There are many reasons why an Android smartphone might end up in the hands of an elderly person. There are people who, despite their age, are keenly interested in new technologies and consciously acquire such a toy for themselves. There are buyers who are not very savvy who succumb to the suggestions of talkative sellers and just buy themselves the most expensive model. Or maybe the person got a used smartphone, received as a gift from the offspring who updated their mobile arsenal.
In any case, a situation arises when an elderly person is left alone with a device that is not very prepared for such use. Too small print, complex multi-level menus, a huge number of functions, small controls - you have to do something about this.
Increase the font size
The Android operating system includes a number of accessibility features for the visually and hearing impaired. In particular, the most useful feature for those experiencing problems with small letters is hidden in the settings menu under Special abilities... Check the option here Large text and everything will become much clearer.
Use a voice assistant
A modern Android interface that feels completely natural and logical to you can be an insurmountable obstacle for an older person. You can explain at least ten times in a row how to open the address book and look for a phone number in it, how to send an SMS or e-mail, how to launch applications and set an alarm, but everything will be ineffectual.
Instead, try installing a special program that will perform basic actions in obedience to voice commands. The owner of the phone will only have to press one button and say an instruction to the phone to immediately receive a weather forecast, call the phone from the address book, set an alarm, start the program and much more. Read more in.
Install a dedicated launcher
Another way to make it easier for seniors to use a mobile device is to install and configure a custom skin. A good example of this approach is the Launcher 7 interface, which we wrote about in this one. Large tile buttons provide quick access to the most important phone functions, even for people with disabilities.
Even more interesting is the idea of using a shell specially designed to meet the needs of older people. BIG Launcher makes the smartphone suitable for the elderly, children and people with eye diseases, movement problems or the visually impaired. People with disabilities are free to use a simple and easy-to-read interface. Large and understandable interface elements will not allow a person to make mistakes when performing the necessary operations. And there is also an SOS button that will help in case of dangerous situations.
Install a suitable keyboard
The default Android keyboard sometimes makes even young people miss the mark, what can we say about retirees who do not differ in visual acuity and clarity of movements. The way out in this case may be to install a third-party keyboard that supports more customization options. I recommend paying attention to the MultiLing Keyboard, which supports Russian, has an excellent vocabulary and predictive mechanism, is capable of operating in T9 mode and can be configured to display large and clearly distinguishable keyboard buttons.
As you can see, customizing Android for your parents or grandparents is not difficult at all. Of course, in some cases, special device models for the elderly are much more preferable, but even regular Android can be easily adapted to the needs of this category of users. And if you also install special programs for monitoring health and medical care there, then there will be no price for such a mobile assistant.
BIG Launcher is designed for seniors and those with vision and motor problems. It will also appeal to kids and those who prefer large buttons, icons and fonts. This application can be installed on devices with Android OS, starting from version 2.1
This quirky launcher is easy to use, making it ideal for retirement age people. This age group often experiences some difficulties in mastering mobile devices. This is partly caused by insufficiently good eyesight, which is why they poorly read too small inscriptions and see icons. Enlarged text and icons that respond instantly to touch provide ease of use on a mobile device. These are significant advantages of the program, thanks to which even the blind can use the phone with BIG Launcher. In addition, the advantages of the launcher also include:
Ease of reading;
bright icons;
large large fonts;
a moderate number of desktop icons.
The new launcher is good for those who prefer to have only the most necessary icons on their desktop and do not like to "litter" it with a large number of icons. Convenient autodialing emergency buttons allow you to dial the number quickly and prevent accidents. This is especially important when it comes to the elderly, visually impaired and disabled.
With the new BIG Launcher, you can quickly navigate the menu, find your favorite contacts or place them right on the device screen. All in all, it makes Android simple and straightforward. The “big” launcher simply eliminates the possibility of making a mistake and clicking something wrong, which older people sometimes worry so much about. If you don't like the large number of small icons on your desktop, BIG Launcher is exactly what you need. It will make your mobile device more convenient and practical. It is also a great gift for grandparents, with which they will quickly master new technologies in the form of a smartphone or tablet.
V At this time, there are many models of mobile phones with large buttons and individual functions, provided especially for people of venerable age. However, what if, for some reason, an elderly family member became the owner of a modern smartphone?
It is clear that our grandparents will not be able to, and they will not want to understand the numerous settings and memorize all the functions that they do not need.
It's simple: you need to optimize your smartphone so that an older user does not experience discomfort when using it. This is possible with the help of special mobile applications. In this review, we will talk about them. Most likely, these recommendations will be more needed by children or grandchildren, who will help their elderly household members to make communication with the gadget easier.
Special abilities
The Android operating system that most smartphones run on includes a number of settings for people with vision and hearing impairments. These functions are found in the Settings menu under the Accessibility section. Here you can optimize the font size (very large), convert text to speech (read messages, notifications, and calls), and answer and end calls by pressing the power button.
While sending SMS, setting an alarm and adding a number to the address book is a matter of minutes for young users, older smartphone owners may experience difficulties in these situations. In this case, it is recommended to install mobile application with a voice assistant. With the help of this program, you can control the gadget by means of voice commands, in particular: call, dial and send messages, find out the weather, time, news, use the calendar and much more.
Launcher
Another way to make it easier for grandparents to work with a mobile device is to install and configure a special shell (launcher). There are a number of launchers designed specifically for older users. They turn all the icons on the screen into large tiles and provide quick access to the most important functions of your phone. These skins include BIG Launcher and Launcher7.
In addition, there is an application that transforms a smartphone into a "babushkophone" called Simple Phone Seniors. The program blocks all unnecessary functions, leaving only the call and SMS option.
Comfortable keyboard
The standard Android keyboard sometimes makes even young people miss the mark, what to say about retirees who do not differ in visual acuity. The solution may be to install a special keyboard, where you can configure large buttons. For example, by downloading the Multi Ling Keyboard application, you will get a keyboard that supports Russian, contains a dictionary and a prediction engine, and works in T9 mode.
Useful Apps
Among other things, it should be noted and mobile applications that can make it easier for grandparents to "communicate" with the gadget. Among such - Dragon Dictation... It allows you to send audio messages, saving you time and making it easier to deliver urgent and needed messages.
In addition, it is worth paying attention to the application for people who take their medications strictly on schedule. Program Medi Safe Medication Reminder reminds of the timely taking of a certain dose of medication and can become an indispensable helper for the elderly. The reminder works even if the phone is in sleep mode. In addition, the user can enter data on the current state of his health (glucose level, pressure, weight) and thus track the changes taking place. It is possible to save the report on medication intake in the form of a document and send it to the doctor.
Another useful program is Magnifying Glass With Light... Its main function is a magnifying glass, which is extremely useful in finding missing objects or reading small print without glasses. There is also a flashlight in the app. It's worth noting here that Google Play has a huge number of flashlight apps that can also come in handy for retirees. Most of them are easy to operate, and use the flash of the phone camera as a light source.
There is also an application of a more entertaining nature - A Story Before Bed... This program allows you to record video messages that older people will send to their grandchildren. Children, in turn, can watch and listen to a fairy tale from their beloved grandparents while in another city or country.
Ninety percent of all mobile gadgets have become touchscreens. Phones with buttons are produced by only a few companies, and even then in a minimal quantity, and you can not mention their assortment. But what about those who are not fond of standard Android solutions, the elderly or children?
As you know, the Android mobile operating system is distinguished by its global customization capabilities. You can replace any application: browser, and even. And the creators of custom skins think, in addition to the above groups, and people with disabilities.
We will consider several of the most interesting "launchers" for such categories of users.
First and very popular: BIG Launcher
BIG Launcher was the first shell for visually impaired or elderly users. At first it looked like an ordinary "launcher", in fact it is considered to be at the moment, but this is far from the case. BIG Launcher is a whole "set of essential applications" tailored to the needs of people with a corresponding disability or in old age.
Interface
The home screen is incredibly simple. There is a menu with useful information and six icons.
As is customary, in the upper part there is a kind of "status bar", while the standard one has not been canceled. There are large and unusual indicators of battery charge and signal strength of the mobile network, and also displays the day of the week, month, year and time. By clicking on this area, we will get into a standard alarm clock. For what? After all, if a person has poor eyesight, and he installs the appropriate application, then he wants to see all the elements large. As a significant plus, we can note the ability to hide the classic "status bar" with its small elements. Other apps can't do that.
There are five applications located on the main desktop. The most extreme icon, the sixth in a row, is responsible for opening a menu with all applications. More about him later. The other five include dialer, SMS manager, camera, gallery and SOS. The icons are positioned correctly, as calls are the most important thing. But a person with poor eyesight simply does not need SMS. It would be worth highlighting the dialer, for example, with a larger icon. But this is already on the conscience of the developers.
The possibility of expanding the desktop for eight more own applications is provided, this is done through the settings. And if necessary, you can add a couple more desktops.
But the desktop is the desktop, what about the applications? Let's say that a person has opened an application for making calls, and then he just got a bunch of small print and unnecessary information. And it would be so, but the BIG Launcher developers have a good argument - they redesigned the dialer and SMS manager. But all other applications are standard, only the icons have been changed.
The phone book is presented in the form of a kind of menu with a directory, favorites, dialer and call list. It may not be very beautiful, but it is simple, functional and, most importantly, in large print! Contacts are displayed in large print, a small photo is displayed, if any. The dialer also received large numbers.
The SMS application is simple and with the same large print. The program has got a classic look, there are no additional functions, except for viewing and sending messages.
The application menu looks to match the shell itself. It is presented in the form of a list, in which the icon and the name of the program are located horizontally. Here the fonts, as in all places of the application, are made quite large. A visually impaired person will be able to read the title without glasses, of course, with a sufficient screen diagonal.
If the design of BIG Launcher is not impressive, then you can solve this situation by changing the theme. Yes, even here there is support for themes, but is it still relevant? Will a visually impaired or aged person take advantage of this opportunity? It is impossible to answer this question unequivocally. It is possible that this will be useful for color blind people.
Above are the light and dark themes from BIG Launcher. If necessary, you can download a "custom" one from Google Play, since there are more than enough of them in the digital app store.
Functions
When you first start BIG Launcher, it makes all the necessary settings for the "launcher", we just need to confirm the actions, give access and choose something.
In this case, even with the initial selection of the function, the application already functions with the "desired" font. If something important was not configured when you first turned it on, you can run the setup wizard again.
Nevertheless, it is still worth looking into the application settings, because there are a sufficient number of additional functions. Changing the font size, choosing the orientation and other useful little things need not be said. By the way, the settings are divided into categories, each of which has several functions.
In the display type settings, you can select the size of the safe boundaries, so that an accidental touch to the edges of the screen does not provoke pressing and opening of any application.
More extensive and truly functional parameters are located in the accessibility of the utility. It is there that you can enable tactile feedback (vibration feedback), pronunciation of annotations, launching the application by a long press, and other features.
There are other functions, but they are not worth special attention. So it's time to take a look at the intriguing SOS button. There are SOS messages and SOS calls, as the situations are different.
The first click on it will open the settings menu for making a call or sending an SMS, but further ones will already work as expected. At the first press, if it is for SMS, we will be asked to indicate the phone number of the guarantor and the text of the message to be sent.
Additionally, you can add location coordinates determined by GPS, both "cold" and accurate readings of the device. But for a call, we indicate the number and call waiting time.
Work
BIG Launcher will run on smartphones or tablets running Android 2.1 or later.
It is only necessary to take into account that for the sound elements to function, the Google TalkBack program, the Google speech synthesizer and the corresponding languages for offline work must be installed. The program itself works well, at least there were no obvious interface slowdowns.
Conclusions on BIG Launcher
Taking into account the specifics of the application, the "launcher" came out very good. It looks the most appropriate and is really designed for people with impaired vision or aged. All the necessary elements: the dialer, the SMS client and even the "status bar" have been redesigned accordingly.
In addition, the interface looks decent and even got theme support. Let the latter not be appreciated by everyone, but for someone it will not be superfluous. It is worth noting its stability and performance, which are above average.
Unfortunately, BIG Launcher is not free. Its price is $ 10 - a lot, but the application is quite specific. In any case, before buying this "launcher" you can evaluate it for a free demo version.
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Mobile phones for aged users are a special and specific group of devices. They are often simplified with large buttons and a highly readable display. Some of them are touch-sensitive, others are classic, with buttons to press. Such gadgets are also equipped with special alarm functions - pressing the corresponding key allows selected people to receive a signal that the owner of the phone needs help. Below you can find a ranking of the best smartphones for seniors in 2018, which are reliable and affordable.
Motorola Moto C Plus
Motorola Moto C Plus is the cheapest smartphone in Motorola's lineup. It costs about 5 thousand rubles and instead offers a 5-inch matrix with 720p, a core processor supported by 1 GB of RAM memory and a 5-megapixel camera. However, its undisputed advantage is the pure version of Android 7.0 Nougat and a large battery with a charge capacity of 4000 mAh. Interestingly, the manufacturer has provided a loud speaker and a strong vibration signal, so you don't have to worry about missing a call. Considering the Finnish build quality, this smartphone rightly falls into this rating.
Main characteristics:
- Processor: MediaTek MT6737 - 4 cores 1.3 GHz each;
- Memory: 16 GB and 1 GB of RAM;
- Screen: 5 inches with a resolution of 1280 × 720;
- Battery: 4000 mAh;
- Camera: 8 MP and 2 MP front
- OS version: Android 7.0.
Advantages:
- Suitable screen brightness for working in the sun;
- Several days of work on a single charge;
- Support for 4G bands.
Flaws:
- Backlight sensitive camera;
- The processor heats up during active work;
- There are no hardware buttons on the screen.
Fly life compact
This smartphone was created specifically for those who do not need practically anything from their mobile. By modern standards, it is unlikely to be able to run heavy applications, but it will be able to cope with basic functions. Its strong point is the price not exceeding 4000 rubles. For this price, you should count on a 4-core chip, 1 GB of RAM and a 4.95-inch screen. However, it works with multimedia, the presence of pure Android provides up to 3 days of work without recharging, and the main communication modules are present.
Main characteristics:
- Processor: Spreadtrum SC7731 - 4 cores at 1.2 GHz;
- Memory: 8 GB and 1 GB of RAM;
- Screen: 4.95 inches with a resolution of 1280 × 720;
- Battery: 1900 mAh;
- Camera: 8 MP and 0.3 MP front
- OS version: Android 7.0.
Advantages:
- High brightness of the screen;
- Works up to 4 days on a single charge;
- Support for 4G networks.
Flaws:
- Morally outdated front camera;
- Unreliable plastic case;
Nokia 3.1
This smartphone is a refreshed version of the legendary Nokia 3310 and the successor to the Nokia 3. This is one of the cheapest products from the manufacturer. One of the biggest advantages of the phone is its elegant and stylish design, which, however, does not go well with good parameters. Nokia 3.1 is a budget smartphone from a Finnish manufacturer, aimed mainly at people who don't need much from a mobile device. In all respects, it surpasses the above-described phones, however, its price is 8 thousand rubles.
Main characteristics:
- Processor: MediaTek MT6750 - 8 cores 1.5 GHz each;
- Memory: 16 GB and 2 GB of RAM;
- Screen: 5.2 inches 1440x720px;
- Battery: 2990 mAh;
- Camera: 13 MP and 8 MP front
- OS version: Android 8.0.
Advantages:
- Works with NFC interface;
- Good capacious battery;
- Android does not contain proprietary overlays;
- Body made of aluminum.
Flaws:
- Low amount of RAM;
- Great price for a budget device;
- It takes a long time to charge (about 3 hours).
Alcatel 1X 5059D
It is an inexpensive but good smartphone that supports 4G and a screen with an advanced 18: 9 ratio. It makes a good impression considering the cost of 6,000 rubles. Although its processor is not very powerful, it was recently released and is quite fast. The gadget is available in three body colors - gray, blue and gold. The simplest version of the smartphone runs Android Go, has an interpolated lens and 1 GB of RAM. Supports major communication interfaces and performs daily tasks with dignity.
Main characteristics:
- Processor: MediaTek MT6739 - 4 cores at 1.28 GHz;
- Memory: 16 GB and 2 GB of RAM;
- Screen: 5.3 inches 960x480px;
- Battery: 2460 mAh;
- OS version: Android 8.0.
Advantages:
- Acceptable appearance;
- Decent main camera with FullHD video recording;
- Lasts a long time on a charge cycle (up to 3 days).
Flaws:
- Low pixel density;
- Mediocre microphone sound quality;
- The front camera does not shoot well at night.
Huawei Y6 (2018)
Released this year, the Huawei Y6 smartphone is an updated version of the popular budget employee, which can be bought for 7 thousand rubles. The new Y6 features a 5.7-inch IPS screen with 18: 9 aspect ratio and HD + resolution (1440 x 720 pixels). However, the manufacturer hasn't tried to minimize the surrounding display bezel. A small plus is a layer of tempered glass with profiled edges (2.5D). There is no dual lens camera or fingerprint scanner. In return, the manufacturer made the smartphone high-performance for its class and as reliable as possible. If you have not yet decided which one is better to choose, we advise you to read.
Main characteristics:
- Processor: Snapdragon 425 MSM8917 - 4 cores at 1.4 GHz;
- Memory: 16 GB and 2 GB of RAM;
- Screen: 5.7 inches 1440x720px;
- Battery: 3000 mAh;
- Camera: 13 MP and 5 MP front;
- OS version: Android 8.0.
Advantages:
- MicroSD card slot supports models up to 256GB;
- Not a bad battery (holds a charge up to 4 days);
- Excellent image quality on the screen;
- Up-to-date software.
Flaws:
- Low quality of shooting cameras;
- No Touch ID for secure unlock;
- Low maximum speaker volume.
Xiaomi Mi A1
The Mi A1 model is the golden mean in the ranking of the best smartphones for seniors in 2018. The phone is not completely new, as it was developed from the earlier Mi 5X. It also has a metal body, but has an almost pure Android OS with features to improve sound quality. In addition, it can offer mid-range components, including a dual camera and a Snapdragon 625 processor. The only disappointing feature is the lack of NFC, but for the Chinese it is natural. Today this smartphone is available for 12,000 rubles. We also advise you to read.
Main characteristics:
- Processor: Snapdragon 625 MSM8953 - 8 cores 2 GHz each;
- Memory: 64 GB and 4 GB of RAM;
- Screen: 5.5 inches 1920x1080px;
- Battery: 3080 mAh;
- Camera: 12 + 12 MP and 5 MP front;
- OS version: Android 8.0.
Advantages:
- Decent performance considering the class of the model;
- High quality of the matrix image;
- Dual lens on the main camera;
- Good speaker and microphone sound.
Flaws:
- Low resolution front camera for shooting;
- Used components drain the battery quickly;
- Payment via NFC is not supported.
Meizu M5 Note
The Meizu M5 Note is the best mid-range Chinese smartphone that comes with most of the components from the older Meizu M3 Note. The main innovations relate to the increased amount of memory and support for fast charging. The exterior has also changed slightly for the better, with the body also made of metal. I got to this top thanks to an excellent battery and a good price - 8,000 rubles. Thanks to these qualities, buyers looking at this smartphone will immediately decide which one is better to choose.
Main characteristics:
- Processor: Helio P10 MT6755 - 4 cores at 2 GHz, 4 cores at 1.2 GHz;
- Memory: 16 GB and 3 GB of RAM;
- Screen: 5.5 inches 1920x1080px;
- Battery: 4000 mAh;
- Camera: 13 MP and 5 MP front;
- OS version: Android 6.0.
Advantages:
- There is a fingerprint unlocking;
- Powerful processor coupled with 3 GB of RAM;
- A balance has been struck between battery capacity and performance.
Flaws:
- Single lens cameras;
- Low data memory;
- Out of date version of Android;
- Poor video quality.
Samsung Galaxy J6 (2018)
The main quality of the smartphone lies in its Infinity display, which until recently was only used in Korean expensive models. This is the cheapest phone with such a matrix available for 11,000 rubles. Other specs weren't weak either, though, given the Snapdragon chip and 3GB of RAM. The only thing I would like to get here is an NFC module, a dual camera and a more capacious battery. Although the high quality of the picture and the ability to work with demanding programs compensate for this. In addition, the J6 boasts build quality and reliability.
- Monolithic metal body;
- High performance considering the price;
- LED flash on the front camera.
- Support for Chat Over Video function.
Flaws:
- Large bezels around the screen;
- Not protected from moisture or dust;
- Insufficient battery capacity.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 5A
The Redmi Note 5A turned out to be the best smartphone. This is a model from the budget segment, which stands out for its very good value for money. Its "metal" body houses a 5.5-inch HD screen and decent components for this class. Although there is no fingerprint scanner, the device runs MIUI 9, a modified Android 7.1. So everything is in order with the performance here. With a small amount of memory, you can solve the problem, since the microSD card slot works with flash drives up to 128 GB. A smartphone can be found on store shelves for 7,000 rubles.
Main characteristics:
- Processor: Snapdragon 425 MSM8917 - 8 cores at 1.4 GHz;
- Memory: 16 GB and 2 GB of RAM;
- Screen: 5.5 inches 1280x720px;
- Battery: 3080 mAh;
- Camera: 13 MP and 5 MP front;
- OS version: Android 7.1 + MiUI 9.
Advantages:
- Solid appearance;
- Optimally balanced components;
- Good sound from the speaker;
- Optimized user interface.
Flaws:
- Lack of many functions required today;
- The imitation metal case is not very protective;
- The front camera is only suitable for video communication.
Conclusion
As you can see, manufacturers offer a lot of phones at an affordable price and with good functionality. Therefore, finding the best smartphone for seniors in 2018 will not be difficult for anyone. Build reliability and autonomy play an important role in the search for such smartphones, while advanced flagship technologies do not play a special role. Models with such features are available on the market, but if an inexpensive and durable device is required, then it is better to pay attention to the ones proposed above.
