Jitterbug Smart3 Cell Phone Review

Jitterbug Smart3 Pros and Cons

Our Jitterbug Smart3 Video Review

Purchasing My Jitterbug Smart3

The Jitterbug Smart3 can be purchased over the phone, online, or through physical stores such as Best Buy. I decided to buy my device directly from Lively’s website. In my experience, purchasing directly from Lively will give you the lowest prices.

Lively’s website made everything easy for me. First, I was able to take a closer look at the Jitterbug Smart3 and learn about some of its features. I appreciated the straightforward way in which Lively lists their pricing. Unlike many cellular providers, who require costly long-term contracts in order to purchase for the listed price, Lively keeps it simple and honest.

My Jitterbug Smart3 ended up costing me $149.99 for the device in addition to a $35 activation fee. Sure, this might seem a bit pricey, but considering that modern smartphones can cost upwards of $500, not to mention data plans and hidden fees, I was pleased with this price point.

Jitterbug Smart3 Service Plans

Before I could complete my order online, I also had to figure out my service plans. Lively offers two different types of plans. Of course, there is the standard type of plan that includes some level of talk, text, and data, but there is also the option to sign up for a health and safety package. This latter type of plan provides you with features that can turn your Jitterbug Smart3 into a personal emergency response system, but more on that later. First, let’s dig into the basics.

Currently, Lively offers two different plans for the Smart3: Value Talk and Text and Unlimited Talk and Text. The former costs $14.99 per month, and the latter costs $19.99 per month. Additionally, since the Smart3 is a smartphone, you’ll likely want to add data to your plan which costs an additional monthly amount depending on the amount of data you’d like. For example, 500MB per month will cost an additional $5 per month while unlimited data will cost an extra $30 per month.

Jitterbug Smart3 Plans and Costs

To make the most of my Jitterbug Smart3, I decided to sign up for the unlimited talk, text, and data plan. Another thing that factored into my decision was that Lively charges additional fees in the event of an overage ($0.35 per minute, $0.10 per text, and $0.10 per megabyte). While small, these fees could quickly add up to your bill. If overages are something that concerns you, then I’d recommend checking out Consumer Cellular, who automatically upgrades your plan in the event of an overage.

Any Lively plan includes calling to both the continental U.S. and Canada. Calls made to Mexico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico will cost $0.20 per minute. Calls made to all other international destinations will cost $1 per minute.

With my cellular plan figured out, there was just one more step, and that was choosing a health and safety package.

Lively Health and Safety Packages

You’re probably wondering: What exactly is a health and safety package? In short, they’re a range of services designed for older adults that provide convenience, safety, and general wellbeing for the user. Essentially, they helped turn my Jitterbug Smart3 into my own personal emergency response system. Now, let’s get into the specifics.

• 5Star Urgent Response: In the event of any emergency, medical or otherwise, the 5Star Urgent response feature can come in handy. By pressing the dedicated button on the bottom of my Jitterbug Smart3’s screen, I was immediately connected to one of Lively’s IAED-certified agents who could trace my location and send help if necessary. Luckily, during my time with the Jitterbug Smart3, I had no medical emergencies; however, when I lost my way on a walk through the city, I contacted an agent for assistance, and, using my location, she helped me find the nearest bus stop.

• Urgent Care: One of my favorite wellness features, Urgent Care, allowed me to speak directly with registered nurses and doctors, who were able to provide me with medical advice and even prescribe common medications over the phone. Did I mention this service is also available 24/7?
• Lively Link: The free Lively Link app is a great way for caregivers to keep tabs on their loved one. Using this app on his smartphone, my husband received notifications each time I pressed my 5Star button. He could also check on my location and the battery level of my Jitterbug Smart3.
• Brain Games: Studies have demonstrated that puzzle-based games can help maintain cognitive function, even in advanced age. Because of this, I loved the addition of Lively’s brain games. One of my favorites, called Right Turn involves rotating a series of images in order to create matching pairs. It’s almost like the gym for your brain!
• Personal Operator: Much like the telephone operators of yore, my Lively personal operator-assisted me with looking up numbers and addresses.

These features come in three different packages. Here is an overview of the plans and their costs.

Lively Health and Safety Packages

Jitterbug Smart3 Accessories

In addition to the plethora of services offered through Lively, there are also some additional bits of hardware you can purchase for your Jitterbug Smart3. Here’s a closer look at each of them.

• Glass Screen Protector: More durable than a plastic protector, this tempered glass covering will prevent cracks and scratches on your Jitterbug Smart3’s screen. It’s also thin enough to preserve its touch-based operation.
• Wallet Folio Case: This bi-fold case not only protects your phone, but it also allows you to store your valuables such as credit cards and cash.
• Bluetooth Headset: Made by Insignia, this bluetooth headset hooks right onto your ear and allows you to more easily take calls while on the go. Perfect for commuters, this headset’s speaker can also be used to listen to music.
• Stereo Earphones: For those who want a stereo listening experience, look no further than these stereo headphones. Like traditional earbuds, they connect to your Jitterbug Smart3 and provide a higher definition audio experience.
• Gel Case: This gel case, available in either blue or red, offers a slimmer profile than that of the wallet folio. It also features holes for the speaker, camera, and headphone jack, giving you full access to your Jitterbug Smart3.

Jitterbug Smart3 Accessory Pricing

The Jitterbug Smart3 In Action

After purchasing my Jitterbug Smart3 and signing up for a plan, all I had to do was wait for my package to arrive. In the box, I found my Jitterbug Smart3 device, a wall charger, a car charger, and a user manual, which guided me through the setup process. First, I plugged my new phone into the wall charger, plugged that into an outlet, and then waited about an hour for it to fully charge. Once I powered the phone up, all I had to do was dial the service number listed in the guide, confirm my information, and then I was ready for some tests.

Unlike an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy, which feature complex graphics, widgets, and display features, the Jitterbug Smart3’s home screen looks more like a list. Therein, I found dedicated buttons for the most essential functions: phone, voicemail, text messages, camera, internet, and maps. Sure, the design may not have been the most cutting edge, but I could definitely see the appeal of this simple layout. The on-screen text was also large, which is great for the many people with vision impairment.

Also easy to use was the text message feature. With the Jitterbug Smart3’s five and a half-inch screen, I had no trouble accurately typing, and the same goes for dialing numbers. In my many test phone calls, I noticed no issues. Both the call quality and volume were superb, and all of my calls, both in and outside my home, went through without a hitch. Similar to the Jitterbug Flip2, the Jitterbug Smart3 also features voice dialing, so I was able to call various contacts using only my voice.

The one drawback I noticed with the Jitterbug Smart3 was that browsing the web often came with considerable wait times. For example, even when connected to my home’s Wi-Fi network, it would still take about 5-7 seconds for my phone to load The Senior List. Now, in the grand scheme of things, this isn’t really that long of a wait; however, it is certainly longer than the load times from other smartphones.

Bottom Line

When all is said and done, a Jitterbug Smart3 can’t replace a full-fledged medical alert system, many of which are waterproof, can be worn around the neck, and feature automatic fall detection. With falls being the main source of fatal injury to older adults, I think of fall detection as an essential feature of any bonafide medical alert system.

Still, what the Jitterbug Smart3 offers is a bridge between older adults and the modern smartphone. With its intuitive controls and added safety features, chances are this smartphone be great for any of your loved ones.

To learn more about our favorite cell phones and providers, be sure to check out our helpful guides:

• Best Cell Phone Plans for Seniors
• T-Mobile Senior Plan
• AT&T Senior Plan
• Verizon Senior Plan
• Mint Mobile Review
• Cricket Wireless Review
• Senior Cell Phone Discounts