Try the accessibility settings on your current phone or tablet before replacing it; larger text, read-aloud tools or alternative controls may address the difficulty you face. If you still need another device, a smartphone suits calls and messages on the move, while a tablet offers more screen space for reading and video calls. Check the exact device, software and any hearing or input accessory together before buying.
Age UK notes that vision, hearing and mobility difficulties can affect how someone uses a phone or tablet; the useful adjustment depends on the task that is difficult.
If messages, contacts or call controls are hard to see, try larger text, display scaling, magnification and read-aloud tools in the apps used to keep in touch. A tablet is worth considering when more physical screen space would help with reading or home-based video calls.
Captions and visual alerts may be useful alongside audio, but direct streaming needs a separate compatibility check. RNID advises confirming that the specific hearing device and phone can work together for streaming; also check the intended calling app and software version.
Consider whether a switch, keyboard, voice control or stable stand would make calls and messages easier to manage. Apple documents Switch Control for iPhone and iPad, but the intended input method still needs checking against the chosen device.
Consider it when: the main obstacle is text size, sound, reading content or touch navigation rather than the device itself.
Keep in mind: changing settings does not establish compatibility with a particular hearing device, switch or app.
Consider it when: calls, contacts and messages need to travel with you.
Keep in mind: a phone screen may remain uncomfortable for longer reading or video calls even after enlargement.
Consider it when: more viewing space matters chiefly for reading and video calls at home.
Keep in mind: check how it will be positioned and connected, particularly for calls away from Wi-Fi.
Test the communication apps you actually use, then check accessories and software support on any device you shortlist.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Readable controls | Try text and display scaling in the messaging and calling apps. Check magnification or read-aloud controls, and compare the usable viewing area at a comfortable distance. | I want to read messages and recognise call controls without struggling with small labels. For calls mainly at home, more tablet screen space may matter to me. |
| Hearing and alerts | Check captions and visual notifications on the exact device. For direct hearing-device streaming, confirm the hearing-device model, pairing method, software version and app compatibility; RNID says phone and hearing aid compatibility is necessary. | Visual alerts would help me notice a call, or I need my existing hearing device to handle its audio. Those are different requirements to test. |
| Alternative input | Try the intended switch, keyboard or voice controls with the calling app. If using a stand or mount, check its fit with the device and case and whether the camera position works. | Tapping accurately or holding a device through a video call is difficult for me, so I need a way to control and position it comfortably. |
| Software support | Check the delivered operating-system version, the required accessibility feature and the exact model’s remaining update support. Google notes that Android feature names and availability can vary by device and market. | I rely on communication apps and accessibility controls, so I want to know how the device I buy will continue to receive software support. |
| Call connection | Test Wi-Fi where calls will take place. For video calls away from Wi-Fi, check the device’s connection option and the mobile-data allowance; Age UK warns that video calling can use substantial data. | Will I mostly call from home, or do I need to stay in touch while out? My answer affects which connection to check. |
Pairing alone does not confirm the intended streaming or control functions. Apple’s Made for iPhone hearing-device route has device and system requirements, while Google notes version and compatibility conditions for Android hearing-device pairing.
Check the hearing-device maker’s compatibility information against the exact phone or tablet and ask an audiologist or seller for model-specific confirmation if needed.
Age UK describes adjustments for vision, hearing and mobility needs on existing devices. A new screen or form factor may not address a difficulty caused chiefly by app settings.
Set up larger text, read-aloud, sound or alternative controls on the current device, then try them with the actual contacts and communication apps.
Google says Android feature names and availability can vary by market and device. Update commitments also need to be checked for the particular model rather than applied to a whole brand.
Confirm the delivered software version, required accessibility functions and remaining update term for the exact device under consideration.
A larger tablet screen does not remove the need to position the device or connect it. Age UK warns that video calls can use substantial mobile data away from Wi-Fi.
Try a stable calling position and the camera controls; check Wi-Fi access or the mobile-data allowance where calls will happen.
Exceeding a mobile-data allowance can lead to extra network charges, according to Age UK.
These are examples of documented accessibility routes, not a guarantee that every model or accessory will meet the same needs.
iPhone and iPad offer built-in options to examine if simpler navigation, switch input or compatible hearing-device support is important.
A Pixel is an Android phone route to examine alongside Google’s accessibility guidance and the support details for the exact model.
Galaxy phones and tablets offer models in both form factors, so compare the required controls and software support on the particular device.
These tablets offer larger screens to consider for video calls and reading; the phones offer a more portable way to stay in touch. Check the accessibility functions and accessory compatibility needed for the person who will use the device.
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A Wi-Fi tablet to consider when video calls and reading mainly happen where a connection is available. Check how the required display, hearing-device or alternative-input controls work on this exact model before choosing it.
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A tablet option for set-down video calls; the named bundle includes a keyboard, mouse and stylus. Check whether those controls suit the user and confirm the delivered Android version before relying on a particular accessibility feature, as the product information gives conflicting version details.
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The 11-inch tablet format is worth comparing if a larger viewing area matters for calls. Confirm that the required Android accessibility controls, hearing device or switch work with this exact model; the listed memory figure alone does not answer those questions.
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A foldable smartphone to consider when portable calls matter and a set-down position would help with video calling. Check the call controls and any required hearing or input accessory on this exact model. The listing says a charger is not included, so check whether you already have a compatible one.
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A portable phone option if visible incoming-call alerts are useful; the product information describes rear Glyph lights for calls. Those alerts do not establish caption, screen-reading or hearing-device compatibility, so test the particular functions needed before buying.
They may be, particularly when text size, reading content aloud, sound or navigation is the main difficulty. Age UK describes accessibility adjustments for existing phones and tablets; try them in the messaging and video-calling apps you use before deciding to replace the device.
Confirm the exact hearing-device model, phone or tablet, software version, pairing method and required app together. RNID says streaming depends on compatibility between the phone and hearing aid; Apple’s dedicated Made for iPhone route also has hearing-device and system requirements.
A tablet is worth considering when more screen space would help with seeing people or reading controls, especially for calls at home. A phone may suit calls away from home better; for either device, check how it will be held or positioned and how it will connect.
Check that the device can connect where calls will take place, using Wi-Fi where practical. If calls will use mobile data, check the allowance: Age UK warns that video calls use substantial data and that exceeding an allowance can lead to network charges.