Jitterbug Smart3 Review

Overview of the Jitterbug Smart3

Our editor's grandma using the senior-friendly Jitterbug Smart3

The Buying Experience

Lively offers two phone options: the Jitterbug Smart3 and the Jitterbug Flip2. The latter is a flip phone that offers an experience that might be more familiar if you’re accustomed to using phones with physical buttons (no touch screen). For this reason, you won’t need to spend much time choosing between phones.

Once you choose a product, you can make your purchase online, in person, or by phone. If you order online or over the phone and choose the free standard shipping option, you can expect to receive your phone in the mail in three to seven business days. If you want your phone sooner, you can pay $20 for expedited shipping (one to three business days).

Regardless of how you choose to buy the Jitterbug Smart3, you can choose which plans you want to add to your phone. You can also add extra accessories for an additional fee. For example, you may want headphones, a phone case, or a glass screen protector.

Speaking of prices, the Jitterbug Smart3 is one of the most affordable smartphones available. While the standard purchase price is $149.99, Lively runs frequent promotions that bring the price down even further, so be on the lookout!

Contracts and Warranty

You’ll pay monthly fees with a Lively phone plan, and no contracts are required. This means you can cancel your phone plan and try out another cellular provider at any time. The Jitterbug Smart3 is specifically designed to work with Lively’s phone plans, so you can only use this senior-friendly phone with a Lively plan. This is a downside to consider when compared to other phone providers for seniors, like RAZ Mobility, whose phones can be used with plans from a variety of carriers.

The Lively warranty covers your phone, phone battery, and most accessories for one year from the date of purchase. It is important to note that the warranty does not cover accidental damage. For example, if you drop your phone in water or accidentally crack the screen, the warranty will not pay to repair or replace it. It will only cover preexisting hardware issues, electrical failures, or other problems not caused by misuse of the device.

Lively Talk and Text Packages at a Glance

Lively offers one unlimited talk and text plan. The Jitterbug Smart3 also requires a data plan, so you’ll need to choose one of each plan type.

Talk and Text Plans

Data Plans

Jitterbug Smart3 Features

Lively Smart

The Jitterbug Smart3 may not have as many features as some other phones, but it’s designed specifically for seniors. Here are a few of the best features for seniors the phone offers:

• Large screen: The Jitterbug Smart3 is 6.2 inches diagonally, making it larger than many other smartphones on the market. This is beneficial for older eyes.
• List menu: The list-based menu is significantly easier to navigate for older adults, as you can easily scroll up or down to find what you want.
• Voice typing: Most phones have some form of voice-to-text typing, and the Jitterbug Smart3 makes it easy to access this feature whenever you need it.
• Video chat: If you want to see your friends or relatives living far away, you can make or answer video calls.
• Internet access: The smartphone features a built-in internet browser to surf the internet, whether you want to read the news, look up a recipe, or shop online.
• How-to guides: If you need help learning to navigate your phone, you can choose from several different “how-to” guides available on the Jitterbug Smart3.
• Map and navigation: Need to get fast directions? You can use the map and navigation system to find where you want to go.
• Brain games: To help seniors keep their mental dexterity, the Jitterbug Smart3 offers built-in brain games.
• Camera: Like most smartphones, the Jitterbug Smart3 features a camera that can take beautiful, high-quality pictures.

Along with the Jitterbug Smart3’s standard features, there are two features that can be accessed for additional fees:

• Personal Operator: Lively offers helpful operators 24/7. Simply dial “0” to be connected with an agent who can help you look up phone numbers and make calls, provide directions, schedule rides, and more. This service costs $0.99 per call.
• Lively Rides: Lively’s personal operators can call a Lyft ride for you, which is an affordable transportation service. Dial “0” and tell the operator when and where you’d like to go. The cost of your ride will vary by location and will be added to your monthly phone bill.

Lively Health & Safety Packages

Lively’s Health & Safety Packages offer access to health services at the push of a button for an additional monthly fee. Every Lively phone has an “Urgent Response” button that immediately calls an emergency response team — if you have a Health & Safety Package. If you live alone, have mobility issues, or simply want easy access to health care professionals, one of Lively’s plans could be a great choice for you.

To better understand if one of these Health & Safety Packages is right for you, here is a more detailed breakdown of each service:

• Urgent Response: Just push the Urgent Response button at any time of day or night to get the help of a trained agent. The agent can send help to you, no matter where you are, whether you experience a fall or other emergency.
• Lively Link: Lively Link allows you and your loved ones to track your health, location, and daily activity.
• Nurse On-Call: You can quickly talk to a nurse or doctor from the comfort of your own home.
• Care Advocate: Care advocates are trained to help you with a wide range of issues, from financial planning to more general well-being.

Add-On Features and Accessories

If you want to get even more out of your Jitterbug Smart3, you can choose from several different add-ons and accessories.

The Bottom Line on the Jitterbug Smart3

The Jitterbug Smart3 is an affordable smartphone for seniors. It comes with all of the essential features you would expect from a smartphone, with a few extra services designed specifically for older adults. If you’re a senior in need of a basic smartphone or you want to take advantage of Lively’s health and safety features, the Jitterbug Smart3 is probably a great phone for you. Just keep in mind that you will be limited to Lively’s phone plans, and the different plans and fees could cause your affordable smartphone to become more expensive than you might have expected. Still, if it fits in your budget, Lively is worth considering.