Best smartphones for retiree parents?

[rh71]

My retired parents are looking to join our T-Mobile plan and it's a good time since we can add a line and get an extra line included. Question is which used, cost-effective Android smartphone would suffice? They are primarily concerned with good picture-taking capabilities, music playing, texting, and Google Maps. On Swappa, I see the Note 4 and Note 5 still available, and supported by T-Mobile. I'm also wary that these older devices are slowed down due to age as it feels that way on my old Note 3 (not supported). There's like a 1-sec delay for the camera.

Or is there a better phone option at cheaper than ~$125 each? Looking to stay away from IOS as I hate tech-supporting it. But if it's better as they age, I guess it's ok.

Anything I should look out for when buying from Swappa? Other sites better?

 

[lxskllr]

I'm using an lg g3, and it's fine. IOW, I don't think an old decent phone is an issue. I think Samsungs have a good reputation for their cameras, and I was happy with my s5. I'd look at some kind of Samsung.

 

[Oyeve]

An s7 is a good bet.

 

[killster1]

galaxy s7 is what i just bought my dad. 140 for used one. he was using old MOto G before that and noticed him start to take photos! was so happy made me upgrade him to the s7 for his birthday. #1 phone id say price durability signal photos etc. The s7 edge is prone to breaking screen tho. but s7 regular is good (own 4 of each)

 

[IamDavid]

In my experience with setting my aging parent up with mobile devices, Apple is the winner hands down. I'm the last person to be supportive of Apple on these forums but in this case I have to be honest. Apple products just work and 99% of the experience happens right out of the box. Facetime and Messenger alone separate IOS from any other options.
My mother who until recently hasn't even started using a Microwave can now facetime our family all over the world without even thinking twice. I first tried the Galaxy S8+ for them which ended up being way to confusing. I can't even explain why but I'm betting they represent a large amount of elderly, non-tech savvy parents.

 

[Commodus]

My retired parents are looking to join our T-Mobile plan and it's a good time since we can add a line and get an extra line included. Question is which used, cost-effective Android smartphone would suffice? They are primarily concerned with good picture-taking capabilities, music playing, texting, and Google Maps. On Swappa, I see the Note 4 and Note 5 still available, and supported by T-Mobile. I'm also wary that these older devices are slowed down due to age as it feels that way on my old Note 3 (not supported). There's like a 1-sec delay for the camera.

Or is there a better phone option at cheaper than ~$125 each? Looking to stay away from IOS as I hate tech-supporting it. But if it's better as they age, I guess it's ok.

Anything I should look out for when buying from Swappa? Other sites better?

The funny thing is, the iPhone is probably precisely what you want because you don't have to support it. If your parents live reasonably close to an Apple store, they can go to free workshops and make service appointments. It's wild that so many people tolerate over-the-phone and carrier support.

 

[lopri]

Honor 7X gets my vote. I do not think you can do much better for $200 a piece.

 

[Midwayman]

iPhone for sure. For the tech illiterate its just easier. You can tell them to go to an apple store with problems. If you get one 6s is the oldest I'd go though. That's when they doubled the memory and it'll make a big difference in how long its supported over the 6.

 

[Eikelbijtertje]

Just bought a basically brand new (open box) Nexus 5X for $100 on ebay. That would be my suggestion!

 

[pete6032]

Just bought a basically brand new (open box) Nexus 5X for $100 on ebay. That would be my suggestion!

Hope it doesn't bootloop....

 

[dainthomas]

Don't Galaxy's have some kind of stripped down old person mode? Seems like you could get them an S6 for cheap and turn that on.

 

[Oyeve]

Don't Galaxy's have some kind of stripped down old person mode? Seems like you could get them an S6 for cheap and turn that on.

Yeah. But its really stripped down. Even lower than iphone levels.