The Senior List is compensated when you click on the provider links listed on this page. This compensation does not impact our ratings or reviews. Click here to learn more about our editorial review process and click here to learn more about how we are compensated.
For those new to the world of smartphones, the Jitterbug Smart3 is an intuitive entry point. With its simplified menus, voice commands, and optional safety features, it’s one of our favorite smartphones for seniors.
In this Jitterbug Smart3 review, we'll take a closer look at how this phone works, how it performed in our tests, and how it compares to other popular smartphones.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a high-performing smartphone, be sure to check out my guides to the best iPhones for seniors and the best smartphones for seniors.
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.
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.
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Value Talk and Text | $14.99 per month |
|
| Unlimited Talk and Text | $19.99 per month |
|
| Unlimited Talk and Text with 500MB of Data | $24.99 per month |
|
| Unlimited Talk, Text, and Data | $49.99 per month |
|
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, which 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.
Savings Tip: When you sign up for a Lively health and safety package, you’ll automatically receive discounts on your plans for talk, text, and data.
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.
These features come in three different packages. Here is an overview of the plans and their costs.
| Basic | Preferred | Ultimate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5Star Urgent Response | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Brain Games | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Urgent Care | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lively Link | No | Yes | Yes |
| Personal Operator | No | No | Yes |
| Monthly Cost | $19.99 | $24.99 | $34.99 |
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.
| Jitterbug Smart3 Accessory | Price |
|---|---|
| Wall Charger | $19.99 |
| Car Charger | $24.99 |
| Glass Screen Protector | $9.99 |
| Wallet Folio Case | $24.99 |
| Bluetooth Headset | $29.99 |
| Stereo Earphones | $24.99 |
| Gel Case | $19.99 |
FYI: When purchased directly through Lively, your Jitterbug Smart3 will come with both a wall charge and a car charger at no additional cost.
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.
In terms of smartphones for seniors, the Jitterbug Smart3 and the iPhone SE are among the best options; however, the phones differ greatly in terms of price, networks, and functionality.
For starters, the Jitterbug Smart3 costs anywhere from $100-$150, depending on where you purchase it. The iPhone SE, however, will cost you roughly $400.
For networks, the Jitterbug Smart3 must be used on one of Lively’s plans. Luckily, these start at around $20 per month. The iPhone SE is available on just about every major carrier, so your monthly costs can vary greatly.
When it came to using these two devices, the Jitterbug Smart3 is definitely easier to use, at least initially. Its list-based menu makes it easy to find and access features, and its dedicated back and SOS buttons also lend the phone simplicity. The iPhone SE, while undoubtedly more complicated, did come with faster performance and better camera quality; however, if you’re unafraid of a slight learning curve, the iPhone SE controls are quite intuitive, and most users will likely be able to figure out the basics in a number of days.
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:
The Jitterbug Smart3 has a hearing aid compatibility score of M4/T4, meaning that it complies with FCC guidelines and will work with most hearing aids.
The Jitterbug Smart3 has 32GB of internal memory, which is enough to store about 3,200 songs, 6,000 photos, or several hours of video. Additionally, you can add up to 256BG of external storage through a micro SD card.
Technically speaking, the Jitterbug Smart3 uses the Android 7.0 Nougat operating system, albeit a customized version that allows for greater ease of use.
A traditional medical alert service offers you a direct line of communication with a monitoring center, one that can call for emergency assistance. Lively’s 5Star service does this, in addition to offering roadside assistance. Based on your personal profile, which you’ll set up at the beginning of your service, 5Star’s agents will be able to assist you in just about any situation, whether you’re lost, need medical attention, or simply feel in danger.
In our tests, the Jitterbug Smart3 lasted for 15 hours of talk time and nearly a week on standby.
