Jitterbug Flip2 and Jitterbug Smart4 Cell Phone Review From Tech Experts

The Buying Experience With Lively

Both phones, the Jitterbug Flip2 and the Jitterbug Smart4, are sold on the Lively website, over the phone, in brick-and-mortar stores, and on Amazon. The flip phone and smartphone are very different from one another, so it’s easy to compare and contrast the features. The choice comes down to whether you want a touchscreen and internet access or not. Both phones made our best cell phones for older adults list, so you really can’t go wrong either way.

I wanted to know more about pricing directly from the source, so I called Lively to chat. I learned that phone plans start at $19.99 a month for unlimited talk and text. Health and safety features are also available with each plan. Despite a $35 activation fee, shipping is free, and no long-term contracts are required. Everything is very clear: You simply go online, select your phone, and then add a service plan and accessories to see how much it will cost.

Chatting With Lively Customer Service

As for my customer service experience, I learned why Lively received the North America Frost & Sullivan Award for Customer Service Leadership.2 I spoke with a representative named Martin from the Carlsbad call center, and he was exceptionally kind, patient, and forthcoming. Here’s what I learned during my chat with Martin:

• Lively’s call centers: Lively’s call centers are only U.S.-based. It’s reassuring to know that a knowledgeable representative will be there to answer my call and my questions at any time.
• Helping seniors navigate technology: Martin explained that while other companies are giving up on flip phones, Lively is embracing them, knowing that this is a vital accessory for active seniors. As for smartphone customers, he said the team is also ready to provide additional guidance for those who are new to a touchscreen device. That extra level of support is a must-have in my book.
• Getting set up with Lively: When I asked Martin about tips for setting up Lively phones, he directed me to a page on their website for step-by-step setup videos for both phones. The videos include useful diagrams, so you can pause and review as you go. Lively phones also come with an easy-to-read user guide that gives detailed info on every function and feature. Martin also told me I could save $10 on activation fees if I activate my phone online instead of over the phone.

Choosing a Cell Phone

Lively keeps everything simple. Instead of a long list of phones to choose from, you just have two: the Jitterbug Flip2 and the Jitterbug Smart4. You’ll have to pick one if you go with Lively, as you can’t bring your own phone with you like you can with some other carriers, including Snapfon. If you’d like to compare these two senior-friendly phone carriers, read our Lively vs. Snapfon guide to see how the two stack up.

Jitterbug Smart4: Best for Those Who Want a Senior-Friendly Smartphone

My grandma trying out the Jitterbug Smart4

This comprehensive smartphone is compatible with most Bluetooth devices and hearing aids. It’s also been designed to appeal to older ears and eyes. Lively has put a lot of thought into age-appropriate functions like a larger touchscreen, list-style menu, powerful speaker, and accurate voice typing (perfect for anti-texters).

The phone’s battery has up to 37 hours of talk time, which is impressive; it’s 15 more hours of talk time than Lively’s previous model, the Jitterbug Smart3. The phone also includes upgraded cameras from the Smart3, including triple rear cameras and a selfie camera. In my experience, the camera quality wasn’t as solid as other smartphones I’ve tested, like the iPhone 14 Pro, but it’s still great for capturing photos of your travels or the grandkids.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

During my testing, I found that the Jitterbug Smart4 was a bit slow. Sometimes, I had to press a button multiple times before the phone would react, so it can be laggy. Still, it’s an excellent choice for those who want a smartphone without frills or fuss.

Internet access, Google Assistant, and a lineup of preinstalled, senior-geared apps round out why this phone is so useful and convenient. The Jitterbug Smart4 costs $119.99 plus the cost of the monthly plan and an activation fee. That’s reasonable for a smartphone, which can run upward of $500 or more with other brands.

Jitterbug Flip2: Best for Those Who Want a Simple Flip Phone Without Internet Access

Navigating the Jitterbug Flip2

This straightforward cell phone gets high marks for its no-frills functionality. You can’t access social media sites like Facebook, but it includes great features for seniors who don’t want to connect to the internet. With a bright screen, big textured buttons, a powerful speaker, a simplified menu, and hearing-aid compatibility, the Jitterbug Flip2 really does have it all, except for internet access. It also has a lower-quality camera, but makes up for it by including a magnifier with a flashlight.

I’ve found that seniors like my grandma, who aren’t all that comfortable with technology, really like Jitterbug Flip2’s built-in Amazon Alexa. My grandma uses it easily to compose texts, make calls, and perform lots of other tasks with just her voice. For those with arthritis or other dexterity issues, this is an excellent feature. This model can also incorporate health and safety features like Urgent Response, for help during an emergency, or Lively Rides, which connects you to a personal operator who can schedule a Lyft ride for you.

The Jitterbug Flip2 costs $79.99, and with the ability to add these vital features, we think it’s well worth the price tag. Visit our Jitterbug Flip2 review for a look at our hands-on experience with this senior-friendly flip phone.

Nationwide Coverage

Lively is powered by Verizon, the nation’s most reliable wireless network. It offers coverage across the country, including most rural areas. To check coverage in your area, you can visit Lively’s coverage page on its website and type in your ZIP code.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

Because Lively piggybacks on Verizon’s network instead of having its own network, you may experience slower speeds during high-traffic times. This is because Verizon will prioritize its own customers over customers from other carriers that use its service, including Lively. I didn’t notice an issue too often, but there were occasions when I experienced slower speeds at night.

Contracts and Warranty

Contracts

With Lively, you aren’t roped into a long-term contract or charged any cancellation fees — aside from a $10 restocking fee if you send back equipment. Other plans, like AT&T's senior-friendly plans, require a two-year contract, so this gives Lively an edge.

Warranty

Lively offers a fairly standard warranty. When I spoke with Martin from Lively’s customer service team, he informed me that Lively offers an automatic “standard limited warranty.” This means you get a one-year equipment warranty for cell phones, including batteries and accessories. Lively will repair or replace the product without charge.

Since the warranty only covers manufacturer defects, accidents like dropping your phone in a puddle aren’t covered. However, you can enhance and extend the standard limited warranty by purchasing a Lively Protection Plan for $3.50 per month. It covers accidents, battery replacement, normal wear and tear, and all accessories that came with your original phone purchase. You will still be charged a replacement fee, though. Costs vary, but it’s $50 for a replacement Jitterbug Smart4 and $25 for a replacement Jitterbug Flip2. That’s still cheaper than the full cost of buying a new phone, so it might be worth it if you’re hard on your devices.

Lively Senior Phone Plans at a Glance

Lively offers three phone plans, all of which include unlimited talk and text. Each plan contains a specific level of health and safety features as well.

*Price includes a $5 monthly Paperless Billing discount but excludes taxes and fees.

Data Plans for the Jitterbug Smart4

The Jitterbug Flip2 doesn’t come with internet access, so you won’t need to add a data plan. If you purchase the Jitterbug Smart4, you’ll need to choose a data package, which may add another monthly fee to your plan. If the data plan you choose winds up not being enough, you can upgrade at any time.

Lively Plan Details

Talk and Text Plans

My grandma making a call on the Jitterbug Smart4

Cost

You can enjoy unlimited talking and texting with any of Lively’s plans, starting at just $19.99 per month. That’s right on par with Consumer Cellular’s unlimited talk and text plans, which start at $20 a month.

If you want to add additional health and safety features, you’ll need to upgrade to the Preferred or Premium package, which cost $39.99 and $49.99 per month, respectively. You’ll also owe taxes and fees each month, which is standard with any cell phone carrier.

Plan Features

You can talk and text as much as you want each month without facing overage charges, no matter which plan you choose. That’s one of the reasons why we recommend Lively to seniors who love staying connected with family, and especially for those who don’t own a landline. The plan also includes voicemail, call waiting, caller ID, long distance, and roaming.

Lively's Urgent Response button is clearly displayed on the home and lock screen.

Along with talk and text, you’ll also have access to various health and safety features, depending on your chosen plan. The chart above shows you which services are available in which packages, but now we’ll look at what exactly each service entails.

• 24/7 Urgent Response: This service provides around-the-clock access to Lively’s team of professional and U.S.-based Lively Urgent Response agents. Each agent is highly trained, and certified by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED). That’s the same company that certifies 911 operators. Unlike 911, Lively agents have ready access to your personal health history. Of course, both 911 and Lively’s agents will be ready to help you in a medical or safety emergency. If you get lost, feel confused, or have any kind of worry or concern, you can always contact Lively’s 24/7 Urgent Response Center.
• Ask Lively: The Lively team can answer any questions about your device, give you directions, help you look up a phone number, and more.
• Lively Rides: An operator can order a Lyft ride for you when you need transportation.
• Nurse On-Call: This app will save you a trip to the doctor’s office, as it gives you immediate access to health care professionals, board-certified doctors, and nurses who can provide medical advice or refill a prescription.
• Lively Link: This app helps unite parties involved in the active aging process, keeping caretakers and family members informed at all times. For instance, if you call Urgent Response, an instant update will go out to all related Lively subscribers, providing them with pertinent details.
• Care Advocate: An expert from Lively’s care team will help you identify areas of your health that you want to focus on. Then, they will give you a personalized Care Plan to help you set goals and resolve issues.

The different health and safety features are all accessible on the Jitterbug Smart4, but some cannot be accessed on the Jitterbug Flip2 phone. If you have the Flip2 and subscribe to any of the services, you can access them on a computer or on a family member’s smart device.

Tracking my grandma's location using the Lively Link mobile app

Data Add-Ons

Cost

Older adults who purchase the Jitterbug Smart4 must opt for a data plan. Data costs $0 per month for 1 GB, $5 per month for 5 GB, $15 per month for 10 GB, or $30 per month for unlimited data. That brings the total cost for unlimited talk, text, and data to $49.99 per month if you choose the Basic plan, which is priced the same as Consumer Cellular’s 50+ unlimited plan, but it is more than T-Mobile’s Essentials Choice 55 plan, which costs $45 per month for one line.

Seniors who are unsure which data plan to choose should talk to their friends and family. They know you best and can help you choose a good fit. If you’re still stuck, Lively recommends that seniors purchase 5 GB of data per month. You can always switch to a different data plan if you need to.

>> Compare Costs: Jitterbug vs. Tracfone

Plan Features

Your data plan includes the amount of data specified when you purchase. You use data when you’re away from Wi-Fi and use your phone to browse the web, watch online videos, check email, get directions, and more. If you go over your plan allowance, it costs 10 cents per megabyte, which is better than the industry standard.

Lively App

If you want to access Lively’s health and safety features but aren’t looking for a new phone, you have options! You can purchase a Health & Safety Package, download the Lively app, and access your health and safety features on an iPhone or Apple Watch.

>> Related Reading: The Best Apps for Older Adults in 2024

Jitterbug Phones vs. the Competition

Now that we’ve covered all of the details on Lively’s Jitterbug phones, let’s discuss how they compare to other similar phones.

Lively is one of the only carriers on the market that offers medical alert features. Snapfon offers the only other phones I’ve tested with similar features. The carrier’s phones come with a help button that can be activated with an sosPlus, which costs $40 per month. While this is around the same price as Lively’s Preferred and Premium plans with medical alert features, Snapfon’s plan is fairly limited. It only offers 24/7 urgent response, so you won’t find any of the unique health features Lively offers, like on-call nurses and care advocates.

Lively’s phones are both reasonably priced for the industry. In fact, the company recently decreased prices by $20 for each phone, which is something I don’t see too often. I appreciate that Lively always strives to make its products more affordable. Many of the leading smartphones, such as the iPhone, cost several hundred, or even a thousand, dollars. Just remember that they offer more advanced features than the Jitterbug Smart4. As for flip phones, the Jitterbug Flip2 is one of the most affordable options on the market. One of the only cheaper options is Consumer Cellular’s IRIS Easy Flip, priced at $59, but it doesn’t offer any medical alert features.

>> Compare Your Options: Consumer Cellular Review