Jitterbug Touch-Screen, Flip Phones Give Seniors More Options

GreatCall is targeting the new phones and mobile plans at seniors who want phones that make calls and send texts, but have little use for lots of data.

Available with no-contract phone plans that offer talk, text and data, the Jitterbug Smart features a 5.5-inch, color HD TFT touch-screen (720-by-1,280p) display that is 38 percent larger than the previous version of the phone; 8GB of built-in storage; and a microSD slot that accepts memory cards up to 32GB.

The Jitterbug Smart also includes a 5-megapixel auto-focus rear-facing camera with flash and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera. WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity are included, as well as a 2,500mAh lithium-ion battery.

The 4G LTE-capable Jitterbug Smart phone includes an on-screen usage meter that lets users track their calling minutes, texts and data used each month, so they can stay within their calling plans or bump up to a larger plan. The handset, which sells for $149.99, comes in Black and is 6 inches long, 3.1 inches wide and 0.4 inches thick and weighs 6.1 ounces.

The Jitterbug Smart’s bright 5.5-inch color display features an easy-to-use main screen menu so users can get simple access to the Internet, texting and email. Also included is a voice-activated typing feature for easier texting.

Both the Jitterbug Smart phone and the Jitterbug Flip phone offer GreatCall’s optional 5Star health and safety services. Activated with a special, bold, on-screen 5Star button, users can get monthly service plans that include instant access to 5Star services in a wide variety of emergency situations.

The Jitterbug Flip is a traditional flip phone that features a 3.2-inch internal color HVGA TFT display and a 1.44-inch external color display. The phone, which also includes large pushbuttons, 1GB of on-board storage and easy-to-use “yes or no” menu navigation, sells for $99.99.

The Jitterbug Flip phone also includes a 2-megapixel main camera with auto-focus and flash, a 1,780mAh lithium-ion battery, a built-in flashlight and a screen magnifying feature. The Flip, which comes in Graphite or Red colors, is 4.3 inches long, 2.2 inches wide and 0.7 inches thick and weighs 4.7 ounces.