Large Screen Video Calling for Seniors: TV vs Phone Comparison

When your 78-year-old grandma tries to video call you on her smartphone, she squints, tilts the screen toward the light, and can’t quite seem to find a good angle. The call often ends in frustration—for the both of you. Your grandma is struggling to connect using a device that wasn’t designed with seniors in mind, and it hurts you to watch her struggle to stay connected, and keep up with today’s technology. 

That’s where the idea of large screen video calling for seniors becomes more than just a tech upgrade—it’s a shift in how we think about accessibility, connection, and dignity. As vision, dexterity, and hearing naturally change with age, small devices that once felt convenient can start to feel limiting. Text gets harder to read, icons feel impossibly tiny, and phone screens make conversations feel distant rather than intimate.

When families move those same calls from a four-inch phone to a 40-inch television, something simple but powerful happens: comfort replaces confusion. Parents can see their loved ones clearly, join in the laughter, and feel present in ways a handheld device just can’t offer.

In this guide, we’ll explore the research behind TV vs. phone communication for seniors—from vision science and usability design to family connection and confidence. You’ll see when large-screen communication becomes not just helpful, but essential, and learn the benefits of switching from a phone to a TV-based setup.

And while there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, platforms like JubileeTV have emerged to meet this growing need, translating the warmth of family connection into a format that’s finally comfortable, accessible, and joyful for older adults.

If your parents or grandparents always seem to have their phone too close to their face, it’s not a stubborn habit — it’s their eyes and brain trying to make out what’s in front of them. As we age, our visual and cognitive systems change, becoming less sharp overall, per the National Library of Medicine.

Vision changes like presbyopia (difficulty focusing up close) and reduced contrast sensitivity (difficulty distinguishing between light and dark) are common as we age. According to research published in December 2021, in PLos One, declines in your vision can begin as early as age 40, but can become more significant after the age of 50.The bright screens and tiny icons on most smartphones can be a nuisance for anyone, but for seniors who are experiencing age-related vision changes like presbyopia, reduced contrast sensitivity or cataracts, small screens can become a barrier to connection. 

Smaller screens force users to do more mental work — known as cognitive load — to interpret icons, tap precisely, and manage the interface while keeping the conversation going. On a cramped interface, even basic gestures demand concentration. Larger screens ease that strain. 

With more space and clearer visuals, seniors can see gestures, facial expressions, and movement naturally — which makes communication feel more intuitive and less tiring. It can be hard watching the people we love slowly begin to have trouble doing everyday tasks, like making a video call. Adding more ease to communication, can lessen stress for you and your older loved ones.

Accessibility experts emphasize that design matters just as much as device choice. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) both recommend large, high-contrast visuals, minimal glare, and comfortable viewing distances for people with low vision. When applied to senior communication technology, those same principles suggest that television-sized displays (around 32 inches or larger) can create a more inclusive and comfortable viewing experience for your loved ones.

Larger displays also improve audio-visual synchronization — sound and speech align more clearly, reducing the “lag” or mismatch that can make lip-reading and comprehension difficult for those with hearing loss. Together, these factors help make communication smoother, clearer, and far less stressful for older adults.

A 2024 study published in Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, explored digital eye strain in older adults in the United Kingdom and found meaningful correlations between display ergonomics and visual fatigue, reinforcing the idea that better screen design can reduce strain in aging eyes. These principles are echoed in the ADA and WCAG accessibility guidelines, which emphasize that bigger, high-contrast visuals improve usability and reduce the mental effort required to process on-screen information.

Of course not every older adult needs a TV for calls, but research may help explain why many families notice an immediate improvement when moving from a phone to a larger display. The combination of visual comfort, natural motion, and clearer sound helps make video calls easier. As you search for the right communication device for your elderly loved ones or clients, keep in mind that not all screens are created equal.

When families start comparing communication options for older loved ones, it’s easy to assume that any screen will do. But not all devices support connection in the same way. How big the screen is shapes how clearly seniors can hear, see, and interact—and that can determine whether a video call feels easy or exhausting.

Smartphones are familiar, portable, and often the first device families reach for. Yet for many older adults, their small 4- to 6-inch screens quickly become a source of frustration. Icons are tiny, glare is common, and gestures require precision that may be difficult for seniors with conditions that affect dexterity.

One daughter shared how her father would hold his phone at arm's length during calls, constantly adjusting the angle to avoid glare. "He'd spend half the call asking 'Can you see me?' instead of just talking to his grandkids."

A 2021 systematic literature review published in Scientific Programming, identified barriers to smartphone use for seniors, which include:

• Complex interface and function

• Small font, screen size and color contrast

• Visibility and poor readability

• Too many menu options and navigation issues

Phones remain useful for quick check-ins or text-based chats, but they may not be the best long-term solution for helping your seniors keep up with video calls.

Tablets (typically 8- to 12 inches) offer meaningful improvements: larger fonts, bigger touch targets, and stronger speakers. Many seniors find them easier to navigate, especially when mounted on a stand instead of being held. Picture it: Instead of squinting at the screen or asking you to repeat yourself, your grandma leans back in her chair and laughs mid-conversation, because a tablet screen helps her be more present.

A granddaughter told us her grandmother used a tablet for months but would often end calls early. "She said her neck hurt from looking down. I didn't realize until later that she was holding it the whole time because she didn't trust the stand."

However, tablets still rely on precise touch and can strain the neck and shoulders during longer calls. Bright lighting or screen glare remains an issue, and limited audio quality can make speech comprehension difficult for those with hearing changes.

In short, tablets bridge the gap, but they don’t eliminate the underlying challenge of small, handheld interaction. 

Televisions, ranging from 32 to 65 inches, shift the experience entirely. The larger visual surface area allows seniors to perceive expressions, gestures, and environmental cues more easily.For those with mild hearing loss, televisions also provide stronger built-in speakers and more reliable audio-visual synchronization, helping speech align naturally with lip movement. Combined with remote-control navigation or voice-activated options, TV-based communication can feel almost hands-free.

One family described the shift to JubileeTV: "My mom went from barely tolerating video calls to actually initiating them. She sits in her favorite chair, uses the remote she already knows, and can see all three grandkids at once without asking who's who. She's not frustrated anymore, she's engaged."

A 2023 systematic literature review in JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies noted that smart TVs are user-friendly for older adults, and can aid in improving their cognitive and communication abilities. If you’ve ever helped a parent or grandparent join a video call on a larger screen, you’ve probably seen the difference yourself. There’s no fumbling to unmute, no half-visible smiles on a four-inch display. There’s less troubleshooting and more togetherness.

Each device has its place, but the progression is clear:

• Phones offer portability.
  

• Tablets improve visibility.
  

• Large-screen TVs restore ease, confidence, and a sense of presence.

Screen size sets the stage for better conversations. A bigger screen lightens the effort on both the eyes and the mind—so seniors can focus on the people, not the device.

When it comes to keeping older adults connected, the best technology is often the one with the least barriers. Large-screen communication systems reduce the physical and cognitive effort needed to stay in touch. It helps your seniors focus on the people they love, not the device in front of them.

Tiny icons and scrolling menus demand precision that can feel exhausting for users with tremors, arthritis, or limited dexterity. On a television or other large display, those same controls can be replaced with simple remotes, voice prompts, or automatic connection features. Fewer fine-motor tasks mean less frustration and a lower chance of accidental hang-ups or missed calls.

Large screens often bring stronger, clearer sound too. Most connect easily with hearing aids or let you adjust volume from a familiar TV remote. These small touches make calls feel effortless. 

Visual clarity improves too. Big displays naturally support larger fonts, higher contrast, and brighter images. Accessibility experts remind us that something as simple as bigger text and higher contrast can help older eyes relax and understand more easily.

Take your grandfather for example, who typically avoids video calls because his arthritis makes his hands shaky. But once you connected him to a large-screen system, he relaxed right into the conversation. Now he calls easily, joins virtual family hangouts, and doesn’t worry about dropping the phone or pressing the wrong button.

For older adults, comfort often determines consistency. A phone requires holding, a tablet needs balancing, but a wall-mounted or stand-placed screen allows a natural, relaxed posture. That ease changes how people engage: they can talk longer, move freely, and use gestures that mimic in-person conversation — subtle factors that make digital communication feel human again.

Another key advantage is environmental fit. Many TVs sit in a living room — the same space where families share meals, watch shows, or celebrate birthdays. Think about how nice it would be for your older loved ones to see and talk to you, from a room that holds so many positive memories. Bringing video calls into that setting feels less like additional technology and more like an extension of your parents’ or grandparents’ natural environment.

Accessibility experts talk about three keys: being easy to see, easy to use, and easy to understand. 

Large-screen systems check all three boxes:

• Perceivable: larger, brighter visuals at comfortable distances
  

• Operable: minimal hand use or screen tapping
  

• Understandable: interfaces that resemble everyday TV use
  

In short, scaling up the screen scales down the effort. It turns connection into something effortless, inclusive, and repeatable. Picture a Sunday afternoon: sunlight spilling across the living room as your grandma settles into her chair. The TV lights up with the faces of her children and grandkids. She doesn’t lean forward or strain to hear — she just smiles, listens, and joins in. The conversation flows easily, thanks to a larger screen and technology designed with seniors in mind.

For older adults, connection is about feeling seen and included. A larger, clearer screen can transform a routine check-in into a shared experience that restores the rhythms of family life.

A phone can make a loved one’s face look thumbnail-sized; a television brings that same face a little closer to life-size. When facial expressions and gestures are easy to read, conversations feel personal again.

Research on social presence among older adults shows that larger, clearer displays foster
When visual effort decreases, emotional connection increases — and that change often ripples through the entire family. In a 2022 data analysis in JMIR Aging family members reported increased contact, better non-verbal cue access, and improved emotional connection when video calls were used as a substitute for physical visits.

Phones and tablets are built for one-to-one calls, but televisions naturally invite everyone into the frame. Families can gather on the couch for birthdays, game nights, or casual check-ins without crowding around a tiny screen.The technology disappears, and what’s left is more time connecting and less shared frustration.

Many seniors hesitate with new technology because they’re afraid of “doing it wrong.” Large screens simplify the experience: no balancing, no tapping, no small buttons. Each successful call builds trust. Over time, older adults often move from needing setup help to initiating calls themselves — a shift that families say restores independence and pride.

Ease leads to frequency. When communication feels effortless, it happens more often, strengthening emotional well-being and reducing isolation. Regular video contact has been linked to lower rates of loneliness and improved mood among adults 65 and older. For families, this means less worry and more lighthearted calls.

After understanding how screen size affects visibility, comfort, and confidence, the next step is deciding which option truly fits your family’s needs. The goal isn’t to replace every device — it’s to create a setup that makes connection easy and enjoyable for everyone.

When comparing large-screen video-calling systems, focus on a few non-negotiables:

• High-contrast display and large fonts (to meet ADA/WCAG readability standards)
  

• Simple, remote-based navigation rather than complex touch menus
  

• Stable Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection for uninterrupted calls
  

• Hands-free operation or voice activation
  

• Compatibility with existing family devices or caregiver apps
  

• Responsive technical support (ideally with senior-friendly onboarding)

When comparing long-term value, large-screen systems often outperform smaller devices in both cost and comfort:

• A smartphone can range from $200 to $1,000 and typically needs replacing every two years, bringing the three-year cost to roughly $1,000–$1,500. Its small screen and touch controls make it difficult for many seniors to use confidently.

• A tablet costs around $400–$1,000 and generally lasts about three years, with an estimated total cost of $400–$1,000 over that period. It offers better visibility than a phone but still relies on hand precision and frequent updates, which can be frustrating for older users.

• A large-screen TV setup, priced $800–$1,100 with support, can last three to five years and averages ≈$900–$1,100 total. It offers familiar remotes, hands-free options, and clear visuals, and it supports longer, more enjoyable calls.

While numbers help show the value, choosing the right communication setup isn’t just about cost—it’s about fit. Every family’s situation is different: some prioritize visual clarity, others ease of use or independence. What matters most is finding a setup that feels natural for your loved one. 

The following framework can help families think through that choice step by step.

First, assess your loved one’s needs by noticing how they currently communicate — whether they struggle with small text, unclear sound, or the touch controls on smaller devices. If these challenges are common, a larger screen may make calls more comfortable. Next, compare your options. Each device offers something different, but also asks something of the user.

Consider which option feels simplest, most familiar, and least tiring. Once you’ve narrowed it down, select and simplify. After setup, support and sustain the process by practicing together and revisiting the system regularly to maintain comfort and confidence. Finally, reconnect and repeat. Encourage regular calls, movie nights, or family celebrations — because the more effortless communication feels, the more often it will happen.

Choosing the right communication setup isn't just about buying another device, it’s a turning point. It’s about going from missed calls and frustrated troubleshooting to seeing your loved ones laugh and connect more. As our parents and grandparents age, the devices they use should evolve with them. Larger displays, simplified controls, and inclusive design make technology user-friendly and helps to sustain your relationships.

Platforms like JubileeTV were created to bridge that gap, transforming ordinary televisions into spaces for laughter, storytelling, and closeness that brings seniors and their caregivers comfort. The right setup depends on your family’s unique needs but the goal is always the same: communication that feels natural and lasting. 

If you’re ready to explore what that looks like for you or your loved ones, take the JubileeTV Quiz to find the setup that fits best. Or explore our plans to compare features and accessibility options. For ongoing guidance, our support center offers easy setup tutorials and accessibility resources to help families stay connected comfortably and confidently.