Can anyone recommend where I could find a new flip phone that is cheap and easy to use for seniors?
I've checked eBay and woolies and such, but haven't really found anything that popped out to me
Flip Phone with 3G Capabilities under $50
LKazerui on 19/12/2016 - 19:54
Comments
Ahh, Yeah… I guess android with a simple home would be easier…
Yes the Doro is $99. My wife is very happy with its simplicity and reliability. Open flip to answer close off. Can set up emergency sms on press of button. She gave up on my hand me down smart phone. Loaded the Doro with an Amaysim SIM with 12 month expiry.
It's good, but I would need it unlocked, as I'm intending to use it on Aldi Mobile which is Telstra from memory. That does sound really nice though
According to the Doro web site, a Telstra version is due soon.
I just this minute found the Aspera F24 - according to online writeups (including Whirlpool), it seems to be quite a good "seniors" phone, and it's available all over the place for about $100. I'll take a look at it tomorrow or Wednesday.
I ended up purchasing one of these, from Target. Seems that stocks are low, though.
Senior phones have very little competition so they charge like a bull. $90~100 for a feature phone? They should only be around 1/3 the price.
Doro and ZTE are pretty much the only two vendors that make and sell the senior-friendly flip-phones.
I'd probably go towards an Android device and use a simple home launcher. 5.5" screens are probably the best size.
Techrific.com.au have unlocked flip phones . If you Google - unlocked flip phones Australia there are lots of flip phones. You may need to check the frequency they run on as recently telstra has shut down one of the frequencies making some phones and other tech redundant . Kogan has a cheap pre paid sim that runs off the Vodafone network and you get unlimited calls, txt, etc for $16.95 a month. Vaya has one where you get unlimited and its costs only $178 for a year if you pay up front and you can pay at aust. Post. Or they have monthly payments but its by direct debit. Boost are on telstra 4g network and are much cheaper than telstra. Other than a flip phone a phone especially for seniors , disabled or young kids is KISA , go to kisaphone.com.au , at the touch of a button a call can be made , the company puts in up to 10 phone numbers that you give them and you can also upload a photo to match each mobile number . Go with their sim or use your own for an extra one off fee. They say they are so light and give a lanyard so the phone can be hung around the neck. Theres no camera . Very simple . Also safety alarm and Gps tracking can be chosen . The tracking is definately a bit extra .
I had a look at techrific, Couldn't see anything within my price range. Yeah, 2G is redundant now which is a shame. I'm already intending to go with ALDI with a long life sim as my family is using ALDI as well, so it'll make it simple to just top up using one account. I've checked KISA, it looks promising but also a little pricey for my needs. Thanks for all the information though!
No problem. When i put the search into google there were pictures of so many flip phones , many were $50 , im sure one or a couple were $39 and they were unlocked however i didnt look into them further . I bet theres lots of homes in Australia with old flip phones sitting in a draw . Maybe an ad on a buy, swap and sell on Facebook or those magazines that are free just inside supermarkets etc like Big News in Victoria . Never know there may be something you can score very cheaply or even free.
Most likely, though, they'll be 2G phones.
Optus have a Doro, but it's way above your price range and only has the two main Optus 3G bands, and is locked to Optus.
I'm looking for a phone for my 86yo mum, but can't find anything suitable - there's always something wrong, or missing.
At the moment, I'm leaning towards an Android smartphone with an alternative launcher.