Making the phone easier to see
A phone screen is small, and for many people it gets harder to read with age. Videos, photos and video calls are much more enjoyable when they are bigger. A screen magnifier does that without any setting up: the phone sits behind a large lens, and the picture appears several times larger. This page gathers the shop's screen magnifiers.
The magnifiers on this page
- 3D screen magnifiers: a curved or flat lens in front of a small stand, which their makers say enlarge the picture about three to four times. See 3D screen magnifiers.
- Foldable magnifiers that fold flat to carry, some with an adjustable angle. See foldable screen magnifiers.
- Magnifiers with a stand, among them one built like a little retro television and a 14-inch model, both of which need no power or batteries. See screen magnifiers with a stand.
The makers' own figures run from up to three times to between three and five times. Larger screens, such as the 12-inch and 14-inch models, give a bigger picture to look at from the sofa.
What a magnifier does well, and other help
A magnifier is best for watching: films, programmes, photos of the grandchildren and video calls, with the phone propped in its stand and nothing to hold. It is less suited to typing, because your fingers are behind the lens. For reading and tapping, the phone's own settings can make text and buttons bigger. Other things help with handling: a grip on the back makes a phone easier to hold, a desk stand keeps it upright for calls, a wrist strap saves it from a drop, and a stylus can be easier than a fingertip. See phone grips and sockets, desk phone stands and capacitive stylus pens.
Questions people ask about phone accessories for older users
Does a screen magnifier need power?
The magnifiers here are lenses on a stand, and several say they need no power or batteries. The phone plays the video as usual.
Will it work with my phone?
A magnifier simply enlarges what is on the screen, so it works with an iPhone or an Android phone. Check the largest phone each one takes.
Can the phone charge while I watch?
Yes, as long as the cable reaches the phone in its stand. A longer cable makes that easier: see 2m cables. Films and video calls use a lot of battery, so it is worth plugging in for a long one.
How long does delivery take?
Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door. Each product page says when it usually arrives.
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