Compare Mobile Phone Plans For Seniors

What to look for when comparing mobile phone plans for seniors

Some things to keep in mind when comparing mobile plans for seniors include:

Cost

The best plan is one that offers everything you need for the lowest price. If you’re looking for a deal, telcos frequently offer great discounts for new customers. But make sure you know the standard price per month (or per recharge if on prepaid), and when any introductory discounts will end. 

Expiry periods and bill cycles

Look at how often you’ll be paying a bill or renewing your plan.  Generally, you’ll pay monthly for postpaid/SIM-only, and every 28 to 30 days for prepaid. However, some prepaid plans could have shorter or longer expiries. 

Flexibility

A plan with no lock-in contracts gives you room to move around if you’re not happy. Almost all mobile plans, whether prepaid or postpaid, are now contract-free or month-to-month, so you can cancel at any time. However, if you buy a phone-on-a-plan bundle, you’ll need to pay off the remaining balance of your new phone if you cancel your mobile plan early.

Mobile data

Mobile data is how you connect to the internet on your phone when you’re away from home internet or WiFi. Mobile data is used when you connect to your telco’s mobile network wirelessly to use apps, browse the Internet, make video calls and do most activities that aren’t a standard voice call or text message. 

If you’re mostly connected to home or work WiFi when using the internet on your phone, you may not need a huge data allowance (likewise if you generally only use your phone for calls and texts). If you enjoy using social media, streaming music or videos or playing mobile games, you may need a bigger data allowance each month. 

Data is measured in megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB), with most plans featuring a set amount of GB per month or recharge. If you go over this data amount, you may have your internet speeds slowed for the rest of the month, or be required to pay extra for each additional GB you use. This is why it’s important to make sure your plan has enough data for your needs (but keep in mind that on no-contract plans you can always downgrade or upgrade to another plan with more or less GB if needed). 

As a general guide, consider the following data amounts per month:

• Light users (occasional social media or web browsing, checking emails etc.): 10GB or less per month
• Medium users (daily web browsing or social media, music streaming, etc.): 20GB - 50GB per month
• Heavy users (the above plus regular video streaming, video calls, gaming etc.): 50GB+ per month

Mobile network coverage

Every telco in Australia runs on either Telstra, Optus or Vodafone’s mobile networks. So no matter which plan you’re on, you’ll receive coverage from one of these three networks (although Telstra reserves its most extensive coverage for its own customers).

If you’re living in a major city or metro area, you’ll probably get reliable reception no matter which network you’re on. But if you’re in a more regional area, or plan to travel frequently, it’s a good idea to check coverage maps or customer reviews to ensure the network will be available where you need it.

Other plan inclusions 

Make sure you’re not paying for extras you don’t need, such as overseas calling and roaming. If you only need local talk, text and a little data, skip the extras and save.

What are the best mobile plans for seniors?

If you’re a senior on the hunt for a new phone plan, or simply someone trying to find an affordable mobile deal for an older relative, narrowing down options can be confusing. But taking the time to figure out what you need in a plan — and understand the types of mobile phone plans available in Australia — can help make the process much simpler. 

Generally, the best mobile plans for seniors are budget-friendly, flexible and free from catches or unneeded extras. The best plan will also include reliable network coverage at home (and wherever else is needed!). 

What types of mobile plans are available for seniors?

SIM-only/BYO plans

A SIM-only plan allows you to connect your own phone to a telco’s mobile service, rather than buying a new device as part of your plan. This can be a great option if you’re happy with your existing phone. SIM-only plans can be separated into ‘postpaid’ or ‘prepaid’ options, based on how you pay for your service. However, many providers also use ‘SIM-only’ as another word for postpaid, so you may see ‘SIM-only’ and ‘prepaid’ listed as two different products. 

• Prepaid: A prepaid plan can help you avoid surprise charges or unexpectedly high bills, as you pay for everything in advance. At the end of each expiry period — or once your inclusions such as data are used up — you’ll need to renew your service by paying for another recharge, whether that’s 28 days, 30, days, a month or more. Unlike postpaid plans, prepaid means you can’t accidentally overspend. 
• Postpaid: Postpaid plans require you to pay at the end of each billing cycle, so you don’t have to worry about recharging if you use up your plan’s data or other inclusions. Unlimited calls and SMS are pretty standard across even the cheapest postpaid plans, but keep an eye on data: if you exceed your monthly gigabyte allowance, you may be charged extra for any additional data used. The exceptions are plans with ‘unlimited data’ from telcos like Telstra, Optus, Vodafone or Belong which will instead slow your mobile data use until the next month. 

Some prepaid plans are also offered on a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) basis, which means you add credit to your plan upfront which is then used to pay for calls, texts and data. You'll usually be charged per minute for standard calls, per message sent for text or photo/video messages, and for each megabyte or gigabyte of data used.

Phone-on-a-plan

A phone-on-a-plan deal allows you to bundle a new phone with a mobile plan on a monthly bill. These plans are available from Telstra, Optus and Vodafone, as well as smaller providers Southern Phone and TeleChoice. 

Simply select your new phone, your desired repayment period (usually either 12, 24 or 36 months), and your postpaid mobile plan. You’ll then pay off the cost of your phone in monthly installments, as part of your monthly mobile bill. 

Are there mobile plans with seniors discounts?

If you’re a Seniors card holder, you may be eligible for a discount on your mobile phone plan. Several of Australia’s biggest mobile providers offer reduced fees for seniors, including:

• Vodafone: Seniors card holders can claim a 10% discount on select Vodafone plans. Visit the website to find out which plans are currently eligible for a discount. Terms and conditions apply.
• Telstra: Valid Pension Concession card holders can claim a discount on home phone and mobile services.
• Pennytel: Seniors are eligible for a 10% discount on mobile plans for their first 12 months.

Where can I find cheap mobile plans for seniors?

Not all mobile plans are priced equally! The biggest determining factor in your plan’s cost is generally the monthly mobile data allowance, but you’ll find that going with one of the ‘big three’ telcos — that’s Telstra, Optus or Vodafone — will be more expensive than a similar plan from a smaller provider. 

Some lower-cost telcos to keep on your cheap mobile plan shortlist include:

• Aldi Mobile
• Amaysim
• Coles Mobile
• Belong
• Boost Mobile
• Everyday Mobile
• Felix
• Flip
• Kogan Mobile
• Lebara
• Lycamobile
• Moose Mobile
• OnePass Mobile
• Pennytel
• Southern Phone
• SpinTel
• Yomojo

If a cheap mobile plan suits your needs, there are a couple things to keep an eye on. Some providers offer discounts on plans when you sign up over the first month/recharge or longer. It’s important to compare the plan’s standard price so you know how much you’ll be paying once the discount ends.

For cheap prepaid plans, you’ll want to check that the plan’s recharge period is suitable for your needs and not on a short expiry period. For example, a $10 plan on a seven-day expiry period won’t be as cheap if you’re recharging every week! Look for plans with a 28-day, 30-day or even a monthly expiry period.

What is the best mobile phone for seniors?

There’s no one best mobile phone for seniors — what’s best for you may not be right for someone else with different preferences. 

What to look for in a seniors’ mobile phone

If you’re looking for a seniors’ phone, you’ll need to consider the following factors.

Cost

Deciding how much you’re willing to spend is important. High-functioning phones are generally going to cost more, but cheap phones sometimes sacrifice features for affordability. If you’ve got a maximum dollar amount in mind, work backwards from there when doing your research.

If you’re looking at iPhones, you can generally expect to pay more in comparison to most Android phones. Android phones, however, offer devices at a range of price points, with a wide variety of brands and styles to choose from — some for well under $200.

Purpose

The main purpose of a phone is usually to make and receive phone calls. However, phones can be used for taking and storing photos, playing games, accessing social media and even video calling. If these are activities that you’re interested in, it may be worth finding a phone that meets that criteria.

For example, if taking photos is important to you, make sure the camera on the phone you’re looking to buy is going to be up to the task. You’ll also want a phone with a camera that’s easy to use, so it could be helpful to test different models in-store (this goes for any feature you prioritise, such as usability or screen size).

Accessibility

Most phones offer a range of accessibility features, including adjustable font sizes and magnification, screen readers, voice control, and even compatibility with hearing aids. 

If you’re looking for a smartphone, a device with a big and bright display may be easier to read and navigate than smaller models, but also consider if a bigger size may be less comfortable to use and carry.

If smartphones seem too complicated, you may find it easier to use a basic or feature phone with a physical keypad, rather than a touchscreen.

The best basic phones for seniors

If you're just in need of a basic mobile phone without the unnecessary bells and whistles, there’s a range of easy-to-use phones available that don’t require tech skills. Some of these may come with accessibility features, and optional extras such as GPS tracking, fraud and scam protection and 24/7 support.

Some quick picks for the best basic seniors’ phones include: 

Olitech EasyFlip range

Olitech’s EasyFlip phones are similar in design to the classic early 2000s clamshell-style flip phones, but with simplicity in mind. Each device comes with easy-to-use physical buttons and a clear screen, along with hearing aid compatibility, loud speakers, photo speed dial and voice reminders. Some models also include an SOS/emergency key that contacts emergency services with a Google Maps location link when activated. 

All EasyFlip phones are compatible with Australian 4G networks, so you can pair each device with any SIM-only telco plan. Recommended prices begin at $179 from Olitech directly. 

Opel Lite range

Opel’s easy-use phones include clear displays, big tactile keypads and one-touch emergency calling. The Lite series was designed with usability in mind, with no confusing touch screens or apps — users can dial with a large, old-school T9 keypad, or use customisable speed dial options. Opel’s phones also come with accessibility extras including extra-loud ringtones, a talking keypad and M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility. 

All devices are 4G-capable, so can be used on any telco plan or network in Australia. Opel’s phones also have easy USB-C charging and come with an FM radio, torch and headphone jack. Recommended prices begin at $79 AUD, with devices available directly from Opel and retailers including JB Hi-Fi and MobileCiti. 

KISA Phone

The KISA phone features large, physical buttons for one-touch calling and is ideal for seniors, young children, or users with disabilities. A customised made-to-order device, each KISA includes a maximum of 10 contacts, each with their own programmed mechanical button, plus a large SOS button for emergencies. Users can simply press the button with a pre-programmed contact’s name or picture in order to be connected. 

Phones come with a no lock-in monthly plan, which includes unlimited calling and the option to add features like GPS tracking. The KISA phone starts at RRP $598 when purchased through KISA directly, plus plan costs, but funding is available for NDIS participants and through Aged Care and other government services.

BigPurplePhone range

Specifically designed for seniors, young children or users with disabilities, each BigPurplePhone operates on a secure family and friends network that is controlled via an app on another person’s smartphone. This means that only trusted contacts that have been added by family and friends can call the phone, so scammers and other unwanted callers are blocked. 

The BigPurplePhone offers full-screen notifications and picture icons of contacts for quick speed dialling. It also has an emergency call button that dials 000 and notifies a user’s family when activated. Each phone can be paired with any Australian SIM-only plan, or a BigPurple SIM and plan. Recommended prices begin at $599 from BigPurplePhone directly. 

The best smartphones for seniors

Seniors who are more confident with technology will probably prefer a smartphone — that’s a mobile phone with a touchscreen, internet access and the option to download apps and media. For a tech-savvy senior who wants to be able to access social media, Google, video and music streaming and an array of other features, there are plenty of devices available from brands including Apple, Samsung, Google, OPPO, Motorola, TCL and HMD.

The good news is you don’t need to spend thousands to get an excellent smartphone. Whether you just want a device that just offers the basics, or something with high-quality cameras and AI, you can find phones to suit every budget. 

Some smartphone brands that may be suitable for seniors include:

iPhone

The iPhone 16e is full of cutting-edge features for $999, but the still-available iPhone SE is several hundred dollars cheaper and includes the classic pressable Home button. 

Samsung

The Samsung Galaxy A series is a lower-priced alternative to the powerhouse Galaxy S range, and includes up-to-date technology in a cheaper package. 

OPPO

OPPO’s smartphones come at a range of price points, and tend to offer great cameras and usability.

Motorola

Motorola’s G series is another lower-cost range that offers bright designs, excellent battery life and big screens.