Do seniors need a phone plan?

Yes for calling and texting. For data, Wi-Fi at home covers most needs. A basic plan with talk/text and 2-4GB data costs $25-40/month. T-Mobile and Consumer Cellular offer senior-specific plans.

Should I get a flip phone instead?

Flip phones are simpler but cannot FaceTime, share photos easily, or use modern apps. If the senior only needs calls and texts, a flip phone works. If they want video calls with family and photos, a smartphone is worth the learning curve.

Best Phones for Seniors 2026