Best mobile phones for Australian seniors in 2024

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)$719.00

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Best Galaxy pick

Samsung Galaxy A34$599.00

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Best Google pick

Google Pixel 7a$749.00

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Best Nokia pick

Nokia 2660 Flip$129.00

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Best OPPO pick

OPPO A96$399.00

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Best Motorola pick

Moto g54$299.00

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Best iPhone pick: iPhone SE (3rd Generation)

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

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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

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

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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.

Editor's Pick: Best Samsung phone plans and deals

Samsung make excellent smartphones, but you'll need an equally excellent phone plan to make the most of them. View our guide.

Best Google pick: Google Pixel 7a

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

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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

With at least 2GB+ data | Filters

#1	Optus	Optus $55 Optus Choice Plus Plan 50GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments $75.80/mth Min. cost $803.80 Go to Site	$75.80/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $803.80	Go to Site
#2	Optus	Optus $65 Optus Choice Plus Plan 200GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments $85.80/mth Min. cost $813.80 Go to Site	$85.80/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $813.80	Go to Site
#3	Optus	Optus $55 Optus Choice Plus Plan 50GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments $86.20/mth Min. cost $803.80 Go to Site	$86.20/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $803.80	Go to Site
#4	Optus	Optus $79 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments Deal: Get up to $10/mth SubHub credit to use on your favourite subscriptions for 12 months. T&Cs apply. $89.80/mth Min. cost $817.80 Go to Site	$89.80/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $817.80	Go to Site
#5	Optus	Optus $65 Optus Choice Plus Plan 200GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments $96.20/mth Min. cost $813.80 Go to Site	$96.20/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $813.80	Go to Site
#6	Optus	Optus $79 Optus Promo Plan 360GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments Deal: Get up to $10/mth SubHub credit to use on your favourite subscriptions for 12 months. T&Cs apply. $100.20/mth Min. cost $817.80 Go to Site	$100.20/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $817.80	Go to Site
#7	Optus	Optus $85 Optus Choice Plus Plan 400GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 36 mths device payments SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $105.80/mth Min. cost $833.80 Go to Site	$105.80/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $833.80	Go to Site
#8	Optus	Optus $85 Optus Choice Plus Plan 400GB data Optus 5G in selected areas (exc NT) with a 5G device 24 mths device payments SubHub: Receive up to $20/mth SubHub credit when you have an active SubHub account with subs greater than $0. T&Cs apply $116.20/mth Min. cost $833.80 Go to Site	$116.20/mth (plan + phone) Min. cost $833.80	Go to Site

Best Nokia pick: Nokia 2660 Flip

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

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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 mobile plans for seniors in 2023

Looking for the best mobile plan for seniors to go with a new device? View our guide for our top picks.

Best OPPO pick: OPPO A96

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

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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	TPG	TPG 25GB Small Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: 50% off - $12.50/mth for first 6 months, then $25/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#2	felix mobile	felix mobile felix 50GB Mobile Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get 50% off your first 3 mths when you switch to felix. $15/mth for first 3 mths, then $30/mth. Use promo code FELIX50. T&Cs apply $30 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$30 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#3	Dodo	Dodo $28 Mobile Plan 30GB data On the Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network Deal: 50% off for first 3 mths! Get the $28 Mobile Plan for $14/mth for the first 3 mths. New customers only. Offer ends 06.05.25 $28/mth Min. cost $14 Go to Site	$28/mth Min. cost $14	Go to Site
#4	iiNet	iiNet 25GB Small Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: 50% off - $12.50/mth for first 6 months, then $25/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#5	SpinTel	SpinTel $22 Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Enjoy $8 off for the first 6 months for new customers - $14/mth for first 6 months, then $22/mth $14/mth Min. cost $14 Go to Site	$14/mth Min. cost $14	Go to Site
#6	Catch Connect	Catch Connect 28 Day Plan - 15GB 25GB data Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network in available areas Deal: Get 25GB (15GB + 10GB bonus) for the first 12 recharges! Recharges $20/15GB. New customers only. Offer ends 30.04.25 $20 Per 28 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$20 Per 28 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#7	Lebara Mobile	Lebara Mobile $24.90 Small Plan 40GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Includes 15GB bonus data for first 3 recharges + 200 bonus std mins to selected countries when you activate by 11.08.25 $24.90 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$24.90 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#8	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Medium Monthly Plan 40GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: Get 50GB for $10 for first month (includes $15 off + 10GB bonus data), then 40GB for $25 thereafter, valid until 27.04.25 $25 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$25 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#9	Everyday Mobile	Everyday Mobile Pre-paid Mobile $25 Recharge 22GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Uses part of the Telstra 4G Mobile Network Deal: $25 SIM Starter Pack discounted to $12.50 + 10% off your grocery shop once a month $25 Per 30 Day Renewal Link not supplied	$25 Per 30 Day Renewal	Link not supplied
#10	SpinTel	SpinTel $29 Mobile Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT $29/mth Min. cost $29 Go to Site	$29/mth Min. cost $29	Go to Site

Best Motorola pick: Moto G54

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

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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	iiNet	iiNet 25GB Small Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: 50% off - $12.50/mth for first 6 months, then $25/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#2	TPG	TPG 25GB Small Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: 50% off - $12.50/mth for first 6 months, then $25/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$12.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#3	SpinTel	SpinTel $22 Mobile Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 100Mbps Optus 5G in selected areas with 5G devices ex. NT Deal: Enjoy $8 off for the first 6 months for new customers - $14/mth for first 6 months, then $22/mth $14/mth Min. cost $14 Go to Site	$14/mth Min. cost $14	Go to Site
#4	iiNet	iiNet 50GB Medium Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $17.50/mth for first 6 months, then $35/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#5	TPG	TPG 50GB Medium Plan 50GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Vodafone 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: 50% off - $17.50/mth for first 6 months, then $35/mth ongoing. Available until withdrawn. T&Cs apply. $17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$17.50 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site
#6	Lebara Mobile	Lebara Mobile $19.90 Extra Small Plan 10GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network Deal: $19.90 SIM for $8 online until 04.05.25 New customers only. T&Cs apply. $19.90 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$19.90 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#7	Yomojo	Yomojo Unlimited Voice & SMS + 8GB 8GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps On the Optus 4G Plus Mobile Network Deal: 50% off on all Mobile Plans for the first 3 months. Ends 31.05.25. T&Cs apply. $19.90 Per 30 Day Renewal Go to Site	$19.90 Per 30 Day Renewal	Go to Site
#8	Kogan Mobile	Kogan Mobile Small Monthly Plan 15GB data On the Vodafone 4G Mobile Network $20 Per 1 Month Renewal Go to Site	$20 Per 1 Month Renewal	Go to Site

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

Best mobile phones for Australian seniors in 2023

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

Best smartphones for seniors - Wiser Launcher

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: