When it comes to cell phones for seniors, there is no doubt that Jitterbug phones are among the most well-known. If you are looking for a phone for yourself or your loved one, take into consideration browsing these Jitterbug phone reviews, and see which option fits you best.
In general, Jitterbug offers easy-to-use phones, all of which are designed with convenience in mind. They are also ideally suited for individuals interested in having a phone that is easy to navigate, use and manage.
These models include the Jitterbug Flip, Jitterbug Smart2, and the Jitterbug Touch3 phones. These devices offer features that benefit different types of users.
If you want to use a phone that comes with a simple layout and enhanced communication, the Flip is a good option. On the other hand, if you are looking for a real smartphone, the Smart2 and the Touch3 are the best choices.
Jitterbug Phone Reviews 2023
Jitterbug Flip Review
The Jitterbug Flip model is an easy-to-use clamshell flip phone with handy features, making it an ideal choice for people with special health needs, such as seniors.
For its full retail price, what you get is a large and bright display with a simple menu display, as well as a dedicated 5Star urgent response button that can call out for emergency help.
The Flip model offered by Jitterbug is very handy. It is just about palm size. It comes with a 1,780 mAh lithium-ion battery capacity.
It also features one-gigabit memory built into it and a storage capacity of 1,000 or more images, 200 contacts, and 50 texts.
Its internal display is 3.2 inches, while the external display is 1.44 inches. The camera features a 2.0 MP with flash. This phone also offers Bluetooth and GPS connectivity and a hearing aid compatibility at M4/T4. A pre-installed battery is included, together with a USB cable, charging dock, and wall charger.
Design and Physical Features
The Flip model comes in a shiny, red plastic clamshell phone. Another color option is gray. It only measures 4.3 x 2.2 x 0.7 inches, with a weight of only 4.7 ounces.
While it may be bigger than the other senior phone Doro PhoneEasy 626, it is just due to its bigger keypad and display, which is worth the size increase.
The front display of the phone comes with a 1.44-inch, 128 x 128-pixel display, which provides information on the date, time, and notification whether the 5Star feature is enabled, including incoming text messages and calls. Even though it may be a color screen, it typically displays monochrome text, which conserves the battery.
A volume rocker and a flashlight button are located on the right side, and a micro USB charging port and a 3.5mm audio jack are on the left. The connection points for use are located at the bottom with an included charging dock.
The back of the phone is made of plastic, though it is less glossy than the one in front. As you peel the back cover off, you can see the removable battery and the SIM card slot, though this model does not come with a micro USB card slot.
By flipping the phone open, you will be given access to the main 3.2-inch, 480 x 320 color display. The screen is quite bright, with amazing outdoor visibility and excellent viewing angles. The text is also large and clearly defined, making it easier for users to read even with diminished eyesight.
The buttons are responsive and textured, aside from its 5Star button, which is gel-like and slick. A single press of the 5Star button will connect you automatically with an operator, though you can simply deactivate the button from the Settings menu.
Call Quality and Battery Life
When you press the 5Star button, it uses both Wi-Fi and GPS to give the emergency response representative a location. Wi-Fi is accessible if there is one nearby.
The call quality is quite good. The voices are free and clear from garbling, even though you might hint at a robotic tone. Speaker volume and earpiece volume are very loud, while noise cancellation is excellent, removing traces of background noise.
One strong point of this model is its battery life. The phone can reach up to 10 hours of talk time, with several days of standby. The battery can be removed, so an option is available to swap it out for a new pack. The charging dock included is convenient and easy to use.
Camera, Performance, and Software
The Jitterbug Flip is based on similar hardware as Alcatel Go Flip, though Jitterbug’s version is way better, thanks to its software. The phone comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 processor under its hood, an older, basic smartphone chip.
This means that not much can be done beyond sending texts, making calls, and taking pictures. The Flip phone also has enough power to smoothly perform all of these actions.
The camera is also surprisingly good and decent, taking into consideration that it only comes with a 2MP megapixel sensor. It captures reasonably detailed, clear images in well-lit environments. In lower-light conditions, however, the images can become unclear. A separate Magnifier app can allow for digital zoom.
The Flip model also features a simple Operating System that features customized menu options. This means that most interactions can easily be answered with the yes or no button on the phone’s home screen, a bar that shows the phone number is present at the top, and a list of apps that can be scrolled through with its up and down buttons. A brightly colored bar is also available, asking if you want to choose something.
Apps can be selected by pressing the yes button and exiting for the no button. With the Flip model, you can access all primary functions in two or three clicks.
FAQ About The Jitterbug Phone
Is this model hearing aid compatible?
Yes. It features the best FCC hearing aid capability of M4/T4. This model can also be paired with Bluetooth headsets and speakers for easy use.
How does the 5Star service work?
In moments when you feel threatened by intruders, fall, or experience any emergency, all you need to do is to press the 5Star button in order to get connected with an emergency response agent. The operator will know your GPS-guided location, thus being able to send help even in instances wherein you cannot speak.
Jitterbug Flip Summary
All in all, the Jitterbug Flip phone is a simple and no-frills flip phone which sends texts, makes calls and gets you connected quickly to emergency services.
It is a fantastic phone for seniors, as well as anybody who needs an extremely simple device, all thanks to its easy-to-navigate menu options, dedicated 5Star urgent response button, and highly visible display.
Jitterbug Smart2 Review
If you are searching for a smartphone, on the other hand, the Smart2 model might be the better option for you.
It is also handy, with a weight of only 5.7 ounces. It features 14 MP, with auto-focus main and secondary cameras, as well as a 5.0 MP front flash camera.
The display is 5.5 inches, with 720 x 1280 pixels capacitive touchscreen technology. It also comes with a 3000 mAh lithium-ion capacity battery.
The Smart2 phone also features a front-facing speakerphone and an M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility.
It includes other features, including Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth connectivity. Other accessories included in the package are a wall charger, USB cable, and a headset jack.
Design and Features
The basic rundown of its features includes a 5.98 x 3.03-0.33-inch size with a weight of 5.57 ounces. It also features a 5.5-inch, 720p front screen.
It comes with a 5 MP front camera and a 13 MP rear camera. The Smart2 phone offers 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage.
Out of this storage, 7.1GB is consumed by system files. This phone features a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, an old micro USB charging dock, and a microSD card slot.
There are also extra services that can be availed of, depending on the network provider. For example, there are plans which can offer you instant, unlimited access to emergency responders and nurses over the phone. It is also possible for distant family members to possibly monitor your phone’s location using their smartphones.
Phone Performance
The Jitterbug Smart2 model runs a 1.5GHz Mediatek 6738 processor with a highly customized Android 7.0 Nougat version. Users notice that the performance is quite slow, similar to that of other low-end Android phones.
Aside from this, the rest is just fine. This model features a very simple interface, with a camera and messaging options clear, using words, not icons. The fonts are large and bold, and the options are labeled with clear language always.
The phone also comes with a touch keyboard that is well-spaced and big, with clearly marked options available for voice dictation. The Smart2 phone is much cleaner and simpler than default iOs or Android for texting, making calls, and basic web surfing.
Call quality, especially the volume, is particularly important among seniors. The volume for calls in the earpiece is actually 8 decibels lower compared to the Samsung Galaxy S9 or the iPhone XS, while the speakerphone volume is 7 decibels lower.
Battery life is just fine, with 4 hours and 57 minutes of video streaming through LTE. It seems that streaming and too much phone use are not expected among seniors. This device features plenty of standby time with its 3000 mAh battery.
Jitterbug Smart2 Summary
Elderly people will surely be happy using this phone, as it is a simplified smartphone that comes with built-in health contacts which other family members can easily monitor. It features a simple interface with lots of compelling features for seniors.
Jitterbug Touch3 Review
The Jitterbug Touch3 model is a device that comes with a 4-inch touch screen. It allows seniors to make phone calls quickly, send text messages and capture pictures without a hassle, or send and receive email and browse the Internet in the simplest way possible.
What makes the Touch3 model different from other models is its easy-to-use and list-style menu, which comes with safety and health services specially designed for seniors.
Other apps can also be installed, allowing family members to check indiscreetly to ensure that everything is fine.
Thanks to its easier-to-navigate menus, seniors who may not really need email, texting, or internet capabilities will find the 4-inch touch screen display convenient.
Making phone calls is also more convenient compared with older flip-style models. This is also an excellent choice for mobile seniors and is always on the go.
Even for those who are not, this phone is a great option, as it is very easy to access, and there is no need to rush and run across the room to pick up a landline phone.
Even caregivers can expect some peace of mind knowing that their seniors will have an easy-to-use smartphone that can help them stay safe. For families, the most obvious benefit offered by Touch3 is its health and safety services.
[mks_tabs nav=”horizontal”]
[mks_tab_item title=”Pros“]
- Simple list-style menus
- Large fonts and bright colors
- Hearing aid compatible
- Special health and safety apps
- Add-on services
[/mks_tab_item]
[mks_tab_item title=”Cons“]
- It may be slower than other higher-end smartphone models
[/mks_tab_item]
[/mks_tabs]
Jitterbug Touch3 Summary
All in all, the Touch3 model is a promising option that is recommended for seniors. Ease of use and added health and safety features are available.
It is an amazing option for families since it offers peace of mind knowing that your older adult is fine and safe while doing their usual activities.
Jitterbug Flip vs. Smart2 vs. Touch3 – The Comparison
The Jitterbug Flip is designed for more straightforward use. It comes with a flip-style design, a bright screen, and big numbers. For one, it is not a smartphone, which is one of the reasons why a lot of people choose this option.
On the other hand, the Smart2 model is an upgraded version that features an easy-to-use design and better navigation. It is ideal for older ones who require more significant numbers and an even brighter screen.
It is packed with features available in other smartphones but easier to use compared with other complicated models. Both of these phones can be a good investment for you. The third model at hand is the Jitterbug Touch3 device.
Technology and Features
All models provide different features which will help you stay connected. The primary difference in these phones is their connectivity to the internet. These models also come with features that enhance their use while keeping their users safe. Here are some of them:
Voice Typing
This feature is specifically available only to the Jitterbug Smart2 device. This feature allows the users to text quickly. As such, this is a very easy way to manage and continue communication without the need to use an onboard screen display.
5Star Urgent Response
This feature is available to both models. The 5Star urgent response is a simple button that can easily be pressed when there is a health or safety risk. It also allows for immediate connectivity to emergency assistance, providing 24/7 protection for the seniors.
It also connects the users to skilled and highly-trained professionals in order to assess the situation, sending the needed help instantly.
Sound Quality
Both of these phones offer good audio sound. Specifically, the Flip provides stronger speakers, which makes it possible for loud and clear conversations over the phone. This eliminates the need to shout as you make a call. At the same time, it also comes with a speakerphone which is powerful enough to allow you to have a hands-free conversation.
Cameras
Both the Flip and the Smart2 models come with a camera. The Flip model features a 2.0-megapixel camera. On the other hand, the Smart2 option provides a 13-megapixel camera and great quality. In fact, it comes with a LED flash which makes taking pictures easy to do.
Navigation
The smartphone model, the Smart2, was upgraded recently to include an easy menu and navigation system. This enables the phone to move the tools quite easy to find the information needed.
On the other hand, the Flip model provides easy YES/NO buttons, which also makes navigating easy. It also features a magnifier and a built-in flashlight.
Ease of Use
Even though there is no doubt that Jitterbug Smart2 is slower when it comes to internet connectivity in comparison with other smartphones, it is a dependable model – one that is easy to use.
Both of the features come with large buttons, loudspeakers, and bright screens in order to make the phones easier to use. This is the best option for the elderly who requires a smartphone but wants a simple design.
Overall Value
Both phone models are really affordable. What you can expect as additional payment are the monthly fees for the access. Individuals can select a package that fits their needs, along with monthly text and minute options. There are also plans for just talking and texting. There are also no-annual contracts, with options to choose from and no cancelation fees.
Customer Service
Jitterbug customer service is good. Other consumers who have tried asking for assistance from Jitterbug report receiving a fast response time. Their customer service team is completely US-based, making communication with them much easier.
Why Choose Jitterbug Phone Models
Jitterbug offers convenient and easy-to-use phones designed especially to help senior citizens. They also provide the luxury of designing their text, talk, and data plans based on their own usage.
This is especially appealing to many people since they only need to pay for what they will use. This means that there is no need to feel worried about money being wasted every month for services that were not used. This is a major benefit for seniors who are living on a budget.
With just a few numbers of phones to select from, Jitterbug keeps it easy for seniors, offering user-friendly phones. The health and safety packages are ideal for seniors who want to have cellular service, along with some emergency protection and extra perks. This is also beneficial for family members and caregivers who want to keep track of and monitor their loved ones.
Final Verdict
Individuals who are searching for the best phone for a senior who may require supportive service for different situations, including emergencies, will find Jitterbug options as a good choice.
Different plans are available to allow pricing customizations. At the same time, users can easily carry over their existing mobile number right into the plan. As a bonus, the company also offers reliable customer service.
Choosing which phone to use under Jitterbug plans is quite easy. The Jitterbug Flip phone is a wise choice if you are into a much simpler option. It offers the familiarity many users look for in a smartphone with non-smartphone capabilities.
On the other hand, the Jitterbug Smart2 phone is better for those who prefer a smartphone. It might be slower and less advanced compared with other models, but you have all the features that you would like to see in a phone. Seniors who do not have experience with smartphones will be able to benefit from this model.
