Easy to use mobile phones: Best Buys
Mobile phone manufacturers continue to churn out ever smaller and more complicated handsets, but our Best Buys in this special test offer an alternative, instead prioritising simple-to-use keys and easily readable displays.
If you have visual, hearing or dexterity problems – or just find most mobile phones too fiddly – our Best Buys make things a lot simpler.
The Best Buys include both specialist phones and conventional models. See 'How to buy' and 'FAQs' for advice on choosing the right type of handset for you.
Best for anyone with sight problems
Emporia Life
The Emporia Life is a Best Buy easy-to-use mobile phone for anyone with sight or dexterity problems
The Emporia Life phone is a specialist handset. It’s a very large phone, which means there’s enough space to accommodate clearly-labelled, outsized keys. There’s also a huge 2.7in screen which displays black text on an orange background to make it easy to read.
The Nokia 3110 Classic is a good choice if you prefer a conventional handset. It’s a no-nonsense budget phone that also did well in our regular mobile phone test.
Another handset worth considering is the Nokia 2760.
Best for anyone with hearing problems
Nokia 3109 classic
The Best Buy Nokia 3109 classic mobile phone is easy to use for those with hearing problems
In our tests, the clearest speech was produced by the Nokia 3109 classic, a conventional handset that has also been a Best Buy in our regular testing in 2007-2008. Sound quality via the phone’s hands free function is also impressive.
In fact, our testing found the sound quality of the specialist handsets was no better than that of the conventional phones.
Other handsets worth considering are Nokias: 3110 classic; 5070; 2626; and 6300.
Best for anyone with dexterity problems
Emporia Life
The Emporia Life is also a good choice if you have problems with dexterity. Its huge size means it’s easy to hold, while the well spaced out, large keys reduce the chance of pressing the wrong button. There’s also a big emergency button on the back of the phone which can be programmed to call a designated number for help.
The Nokia 2760 and 3110 Classic are good choices if you prefer a conventional handset.
Other handsets worth considering are the ITT Easy 5 and Doro HandlePlus 324 gsm.
See our conventional mobile phone reviews to compare over 150 regular handsets.