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Simple phones for seniors: Jitterbug, iPhone or Android?

There are three easy ways to get a parent a simple phone: a phone made for seniors, like the Jitterbug; an iPhone with Assistive Access turned on; or a Samsung Galaxy in Easy mode. Here's who each one suits.

Checked against official help pages on October 22, 2026.

Quick answers

What's the simplest phone for a senior?

For calls only, a flip phone with big buttons, like Lively's Jitterbug Flip2. For photos and video calls too, Lively's Jitterbug Smart5, an iPhone in Assistive Access, or a Samsung in Easy mode.

Can I make a regular iPhone simple?

Yes. Assistive Access turns the iPhone into a few big buttons. See our iPhone Senior Mode guide.

Does the Jitterbug have an emergency button?

Lively says its Jitterbug phones have Urgent Response, a 24/7 help service that comes with certain plans.

Side by side

Jitterbug Flip2 (Lively). A flip phone made for older adults, with big buttons and an Urgent Response button. Best for someone who mainly makes calls. It uses Lively's own service plans.
Jitterbug Smart5 (Lively). Lively's newest simple smartphone, which replaced the Smart4. It has a large screen, a simple list-style menu and an Urgent Response button. Lively says it only works with a Lively service plan.
iPhone with Assistive Access. A normal iPhone turned into a few large buttons: Calls, Messages, Camera, Photos. Best if family uses iPhones and wants FaceTime and photo sharing.
Samsung Galaxy in Easy mode. A normal Android phone with bigger icons, a high-contrast keyboard and fewer accidental taps. Best if you want Android or a lower-cost phone.

How to choose

What will they actually do? Calls only points to a flip phone. Photos and video calls point to a smartphone.
What does the family use? If everyone has iPhones, FaceTime is easiest on an iPhone.
Who'll help set it up? Assistive Access and Easy mode work best with a helper nearby.
Do they need a help button? Compare a phone with one built in against a separate medical alert.

Prices

Phone and plan prices change often, so we're not listing them yet. Check the maker's or carrier's own site for today's price.

Where this comes from

We checked these official pages on October 22, 2026:

Menus can change after updates. If a step doesn't match your screen, tell us and we'll fix it.