An easy-to-use mobile for the elderly does not have to be a terminal with a classic keyboard and large numbers to dial. The Doro 8035 is a smartphone with a touch screen , it connects to the Internet, has a 5 megapixel camera and uses the Android operating system.
The star feature of the Doro 8035 is the simple interface , designed so that anyone can quickly access the most common functions: call, view or send messages, take photos, set alarms, etc.
In addition, the phone offers quick and intuitive access to the Google voice assistant , a very useful tool that further simplifies the most common tasks of the smartphone.
On the other hand, the Doro 8035 mobile has an emergency button on the back . Just press it for several seconds and the smartphone sends a notification to emergency contacts.
For about 200 euros, this smartphone is an interesting option for the elderly or for those who do not handle technology well.
Robust plastic design
The Doro 8035 is designed in plastic and weighs 160 grams . It measures 149mm long x 70mm wide and 9mm thick. It is matte blue in color and has some characteristics a little different from what is usual in the smartphone market.
The screen is a 5-inch touch panel with HD resolution (1280 x 720 pixels). Just below the screen we find three traditional navigation buttons - not tactile - that facilitate operation for the elderly.
The finishes of the smartphone are rounded and there are many margins on the sides of the screen: above it we find the logo of the brand and the camera, and below the buttons that we have mentioned.
Unlike other phones, on the Doro 8035 the volume buttons are on the left side (not the right), and the on / off button is on the top edge, next to the miniJack port for headphones.
The right side is reserved for the microUSB port where we can connect the charger.
Technical specifications
Inside the Doro 8035 we find a 4-core processor, the Qualcomm 210, running at 1.1 GHz. The RAM is 2 GB.
Therefore, do not expect spectacular performance or fluid graphics: it is not a smartphone designed to play, to work or to use many applications at the same time. But it perfectly fulfills to develop all the basic functions of communication and tools (calculator, agenda, etc.).
Regarding the operating system, the Doro 8035 comes standard with Android 7.1 Nougat and the personalized My Doro Manager interface, which allows access to the main functions in a few steps and in a simple way.
The battery is 2500 mAh , and it holds up well thanks to the simple graphics, the simplified interface and the HD resolution screen. With moderate-standard use, it can last well for more than one day.
Of course: energy consumption increases a lot when spending long periods browsing the Internet or with the screen on. Another small drawback is that the phone does not have a fast charging function .
Doro 8035
| screen | 5-inch, 1,280 x 720-pixel HD | |
| Main chamber | 13 megapixels, f / 1.9, Full HD video | |
| Camera for selfies | 8 megapixels, f / 1.9, Full HD video | |
| Internal memory | 16 GB / Expandable via microSD card | |
| Extension | microSD up to 256GB | |
| Processor and RAM | Qualcomm MSM8909 210 (4 cores, 1.1 GHz), 2 GB AnTuTu Benchmark Power Test: 30086 points Geekbench 4 power test: 437 points (Single-core) // 1159 points (Multi-Core) | |
| Battery | 2,500 mAh, about 500 hours of standby, charging station included AnTuTu Tester test: 6475 points | |
| Operating system | Android 7.1 Nougat / My Doro Manager | |
| Connections | 2G / 3G network, BT 4.2, GPS, microUSB | |
| SIM | nanoSIM | |
| Design | Plastic and glass, blue color | |
| Dimensions | 149mm long x 70mm wide x 9mm thick (170 grams) | |
| Featured Features | FM radio, emergency button, simple interface for seniors, navigation buttons | |
| Release date | Available | |
| Price | 200 euros |
An easy-to-use mobile for the elderly
The Doro 8035 mobile has a very simple interface, with large icons and quick access menus that simplify the most common functions that we need in a smartphone.
The main screen has shortcut icons and three large buttons:
- Call button , which allows you to choose between dialing a number, selecting a contact from the phonebook or calling a recent contact.
- View button , a direct access to the most important files on the smartphone: text messages, emails, images and videos, alarms, calendar, tools ...
- Send button , which allows you to choose between sharing a text message, an email, a photo or video, a note, the location, a music file ...
The shortcuts can also be configured so that it is easy to enter the most used applications , such as WhatsApp.
Below the three buttons there is an arrow that slides up and opens a panel with more options: direct access to the camera, settings, the music player, or the voice assistant (Google Assistant).
And by sliding the arrow again we access the list of all applications . They are shown in alphabetical order and with a clear separation between letters.
In general, therefore, it is a very easy-to-use smartphone and perfect for older people , who need to have all the important functions at hand.
On the other hand, the phone is designed to have quick access to the Google voice assistant. In addition, when using an app in which it is necessary to enter text, we will always have the option to choose between voice input or the classic keyboard .
Simplified settings menu + Android menu
When accessing the settings menu of the Doro 8035, we find a list with the basic functions that we can configure : alarms, Internet connection, other connections, personalization of the home screen, selection of ringtone, etc.
However, we can also visit the full Android options menu , from the advanced settings section. It is a section that is quite hidden to prevent the user from entering by mistake.
Standard applications on the Doro 8035
In addition to the Google suite –Google Play, Chrome, Google Maps, etc.– and the basic tools (phone, camera, photo gallery…), the Doro 8035 has several utilities and pre-installed apps that are very useful for older people.
- Magnifier : this app uses the camera's flash and zoom to help you read fine print (for example, printed documents) without straining your eyes. It works like a traditional magnifying glass, but on the smartphone.
- Safe : It is a separate section and protected with a three-digit code where notes with confidential information can be stored. The safe can only be accessed by entering the three digits in the correct order in the "virtual lock" that appears on the screen, simulating a real safe.
- Calculator and calendar .
- Alarms and Countdown : the different functions of the clock have their own direct access from the applications folder, so that it is faster to configure the necessary.
- Audio recorder .
- Flashlight .
- Notes application .
- OfficeSuite .
- FM radio .
Doro 8035 camera
The Doro 8035 smartphone is equipped with a 5 megapixel main camera and a 2 megapixel front camera. Logically, the results of the photographs are not especially good, but at least the elderly have the option of sending and sharing images with friends and family.
The camera application allows you to configure various parameters and settings:
- Location with GPS.
- Image size.
- Image quality (low or high).
- Timer
- Face detection.
- ISO
- Exposition
- White balance
- Red-eye reduction function.
- Automatic flash, on or off.
As for the recordings, we can obtain videos of up to 720p resolution , both in the main camera and in the selfie camera. The Doro 8035's camera features video stabilization on both lenses.
Assist button on the rear
On the back of the phone, next to the main camera lens, is the Doro 8035's assist button .
Once the assistance button is activated and configured, the user will only have to press it in an emergency for a warning message to reach the selected contact.
It is an especially useful option for dependent people or people with reduced mobility, since in the event of an accident or unforeseen event, it is only necessary to press a button so that family members or caregivers receive the notification.
Additionally, the assist button can be linked to the Doro Connect & Care app, Doro's system for connecting with family members and sharing files.
The emergency system can be activated by pressing it three times in a row or by holding it down for a few seconds. The user will know that the message has been sent because the phone will emit a notification sound .
Once these steps have been configured, we can add up to five emergency contacts who will receive the notification.
Finally, we can create an emergency SMS message that will be sent to those contacts. If we want, we will also have the option to include the location in the message .
Price and conclusions
The Doro 8035 is already on sale in Spain for about 200 euros . The price may seem high for the technical specifications, but it is justified by its main attraction: that of being a simple smartphone suitable for all users.
The biggest advantage of the Doro 8035 is that it offers the most important functions of a smartphone, but distributed in an intuitive and easy-to-use interface . In addition, the assistance button makes it a very interesting element for people with delicate health or reduced mobility, and gives peace of mind to family members or caregivers.