Enlarge image
The senior smartphones tested: Even with simple devices you come across hurdles
Photo: Jonas Mielke / DER SPIEGEL
E-prescription, online banking, WhatsApp: you're lost without a smartphone these days. “The problem is becoming more relevant with the digitalization of more and more areas of life,” says Herbert Kubicek, retired professor of applied computer science at the University of Bremen. But many older people shy away from using devices that are too complicated and fiddly for them. They could be a comparatively easy route to the Internet for them. Even the basic functions can enrich the lives of older people: sending a photo to friends or grandchildren, participating in family chats.
To make the devices easier to use, some manufacturers offer so-called senior smartphones. Basically, the term is too focused on one part of the target group. Such smartphones are intended to make operation easier for people with visual impairments or motor limitations and to reduce the complexity of common smartphones with a simplified interface.
We tested five such devices. They all use Google's Android operating system as a basis, which still shines through at one point or another, especially when starting out. During setup, it explains in detail how to control a conventional Android smartphone with swipe gestures, you have to create or log in to a Google account and agree to the complex Google license agreements.
On the simplified interface, all manufacturers also offer simplified versions of some standard apps, such as for calls, the address book, SMS, settings, the camera and the photo album. For most manufacturers, they are less complex than Google's originals, but each in its own way. But for email and web surfing you always have to use regular apps, such as Gmail and Chrome.
An emergency call function, which can be used to notify emergency services as well as caregivers, is standard on most senior smartphones.
You can select the relevant contacts in the settings, so that in an emergency you can notify the emergency services, relatives or friends with just a few taps without having to look for their numbers. The current location is often shared. In our test, only the Amplicomms model does not have an emergency call app installed.
This is how we tested
The central promise of smartphones for seniors: They are easier to use than conventional devices. How well do manufacturers manage to reduce the complexity of the devices? How easy is it to set it up for your grandmother or grandfather? Are there instructions? Do the manufacturers offer additional support? Which function can be activated intuitively?
Enlarge image
Kubicek with senior smartphone: “The greater the need, the less frequently it is used.”
Photo: Jonas Mielke / DER SPIEGEL
Also interesting: Do the devices have a fingerprint sensor or facial recognition? Because if you want more than photos and WhatsApp messages, you often fail because of complicated login procedures, says Kubicek. This is made much easier by alternatives to passwords.
Gigaset GS5 senior
“Made in Germany” is how Gigaset advertises this smartphone, which is offered as a senior cell phone.
One thing you immediately notice in the user interface on the large display is that it differs from the other devices in the test: you can't swipe sideways. This makes it easier to stay oriented. Six to eleven tiles with basic functions are displayed in a simple black and white look. In the menu you can specify which functions should appear on the screen in this way.
Enlarge image
Monochrome: Home screen of the Gigaset GS5 senior
Photo: Jonas Mielke / DER SPIEGEL
Kubicek does not find all of the options immediately understandable to inexperienced users. Qwerty keyboard? Emoji keyboard? Why choose a dark homepage? Explaining functions is central, he says. He likes that the device is easy to hold despite its large screen.
The on-screen keyboard is displayed very large, taking up almost three quarters of the display. As with all Android devices, it can be irritating for inexperienced users that the Google Assistant starts if you hold down the home button for a little too long.
A unique selling point among the tested devices is the USB-C charging cable: similar to some MacBooks, the plug is held magnetically on the charging socket. This reduces the risk of accidentally knocking the smartphone to the ground if someone trips over the cable. The latter is covered with fabric and appears to be of higher quality than the other devices.
The battery is replaceable. In addition to a case for the smartphone, a training book is included whose font size is smaller than the text displayed on the smartphone. There are no video instructions for setup on the manufacturer's website.
What you like:
In contrast to other models, you are less likely to end up in non-optimized menu areas. Fingerprint sensor and facial recognition can simplify logins.
The less:
The monochrome menu looks very sad.
For some this may be clear, for others colors could help distinguish the functions.
Doro 8200
The device from the Swedish manufacturer Doro, like the Gigaset smartphone, looks like a conventional current smartphone. It has a 6.1-inch display, but can still be used one-handed and has no physical buttons other than the volume and power buttons on the side. When you turn it on for the first time, you can adjust the volume, font size and app icon design.
The start screen is very clear with its four colored tiles. If you swipe sideways, you will find more apps. What's special: Some tiles combine several functions. For example, if you tap the “Send” tile, you will be taken to an overview where you can choose whether you want to send an SMS, an email, a photo or your own location. The logic is understandable, but unfamiliar to people who use or have previously used conventional smartphones.
Enlarge image
Simplified but unusual: the home screen of the Doro 8200
Photo: Jonas Mielke / DER SPIEGEL
There is a button on the back that leads to the “Response by Doro” function. According to the manufacturer, it combines auxiliary and remote access functions. On the one hand, selected contacts can be notified at the push of a button. On the other hand, if you agree, these contacts can, for example, see the location of the device or adjust the volume of the ringtone.
Kubicek believes that such remote maintenance and control functions are urgently needed: "Manufacturers would have to pre-install programs like TeamViewer so that the person who set up the device can help remotely with problems and uncertainties."
The included quick start guide is closely printed. To this end, Doro offers a so-called “smartphone school” on its website, which is intended to introduce inexperienced users to the functions of their device.
A charging station is included. Overall, the hardware is not very convincing. “From a technical point of view, the Doro 8200 is outdated,” writes the technology portal “Connect”. A criticism that is expressed about many models from this product segment.
What I like:
The display is clear, the functions are well sorted.
The less:
If you don't know Doro's special menu structure, you will have difficulty helping friends or family members with problems. The device is expensive.
Emporia Smart5
Emporia's user interface also has a special feature. The four tiles on the home page are not labeled with text, only symbols. “At least no English terms either,” says Kubicek. "In terms of the display, it's quite practical overall." If you swipe to the right, you get deeper into the menu structures; if you swipe to the left, you reach your favorite contacts and the emergency call function.
Emporia also installs simplified versions of some standard apps, including its own web browser. “The most recently visited pages are displayed as an image, which is nice,” says Kubicek, commenting on its peculiarity of displaying links as images. However, the fact that the site of a major Internet travel provider is still listed among the most recently visited pages even after the history has been deleted is questionable.
Enlarge image
Old-fashioned look: home screen of the Emporia Smart5
Photo: Jonas Mielke / DER SPIEGEL
The design looks old-fashioned. The user interface is so clear that you don't feel like you could paralyze the device due to incorrect operation. However, the 5.5-inch screen is comparatively small. Not very helpful: Notifications are always displayed as scrolling text in large font on the screen. You have to look very carefully to be able to read the text. Overall, the device makes an outdated impression.
To make it easier to get started, the Emporia Smart5 comes with pre-installed learning content such as the “emporia Coach”. You can use a “touch trainer” to practice the device’s typing and swiping gestures. A printed training book, including space for notes and a transport cover are also included.
You shouldn't be put off by the high price that the manufacturer states on its homepage; it is available cheaper in stores. Also because a successor model is already being sold, which, according to the manufacturer, will cost a whopping 399.99 euros.
What I like:
Lots of information and training material on paper and on the smartphone, clear interface in which you can hardly get lost
The less:
The price is rather high for the technology with a smaller screen and without a fingerprint sensor.
Amplicomm's M510-C
The Amplicomms model is the cheapest device in the test. But that's how it works. The design with three physical buttons in addition to volume and power buttons isn't very modern, but some might like that too. When setting it up, it becomes clear that even people who regularly use smartphones cannot get anywhere without help and instructions. “Now I would actually expect it to work,” says Kubicek when we tried in vain to activate the reading function in the test.
The display of the main menu is clear at first glance and does not require swiping to the side. But with no other device is there a greater risk of accidentally entering the normal Android interface. Sometimes you even have to, because a simplified browser, for example, is not installed. If you want to surf the Internet, you inevitably have to leave Amplicomm's user interface.
Enlarge image
Clear, but quickly disappeared: Amplicomms interface
Photo: Jonas Mielke / DER SPIEGEL
This is doubly confusing, because in the simplified view the control of the device works differently than in the Android interface. In order to select a symbol in the Amplicomms system, you not only have to tap the respective button, but also hold it down for a longer period of time before the smartphone reacts. This seems practical at first because it reduces the risk of accidentally selecting something. However, if you leave the simplified area, every quick tap triggers an immediate reaction. At least a warning pops up when switching from one system to the other.
Accessories such as a charging station, a magnetic charging cable or a protective cover must be purchased additionally from the manufacturer.
What you like:
The device is cheap. If you just want to make phone calls, write text messages and take photos, it can be enough. Accidental typing is well prevented in the simplified interface.
The less:
Anything that goes beyond the absolute basic functions can be confusing.
SimplyFon senior cell phone smartphone
The Bonn-based company Bo-mobile is behind the device with the somewhat complicated name of the EINFON senior cell phone smartphone. The adapted interface runs on a Nokia G22, which is comparable in design to the Doro and Gigaset devices. In 2022, the SimplyFon was honored by the DigitalPakt Alter initiative. The jury, which also included Kubicek, praised the fact that “older users can switch functions on or off according to their individual digital skills.” The SimplyFon is a good entry-level solution.
On the home screen you will find twelve large tiles in different colors that represent different apps. Swiping to the side is not possible; additional tiles that can be freely assigned can be accessed by tapping on “More” at the bottom of the screen. The interface is clear and comparable to that of the Gigaset model, but more colorful. There are no exercises or tutorials that explain how to use a smartphone.
Enlarge image
Colorful and without swiping sideways: Home screen of the SimplyFon model
Photo: Jonas Mielke / DER SPIEGEL
In the “Settings” of the simplified interface, functions can be switched on or off using a switch, but the selection options are reduced, as is the case with the Gigaset model. There is an explanation behind a question mark. If you ask yourself what a Qwerty keyboard is, you'll get the answer: "Use the Qwerty keyboard view familiar from the computer instead of the alphabetical SimpleFon keyboard." Before you reach the detailed settings of the Android interface, you get one Warning that things get more complex there.
What I like:
clear menu, lots of explanations in the simplified settings
The less:
no tutorials
Conclusion
“The product segment has its justification,” says Kubicek. “Senior smartphones have limited use for specific groups.” But if you get support from friends or family, it might not even matter whether you use a regular or a specially adapted smartphone.
That's the crux of the device: The interfaces are clearer and reduce complexity. But inexperienced users will also encounter hurdles here. In order to be able to help with the different user interfaces for each manufacturer, relatives or friends must first familiarize themselves with them. This is easier with smartphones that you use yourself.
more on the subject
Accessibility aids in the test: How to set up smartphones for older people By Jonas Mielke and Matthias Kremp
You shouldn't think that so-called senior smartphones can simply be handed to older people and left alone with them. The facility is often the biggest obstacle. Setting up Google and other email accounts, configuring WiFi and mobile communications: Anyone who feels insecure with smartphones cannot use these devices without help.
But setting up the devices is just the tip of the iceberg, says Kubicek. Ongoing support as soon as a problem occurs is crucial. Although local initiatives offer courses or consultation hours in many places, companies like Telekom create services specifically for older people. But overall there needs to be more help, says the retired professor. »In the foreseeable future it will not be possible to provide technical assistance for every restriction. You always need a combination of a device and support – whether private or as a service.«
Background: Product testing in the testing department
AreaWhich products are reported on?open
We decide for ourselves which products we report on in the testing department and which we test or not. We do not receive any money or other consideration from the manufacturers for any of the test reports. It may happen for various reasons that we do not report on products even though we have corresponding test products.
AreaWhere do the test products come from?open
Test devices and review copies of games are usually provided to us free of charge by the manufacturer for a certain period of time, sometimes before the official publication. This means our test reports can appear on time or close to the product’s release.
We only test preliminary versions or devices from pre-series production in special cases. We usually wait until we can get test units or game versions that are identical to the retail versions. If they are already available in stores or online, in some cases we will purchase test equipment at our own expense.
AreaCan the editors keep the products?open
As a rule, test devices are sent back to the manufacturers after the test has ended. The exception is review copies of games and long-term loans: For example, we have game consoles and smartphones in the editorial office that we can use for a longer period of time before they are returned. For example, we can report on software updates, new accessories and new games or make long-term judgments. Such products and review copies are often collected at the end of a year and sold at an internal company flea market, with the proceeds being donated to charitable purposes. In some cases, review copies are also donated directly to charitable organizations.
AreaWhat's the deal with affiliate ads in some articles?open
Articles in the testing section contain so-called affiliate advertisements that contain links to online shops. If a user visits one of these shops via such a link and makes a purchase there, DER SPIEGEL, but never the author individually, receives a share of the sales in the form of a commission. The ads appear in articles regardless of whether a product test is positive or negative. You can find a detailed explanation of affiliate links by clicking on this link.