While there’s a lot of debate on which one of the best smartphone (or cell phone) options is the best cell phone for seniors, you definitely can’t go wrong with the GreatCall Lively Flip. Essentially a Jitterbug phone (though not as advanced as the Jitterbug Smart2 or other phones like the Samsung Galaxy S20 Plus), this phone actually includes some advanced features like a flashlight, magnifier, and Amazon Alexa integration.
Why We Like It – GreatCall Lively Flip
The GreatCall Lively Flip phone is an excellent option for seniors that can be ordered online or bought in-store at Best Buy, Rite Aid, and other locations. The new Lively Flip isn’t a dedicated medical alert system, but it does help your health & safety with one-click access to the Urgent Response team.
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- Plans Start As Low As $14.99 Per Month
- Works with the GreatCall Link App
- Customer Service Is Provided By Staff from the United States
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- Medical Alert System Lacks Fall Detection
- Safety Services Require A Lively Mobile Plus Subscription
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Overall Performance
Beyond the basic functionalities of a phone, GreatCall also included some safety features on this device. Although not a medical alert device, this Lively mobile device can quickly connect you to health/safety services and urgent care. GreatCall link keeps your loved ones updated throughout the process, which is much better than the basic SOS button found on the BLU JOY Cell Phone.
Battery Life
Like many other cell phones, the Lively Flip is powered by a lithium-ion battery. GreatCall claims that the battery life is good, but that appears to be hit-or-miss. Fortunately, the battery is replaceable. The phone comes with a wall charger & a charging dock, but sadly there isn’t a car charger included in the packaging. This isn’t a big issue though, because the charging cord can be plugged into a car plug (you’ll just need to purchase a USB car adapter).
Display
This has a fairly large screen on the inside of this phone. At 3.2”, there’s a decent size difference between the standard 2.4” screens found on other phones like the Nokia 3310 TA-1036. The 3.2″ HVGA screen has a resolution of 480 x 320, which isn’t extremely impressive but it gets the job done. The outside screen is a 1.44″ TFT display with a resolution of 128 x 128. Neither screen is particularly stunning, but they work fine for basic usage.
Durability
Unlike other phones, the GreatCall Lively Flip isn’t rated for water or dust resistance, so just treat it like you would any other basic phone. The flip phone design should keep the screen safe from damage, and the plastic casing should be good for a drop or two. This phone doesn’t have a cover for the charging port though, so you will want to make sure to keep it clear and clean. Otherwise, you may have trouble charging in the future.
Value
At nearly $100, the price for this phone seems rather steep. However, when you factor in the Lively Mobile capabilities and Amazon Alexa, we think it’s worth the price. The phone comes with a charge and nothing else. A much cheaper alternative to this would be LG Classic Flip, which costs the same as an extra large 3-topping pizza. We were unable to find any warranty information for this device, and there isn’t a protection plan available either. Fortunately, this phone does better than many similar models (scoring 3.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon), so hopefully, you won’t need a warranty!
GreatCall Lively Flip Wrap Up
The GreatCall Lively Flip stands out among a plethora of generic cell phones. While Amazon Alexa isn’t really a requirement for a senior cell phone, the option to control the phone by voice is definitely helpful to seniors who are visually impaired. When combined with the various health and safety features built into the phone, we definitely have to recommend the Lively Flip!
