If you're nearing or have reached retirement age, we suspect your savings are more important to you than ever before. But that doesn't mean you want to skimp on quality when buying your next, or first, smartphone. And these days, you don't have to.
It doesn't matter if you've got a little in the bank, or a lot, whether you're an absolute smartphone beginner or a seasoned pro, because we've rounded up the best phones for seniors so there's sure to be something to suit everyone.
Best iPhone pick: iPhone SE (3rd Generation)
RRP $719.00
iPhones don't need to be daunting. Each app is intuitive and well-labelled and better yet, the grandkids who are experts in iPhones can show you how to use one.
- Display: 4.7-inch, Retina IPS LCD
- Processor: Apple A15 Bionic
- Front camera: 7MP selfie camera
- Rear cameras: 12MP wide
- Storage: 64GB (4GB RAM), 128GB (4GB RAM), 256GB (4GB RAM)
- Battery: 2,018mAh
- Features: Wireless Qi charging, eSIM support, IP67 water-resistance, ApplePay
View on Amazon
As budget as iPhones get, this is one with an attractive price tag. It also features handy and easy-to-adjust accessibility settings to make it more user-friendly including Zoom, Magnifier, enlargement of text size and voice control.
Best Galaxy pick: Samsung Galaxy A34
RRP $599.00
Excellent camera, plenty of storage and an excellent battery life — what more could you want in a phone?
- Display: 6.6-inch, Super AMOLED
- Processor: Mediatek MT6877V Dimensity 1080
- Front camera: 13MP selfie camera
- Rear cameras: 48MP wide, 8MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro cameras
- Storage: 128GB (6GB RAM)
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Features: Fingerprint sensor under display, IP67 water-resistance
View on Amazon
This is a great budget smartphone for under $600 while still offering lots of bells and whistles like plenty of storage, battery power, built-in security to keep your sensitive information private, and dust and water resistance.
Best Google pick: Google Pixel 7a
RRP $749.00
The Google Pixel 7a makes sure you're never caught out with a dead phone, boasting over 24 hours of battery life and up to 72 hours with Extreme Battery Saver.
- Display: 6.1-inch, OLED HDR
- Processor: Google Tensor G2
- Front camera: 13MP selfie camera
- Rear cameras: 64MP wide, 13MP ultra-wide cameras
- Storage: 128GB (8GB RAM)
- Battery: 4,385mAh
- Features: Wireless charging, eSIM support, IP67 water-resistance
View on Amazon
Don't stress about breaking a smartphone again thanks to the Corning Gorilla Glass 3 cover glass that comes standard on the Google Pixel 7a. If you have multiple SIMs, this is a great pick because it has dual SIM capabilities and supports eSIM. Interested? Check out our plans below for the Google Pixel 7a 5G 128GB device:
Google Pixel 7a 5G 128GB Plans
|
#1
|
Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$94.80/mth
Min. cost $822.80
Link not supplied
|
|
#2
|
Telstra
$84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan
$104.80/mth
Min. cost $832.80
Link not supplied
|
|
#3
|
Telstra
$74 Basic Upfront Mobile Plan
$105.20/mth
Min. cost $822.80
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Telstra
$84 Essential Upfront Mobile Plan
$115.20/mth
Min. cost $832.80
Link not supplied
|
|
#5
|
Telstra
$99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan
$119.80/mth
Min. cost $847.80
Link not supplied
|
|
#6
|
Telstra
$99 Premium Upfront Mobile Plan
$130.20/mth
Min. cost $847.80
Link not supplied
|
Best Nokia pick: Nokia 2660 Flip
RRP $129.00
Bulky smartphones with huge, empty screens aren't for everyone. Sometimes all you want are buttons to press and something that fits in your pocket.
- Display: 2.8-inch, TFT LCD
- Processor: Unisoc T107
- Front camera: N/A
- Rear cameras: 0.3MP primary camera
- Storage: 128MB (48MB RAM)
- Battery: 1,450mAh
- Features: MicroSDHC, Bluetooth, dual-SIM, lightweight at just
View on Amazon
Simple to operate with its incredibly straightforward design, the Nokia 2660 Flip even features a clever emergency button designed for quickly contacting up to five people.
Best OPPO pick: OPPO A96
RRP $399.00
Stylish design, easy to use and features a colour-rich display. The OPPO A96 is both brains and looks.
- Display: 6.59-inch, IPS LCD
- Processor: Snapdragon 680 4G
- Front camera: 16MP selfie camera
- Rear cameras: 50MP wide, 2MP depth cameras
- Storage: 128GB (8GB RAM)
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Features: Side-mounted fingerprint reader, IP5X dust-resistance, IPX4 water-resistance
View on Amazon
The OPPO A96 is an extremely lightweight device at just 190g and it features an excellent splash and dust-proof design. However, if you're after a 5G-enabled phone, you'll have to give this one a pass. the OPPO A96 is 4G only.
If you need a plan to go the OPPO A96, check out the most popular SIM-only options in our database that cost less than $30 per month:
|
#1
|
SpinTel
Editor's Pick
$23 Mobile Plan
$12.00/mth
Min. cost $12
|
|
#2
|
Tangerine Telecom
30GB 5G Mobile SIM
$30.00/mth
Min. cost $15
|
|
#3
|
Pivotel
25GB Mobile Swift Plan
$11.45/mth
Min. cost $11.45
|
|
#4
|
Dodo
Medium Mobile Plan
$30.00/mth
Min. cost $15
|
|
#5
|
Swoop
30GB SIM Only 5G
$14.00/mth
Min. cost $14
|
|
#6
|
TPG
30GB Small Plan
$15.00
Per 1 Month Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#7
|
felix mobile
felix 25GB Mobile Plan
$30.00
Per 1 Month Renewal
|
|
#8
|
Yomojo
Starter 29GB Plan
$24.90
Per 30 Day Renewal
Link not supplied
|
|
#9
|
Superloop
SuperSim Saver 4G Plan
$25.00
Per 30 Day Renewal
|
|
#10
|
Pivotel
80GB Mobile Swift Plan
$22.50/mth
Min. cost $22.50
|
Best Motorola pick: Moto G54
RRP $299.00
Let's not forget about Motorola! This device charges quickly and has plenty of storage for the most camera-happy owner.
- Display: 6.5-inch, IPS LCD
- Processor: Mediatek MT6886 Dimensity 7020
- Front camera: 16MP selfie camera
- Rear cameras: 50MP wide, 8MP ultra-wide cameras
- Storage: 128GB (8GB RAM)
- Battery: 6,000mAh
- Features: Side-mounted fingerprint reader, water-repellent design, eSIM support
View on Amazon
While it's not the most lightweight device, the Moto G54 makes up for it with its reasonably-sized screen. It comes unlocked as well so you have the freedom to choose your carrier. It's also the cheapest phone with eSIM support we've seen in Australia.
If you need a plan to go with your Moto G54, check out the most affordable SIM-only options in our database under $20 with an expiry of 28 to 31 days:
|
#1
|
Pivotel
25GB Mobile Swift Plan
$11.45/mth
Min. cost $11.45
|
|
#2
|
SpinTel
Editor's Pick
$23 Mobile Plan
$12.00/mth
Min. cost $12
|
|
#3
|
Optus
Optus Prepaid $40 SIM (AutoRecharge only)
$13.00
Starter Pack
28 Day Expiry
|
|
#4
|
Moose Mobile
Moose 23 SIM Only
$14.00/mth
Min. cost $14
|
|
#5
|
Swoop
30GB SIM Only 5G
$14.00/mth
Min. cost $14
|
|
#6
|
Optus
Optus Prepaid $50 SIM (AutoRecharge only)
$17.00
Starter Pack
28 Day Expiry
|
|
#7
|
Boost Mobile
$49 Prepaid
$17.00
Starter Pack
28 Day Expiry
|
|
#8
|
Moose Mobile
Moose 30 SIM Only
$17.00/mth
Min. cost $17
|
|
#9
|
Pivotel
50GB Mobile Swift Plan
$17.50/mth
Min. cost $17.50
|
Our guide to refurbished phones
Interested in a refurbished phone and want to know more? Check out our guides on how and where to buy a refurbished iPhone, and why you might want to buy a refurbished phone in the first place.
Providers with senior discounts
You'll be hard pressed to find a provider offering senior or pensioner discounts. While it is possible to skip out on paper billing fees, or credit card charges, you'll unfortunately need to pay full price for your phone plan.
A trick to saving money with telcos is to look into Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO). These providers buy network services at wholesale prices, reselling the service to consumers at a competitive rate. As a general rule, MVNOs offer the same product as big telcos, but for less. So to take advantage of their deals you'll need to pay for your phone outright, or pay a bit extra to unlock it from it's provider.
We've done the hard yards to find the best deals for seniors with Optus and Telstra, so don't shy away from buying your phone outright and grabbing a SIM only plan instead.
Accessibility tips
You shouldn't have to adapt to your smartphone. Your smartphone can adapt to you. Whether your eyes and ears need a little extra help or you just want a simpler experience, your smartphone should be able to accommodate.
Improve user friendliness
A smartphone can be an overwhelming experience if you're a new user. There are so many apps and notifications to keep track of. Fortunately, you can use an app like Wiser - Simple Launcher to make things easier.
Wiser Launcher provides a simpler, easier to navigate home screen and layout, a big dialling pad for easy calling and quick shortcuts to your favourite contacts, apps and settings.
You can install it on phone with the Android operating system simply by going to the Play Store and searching for Wiser - Launcher. Download the app and then click your phone's home button. You should be asked if you want to start using Wiser Launcher. You can choose to use it one time as a trial, or always. Unfortunately, it's not available on the iPhone.
Increase font size
If you're happy with your phone's interface but are having trouble reading that tiny text, you can increase the font size using your phone's Accessibility settings.
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings – General – Accessibility.
- Select Display & Text Size - Larger Text – On.
- Drag the slider across the screen to choose the font size you prefer.
On Android:
- Go to Settings – Accessibility.
- Select Vision – Screen zoom and font.
- Drag the slider with the title Font size across the screen to choose the font size you prefer.
Hearing aids
If you have a hearing aid, you may be better off choosing an iPhone over an Android device. Many hearing aids are "made for iPhone" and can be paired wirelessly with your iPhone via Bluetooth technology.
Android phones, on the other hand, offer only a hearing aid setting which improves the sound quality of your device for use with hearing aids.
Using a hearing aid with iPhone:
- Have your hearing aids on hand.
- Go to Settings – General – Accessibility.
- Select Hearing Aids.
- The phone will search for your hearing aids. When it finds them your name will pop up.
- Select your name – Pair.
- Repeat for the second hearing aid, if you have two.
Using a hearing aid with Android:
- Go to Settings – Accessibility.
- Select Hearing.
- Select the Hearing aids button to turn the hearing aids feature on.
Other accessibility features
Both iPhone and Android phones offer a range of other accessibility features including high contrast fonts for easy reading, flash lights for notifications and a whole lot more. It's worthwhile exploring these features to see what improvements you can make to your smartphone experience. Just visit the Accessibility menu.
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings – General – Accessibility.
On Android:
- Go to Settings – Accessibility.
Christie Graham
Digital Content Editor
Related Articles
![[Editor's Picks] Best mobile plans for October 2026](https://r3.whistleout.com.au/public/images/articles/2026/01/mobile-phone-plan-Featured.png?w=280&h=280&usm=20&usmrad=0.8&fit=crop "[Editor's Picks] Best mobile plans for October 2026")
