Samsung Jitterbug Plus (GreatCall)

We reviewed the Samsung Jitterbug J (4 stars) more than three years ago. A number of new, ultra-simple cell phones?have come out since then, a few of which we've liked quite a bit, like the Just5 J509?($89.99, 4 stars) and the Snapfon ez ONE-c?($59.99, 4 stars). They're still great options for the technophobic, though they lack the free 24-hour operator assistance and additional services you get with a Jitterbug from GreatCall.

Fast forward three years, and a lot has changed in the cell phone landscape. GreatCall's latest handset, the Samsung Jitterbug Plus ($99 direct), remains one of the easiest-to-use phones out there, but adds some useful new features, like a camera and the ability to upload photos online, that even the tech-averse may appreciate. It also has longer battery life and better call quality than the Jitterbug J. It's the best simple phone there is, which earns it our Editors' Choice award.

Features and Pricing
Design-wise, the Jitterbug Plus looks a heck of a lot like the Jitterbug J, though it's actually a touch smaller and lighter. It measures 3.86 by 2.01 by .77 inches (HWD) and weighs 3.76 ounces. It's a standard flip phone design covered in shiny plastic. The test model we received is a deep red, though it also comes in silver. The build has a quality feel, and the phone's hinge is solid. Additionally, the trimmer dimensions give the Plus a much sleeker look than the somewhat pear-shaped Jitterbug J.

There's a 1.3-inch screen on the outside of the phone that displays the time, date, and whether your phone is 5Star Enabled, all in large, easy-to-read lettering. Open it up and you'll see that the 2.2-inch display has been given a facelift this time around, with a higher 320-by-240-pixel resolution, which makes text look sharper. Like the Jitterbug J, the Plus features a super simple, text-based interface. Your personal phone number is displayed at the top of the screen, and below that are your menu options. You can choose from Phone Book, Voicemail, Call History, Text Messages, Phone Info, Settings, 5Star, Camera, and My Photos.

Navigating these options is simple, thanks to the phone's large, easy-to-read keypad. You get your standard number pad, along with six additional function keys: Speakerphone, a Power button, Up and Down navigation keys, and Yes and No buttons. Pressing the navigation keys lets you cycle through your options. Pressing the Yes button will open whichever option you choose. Open the Phone Book, for instance, and you can cycle through the numbers available. You're also given the option to edit your phone book. If you choose Yes, you'll be presented with some very simple directions for adding a new contact. But if you don't want to enter numbers on your own, a Jitterbug operator can program them over the air for you, or you can add them online.

In addition to being a well-built, simple-to-use phone, the Jitterbug Plus also serves a gateway to a number of useful "apps" and services offered by GreatCall. 5Star Urgent Response, for instance, can connect you immediately to a certified urgent response agent, allows for GPS tracking, and offers free 24/7 access to unlimited health advice from live, registered nurses for $14.99 per month. You can also set up automated check-in calls to ensure you have help if needed for $5 per month. Automated medication reminder calls help you stay on schedule with your medications and refills for $10 per month, and you can even get daily health tips for free.

All of these services are easy to add to your phone by logging into the GreatCall website and selecting your options. They can get a bit pricey if you use a lot of them, but for some people, these options may prove essential.

As for pricing, GreatCall's pay-as-you-go service plans start at $14.99 per month for 50 minutes, up to $79.99 per month for unlimited minutes and text messages. Otherwise, text messages are 10 cents each. Voicemail costs an extra $3 per month.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ziffdavis/pcmag/~3/aKG2Hq5VjoM/0,2817,2406487,00.asp

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