C1+ would be perfect! This phone features an old-school charging dock, a simple interface with clear menu icons and large fonts. There are also built-in side ridges that provide an anti-slip grip, which helps in reducing the possibility of drops. Additionally, this phone comes with an SOS button your grandparents can use to quickly inform up to five different emergency contacts in case of any accidents.
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Seniors who prefer a slight modern twist to really traditional phones can look forward to the Nokia 108. Bringing them back to the early 2000s, when Nokia was everywhere, this phone would definitely bring up feelings of nostalgia. But vibes isn’t the only thing the Nokia 108 serves. On top of a speed dial function that allows your grandparents to reach you easily, there’s also an announcement feature that reads out notifications aloud in crisp HD sound — they’ll never miss an update again!
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With an extensive SOS feature that includes a loud help siren, SMS alerts, and emergency call capabilities, the Y2K 4G Flip Phone offers peace of mind in times of need. The nostalgic flip design may appeal to some, and the dual-screen display makes it easy to see who’s calling—no need to keep flipping the phone open. Grandparents who love a good chat will especially appreciate how fuss-free it is to catch incoming calls!
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The oppo A18 is a great outdoor companion for seniors who enjoy walks or meet-ups at the park. Its Sunlight Display feature automatically boosts screen visibility, so they can easily see who’s calling or read messages, even under bright sunlight. It also comes with a powerful audio system with 300% sound output, making it easy to hear calls or music clearly without having to hold the phone uncomfortably close to their ears. And with a battery capacity that promises up to 20 hours of talk time, your ah gong or ah ma can stay out and about with no worries.
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Boasting water, scratch, and bend resistance, grandparents who might be a little clumsy can rest easy knowing their phone is built to handle the occasional bump or spill. The realme Note 60 is known for its ArmorShell technology that incorporates eight different hardy materials to keep everything well-protected. This realme phone has also passed over 320 rigorous quality tests, so you can rest assured about its quality.
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The Google Pixel 8a has one of the best performances at its price point. While the phone has water-resistance and excellent camera features, what makes this smartphone great for seniors is the AI feature. My grandparents are constantly asking me about how to do certain things, or why something’s “like that”, but with the AI feature, they’ve been able to get the answers more quickly. They’ve also been happier, being more confident and satisfied with their newfound independence.
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The Apple iPhone 16 doesn’t need any introduction. However, it is often overlooked as a smartphone that’s perfect for seniors. The iOS operating system is super user-friendly, with customisable options for the things that matter: the font sizes and the home screen. No more squinting at the phone screen or non-stop swiping to locate your most frequently used application!
Specifications:
The best phone for your ah gong and ah ma is one that’s designed with seniors in mind. These phones come with thoughtful features that make it easier for your grandparents to navigate and use all the functions comfortably.
| Elderly-friendly features | How it helps |
| Large buttons |
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| Larger fonts |
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| Large and high-resolution displays |
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| Voice commands |
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| Emergency shortcut |
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| Good quality speakers |
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| User interface |
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Most of the regular mobile phones would feature a simple enough interface, as there would be fewer applications and functions for them to navigate. However, the smartphone options, while more complex to navigate, may have certain newer features that may benefit your elderly grandparents. For example, some of the newer smartphones have modern design technology that helps make the phone more sturdy and durable, like the realme Note 60.
Some smartphones are perfect for the elderly, thanks to their integrated senior-friendly features. It’s best to check with your grandparents what functions they’ll need before getting them a smartphone or a regular mobile phone. If they only need to make calls and send text messages, then a regular mobile phone is the best option.
| Phone type | Regular elderly mobile phone | Elderly smartphone |
| Screen size | May not be as large as a smartphone due to the keypad | Larger due to a lack of keypad |
| Button and font size |
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| Speaker quality | Good quality speaker where the maximum volume is usually higher | Good quality speaker |
| Price | Usually cheaper than smartphones | Usually more expensive than regular mobile phones |
| Internet access | Usually doesn’t come with Internet access (i.e. no Internet browser or app store) | Comes with Internet access (i.e. has Internet browser or app store) |
| Usability | Easier to use as compared to smartphones | More complex to use as compared to regular mobile phones |
We hope our list of the best mobile phones for the elderly in Singapore helps you find the perfect one for your grandparents. If you’d like to give them more gifts on top of a brand-new phone, take a look at our list of Father’s Day gift ideas in Singapore. Alternatively, you can explore this list to look for a place to have a hearty hotpot meal to celebrate your father’s and grandfather’s special day!
This article was updated on 29 May 2025. Additional research done by Joie Ong.
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