Though there are a few larger networks these days in the USA, the US Cellular remains one of the leading wireless providers. As such, we decided to devote this article to US Cellular flip phones for seniors.
Herein we will answer most questions related to US Cellular flip phones. We will tell you how good US Cellular flip phones actually are, take a detailed look the best US Cellular flip phones for seniors, tell you where to buy US Cellular flip phones, provide you with a US Cellular flip phones buyer’s guide, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
Before we can start our discussion, we need to ensure that we are all on the same page. Thus, let us tell you what we mean by US Cellular flip phones. US Cellular flip phones refer to flip phones that are either purchased directly with US Cellular or other unlocked flip phones that are used with US Cellular services through their Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) option.
By the way, flip phones are a special kind of basic phone, where the two halves of the phone are connected by a hinge and are closed together when the phone is not in use but opened when in use. Flip phones represent maximum simplicity and sturdiness, which makes them one of the most popular kinds of cellular phones among seniors.
How Good Are Us Cellular Flip Phones?
Unlike the majority of other popular wireless providers, which mostly offer only one flip phone model, US Cellular currently offers 5 flip phone models. In addition to these 5 models, which are all very solid and offer the simplicity that they should, US Cellular also provides you with an option to Bring Your Own Phone, which means that you can buy basically any unlocked, SIM-card based flip phone and use it with US Cellular SIM card and their plans.
Here is a current list of US Cellular flip phones:
- LG Wine LTE
- LG Wine 2 LTE
- Sonim XP3 (non-camera)
- Sonim XP3
- ANS F30
We will present all US Cellular flip phones for seniors in detail in the upcoming section.
6 Best US Cellular Flip Phones for Senior
As mentioned in the previous section, currently there are 5 US Cellular flip phones for seniors available at the US Cellular official store, however, they also have the BYOP option, which is the sixth phone and stands for basically all US Cellular compatible flip phones. The BYOP option provides you with basically limitless options.
LG Wine LTE
Main Features:
- 4G LTE Data Capability
- Large 3″ Color LCD Display
- 8GB Internal Storage (up to 4GB usable) 1GB RAM; External microSD™ supported up to 32GB
- 5MP Auto-focus Camera with HD Video Recording
- Reads Messages Aloud with Text-to-Speech
Specifications:
- 4G LTE Bands 2/4/5/12/25, CDMA, GSM, LTE, WCDMA
- Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 1.1 GHz Quad-Core Processor
- Battery: 1,470 mAh Removable
- Dimensions: 4.43″ x 2.13″ x 0.69″
- Weight: 4.95 oz.
- Talk Time: Up To 6 Hours (VoLTE)
- Standby Time: Up To 10 Days (LTE)
- E911 Ready
- Wireless Emergency Alerts (CMAS) Capable
- Hearing Aid Compatibility – M3/T4 Rating
Included in the package:
- Handset with 1,470mAH Removable Battery
- Travel Adapter
- USB Data Cable
- SIM card
- Quick Reference Guide
Best for:
LG Wine LTE is best for seniors or others who look for simplicity, yet still want to snap some solid photos and perform some advanced tasks. Its 5MP auto-focus camera and 1GB of RAM will take care of that.
LG Wine 2 LTE
Main Features:
- Slim, classic, flip-phone style with a 2.8″ 240×320 display
- Capture the moment with a user-friendly 2MP rear camera
- Help is close at hand with a dedicated emergency contact button
- All-day 1,470mAh battery
- 8GB Memory; MicroSD™ up to 32GB
Specifications:
- Radio Bands: LTE (B2,B4,B5,B12,B66, R25)/CDMA(BC0,BC1)
- Operating System: AOSP (O-MR1, 8.1)
- Processor: MSM8909 1.1GHz Quad-core
- Battery: 1,470mAh
- Dimensions: 2.16″ x 4.24″ x 0.7″
- Weight: 4.48 oz.
- Talk Time: Up To 5 Hours*
- Standby Time: Up To 10 Days*
- Music Play Time: Up To 36 Hours*
- Video Play Time: Up To 8 Hours*
- Video Recording: MP4
- Image Support: JPEG, JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, WBMP, MPO, JPS
- Domestic Roaming Support Capable
- Wi-Fi Capable: 802.11 b/g/n
- E911 Ready
- Wireless Emergency Alerts (CMAS) Capable
- Hearing Aid Compatibility – M3/T3 Rating
Included in the package:
- Handset
- Travel Adapter
- USB Data Cable
- SIM card
- Quick Reference Guide
Best for:
The LG Wine 2 LTE is best for seniors or others looking for maximum simplicity. Its emergency button at the back can be extremely practical and even life-saving functions. It is what makes it extremely suitable for elderly that are more prone to falls.
Sonim XP3
Main Features:
- 4G LTE Connectivity
- Industry-leading Rugged Performance Standards
- Water Proof, Drop Proof, and Military Rated
- 5MP Rear Camera with Flash. Non-camera version available
- Extremely Loud & Clear Audio
- 3-Year Comprehensive Warranty
Specifications:
- 4G LTE Bands B1/B2/B3/B4/B5/B8/B12/B13/B25/B66; UMTS B1/B2/B4/B5/B8; CDMA/EVDO BC0/BC1/BC10, GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz
- Qualcomm® MSM8909 1.1GHz Quad-Core Processor
- Battery: 1,500 mAh
- Dimensions: 4.41″ x 2.28″ x 1.06″
- Weight: 6.9 oz.
- Talk Time: Up To 10 Hours
- Standby Time: Up To 11 Days and 16 Hours
- Internal Display 2.6″ TFT External 1.08″ FSTN
- 5MP FF Rear Camera with Flash (Camera Version)
- 8GB ROM/1GB RAM – 4GB available user memory; Supports up to 128GB MicroSD™
- Sensor: Barometer
- E911 Ready
- Wireless Emergency Alerts (CMAS) Capable
- Hearing Aid Compatibility – M3/T4 Rating
Included in the package:
- Handset with 1,500mAH Li-Ion Battery
- Travel Adapter
- USB Data Cable
- SIM Card
- Screwdriver
- Quick Reference Guide
Best for:
The Sonim XP3 is the best US Cellular flip phone for seniors that want to remain as active and worry-free as possible. It offers maximum ruggedness and durability. It is resistant to water, dust, drops, and as such a very precious servant.
Sonim XP3 (non-camera)
Main Features:
See the Sonim XP3 description; the feature are exactly the same, minus the camera.
Specifications:
See the Sonim XP3 description; the specs are exactly the same, minus the camera.
Included in the package:
See the Sonim XP3 description.
Best for:
Best for seniors or others looking for maximum simplicity and ruggedness. For all who are still relatively active and want to be able to use their phone worry-free in all types of environment. Since this model doesn’t include a camera, it is only suitable for those, who don’t plan on taking any photos.
This US Cellular flip phone is also extremely suitable for all first responders, construction workers, and military personnel.
ANS F30
Main Features:
- 4G LTE Connectivity
- Oversized Well-Spaced Keypad Buttons
- Large, Easy-to-Read 2.8″ Main Display
- Convenient Outer Display for Notifications
- 0MP Camera with Flash
- 8GB Internal Storage / 1GB RAM; External microSD™ supported up to 128GB*
Specifications:
- 4G LTE, 3G CDMA
- Qualcomm® 1.1GHz Quad-Core Processor
- Battery: 1,400 mAh Removable
- Dimensions: 4.17″ x 2.17″ x 0.72″
- Weight: 4.2 oz.
- Talk Time: Up To 5 Hours
- Standby Time: Up To 8 Days and 8 Hours
- 8″ QVGA Main Display
- 77″ QQVGA Outer Display
- 0MP Camera with Flash
- 8GB ROM/1GB RAM
- 5mm Headset Jack
- E911 Ready
- Wireless Emergency Alerts (CMAS) Capable
- Hearing Aid Compatibility – M3/T3 Rating
Included in the package:
- Handset with 1,400mAH Removable Battery
- Charger & USB Cable
- Quick Start Guide
- Product Safety & Warranty Guide
- SIM Card
Best for:
The ANS F30 is best for seniors or others who look or simplicity that comes with a flip phone. Thanks to its LTE capabilities and 1GB RAM it is also capable of running advanced operations. Its relatively large external display makes things very simple and gives you the insight into all phone’s activities, callers’ info, messages, and more.
Where To Buy Us Cellular Mobile Flip Phones
There are several places where you can buy US Cellular flip phones. Below are the most popular and reputable options.
US Cellular store
You have two options here; you can go online and visit the US Cellular official website and make a purchase online or you may use their store locator (https://www.uscellular.com/store-locator), find a local US Cellular store near you and sort your phone-related affairs in person.
US Cellular flip phones at Walmart
Walmart is another reputable option that also offers you to choose between an online purchase and an in-person one. Though keep in mind that the selection online is much greater than in local stores, where they are limited to local supplies. It is possible to go online and have a specific model delivered to your local store.
US Cellular flip phones on Amazon
Amazon has become one of the largest online marketplaces and they offer a great number of phones, including US Cellular flip phones for seniors and others interested in simplicity. On Amazon, you can buy new, refurbished, or used US Cellular flip phones or other unlocked flip phones, which you may use with US Cellular via their BYOP option.
NOTE: Keep in mind that anyone can sell on Amazon, thus make sure to apply some additional caution. Always check the review and seller’s rating.
US Cellular flip phones at Best Buy
Best Buy is also a highly reputable alternative. They too offer you the greatest selection in their online store or a more limited one in their local stores. Moreover, in addition to their US Cellular flip phones, they also offer unlocked new and refurbished flip phones that you may use with the US Cellular SIM card (of course if compatible).
US Cellular flip phone at Target
Target is another valid alternative. They offer many wireless phones, including those compatible with US Cellular services.
Us Cellular Plan For Senior
US Cellular does not have a special plan for seniors, however, they offer several affordable plans that may be of interest to seniors. Below we have presented you with US Cellular plans that are currently available.
Plans for seniors that are eligible for the Lifeline support (the most affordable options):
-
Lifeline Missouri Plan: $24.95/mo
- 1000 nationwide minutes,
- Unlimited incoming, nights & weekends and mobile-to-mobile calls
- Voice Mail, Call Waiting, Caller ID, Call Forwarding, Three-Way Calling
-
Lifeline: Prepaid Tribal Only: $36/mo
- Nationwide Unlimited Voice, Messaging and 1GB Data
- Additional Data: 1GB for $10 per mo.
- Voice Mail, Call Waiting, Caller ID, Call Forwarding, Three-Way Calling
-
Lifeline: Postpaid Tribal Only: $39.25/mo
- Nationwide Unlimited Voice, Messaging and 2GB Data
- Additional Data: 250MB for $5 per mo.
- Voice Mail, Call Waiting, Caller ID, Call Forwarding, Three-Way Calling
-
Lifeline: Postpaid Non-Tribal: $34.25/mo:
- Nationwide Unlimited Voice, Messaging and 1GB Data
- Additional Data: 250MB for $5 per mo.
- Voice Mail, Call Waiting, Caller ID, Call Forwarding, Three-Way Calling
-
Unlimited plans:
- Basic ($55)
- Everyday ($65)
- Even Better ($75)
Note: the prices drop significantly if you have multiple lines.
-
Prepaid plans:
- Pay-As-You-Go-Data: $30/mo; unlimited talk & text; $0.03/MB
- 5 GB: $40/mo.; unlimited talk & text; 5GB of data
- Unlimited: $55/mo; Unlimited Talk, Text & Data, Video Streaming SD (480p)
- Unlimited Plus: $65/mo; Unlimited Talk, Text & Data, Video Streaming SD (480p), Unlimited hotspot access (1.5Mbps), Unlimited dialing to Mexico and Canada, Priority data to 22GB, Movie Night 1 rental/mo (Redbox)
Features To Consider When Buying Us Cellular Flip Phones
This section is may serve you as a buyer’s guide for US Cellular flip phones or any other flip phone purchases. It pinpoints the aspect that you need to consider.
Coverage
You must consider whether or not the phone is 4G LTE operable or not. Since 3G networks are slowly being put out of use, we strongly advise you to limit your selection on 4G LTE flip phones. Also, make sure that the carrier (in our case US Cellular) is offering their services in your area and that their signal coverage is good in the exact locations you spend most of your time at.
Large Bright Display
If you are selecting a flip phone for seniors, make sure that the flip phone has a relatively large display (for flip phones) and that it offers high brightness. That way the user will be able to see the messages and other items even in sunny conditions.
Camera
Flip phones are generally not equipped with powerful cameras. Most have very basic 2MP cameras, however, there are some that come with 5MP cameras, which can capture some solid photos. Though, keep in mind that flip phones don’t offer you camera-like results. If you are interested in taking high-quality photos, you need to consider a smartphone or a separate camera device.
Storage
Since flip phones do not have high-resolution cameras, the images do not come in large file sizes, thus they do not need large storages. However, if you plan on taking many photos and videos, or store MP3 files on your flip phone, make sure that its memory can be expanded with the use of MicroSD card.
Good Speakers
Seniors tend to deal with weakened hearing, thus it is important to get a flip phone with good, loudspeakers, and hearing aid capabilities. Luckily, basically, all flip phones on the market have at least M3/T3 grades (T4/M4 is the best but M3/T3 is already very good).
Voice Command Capability
This function is only available in more advanced flip phones. It is something that most seniors don’t want to use as it requires some time to get used to it. However, if one is willing to put in some initial effort to master the voice commands, it can be an extremely practical feature.
Long-lasting Battery
Flip phones come with smaller batteries compared to smartphones, however, their consumption is very small, thus almost every flip phone easily makes it through the entire day, which is all one really needs, as the phone can always be charged during the night.
GPS Capability
Many flip phones, especially ones with 4G LTE capabilities also come with GPS function. This is a practical feature, however, to use a flip phone as the main navigation device is not practical since their display sizes do not match those of smartphones or navigation devices. As such, it often turns out that the GPS capability in a flip phone is relatively redundant.
Warranty
If you are buying a new flip phone, aim for it to have at least a 1-year warranty. However, if you are buying a refurbished one, a 90-day warranty is already relatively good.
FAQs
Do US Cellular flip phones have GPS?
It depends on the model. Most models presented above do come with GPS.
Are US Cellular flip phones better than other flip phones?
US Cellular is focused on wireless network service and does not produce phones (they just sell other manufacturers’ phones). As such their flip phones are of the same quality as flip phones offered elsewhere; they completely depend on a specific brand and model of the flip phone.
Can I browse the internet with US Cellular flip phones?
Yes. Most flip phones these days are 4G LTE capable, which means that you can browse the internet as long as you have a data bundle and good reception or WiFi connection (if applicable).
Does US Cellular offer discounted flip phones for seniors?
Currently, there are no special discounts offered to seniors by US Cellular. However, if a senior is a part of a low-income household, he or she may be eligible for the Lifeline support and as such get one of the US Cellular Lifeline plans.
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