For many people smartphones have become more than useful, they have become a necessity. Folks use them for work, school, to take notes, plan vacations, and more. Smartphones make it easier for seniors to take advantage of smartphone technology. The following smartphones are made for users 50-years and older. They feature wider screens with less glare. Some smartphones are compatible with hearing aids, and most have louder ringtones. Many have larger buttons and a lighter weight.

Not all smartphones are designed with seniors in mind, but the ones that are, deserve a second look:

1. Emporia Smart
Emporia offers several options that are built with people over 50 in mind. They are described as “senior-Handy.” They are simple to use, making it easier for someone who may have never used a cell phone before. They have large buttons and include an emergency call button. Emporia Smart was made with seniors in mind.

2. Google Pixel XL.
The Google Pixel XL is a 5.5-inch phone. It has an easy to read, large screen and an outstanding camera. The size of the screen makes it a good choice for seniors.

3. Doro 8040
Using the Doro 8040 is easy to master. The icons are large and cover the entire screen. The fonts can be altered to extra-large. The five-inch screen and the ability to adjust the brightness is a matter of importance for people with vision concerns. The reception of this phone and the volume combined make hearing and understanding comfortable.

4. Jitterbug Smart2
This phone is known as “The simplest smartphone ever”. The menu is simply laid out with large and easy to read buttons. It has a front-facing speaker to aid with hearing concerns. It has a 5star urgent response button for immediate help in an emergency. Family can download an app, and with your permission, be able to know your location, be alerted if you use your 5star button, and be informed if your battery is getting low. The Jitterbug Smart2 focuses on what’s important.

5. Samsung Galaxy Note 5
The Samsung Galaxy Note 5 is wide and very thin. It will rest in your hand as you use the S Pen to write right on the surface of your phone. You can use the S Pen to write, draw pictures, or press the icons and buttons on your phone. The Samsung Galaxy S7 phones are compatible with hearing aids.

This is not an exhaustive list but it is indicative of the kinds of helpful capabilities that smartphones offer to older users. They have taken away the fear that you will not be able to see well enough to use it, or hear clearly enough to talk on it. Since seniors are very often on fixed incomes, pricing is another area where smartphone makers are trying to provide obtainable norms. You may be surprised by the prices on many smartphones.