In our age of speed and technological advances, despite the fact that life has become much more comfortable, it is incredibly difficult for older people. With some certainty, it can be argued that mobile communications as such for lonely old people or people with disabilities is a kind of salvation. The inevitable process of aging makes itself felt in various forms of its manifestation. Most often, in people of advanced age, visual acuity decreases and hearing becomes dull. It is in such cases that a phone with large buttons can be considered the most convenient to use. It is these gadgets that will be discussed in this article, as well as many other things that one way or another must be considered in the process of choosing and buying a cellular device for a pensioner.
Usual business
Many of us have heard from our elderly parents that the phone we gave us is not very convenient: small keys, too bright or dim screen, incomprehensible and extremely confusing navigation. In general, the operational moment in this case is far from the value of "comfortable". Exactlytherefore, our old people cannot always get through to us, or an urgent call is delayed in terms of its implementation due to the fault of the above technical reasons. Meanwhile, a cell phone with large buttons, a monochrome screen and a simple menu can nullify all inconveniences and difficulties. Let's look at some "age-friendly" mobile devices, and also decide on the predominance of one or another choice.
So, the new “grandmother phone”, convenient in every way…
You might be asking, "Why not the old one?" It's hard to disagree, because before they really released a lot of modifications, the design feature of which was just large buttons, a monochrome screen and a simple menu. Moreover, even today you can meet, so to speak, such retro units as Nokia 3310 or Siemens A55. However, it is hardly possible to find a new (full-fledged) battery on the “super-reliable” mobile devices that have been taken out of production for a long time. The owner of "short-term availability on the network", to put it mildly, is not to be envied. And what comfort to talk about when the charging socket constantly breaks or the memory does not withstand the intensity of use! As you understand, it is easier to buy a new device than to doom a pensioner to torment with old electronics. For this reason alone, we will focus on the modern solution to the “mobile problem” of the elderly.
Optimal size
It is often a large mobile phone with buttons that is the most suitable communication device for a pensioner. And there is an explanation for this:
- In the case when a person does not remember where he put it, it is much easier to find a large thing than a miniature "thing" that is compactly settled in the upholstery gap of the sofa.
- A moderate-sized phone is more comfortable to hold. At the same time, the tactile sensation of pressing naturally responsive keys is preferable for an aged person than the process of aiming at the microelements of the control panel.
- With age, pensioners lose coordination. A large cell phone with buttons solves this problem.
Color or monochrome?
Not always a black and white option is a mandatory argument in favor of a reasonable choice for a pensioner. Often a well-chosen color scheme is much more pleasing to the eye than a two-tone "gray". However, it all depends on the preferences of the future owner. After all, looking at the sent MMS-photo on a bright and colorful screen, and even in high resolution, is undoubtedly better than looking at the dull shades of a monochrome image. Of course, the simplicity of the device implies some functional limitation. Therefore, for the sake of practicality, a phone with large buttons is often equipped with a small black and white screen, the brightness and contrast of which can be easily adjusted.
This is the most common "visualization" option in cellular devices of this type. It should be noted that the color realism of the picture requires significant energy consumption, which is not alwayscorresponds to the general purpose of the appointment of devices such as "grandmother phones". Of course, low-functional cellular devices equipped with a black-and-white display are able to stay active for a long time. The standby mode under this condition can generally be calculated for a week. Therefore, one should still adhere to the golden mean. And if preference is given to a color image, then the manufacturability of the display should correspond to the “energy efficient” value, and the battery should be as reinforced as possible.
High functionality
A touchscreen phone with large screen buttons (virtual keyboard) is most preferred by the elderly, whose needs cannot be met by a standard of pared down simplicity. To date, the mobile product market has a fairly large assortment of such “grandmother phones”, the functionality of which allows you to:
- Take pictures and make videos.
- Listen to music tracks.
- Login to the Internet.
- Make video calls (Skype).
- Watch TV through the built-in TV receiver.
This "grandmother's" phone with big buttons will be appreciated by your elderly parents. After all, everything else, the device can be controlled by voice commands, is able to read messages and will always tell you that it needs to be connected to the charger. So, as you can see, no one forgets about "advanced" pensioners!
Universal standard withoutfrills
It is worth noting that the above-described version of the "grandmother's phone", although it has a high-capacity battery, will still be discharged much faster than a device "sharpened" for a specific purpose - maximum ease and comfort in use. Therefore, for most pensioners, it will be enough if:
- The phone with large buttons, the photo of which you see above, will have large key markings.
- The display will show a large font.
- The call signal is quite loud.
- The sound from the auditory speaker (speaker) is of high quality, without extraneous noise.
- In the modification there is a button "SOS".
- As an additional functionality - a flashlight.
- The installed battery has a higher capacity.
Brand "grandmothers"
Cellular phone with large buttons - just such a device can be considered convenient and at the same time easy to manage. In addition, "tactile mechanics" is more reliable and less energy-intensive than sensor technology. Therefore, in the process of choosing a mobile communication device for your elderly parents, grandparents, focus on these options: more stable and time-tested. Today, there are not many manufacturers of cellular devices that specifically specialize in the production of "grandmother phones". However, their products have a number of differences. However, you can easily make a choice. After all, you know the preferences of your family.
Russian teXet
A telephone with large buttons, the price of which can vary from 1,000 to 3,000 rubles, today literally every pensioner can afford. Ergonomic design and practical housing are combined with ease of use and complemented by affordable cost. Advertising must first of all be truthful, and the Russian company proves the truth of this statement in each of its products. Today, the company produces a sufficient number of modifications for the elderly, among which the teXet TM-B111 phone can be distinguished.
- Monochrome TFT display with a resolution of 128x64 pixels.
- Loud speaker and powerful vibration motor.
- Emergency key for five numbers.
- Built-in flashlight.
TeXet's big button phone is incredibly practical. The keys are easy to press. Thanks to the thoughtfulness of the location, shape and composition of the material from which the buttons are made, the fingers do not slip off. The menu is elementary in understanding, and its optimally selected functionality allows you to solve the necessary tasks with particular ease. Large text does not complicate the process of reading SMS, and soft backlight does not irritate the eyes. Voice guidance will make it incredibly easier for a visually impaired pensioner to dial a number. The "SOS" button located on the back of the device will allow the user to enter the emergency call menu and instantly make a call or send SMS to the desired number. Nothing extra, just the essentials for a stable and reliable connection.
Finnish NOKIA
Cheap phones with big buttons are not the definition of a bad product. Since the line of budget cellular devices from the world famous brand Nokia - in particular 1100, 1101, 1200, 1208, 1280 - is, first of all, durability in use and an ascetic minimum of functionality. The devices are easy to maintain, and the time (duration) of their battery life is commendable. The intelligently understandable menu does not cause any difficulties in the process of work, the user accurately finds the necessary option in the phone's functionality. Any of the above cellular devices will become an indispensable means of communication for a pensioner. The low price, paradoxically, corresponds to the high quality - this is a Nokia phone!
With big buttons from China
Despite the fact that the Celestial Empire is often associated with low-quality stamping, it still makes sense to turn your eyes to some mobile devices of Asian origin. Of course, one should not forget that a cellular device for a pensioner must be reliable. Therefore, before acquiring this or that modification, it is necessary to devote some amount of time to studying the subject of your curiosity. User reviews, comments left on thematic forums will help you make the right choice. Do not forget that when buying a mobile device in special electronics stores, you will certainly protect yourself in advance from purchasing low-quality goods.
Philips phone
There are plenty of devices from this company with large buttons. Nevertheless, the Philips Xenium X2301 model can be considered the best option. At a relatively low cost, this communication device is ideal for the elderly. If you purchase this smartphone, namely X2301 is such, then the owner will find a lot of nice additions. The device comes with a docking station, which means that the charging process is simplified, since you no longer need to connect a separate charger and “aim” at a specially designated socket on the device. Simply insert your phone into the docking station and the charging process starts automatically. In this modification, there is a camera, but the resolution of 0.3 MP is somewhat upsetting, but the button for turning on the viewfinder located under the optics will again pleasantly impress you in a strange way. In general, matte black plastic is fraught with a lot of mysteries. However, only some of them are somewhat alarming, otherwise the brand, as always, is on top.
- Support for two SIM cards.
- Color display.
- Expandable memory (microCD slot).
- FM radio (works even when no headset).
- Powerful enough flashlight.
- Emergency key.
- Additional lock element.
Unconventional form factor for grannyphones
Perhaps a flip phone with big buttons will be a more original gift for your grandmother than a standard candy bar. A company you already knowAlcatel released an upgraded version of the teXet TM-B416 this year. The outer panel (the closed state of the device) is equipped with active light indicators: an incoming message, a call, a charging indicator and the current state of the “alarm clock” mode. Another innovation is the built-in 1.3 MP camera, which is also located on the front of the case. Now the device supports two SIM cards. An FM receiver is provided for listening to radio stations. Communication capabilities are expanded by activating the Bluetooth module. This model is available in two colors: black and dark red. It would not be superfluous to mention the next "brainchild" of the British company Fly, which this year came in second place in sales of smartphones in Russia. This is a Fly Ezzy Trendy phone with large buttons, which is also a clamshell thanks to its design features. The front of the case is equipped with a front display and a camera with a resolution of 1.2 MP. The main, however, as well as the additional screen, is made using TFT technology. The color reproduction is quite high quality and even in bright light the graphics are clearly distinguishable. A large font, an SOS key, a flashlight, support for two SIM cards are also present in the presented model, as in the device described above. It should be noted that the cost of the "British" is almost identical to the price of the Russian teXet ТМ-В416. Therefore, it is up to you to decide which modification you prefer.
In conclusion
Before giving your family a convenient and reliable phone, it would probably be wiser to first go to a specializedshop with your favorite seniors and discreetly try out a few granny phones. After all, a rashly made choice may not at all correspond to the expected results. As a result, a color display may well become an irritant for sore eyes, and a sound that seems loud enough to you can become a “mosquito squeak” for a grandmother or grandfather. However, if you are sure that your gift will correspond to the proper result - please the old people!
