Jitterbug Phones for Seniors
The Jitterbug is a simple smart or flip-design cell phone for seniors. Read to learn more about Jitterbug phones and how to get yours today.
Vision is one of the first faculties to diminish as people age. Low vision does not reduce the need to communicate with loved ones. In fact, it likely increases the need to connect to the people closest to you in your life. Cellular service plans and smartphones tend to have complicated terms and features, which are simply not suitable for a person suffering from reduced visual functions. Introducing the Jitterbug, a basic smart or flip-design cell phone for seniors. The Jitterbug has various features designed to assist users with vision issues, all sold with various pricing plans. Continue reading to learn more about Jitterbug phones for seniors and how to get one for your loved one(s) today.
Jitterbug Phone Basics
The Jitterbug is an uncomplicated flip-phone or touch-screen smartphone designed for people with limited vision functionality or the elderly. The Jitterbug flip-phone model is similar in design to the Alcatel GO FLIP V, whereas the smartphone model is more akin to the Tracfone LG Rebel 4 or the Motorola moto g power phones. One primary difference between the Jitterbug and similar model cell phones is the Jitterbug is designed specifically for use by people whose vision is limited or significantly diminished. The Jitterbug is also a great phone for seniors in general, however, regardless of their eyesight status. Another major difference between the Jitterbug and other phones is convenience of use and simplicity of features. Jitterbug phone models do what they need to do and nothing more, all with vision-impaired and senior-friendly features and design.
Jitterbug Features and Functions and Specifications
The Jitterbug phones are sold as two distinct models and types. The Jitterbug Flip2 is a flip-phone. The Jitterbug Smart3 is a touch screen-enabled smartphone. The weight of these phones is only 4.7 and 5.2 ounces respectively, making both Jitterbug models easy to hold. To fully understand all the features, functions and specifications offered by Jitterbug phones, however, it is simplest to look at each model separately.
Jitterbug Flip2
Specifications: Technical specifications on the Jitterbug Flip2 are fairly standard for flip phones in general but are not necessarily the most important aspects of these phones. Flip phones often have two screens and the Flip2 is no different. The outer screen is 1.44 inches TFT (128 x 128) and the inner screen is 3.2 is HVGA (480 x 320). The phone is equipped with an 8MP auto focus rear camera (with flash), but also has a selfie-capable 5MP front camera. Talk time lasts up to twelve hours when starting with a fully charged battery. The phone is both speakerphone equipped and hearing aid compatible (with an M4/T4 rating). Additional Jitterbug Flip2 specifications include:
- GPS
- Bluetooth (v4.1 BLE)
- Standard 3.5 mm headset jack
- 16GB storage capacity
Features and Functions: The features and functions on the Jitterbug phones are what really set them apart from similar model phone brands. First, the Flip2 is incredibly easy to use, which is of course by design. The keypad is simple to use due to its large screen and large buttons. The phone is equipped with a magnifier tool and a flashlight to make reading as easy as possible. The speakerphone is designed to be loud to accommodate people who are hard of hearing. The high-volume speakerphone also allows the Flip2 to be placed on a table or chair and still be heard, which is an excellent feature for seniors with arthritis or other physical limitations.
The feature and function menu is displayed in an easy-list format, to reduce search time and confusion. The Flip2 is Amazon Alexa-compatible, which is a great feature for people looking to control any Alexa-based systems with an easy to use and simple to handle controller. This model comes with a charging USB-C port, charging dock connector and a 5Star Service (urgent response) button. The Jitterbug Flip2 is also sold in two attractive colors - graphite and red.
Jitterbug Smart3
Specifications: Technical specifications on the Jitterbug Smart3 are competitive with those found on similar phones for similar prices. While once again the accessibility and usability are the top features of this phone, its specifications are also strong. The display screen is 6.22 inches (19:9) and is touch-screen capable. This phone is equipped with dual rear auto-focus and flash-equipped cameras (13MP/5MP), but also has a selfie-capable 5MP front camera. Talk time lasts up to twenty-two hours when beginning with a fully charged battery. The Jitterbug Smart3 is both hearing aid compatible (with an M4/T4 rating) and speakerphone equipped. Additional technical specifications for this phone include:
- GPS
- Bluetooth (v5)
- Standard 3.5 mm headset jack
- 32GB storage capacity (expandable to 256GB max)
Features and Functions: The Smart3 is also incredibly easy to use, although the touch-screen feature might be confusing to people with extraordinarily poor vision. The main menu on this phone is once again easy to see and simple to use thanks to its clearly printed fonts and backlit screen feature. The speaker is still strong, although not quite as loud as the one in the Flip2. The speakerphone, however, does have similar volume and power to its flip-phone companion.
The Jitterbug Smart3 makes and receives calls and sends and receives text messages. This phone also has a video chat function, compatible with your contacts. One of the Smart3’s top features is its talk-to-text functionality, which makes communication all the simpler to have for seniors and people with limited vision alike. This smartphone also accesses the internet. Large print and magnifying options make reading emails, seeing phone numbers, and streaming the news easier to see. The Jitterbug Smart3 also has a map function to coordinate with its GPS features.
Prices and Plans
The Jitterbug phones are made by Lively, which was formerly known as GreatCall. The Flip2 model sells for $99.99 plus monthly plan and activation fees. The Smart3 model sells for $149.99 plus monthly plan and activation fees. Both phones ship for free. Lively sells both a Value and Unlimited talk and text plan. The Value plan costs $14.99 per month, includes 300 minutes and charges ten cents per text. The Unlimited plan costs $19.99 per month for unlimited talk and text. Data plans are both optional and semi-customizable. Lively data plans range from $2.49 per month for 100MB of data, all the way through $30 per month for unlimited data. Jitterbug phones are also available at the following locations:
Advantages of Buying Jitterbug Phones
Purchasing a Jitterbug phone for an elderly loved one has multiple benefits. Both phone models are reasonably equipped and priced affordably. The data plans are not included in base pricing but are customizable to your needs. Primarily, however, getting a Jitterbug Flip2 or Smart3 phone for your loved one(s) helps you to safely stay connected with the people you care about most, while also giving them phones they can use despite having certain physical limitations.
