Doro PhoneEasy 345 and 410 Press Big Buttons

Smartphones might be all the rage, but sometimes you just need a basic phone with big buttons even grampa can use.

iPhones, BlackBerries, Droids, Pres, and even a few Windows Mobile devices might be the sorts of things mobile users are going for these days, but there’s something to be said for a simple phone that places calls and doesn’t have so many confusing bells and whistles that grandparents would refuse to touch it. Consumer Cellular has built a business catering to seniors and other folks who need simple, easy-to-use mobile phones, and today the company announced it has exclusively added the Doro PhoneEasy 345 and PhoneEasy 410 to its handset lineup.

“Our new PhoneEasy models are specifically designed for consumers who would like a simple, affordable way to stay in touch with friends and loved ones,” said Consumer Cellular CEO John Marick, in a statement. “We know our customers will be spending wisely this holiday season, and these mobile devices are the perfect gift for fiscally-responsible shoppers searching for a thoughtful, convenient present for the older adult on their holiday list.”

Sweden’s Doro has more than three decades’ experience designing user-friendly electronics devices. The PhoneEasy handsets feature big raised buttons, oversized displays, and soft-touch surfaces that are easy to hold and don’t slide around on surfaces. Although the phones do offer convenience features like alarms, calculators, flashlights, and games, they can be hidden away for users who just want a phone they can pick up and dial.

The PhoneEasy 345 is a candybar-style phone with a built-in speakerphone, a one-touch emergency contact feature, FM radio, and text messaging capability; the Doro 410 is a flip-style phone that adds Bluetooth connectivity. Both phones are compatible with hearing aids: the 345 supports M3 and T3 hearing aids, while the 410 supports Me and T4 hearing aids.

After rebates, the Doro 345 is available now for $40; the 410 goes for $50. Consumer cellular offers a variety of mobile plans, ranging from $10 to $60 per month.