Jitterbug Smart3 Smartphone For Seniors Review – Forbes Health - Forbes
The Jitterbug Smart3 is an Android phone that lets you do all the things most smartphones do, such as access the internet, conduct video chats, navigate email and play games. But because it was designed with seniors in mind, there are features that people with dexterity, vision or hearing challenges often welcome, such as a large screen, an easy-to-read list menu, voice typing capabilities and hearing-aid compatibility.
Perhaps the most significant value add of the Jitterbug Smart3 is its Lively health and safety packages, which, depending on the plan you choose, can give you 24/7 telephone access to emergency personnel or doctors and even call a ride service for you.
Setup and Design
The Lively support team produced a step-by-step video, available on the product website and YouTube, that gives users very simple directions for setting up the phone. There are even guides on how to use the Jitterbug downloaded directly onto the phone.
Usability
When you choose "Easy-to-use Lively Smart" as your home screen (you can do so when you set up your phone), your apps and icons are arranged in an easy-to-read and easy-to-navigate "intuitive" list menu. Just scroll up or down to find your contacts, email, internet, camera and more.
The font is large and the screen is bright—helpful features for people with vision issues or fumbly fingers. You can also set up the facial recognition feature so you don't have to stress about remembering yet another passcode every time you reach for your phone.
Quality
The Jitterbug Smart3 looks similar to other smartphones on the market, and it runs on the Verizon Wireless network. Both call quality and volume have been described as "superb" by some users.
Features
The Jitterbug Smart3 has all the bells and whistles you expect in a smartphone—and then some. Top features for seniors include:
- Hearing-aid compatibility with an M4/T4 rating. The higher the M/T rating, the less likely distracting noise will come in through the hearing aid. (Four is the highest rating.)
- Facial recognition software, which allows you to unlock the phone with your face instead of a typed passcode.
- Brain games. The phone comes loaded with brain games. Research shows brain games may help improve memory and cognitive function in some seniors.
- Lyft rides. Press "0" on the phone to connect with one of Lively's personal operators who can order a ride for you from the ridesharing platform Lyft. You don't need the Lyft app—instead, Lively will add the cost of the ride (as well as a charge for using the personal operator service) to your next phone bill.
What really sets the Jitterbug Smart3 apart from its competition? The Lively health and safety packages, which come at an extra cost.
- Basic Package: $19.99/month
- Access to the Urgent Response button, which puts you in touch with operators who can summon emergency medical responders or help you with less urgent tasks like finding a locksmith because you lost your keys
- Preferred Package: $24.99/month
- Access to the Urgent Response button
- Access to board-certified doctors and registered nurses 24/7 via Lively Urgent Care, a telehealth service—no appointment or insurance required
- Access to Lively Link, an app family members can download that lets them know when the Urgent Response button has been used (they can also use it to track your location, assuming you're carrying your phone)
- Ultimate Package: $34.99/month
- Access to all the aforementioned services, plus the services of a "personal operator" who can schedule a Lyft ride for you, give directions and help you with other tasks (standard fees are waived for the service under this plan)
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Accessories
The phone comes equipped with a wall charger and USB cable. You can buy a car charger, phone case, earphones and other accessories directly from Lively.
Cost and Warranty
The Jitterbug Smart3 retails for $149 (plus a setup fee of $35), although Lively does run specials. There's a limited 1-year warranty for the phone, battery and accessories. The warranty doesn't cover damage to the phone from misuse or an accident.
Plans
Lively offers two phone plans for the Jitterbug Smart3:
- Value talk and text for $14.99/month
This plan is best for someone who uses their phone only for emergencies and an occasional call and text message. (Every text message costs an additional $0.10.) - Unlimited call and text for $19.99/month
You do have to add a data plan to your phone to use the internet. Plans include costs of $2.49 a month for 100 MB, $10 a month for 3 GB and $30 a month for unlimited data—a good choice if you plan on web shopping, banking, using social media apps or watching movies or videos on your phone. When you choose one of the limited plans, you're charged $0.10 for every additional MB used that exceeds your plan's allowance.
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