I’ve been into getting a tablet for my mom as a birthday gift. When I began searching, I believed that tablets are a fun way to pass the time for seniors. I thought the only considerations I needed to be looking for were a device capable of running some good apps for videos, social media and maybe some games. Boy, was I wrong!
Top Rated Tablets for Seniors
Processor: Hexa Core. Display: 10.2-inch IPS panel with Retina Display ProMotion, True Tone, P3 Gamut. Hands down the best screen for poor visibility
Speakers: Stereo. Connectivity: Wi-Fi, BT, Gigabit-Class LTE. Best Portability. Battery Life: 10 hour.
Camera: 8 MP/1.2 MP.
Accessibility: Voice Control, Magnification, and Zoom, VoiceOver, Switch control, assisted touch, speak screen, closed captions
Processor: Octa-core processor. Display: 10.1-inch display with IPS panel. Narrow Bezels. Clear and easy to use display. Speakers: Dolby Atmos Surround. Best speakers for hearing impairment. Connectivity: Wi-Fi, BT, Cellular.
Battery Life: 10 hour. Camera: 8 MP/5 MP. Accessibility: Voice assist and subtitles
Processor: Quad-core Processor. Display: 8-inch display with lower resolution and pixel density. Narrow Bezels. Speakers: Stereo. Connectivity: Wi-Fi, BT, Cellular. Battery Life: 13 hour. Best for long usage. Camera: 8 MP/2 MP. Accessibility: Voice assist and subtitles
8 Tablets for Senior Citizens – Reviews
Finding the best tablets for senior citizens is not an easy task. Not all seniors are the same, which makes choosing a tablet difficult. That’s why I’ll be discussing my top 8 choices throughout the next section and who they’re most suitable for.
1. Apple iPad 10.2” – Best iPad for Seniors Overall
Quick Summary
| Processor | A10 Fusion Chip |
| RAM | 3GB |
| GPU | Graphics coprocessor IMG8322 |
| Storage | 32 or 128GB |
| Screen Size | 10.2” Retina Display with IPS, 2160×1620 Pixel Resolution |
| OS | iPad OS |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 Hours (8827mAh) |
| Weight | 1.07 lbs |
| Rear Camera | 8 Megapixels with Auto Stabilization, 1080p Video |
| Front Camera | 1.2 Megapixels, 720p Video |
| UPC | 190199808478 |
Equipped with the iPadOS, the Apple iPad has always been known for its ease of use. The upgrade from iPad 7th generation to 8th generation has also improved the battery life and brought a lot more power to the tablet, including the much more powerful A12 processor, which is approximately 40% faster, provides much better graphics, and even improves the camera performance.
Let’s now talk about the senior-friendly features. We know that the iPad’s high resolution (2160 x 1620) screen has Retina Display, a technology that makes every image and text sharper and crisper, making it easily visible even for someone with impaired vision.
The screen has IPS panels that improve visibility from all angles, 500 nits of brightness, and an Oleophobic screen (bye-bye finger smudges!)
Apple’s multi-touch has time and again been proven to be the best in business. When it comes to display and usability, this is one heck of a tablet. If you are not a fan of multi-touch, then the iPad 10.2 also supports Apple Pencil (available separately).
Apple has kept its eye on the seniors market in its products. They have some of the best accessibility features on the iPad, including Voice Control, magnification, Zoom, VoiceOver, Switch Control, AssistiveTouch, speak screen and closed captions. Of course, we also can’t forget the ever-helpful voice-operated Siri is there to help with most everyday tasks!
In terms of sound, the Apple iPad has stereo speakers (one speaker on either side of the device), which create a surround sound effect and provide crystal clear audibility. Most listeners will find it easy to make out sounds even if they have a hearing disability. There is a 3.5 mm headphone jack to connect a standard headphone, even though Apple ships headphones along with the tablet.
Let’s explore the connectivity options. The Apple iPad is available in both configurations: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular. Cellular connectivity supports Gigabit-Class LTE, a technology that is nearly equivalent to 5G. You also get Bluetooth 4.2 on this device.
As I mentioned before, video calling and connecting with your loved ones is very important for seniors. Apple’s FaceTime camera has always been considered the ultimate video calling experience.
The HD camera on the iPad 8th gen has many great functionalities, including an 8 MP (megapixel) back camera and a 1.2 MP front camera with Retina Flash. This technology converts the entire phone screen into a flash. You can record videos in 720p HD and even take live photos.
Let’s talk a bit about performance. Apple’s products are industry leaders in performance, and the new A12 Bionic chip with a neural net architecture is one of the best processors for mobile devices and tablets today. In sheer technological terms, this A12 processor is a dual-core processor which is equivalent to an Intel Core i5 on a laptop.
But that’s not the most impressive thing. The A12 comes with a quad-core GPU that makes graphics almost 50% faster than its previous version (the A11). The neural net architecture aids with face recognition.
One of the few things that may be a bit of a dampener on an otherwise perfect product is that its frame is a bit weak. The iPad is a fragile product, which is why I would always advise you to consider purchasing Apple Care. It’s not that the product is difficult to hold – it weighs just a tad over 1 lb and is extremely thin (0.29 inches). It’s just that if you drop it, the product does tend to break easily.
Lastly, this product is expensive. If you compare to its competitors, Apple has always commanded a premium for quality, speed, and pure innovativeness in ease of use. That said, the most basic version of this tablet is not so expensive. The premium version with 128 GB space and Wifi+Cellular connectivity will cost you upwards of $500.
Top 3 Features
- Host of senior-friendly functions
- High-quality audio and video
- Great graphics and video streaming
- High-quality connectivity options including Wi-Fi, BT, and cellular
- FaceTime with great video calling
- Large-sized screen, with sharp, clear picture and large viewing angle
- Slightly fragile frame
- Expensive
2. Samsung Galaxy Tab A – Best Android Tablet for Seniors
Quick Summary
| Processor | Octa-Core Exynos 7904A |
| RAM | 3GB |
| GPU | Broadwell GPU (Intel Gen8) coprocessor |
| Storage | 32, 64, or 128GB (Expandable, Up to 512GB MicroSD) |
| Screen Size | 10.1” Full HD WUXGA with TFT, 1920×1200 Pixel Resolution |
| OS | Android |
| Battery Life | Up to 13 Hours (6150mAh) |
| Weight | 2.65 lbs |
| Rear Camera | 8 Megapixels, 1920×1080 Video |
| Front Camera | 5 Megapixels |
| UPC | 887276333205 |
If you find Apple’s products too expensive for your budget, then allow me to offer you my top choice in Android tablets: the Galaxy Tab A 10.1.
When Tab A 10.1 was first launched way back in 2016, it was for a different market. The Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS, along with many interesting Samsung apps such as TouchWiz, S Planner, Smart Stay, WatchON, Group Play, and Multi-Window, along with the support for S-Pen made it a worthy competitor to the iPad Pro 9.7 launched in the same year.
However, times have changed, and so has the Tab A. Relaunched in 2019, it now compares better with the iPad 10.2″ (8th gen). It has an Exynos 7904 chip, which has a similar clock speed and 8 cores, as compared to the 2+4 configuration of the A12 Bionic, which is what the iPad has.
While the Apple processor beats out the Android processor, the reverse is true on the GPU front. So if you are looking for superb graphics and intensive gaming, then Apple is the only option for you. But for regular gaming, the Tab A is equally good.
Now let’s come to the display. One thing that has really impressed me with Tab A is the low bezel (the bezel is the gap between the edge of the tab and the actual screen area). Apple really needs to follow Samsung’s lead in this area; the iPad is nowhere near what the Tab A has been able to achieve in terms of the bezel.
Next, we come to the display panel itself. The Galaxy Tab A has an IPS panel, which makes for great viewing from all angles. The 10.1-inch screen is excellent for viewing and video calling, but I have to say that the Retina Display on the iPad beats out the screen on crispness and picture quality.
If the video features went to the iPad, the audio features go to the Tab A. The Dolby Atmos surround sound system on the Tab A is the next level of audio experience on tablets. If you want to see for yourself the difference between simple Stereo sound and Dolby Atmos, I recommend you to click here. Seniors will love the audio clarity they can get from this system, overcoming any hearing impairment.
When it comes to connectivity, the Tab A is available in both Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + Cellular options (I am reviewing the Wi-Fi-only option). It also has Bluetooth 5.0 for connecting to devices like headphones and Bluetooth-enabled hearing devices.
The Tab A is somewhat lacking in accessibility options; the main ones are voice assist and subtitles. However, the audio and video quality is excellent, taking care of most problems.
The tablet is just 0.3 inches thick and weighs very little (just 1.03 lb. It’s easy to grasp and is slightly less fragile than the Apple iPad. The tab also has an 8 MP rear camera and a 5 MP front camera for video calling and taking pictures.
One more feature that gives extra flexibility to the Tab A is the 512 GB extensible MicroSD memory slot. This is something that the iPad has been missing since day one, and despite the fact that we are all moving towards cloud storage these days, I think it’s important to have extra memory, especially for the elderly, who tend to have a lot of photos and videos.
Both the iPad and Tab A claim ten hours of battery life, though I found the iPad to have a slightly better battery life than the Tab A. The Tab A also does not have S-Pen compatibility.
All in all, the Tab A is a great product, much more reasonably priced than the iPad, but packed with good audio and video features and good processing power.
Top 3 Features
- Low bezels
- Superb audio quality with Dolby Atmos
- TFT screen with IPS panels makes for a great viewing experience
- Extensible memory slot with up to 512 GB storage with MicroSD
- 10-hour battery life
- Reasonably priced (comparatively)
- No fingerprint recognition
- The camera does not have a flash
- The GPU is not that great
3. Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0” – Best Portable Tablet for Seniors
Quick Summary
| Processor | Quad-Core Qualcomm SDM 429 |
| RAM | 2GB |
| GPU | ARM Mali-T720 coprocessor |
| Storage | 32GB (Expandable, Up to 512GB MicroSD) |
| Screen Size | 8.0” Full HD WXGA with TFT, 1280×800 Pixel Resolution |
| OS | Android |
| Battery Life | Up to 13 Hours (5100 mAh) |
| Weight | 2.00 lbs |
| Rear Camera | 8 Megapixels, 1920×1080 Video |
| Front Camera | 2 Megapixels |
| UPC | 887276347509 |
As I have already reviewed Tab A 10.1, I will only talk about the differences between 8.0 and 10.1 here.
Firstly, in terms of processing power, the Tab A 10.1 is way ahead with its octa-core processor, whereas the Tab A 8.0 has a quad-core processor with similar architecture. This implies slower movies, slower videos, and gaming is going to be tough.
Secondly, the Tab A 8.0 sacrifices screen resolution, giving you 800 x 1280 pixels with a 189-pixel density. The Tab A 10.1 has a 1200 x 1920 pixels screen with a higher density (224 PPI). This means the video is going to be grainier and less crisp.
Apart from this, the Tab A 8.0 has a 2 MP front camera instead of the 5 MP one on the Tab A 10.1. It does not have a pan function while taking pictures.
Audio quality is another difference. While the 10.1 has Dolby Atmos, the 8.0 is content with dual speakers (both on the right side) that are good but not as good as the 10.1.
Now let us get to the positives. There is a huge price difference between the two models. The 64 GB model of the Tab A 8.0 would cost you only half of the Tab A 10.1!
Secondly, the 8-inch screen may be small, but it has very narrow bezels, making the screen look bigger than other tablets of the same size on the market. Being smaller, it is lighter (0.75 lb) and easier to hold.
This is one of the few smaller tablets on the market that also has an LTE capability (it’s a different version from the one we have included in our review). The smaller size and efficient processor also gives an excellent battery life, nearly 13 hours worth!
You get the same 512 GB extensible MicroSD capability, and the Adreno 504 GPU on the tablet also comes with DirectX 12.0, which makes a gaming tablet a lot easier and better on this tablet. The accessibility features are also similar to the Tab A 10.1
In summary, I would say that if you don’t have a lot of money to spend and are looking for a feature-rich tablet that offers good quality audio/video and decent processing capability, the Tab A 8.0 is a good deal.
Top 3 Features
- Great battery life
- Very reasonably priced
- Extensible storage
- Light and easy to hold
- 8 MP rear camera
- Supports DirectX 12 for the better gaming experience
- It can be a bit slow
- No flash support for camera
4. Apple iPad Pro 11″ – Premium Pick
Quick Summary
| Processor | Quad-core 1.3GHz processor |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB |
| GPU | A12X Bionic Chip with Neural Engine |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB, 512TB, or 1TB |
| Screen Size | 11” Liquid Retina Display with IPS technology, ProMotion tech, and True Tone display, 2388×1668 Pixel Resolution |
| Operating System | Upgradable to iPad OS |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 Hours (7812mAh) |
| Weight | 1.0 lbs |
| Rear Camera | 12 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 7 Megapixels with True Depth |
| UPC | 190199424326 |
Let us now come to a tablet that creates a high-quality experience for users who don’t mind spending a pretty penny.
Right off the bat, the iPad Pro is Apple’s attempt to move the tablet towards the 2-in-1 laptop market that has started to boom in recent years. The tablet supports Apple’s Magic keyboard and trackpad (sold separately), which immediately convert the tablet into a laptop. But it also maintains its tablet-like feel, with an 11-inch screen, standard multi-touch and support for the Apple Pencil 2, a great choice in an iPad for note-taking.
Let me start off by comparing it with the iPad 10.1 that I have already reviewed. The iPad 10.1 has an A12 processor, which has six cores and a four-core GPU. The iPad Pro has an A12Z processor, which is an 8-core processor with an 8-core GPU. This means significantly faster multi-tasking and better graphics as well as a better gaming experience. It also features 4 GB RAM, which means that the processor is even quicker.
In terms of display, the iPad Pro 11 has a Liquid Retina display. Liquid Retina enables you to get a paper-like experience; the pixels are simply invisible to you. The display also has some great features, including:
- ProMotion: Very high 120 Hz refresh rate, perfect for gaming and watching videos
- True Tone: Gives a more natural look to the screen, making it easier to read it in the sunlight
- P3 Gamut: Gamut is the color palette of a device. The P3 Gamut has 25% more colors than the sRGB Gamut, which is found in most devices. This tablet, therefore, provides your screen with more accurate colors from the natural world.
- Brightness: The iPad Pro 11’s screen has 600 nits of brightness. Brightness also matters when you are out on a sunny day, and 600 nits isGHz quite good compared to the standard 200-400 nits that you find on most other tablets.
All in all, this is a tablet that provides great visibility at any time of day, from any angle, and in any kind of ambient light setting, even with poor eyesight.
Now let’s come to the audio. The iPad Pro does not disappoint here either. It has four speakers (two on the sides, two on the top and bottom) and five studio-like microphones on it. You can turn on spatial mode if you use headphones, which gives you a Dolby Atmos playback surround sound experience.
I already discussed the A12Z’s octa-core GPU. This device takes gaming to the next level with its high-definition screen, superb refresh rate, and high-speed processing capability.
The iPad Pro offers all options in terms of connectivity, be it Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Gigabit-class LTE for cellular networks. You also get options for storage from 128 GB to 256 GB, 512 GB, and even 1 TB, which is a step up from the previous version of the iPad Pro.
Accessibility options on the iPad Pro 11 are as good as those on the iPad 10.1. What’s improved is the camera. The iPad Pro has a 12 MP rear camera with LiDAR (meant for AR applications) and a 7 MP front camera for selfies and video chatting. You can even record and chat in 4K HD.
The tablet is very secure with FaceID and fingerprint recognition. Despite all the features and functionality, the iPad Pro offers ten hours of battery life, which is superb in its class of tablets. It is also thin (0.23 inches) and light (1.03 lb).
All in all, the iPad Pro 11 is a wonderful device that you can use if you want a powerful tablet that can double up as a laptop whenever you need it to be. It is expensive, but as with all Apple products, it is worth the price.
Top 3 Features
- Superb display
- Excellent audio quality with four speakers and five studio-ready microphones
- Incredibly fast processor with 4 GB RAM
- Best in class accessibility features
- 2-in-1 tablet (convert to laptop with Magic keyboard)
- Apple Pencil 2 support
- Expensive
- No expandable memory slot
5. Amazon Fire HD 10 – Best 10 inch Tablet
Quick Summary
| Processor | Octa-core up to 2.0 GHz |
| RAM | 2GB |
| Storage | 32 or 64GB (Expandable, Up to 512GB MicroSD) |
| Screen Size | 10.1” Full HD, 1920×1200 Pixel Resolution |
| OS | Fire OS |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 Hours |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs |
| Rear Camera | 2 Megapixels, 720p Video |
| Front Camera | 2 Megapixels, 720p Video |
| UPC | 841667172194 |
Amazon is a somewhat late entrant in the personal devices segment. The Fire HD set of tablets were announced first in 2012, though Amazon has come a long way since then. The latest Fire HD 10 tablet announced in 2019 is a good refresh of the old 2015 10-inch model.
As compared to the previous version, the Fire HD 10-2019 had an octa-core processor with up to 2 GHz clock speed that runs nearly 30% faster than the old model. Amazon has also claimed that its latest Fire HD has a battery life of 12 hours compared to the 10-hour battery life in the previous version. The other key difference was the shift to USB-C from micro USB, while price and size remained the same.
Amazon has kept the pricing quite competitive. It is about half the price of the Samsung Tab A and much cheaper than the iPad 10 too. However, this does not mean that you can write off the Fire HD 10 as a cheap tablet.
The new full HD resolution (1920 x 1200) display with 224-pixel density has IPS panels, making it great for viewing from all angles. The screen also works better with the much more powerful octa-core processor and 3 GB RAM configuration that comes with the tablet. The audio is also quite good with dual speakers and stereo sound.
The Fire HD also has some great accessibility features. Their product has recently added VoiceView, which is a screen reader for those with vision impairment. The reader can differentiate minute details like punctuations and key echoes. You can quickly and easily operate the tablet through quick gestures. The speakers can be configured for earcons, and you can adjust the sound from stereo to mono if you are using only one ear. There is even a large font mode with an on-screen keyboard.
Another great feature is the 1 TB extensible microSD slot for your data and files. The Fire HD 10 comes in two options – 32 GB and 64 GB, so external memory is important.
In terms of connectivity, the Fire HD 10 supports dual-band Wi-Fi (both 2.4 Ghz and 5 GHz). It also has Bluetooth connectivity. The battery is another thing that the Fire HD 10 has improved significantly over its last version – it can charge quickly in under four hours with the new USB-C connector and give you 12 hours of fun.
Top 3 Features
- Inexpensive
- Great battery life
- Bright and crisp display
- Accessibility features
- Not very fast
- It’s not very easy to access non-Amazon apps on this tablet
6. Dragon Touch Notepad K10 – Best Value
Quick Summary
| Processor | Quad-Core, 1.3GHz |
| RAM | 2GB |
| Storage | 32GB (Expandable, Up to 128GB MicroSD) |
| Screen Size | 10.1” HD Display with IPS Technology, 1280×800 Pixel Resolution |
| OS | Android |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 Hours |
| Weight | 1.14 lbs |
| Rear Camera | 8 Megapixels |
| Front Camera | 2 Megapixels |
| UPC | 766871388653 |
The Dragon Touch is a tablet that offers premium features at the lowest possible cost. It is surprisingly cheaper than even the Amazon Fire HD 10!
The device comes with a 10.1-inch 800 x 1280 resolution screen that also has IPS panels. So watching movies should be fun on this tablet. It also has stereo speakers, making it a good audio product for those who are hard of hearing.
While the storage on the tablet is limited to 32 GB, you can always add a cheap SD card and increase it by 128 GB. It also features a great camera at this price: 8 MP rear and 2 MP front, which is good for video calling or taking videos and pictures.
The battery on this tablet lasts for more than 10 hours, and you also get dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity (both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). However, there is no Bluetooth.
There are some surprising features on this tablet: It has a micro HDMI port for connecting your tablet to a larger video display, which can be very handy if you are talking to a loved one. The tablet has a GPS sensor that you can use to download maps to use offline when you are driving. It has FM radio as well.
There is really only one downside to this tablet, but it’s a big one – this tablet is quite slow! It has a 1.3 Ghz quad-core processor, and if you compare that with all the other tablets in this lineup, it is going to give a very bumpy and glitchy experience.
But if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on your tablet and just need it for occasional video chats and a bit of social media, then this tablet is a great value-for-money option.
Top 3 Features
- Nice display panel
- Good value-for-money
- Long battery life
- HDMI port for connecting to a larger screen
- Slow processor
- It cannot expand memory beyond 128 GB
7. Amazon Fire HD 8″ – Best for Light Usage
Quick Summary
| Processor | Quad-Core, 2.0GHz |
| RAM | 2GB |
| Storage | 16 or 32GB (Expandable, Up to 1TB MicroSD) |
| Screen Size | 8.0” HD Display with IPS Technology, 1280×800 Pixel Resolution |
| OS | Fire OS |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 Hours |
| Weight | 0.78 lbs |
| Rear Camera | 2 Megapixels, 720p Video |
| Front Camera | 2 Megapixels, 720p Video |
| UPC | 999003106829 |
The Fire HD 8-inch launched in 2020 is like a smaller, lighter and cheaper version of the Fire HD 10 that we reviewed above. It has almost exactly the same specifications, so I will only speak of the differences.
The 8-inch display has a 1280 x 800-pixel resolution, with a 189-pixel intensity. However, the 8-inch screen has the same IPS panels, which makes viewing this screen from any angle on a sunny day very easy.
This is, of course, a lighter version, weighing just under 0.8 lb. The quad-core processor with a 2 GB RAM combination is slightly slower, but it has to power a much smaller screen, so all in all, it’s not a bad combination.
Amazon has managed to maintain a couple of good features in this smaller version: the 1 TB extensible memory slot and 12 hours of battery backup are great additions.
Lastly, the accessibility features on this tablet are amazing, just like the Fire HD 10. While the cameras and speakers are nothing much to talk about, this is overall a very good entry for people who occasionally use the tablet for small tasks.
Top 3 Features
- Good battery life
- Nice, clear display with IPS
- 1 TB expandable memory
- Accessibility features
- Low maximum volume may not be great for people with hearing impairment
- The camera is nothing special
8. Amazon Fire 7 – Easy Tablet For Seniors Budget Pick
Quick Summary
| Processor | Quad-Core, 1.3GHz |
| RAM | 1GB |
| Storage | 16 or 32GB (Expandable, Up to 512GB MicroSD) |
| Screen Size | 7.0” with IPS Technology, 1027×600 Pixel Resolution |
| OS | Fire OS |
| Battery Life | Up to 7 Hours |
| Weight | 0.63 lbs |
| Rear Camera | 2 Megapixels, 720p Video |
| Front Camera | 2 Megapixels, 720p Video |
| UPC | 841667135809 |
The last tablet on our list is another one from the Amazon family, this time the 7-inch Fire HD. The clear benefit of this tablet is that it is one of the very few products that can call itself a full-fledged tablet that you can purchase for under $50.
However, just because it’s inexpensive does not mean it doesn’t have many features. The same IPS display that comes with the Fire HD 10 and 8 also illuminates the Fire HD 7’s screen background. It also has the same 2 MP front and rear camera for video calling, photos and videos.
The Fire HD 7 comes with the same set of accessibility features as its larger cousins, which is a great thing because even with its small size and sub-par audio and video experience, this tablet is still worthwhile for most senior users in our readership.
For its small screen, the quad-core 1.3 GHz processor is actually comparatively faster than the Fire HD 8, even though you get only 1 GB RAM here. You also get the same cameras and the same accessibility features as the other Amazon Fire tablets.
All in all, if you are simply looking for a basic tablet that you can do basic tasks with without bothering too much with high-end niceties, then this 7-inch option will do just fine for you at the lowest price point in the market, which anyone can afford.
As a senior, if you find these tablets confusing and are not very comfortable with technology, this tablet is a great entry point for you to understand how to use a tablet without spending too much.
Top 3 Features
- Low price
- Good display
- 2 MP front and rear cameras
- Accessibility features
- Slow processor, hangs on extra usage
- Battery life is quite low (only 7 hours)
Honourable mentions:
Tablet Buying Guide for Seniors
When it comes to picking the best tablets for seniors and elderly individuals, it’s not as simple as picking the first tablet you see. You need to consider a few factors such as user-friendliness, ease of use, and more to make sure the tablet fits what seniors are looking for.
Screen Size
There’s no right or wrong option here. Generally, larger screens are easier to see and use for elders. Additionally, a larger screen significantly improves the experience of playing a game or watching a video.
However, they can be quite inconvenient for an elder who likes moving around a lot, as the larger the screen, the heavier the tablet.
I recommend staying around 10-inch display size if your priority is usage and around 8-inch if you care more about portability.
Operating System
Choosing between Android, Apple iPad OS, and Windows is quite a challenge. Generally, it’s easier to stick to what you already know. If the senior already had a tablet or a phone of a specific operating system, try not to make any significant changes.
On the other hand, if this is the senior’s first tablet, Android or iPad OS should be your best bet as a service provider. They’re easy to set up and use, and they both offer a wide variety of applications.
Memory
The tablet’s memory is the most significant indication of how it will run. The bigger the memory capacity is, the faster and smoother the tablet will be.
Try to avoid going for a 1 GB memory or lower. Even though seniors will not use that many applications simultaneously, games and streaming applications are a little more demanding than web browsing.
2 GB of memory or higher is your best bet.
Storage
A tablet’s storage could make or break it. The last thing a senior wants is to keep deleting photos or videos because their storage is running out.
Always try going for the largest storage possible even though larger capacities are more expensive. Your storage is worth the investment.
Accessibility Features
If it’s a little difficult for your senior to read or type, accessibility features should be your first priority when purchasing a tablet.
The most helpful features for anyone are those that provide text-to-speech, understand voice commands via voice assistant, and provide closed captions. Such features significantly make the tablet more user-friendly for seniors.
Battery Life
Battery life is quite self-explanatory. It’s a hassle having to charge your tablet often. Try to choose a tablet with great battery life if possible.
A tablet’s advertised battery life is not always accurate. Make sure you read the user reviews and see what people who have bought the tablet think of the battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Accessibility Features are Best for Seniors?
That depends on what the senior needs help with. Generally, screen readers, magnifiers, and a virtual voice assistant like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assist are a must.
Which Size Tablet for Seniors is Better: 10 inch screen or 8 inch screen?
There’s no better or worse when it comes to screen sizes. An 8-inch screen would be a lot more portable than a 10-inch one. On the other hand, larger screens are more comfortable for seniors, and they’re easier to hold. It depends on what the senior is searching for.
Are Tablets Better Than Smartphones for Seniors?
Tablets can do everything a smartphone can because they have similar operating systems. The main difference is in the screen size and choosing whether or not you want a large screen is subjective.
However, not all tablets support cellular services, so if you want a tablet to replace a smartphone, make sure it can make phone calls.
Conclusion
By now, you should have an idea of what the best tablets for seniors are, and if you need a quick recap, here are our top 3 picks.
The Apple iPad 10.2” is in our opinion the best tablet for seniors. It has a beautiful display, is easy to use, and has long battery life. Not to mention, Siri, the virtual assistant, is a huge plus.
If you prefer Android devices, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1” should be your best bet. It has two excellent cameras and a reasonable price point.
Lastly, The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0” is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a portable tablet that is relatively small but without sacrificing fast performance.