Smartphone for senior: how to choose the right one to avoid isolation and preserve family ties

In 2024, according to figures published by Canalys, 1.2 billion smartphones were sold worldwide. In addition, A colossal market, which hides multiple realities, depending on countries, ranges and needs. Therefore, This is particularly the case for a fringe of devices that you always tend to take up from high. Furthermore, ignore, that of terminals for seniors.

On this specific market, only a few players share the scene. However, Among the most prominent, we find Doro and SPC, followed by brands like Swissvoice or Emporia. Consequently, Doro, who occupies the most important position in terms of market share, readily recognizes navigating in a particularly limited sector. Moreover, “We were in an ultra-niche, in terms of volume”says Isabelle Dormoy, marketing manager of the Swedish firm. However, she specifies: “We are not talking about age, but accessibility”. Furthermore, One way of saying smartphone senior: how choose right that these phones designed to meet specific needs can contact a wider audience … Furthermore, Even if seniors are the target heart.

Manufacturers then seek to combine simplicity, comfort and security, left to “slow down technology to make it more accessible”. Therefore, If many still offer basic terminals. Nevertheless, called dumb phonesthe issue of smartphones is crucial: allowing seniors to stay integrated smartphone senior: how choose right into family exchanges, now largely focused on apps like WhatsApp, essential to share calls, messages, photos and videos. Therefore, It is still necessary to manage to orient yourself in the jungle of references …

Points to monitor to make your choice – Smartphone senior: how choose right

Consequently, what criteria should be kept in mind to choose the smartphone most suitable for his elderly parents? Therefore, Beyond the price. Meanwhile, which generally remains capped at that of a mid-range model-less than 400 euros-other elements deserve to be taken into account.

1 – Readability and large format – Smartphone senior: how choose right

The first criterion, essential, is that of the size of the screen and its quality. If some compact models exist. it is rather recommended to opt for a large slab, with a diagonal of at smartphone senior: how choose right least 5 to 6 inches, rather bright to stay readable out of full sun and even for tired eyes. The resolution must also be high. so that the characters are clearly visible and detailed, while the definition must be adjusted so that the elements displayed are not too small.

2 – A suitable software interface – Smartphone senior: how choose right

The offers for seniors are all based on Android, but the Google operating system is always covered with an overlay which places the main functions at the tips of their fingertips smartphone senior: how choose right while masking the superfluous.
This simplified interface displays large icons, as well as some minimalist menus. Not enough to make a teenager dream. but the oldest users could appreciate the readability of the interface and the size of the icons. It is generally possible to make some small modifications to these interfaces. even sometimes deactivate them if they are really not suitable.

3 – Physical pimples in addition to the touch

Sometimes larger interfaces, ultralanged buttons are not enough. Thus. the new Doro Aurora smartphone senior: how choose right A20 and A30 smartphones, as well as the Zeus 2 Pro, of SPC, launched very recently, return to the “all touch”, by reintroducing physical pimples to drop and hang up the calls.
Two additions necessary to be really adapted to users who have lost in fine motor. sensitivity, and for whom touch screens are not the most suitable, explains Isabelle Dormoy.

4 – An audio partition designed specifically

Over the years, hearing abilities are annoying. It is to respond to this reality that Doro engineers pay particular attention to the sound produced by their. smartphones to be sure that the frequencies that the elderly hear less well are compensated in order to make the most audible conversations as possible.
But it is also essential that smartphones for seniors are compatible with the HAC function. for Hearing Aid Compatibility, as is the case with the Doro Aurora A30, for example. This compatibility guarantees a reduction in interference between hearing aids. the smartphone during calls and even the wireless connection between the phone and the devices if they are compatible. If this is the case. the rocking is transparent or in any case as comfortable as possible and the optimal sound smartphone senior: how choose right quality.

5 – Safety. assistance

Not all seniors need it, but it is one of the little ones that can quickly become essential and reassure everyone. Whether the Doro Aurora A20 or A30 or the SPC Zeus 2 Pro, these smartphones have a “SOS” button.
It allows you to alert loved ones at a simple pressure in the event of a problem. need for assistance. It is also the guarantee of a form of serenity.

6 – Autonomy and performance …

Not everyone has the reflex to charge their phone every night before going to bed. Especially if its smartphone is not at the heart of all its daily uses. It is therefore essential that the autonomy of a smartphone for senior is good. and better than a load recall function is available. SPC smartphones thus benefit from a system that warns, user and emergency contacts, when smartphone senior: how choose right the battery must be recharged.

Classic smartphones for seniors?

Smartphones for seniors are distinguished above all by suitable ergonomics. a simplified interface, but generally remain less efficient, especially in photo, than traditional mid or high -end models. For a user who does not need all the software adaptations specific to these devices. it may be relevant to use the accessibility functions already integrated into iOS and Android.

On iPhone. it is for example possible to enlarge or thicken the text, strengthen the contrast, contour buttons or activate gestural controls such as tapping on the device, as well as options to improve compatibility with hearing aids. Android also offers similar settings, with wider displays or a dedicated accessibility button. These adjustments thus make it possible to keep the usual environment of the user. by making it more comfortable, at least for a time.

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