Recommend a Decent Android Phone for Elderly Gentleman

thisusernameistaken on 06/08/2025 - 10:04
Last edited 06/08/2025 - 10:05

I'm helping an elderly gentleman with his IT issues. He has a Nokia C21 with Android 11 Go and the phone has the following issues:

Switching between VoWiFi and VoLTE for calling doesn't work when leaving WiFi range. He has to turn on airplane mode and then turn it off to trick the phone into using the mobile network for calling. As a workaround I've disabled WiFi calling and while that's resolved the issue, his house has coverage issues when inside on the Telstra network. Although he is with an Optus MVNO, I think having WiFi calling would be good, especially if mobile coverage changes.

Websites cannot be added to the home screen. There is no option in Chrome or Firefox. I think this might be a limitation of Android Go. Additionally widgets can't be added either.

Any recommendations for a decent phone? He said he spent $200+ on this phone and while it mostly fulfills his needs, some of the limitations are frustrating. He'd like NFC so he can use his 4% off Woolworths Gift Card that can only be used with NFC. A slightly smaller screen would be nice so the phone fits better in the pocket but finding that these days is incredibly difficult. Budget would probably be max $400.

I was thinking a Pixel a series phone, however with all of the battery recalls, I'm not sure if that's the best idea.

Mobile Mobile Phone Android

Comments

    • sumyungguy on 06/08/2025 - 10:20
      +3

      It's vaguely contextually relevant: globally, men tend to favor Android devices more than women, while women are more likely to own iPhones.

      • jv on 06/08/2025 - 10:21
        -8

        men tend to favor Android devices

        Do you mean biological men, or anyone who identifies as a 'man'?

        • sumyungguy on 06/08/2025 - 10:22
          +1

          I don't even know if the data I'm quoting is accurate, let alone the gender identity breakdown.

    • Protractor on 06/08/2025 - 10:20
      -2

      Mars,maps etc

    • Spookware on 06/08/2025 - 14:38

      Because men and woman are different.

    • Muppet Detector on 07/08/2025 - 19:51

      Presumably OP is helping Richard Gere to find a phone for a retired Navy Pilot that has "Up Where We Belong" as the default ring tone.

      Alternatively, OP was indicating that blonde would be a preferred colour if available.

  • alan737 on 06/08/2025 - 10:22
    +5

    Go for the Moto G54, it’s a solid upgrade that just works. You get NFC for tap payments, reliable Wi-Fi calling, proper Android so shortcuts and widgets work, a comfy size, and great battery life. All that, and it’s still well under budget.

    • bazingaa on 06/08/2025 - 11:26

      +1, I got my FIL a G04 for $129; he is happy with that. Before that, he had an unlocked Optus phone (Alcatel ?), which I got from a previous deal

    • thisusernameistaken on 06/08/2025 - 11:28

      How many years updates?

      • shxhshzhz on 06/08/2025 - 12:21

        It's an old 2023 model not sold in most stores anymore. Updates end in less than 2 years.

  • alan737 on 06/08/2025 - 11:34
    +3

    It should receive one Android update, from Android 13 to 14 (if it’s not already on 14), and 3 years of security updates.

  • shxhshzhz on 06/08/2025 - 12:25

    $329 Samsung A36

    • thisusernameistaken on 08/08/2025 - 10:08

      My primary concern with Samsung is that it will come with unnecessary bloat

  • skid on 06/08/2025 - 13:24
    +1

    ps. Don't think the Woolworths gift cards work with NFC any longer - just a note if that is one of the primary reasons for getting a new phone.

  • bbinc on 07/08/2025 - 10:43

    Have a look at the Opel range - designed to meet seniors needs. I got one for a 90+ senior and no problems. More of a phone than a smart phone. Also google seniors phones - there’s quite a range. Big buttons, not too many choices to make, no complicated menus all help. YMMV.

    • thisusernameistaken on 08/08/2025 - 10:07

      Nah he doesn't need a dumbed down version of a smartphone. I think he's quite tech savvy for his age. So I think my question should have been "What's a decent mid range budget smartphone that will still receive updates for years to come?"

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