T1i vs T3 hard to choose, your input needed

I'm trying to get a replacement Canon for my elderly dad who is still shooting with his ancient 300D. His eyesight is not very good and it's been increasingly hard (if not impossible) for him to judge the focus on the super small 1.7"? screen. I'm on a budget but want to buy a newer camera for him and his two lenses (Sigma f2.8 zoom and nifty fifty).

I figured anything newer would be much better than 300D (he had to do focus calibration twice!). I'm considering either Canon T3 (budget model) or Canon T1i. I can get either body for approximately same price (perharps a little more for T1i). On paper, it seems like T1i is better in many ways: high res LCD (important for my dad's eyes), bigger viewfinder (how much bigger?), much more powerful flash (quite important too), possibly better built quality (not sure how much of a difference if any). Also, self-cleaning sensor: how important is it really?

On the other hand, T3 has new metering system. Knowing that correct metering/exposure is one of the main components of overall IQ: how much better this new metering system?, MUCH better battery life (quite important, IMO). Also, when I look at DPreview comparison tool, it seems to me that pictures from T3 look sharper and cleaner especially at higher ISO?
Does anyone have any experience with these two cameras?

At this point I am not considering any other models due to budget restrictions and I've ruled out XSI due to its older processor (and yet costs almost the same).

Also, my dad is not very computer friendly so any post processing is completely out of the equation. He uses ipad for everything (12MP of T3 takes less space than 15MP of T1i)