Try accessibility settings on a familiar device before replacing it; a new device is worth considering when its screen, controls or support for the intended calling app still do not suit the person using it. A smartphone prioritises portability, a tablet can suit seated calls and a larger touch display, and a computer may suit someone who prefers a keyboard and desk-based tasks. Test the actual app and any hearing-device connection before choosing.
If you need to read messages and online pages or see callers clearly, compare display adjustments and spoken feedback with the screen size and controls you can comfortably use. Age UK describes accessibility settings that can help adapt a device to vision needs.
If tapping, typing or learning gestures is difficult, consider whether touch controls, voice input, or a keyboard and mouse fit the way you use a device. Microsoft documents Windows accessibility features including voice typing.
If following or joining conversations is the priority, check the call app's audio and caption options and test any hearing-device connection with the specific device. Age UK offers video-calling guidance, while device features vary by model and software.
For older people and anyone helping them choose a device for communication and everyday online tasks, start with the difficulty that most affects the person's use.
Consider this when: the main barrier may be text size, screen feedback or input settings rather than the device itself.
Trade-off: settings need to be enabled and practised, and may not resolve every app or control issue.
Consider this when: one portable device for calls, messages and video calls matters most.
Trade-off: a smaller display may be harder to read than a tablet screen.
Consider this when: calls, photos and browsing are mainly done seated and a larger touch display is useful.
Trade-off: it is less pocketable than a phone, and tapping still needs to feel manageable.
Consider this when: a physical keyboard, mouse or desk-based online tasks suit the user better than touch gestures.
Trade-off: check the computer's camera, microphone, speakers and ports for the intended call setup.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Screen visibility | Try the screen at a comfortable distance with larger text, display zoom or spoken feedback enabled; compare with a larger screen. | When faces and text are difficult to make out, following a call and reading everyday pages come first; about 25% of consumers prioritise screen visibility. |
| Manageable input | Have the intended user answer a call, find a contact and write a short message using the controls they expect to use. | If tapping, typing or gestures are frustrating, manageable controls for calls and messages take priority; roughly 25% of consumers put input and controls first. |
| Hearing and call access | Test the intended calling app, audio output and captions where needed; check pairing with the exact hearing-device model. | When following a conversation or taking part in calls is difficult, call audio and hearing access matter most; around 19% of consumers prioritise them. |
| Setup and ongoing help | Plan who will set up the account and Wi-Fi, practise calls, and help with later updates or forgotten steps. | If getting started and continuing to use a device confidently are the main hurdles, practical setup and ongoing help come first; about 31% of consumers prioritise support. |
Adjusting display or input settings may address the difficulty without introducing unfamiliar hardware and another setup process.
Try larger text, screen reading and suitable input settings with the intended user on the device they already know.
A replacement brings another setup process to complete and practise.
Basic phones and simplified smartphones do not necessarily offer the same apps or calling functions.
Check the complete model and demonstrate an incoming and outgoing call using the app the person's contacts use.
A manufacturer's description of one model does not confirm that it will pair with a particular hearing device.
Check the exact phone and hearing-device models and, where possible, test pairing and call audio before buying for this purpose.
An alternative audio accessory may be needed if the specific devices do not work together as intended.
A device needs to be connected and usable after the initial demonstration, not only when it is first set up.
Practise calls on the intended connection and agree who can help later with accounts, updates and forgotten steps.
iPhone and iPad are touch-device options to consider when comparing a phone or tablet for communication.
Galaxy tablets provide an Android tablet option, including an 11-inch Galaxy Tab A11+ example in UK specifications.
Doro describes the Aurora A30 as a simplified Android smartphone option for people considering phone portability and interface clarity.
Surface Laptop is a computer example for people who prefer a keyboard and desk-based tasks; Windows accessibility settings can also be relevant to an existing PC.
The emporiaSMART.8 is a model-specific simplified smartphone option to examine when menu clarity or hearing-device audio support matters.
These options cover tablets for seated, larger-screen use, smartphones for portable communication and a laptop for desk-based calls and online tasks.
No image available
A tablet option to consider for seated calls and online tasks; check that its display and touch controls feel comfortable for the intended user.
Listed configuration: 8GB, 256GB, WiFi; Gray.
No image available
A portable smartphone option for calls and everyday communication; check the screen and controls with the person who will use it.
Listed configuration: 5G, 256GB; Awesome Navy. The listing states that a charging adaptor is not supplied.
No image available
A larger-format tablet to consider for seated calls and online tasks; check that its size and touch controls suit the intended user.
Listed details: 12.1-inch display, 10,000mAh battery, 8M FF+16M AF+ Flash Light. The product name states that no charger is included.
No image available
A tablet option for larger-screen, seated use; confirm the display and audio setup meet the user's needs.
Listed configuration: SM-X230, 6/128GB, Silver. The listing says a 25W charger is sold separately.
No image available
A laptop option for desk-based calls and tasks when a computer suits the user's preferred way of working; check the camera, microphone and audio in the intended setup.
Listed configuration: touchscreen, Copilot+, Intel Core Ultra 5 226V, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Windows 11 Home.
Yes. Try larger text, display adjustments, spoken feedback and suitable input settings first. Age UK describes accessibility adjustments for existing devices; test the intended calling app with the user after changing settings.
Set up the user's account, Wi-Fi and security choices together, then practise opening the intended app, finding a contact, answering and ending a call. Android setup may require an email address, Wi-Fi key and passcode or fingerprint. Review optional data-sharing permissions with the user.
Yes. Age UK advises using Wi-Fi for video calls on a phone or tablet because exceeding a mobile-data allowance can lead to network charges. The cost depends on the person's mobile plan.
No. Check the exact phone and hearing-device models, then test pairing and call audio in the intended app where possible. emporia's ASHA statement applies to its SMART.8 and does not confirm compatibility with every hearing aid.
Not to set up a new personal Skype call: Microsoft says Skype was retired on 5 May 2025. Agree on a currently supported app with the intended contacts instead.