Best Mainstream 5G Smartphone for Seniors

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is a 5G-capable smartphone aimed at the mainstream market. This Android smartphone is versatile and reasonably priced, making it a good choice for tech-savvy seniors who want a phone they can customize to suit their needs and that can run popular apps.

We chose the S21 over the pricier, folding Galaxy Z and the cheaper Galaxy A because it offers a good balance of affordability and power. Seniors can depend on the S21 to run popular social media, messaging and banking apps reliably for several years to come. The battery life, screen size and Android operating system offer ease of use, reliability and convenience.

Overview of Samsung Galaxy S21

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is an Android smartphone that’s compatible with 5G networks. It’s available on a variety of carriers, including Verizon and AT&T, so seniors can pick and choose based on what’s available in their area and which carriers their family and friends use.

How Much Does a Samsung Galaxy S21 Cost?

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the Samsung Galaxy S21 is $799. However, many retailers offer discounts on this model, so it’s possible to purchase the device outright for as little as $499. Seniors who are happy to take out a mobile phone contract could pick up this model from AT&T for less than $23 per month, with no up-front payment. Other carriers offer similar deals, so it’s worth shopping around to find one that offers the right balance of text messaging, call time and mobile data to meet a senior’s typical mobile usage habits.

Full Review of the Samsung Galaxy S21’s Features

This Android smartphone offers strong performance at a budget price. It’s a versatile phone with an IP68 water resistance rating and a respectable battery life. Seniors can use it to keep in touch with family and friends, play games, and do day-to-day tasks such as online banking and general web surfing.

Android 11

The S21 is powered by Android 11 with Samsung’s OneUI skin. This means it’s easy to use and also easy to customize. Seniors can personalize the phone with their own wallpapers and skins, change the user interface scaling to suit their taste, and install apps from the vast Google Play library. Tech-savvy individuals can even use third-party app stores to access a wider range of games and utilities.

Fast Snapdragon Processor

The Snapdragon 888 Processor and 8 gigabytes of RAM in this smartphone mean it can handle multimedia applications as well as day-to-day social media and app use. Seniors can expect this smartphone’s hardware to serve them well for a long time, especially if they’re primarily interested in using the device for messaging and social media access.

Crystal Clear HD Display

The 120 hertz full-HD display on this phone is clear, crisp and bright. The display is ideal for playing games, watching streaming TV and movies, or looking at family photos. The 6.2-inch form factor is big enough to be easy to use, but small enough that the phone is easy to carry around in a coat pocket.

High Quality Front and Rear Cameras

The Galaxy S21 features a 10-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies and video calling and three rear-facing cameras, of which two are 12-megapixel and one is a 64-megapixel telephoto camera. These cameras are backed by Samsung’s own software that makes it easy to take stunning photos for social media use. The cameras can also be used to record smooth, high-quality video.

5G Connectivity

Seniors who are lucky enough to live in an area with good 5G coverage can take full advantage of the signal strength and bandwidth it offers with this phone. From streaming HD shows to uploading videos, making Skype calls or downloading games, the full power of the internet is at the user’s fingertips with the Samsung Galaxy S21 on a 5G SIM.

Long Battery Life

The 4,000-milliampere/hour battery in the S21 ensures that most users won’t have to worry about plugging the device in to charge during the day. As with any smartphone, the true battery life depends on the owner’s usage habits. Active seniors who enjoy playing AR or location-based games will need to charge the device more frequently than those who simply use their phone for sending occasional messages to loved ones. 

Customization Options

The range of colors and storage options available with the S21 depends on the carrier it’s provided by. However, as an Android device, all users can customize the UI, changing icons, wallpaper and clock options to suit their tastes. 

Who Should Consider the Samsung Galaxy S21? 

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is a good choice for relatively tech-savvy seniors who want to have the option of installing popular social media apps, games and other utilities.

App Enthusiasts

Because this smartphone has reasonably powerful hardware and runs Android 11, it gives users access to the full library of Google Play apps. This means seniors can play Pokemon Go with their grandchildren, or install WhatsApp or Signal to chat with their children and stay in touch with their local senior group.

Fitness Fans

With this phone, seniors can use smartwatches from a variety of manufacturers, including Samsung, Fitbit, Garmin and Amazfit. Active seniors who want to have access to the latest fitness features may find this smartphone a much better choice than a more basic device.

What Are People Saying About the Samsung Galaxy S21?

Reviewers praise the Samsung Galaxy S21 for its high performance, 5G capabilities and affordable price. They also highlight the sleek appearance and high-quality screen, as well as the relatively powerful cameras.

The 120 hertz full-HD screen also receives praise. While this isn’t as high-resolution as the one offered on some more expensive Samsung devices, most users are unlikely to notice the difference unless they do a side-by-side comparison with a phone featuring a quad-HD display.

Reviewers also mention the storage capacity. The 128 gigabytes of internal storage isn’t upgradable, however, it should be more than enough for even the most prolific photographer/videographer’s needs. It’s also sufficient to install a huge number of apps and games, as well as download some videos for watching offline.

FAQ


What Is the Simplest Cell Phone for Seniors?


Lively offers a selection of cell phones for seniors that are reliable, easy to use and have good battery life. We recommend these cell phones for older users who struggle with Android or iOS. Click here for our full answer to this question.


What Is the Least Expensive Cell Phone Plan for Seniors?


Seniors who already have a personal emergency response alarm may be able to get an affordable cell phone through the same company. In addition, some carriers offer discounts for veterans. Click here for our full answer to this question.


Who Has the Best Cell Phone Deals for Seniors?


Lively offers some good deals on senior-friendly cell phones, however, seniors may wish to shop around for discounts and special offers before choosing a supplier. Click here for our full answer to this question.


What Is the Best Unlimited Cell Phone Plan for Seniors?


Seniors who make a lot of calls or use a lot of data may save money by signing up for an unlimited cell phone plan. Depending on the senior’s usage habits, it may be a good idea to join the same carrier as their friends and family. Click here for our full answer to this question.


What Is the Best Cell Phone for Seniors With Dementia?


Lively offers several phones with streamlined features that make it easy for older adults to make calls and send messages without having to learn a confusing new user interface. Click here for our full answer to this question.