Olitech EasyFlip (2019)
Verified155 reviews
This product fell of a mountian and it didn't survive so furthermore, this product is HORRIBLE do not waste your money on this buy a iPhone 12 instead, it is worse then an iPhone 1, it's hardware is from 1932, it lags all the time, the apps are discontinued and furthermore, do not buy this. :) Show details
No problems – Have been dealing with Olitech Tech. since 2017. In my Mid 80's. Chris+Ibram are always so help full with any problem no matter how small. The Olitech EASY FLIP is a great phone for us older retires, just to keep in touch with family THANKS
not up to speed – started off Ok though advertising was misleading as you have to go through a complicated system to sign up to a provider as it can't download their app. was starting to get used to it then torch turned itself on & wouldn't turn off so was chewing up battery whilst on phone to police. then its decided that it will no longer send texts, started off… Read more
saying phone was full with 12 texts in memory & a few more in sent so deleted the sent texts & as many of those received as I could , it then said system over loaded so turned it off & back on & texts in outbox sent but could not reply to text I got back. was able to ring people & leave messages. phone then rang but not with phone tone I had set up. now just says failed every time I tried to send a text. contacted Olitech they asked for model number which I supplied & that so far is last I heard from them. luckily I bought under NZ law so a refund or replacement is a legal requirement under consumer guarantees act
In-depth reviews
Probably ideal for the target market – This phone would probably be a 5 star device if it wasn't for the tiny battery. In a nutshell, all the primary functions of a phone - calls, SMS, maybe a torch or emergency camera in a pinch - that all works fine. But the battery can't even last a full day at the office, so it defeats its own purpose of being 'care free' and 'simple to use'. More… Read more
on the battery: Over a few weeks of use, I had multiple times where I found myself nursing the device, eg: turning it off early so there'd be charge available later, stuffing around bringing cords and power banks with me... for the record, I'd be lucky to send 1-2 messages or maybe the odd 5 minute phone call on an average day. As a point of reference, I had a telstra lite 2 that was used in the exact same way which would finish the day with about 50% battery left. Dig into the specs and it's running a 1400mah battery which is 10-30% smaller than most comparable phones in this category EG opel, aspera, nokia, telstra etc. I think the issue is that the android 8.1 OS is so heavily locked down under a skin that you cannot disable GPS, location services, nor can you fully disable mobile data. I'm sure myeasyassist software is there in the background too. So it's probably sitting there pinging a GPS location for the SOS services and burning up the little battery for no reason.
Quality: It feels pretty flimsy given that it's the most expensive phone in the flip phone category. The hinge has a lot of slop in there and the lightweight plastic construction probably wouldn't withstand a drop onto tiles. I didn't have any issues with anything failing, however.
Ease of use: Top marks for an incredibly simple phone - everything works pretty nicely and it's easy to set up how you like it. It's very snappy and never lags. All the menus are laid out very logically and are easy to read. There is a nice printed user manual in the box and the charging cradle works great. Phone calls are easy to hear, with good reception, and a minimum of fuss. The large keyboard is easy to text with and is very intuitive. The notification lights on the front are a great idea. Olitech has setup videos on youtube to help people get their phone set up which is a really nice service.
Nitpicking points: You can't specify where new contacts are saved (eg, to phone memory, SIM, or external memory). I successfully imported a .vcf file from an SD card into the phone, however when I tried to export my contacts to SIM or SD card before resetting the phone, the ambiguous menus meant that I accidentally deleted about 10 contacts. Maybe my fault, but the menus certainly weren't as clear as any other device I've done the same operations with. There's only limited functions that you can tie to a shortcut key, so turning on the hotspot function takes a few more button presses than necessary. The screen brightness, no matter what you do, defaults to 100%; it seems to forget your setting after about 20 minutes. Customer service is based in Australia, which is great, but they took a bit of prodding to respond, and you only speak to a sales rep. I mentioned the technical glitches and got a little bit of a fob off "thanks for your message" type reply.
Overall, it's probably the ideal phone to sit in a cradle in a nursing home all day with all the myeasyassist features enabled. For a working age person who just wants a well designed dumb phone... it's not quite there. Hard to justify the $200 price when you'd have a similar experience with a $100 or less phone, and less battery anxiety to boot.
Update: after a conversation with olitech where I raised these issues and discussed them, they very… Read more
Very good actually! – If the star rating system with this review offered Very Good as a choice, that would’ve been my preferred answer, rather than Good. I wanted a phone just to make and receive calls and texts, so saw no need to spend a lot of money on a so called ‘Smart phone’, which was also the size of a block of chocolate - though far less appealing! This one… Read more
seemed to fit the bill and I’ve been impressed with - * the quick delivery service. I ordered it on a Friday and did pay an extra $10 for the express service, as my other phone wasn’t working. It arrived the following Monday by Australia Post courier. * the clearly set out and explained manual, available online. * the prompt replies, via email, to any technical queries I had - though it would’ve been good to actually speak to someone. * the various features on the phone such - as an easy to read, well lit screen, being able to see who’s calling you before you open the phone, message threads so you can keep track of what you wrote to a particular person, the ability to enlarge text if need be and the range of options on the phone - though I haven’t bothered to use them all yet. I am not so keen on the lightweight plastic case, but am hoping it proves to be strong and Messages are not in different sections, such as Inbox and Sent, nor is there a Drafts folder - but it does save to Drafts, though I’ve forgotten how and it’s not in the manual! Overall, after two weeks’ use, I am happy with my choice and would recommend it as a phone for anyone who just wants to ‘keep in touch’.
Great phone, manual needs work – Very helpful staff, great phone, terrible camera, poor manual. But... The helpful man said my mother didn't need internet access to set up the phone. She did. Registering the SIM card required access. The manual doesn't explain properly how to turn the phone on. The actual procedure may make sense to those who use electronic gadgets but when… Read more
someone is not tech savvy they need to be told EVERY step. Which isn't difficult with a good, simple phone like the Olitech. I know because this is what I ended up doing. When a different language was accidentally chosen, it was not possible to work out from the manual how to rectify this. I explained my mother's lack of tech knowledge and the staff member assured me this wasn't a problem. It was. My mother had to send the phone to me. I set it all up for her. Then sent it back. This cost $20+ dollars and took 5 days. The manual really needs to be written by someone with the phone in front of them and noting down every single move taken once the phone is turned on. Every step. I wrote everything I did down and sent it to my mother. She now knows how to use the calling, camera and messaging. She did not learn it from the manual. She was stuck from the word go. Covid-19 meant I couldn't travel the 300km to go to her and just sort it out. Also, I knew the camera wouldn't be much chop but it is terrible. However, the main requirement was a phone and for that purpose it is fantastic.
Positive reviews
ELDERLY FATHER'S FLIP PHONE – My 93 year old Dad has found his OLITECH FLIP easy to use which is great for us. We have been able to stay connected despite hiss difficulty with new technology. Dad had a problem with the phone after 3 years and we took it to Olitech and they were so fantastic. They listened to his problem, and looked at his grungy old phone, and GAVE him a new… Read more
one! No questions asked. The fella was so helpful and polite to my dear old Dad. I would recommend the product, and the company. Thanks Olitech, my Dad is very happy and so are we.
Our daughter loves the ease of use – I can only surmise how our disabled daughter feels about the phone but she finds it easy to use, keys are large enough for her to see well and the apps she has on there are working fine for her Show details
Well made and does the job well – So far just used for phone calls. Doing that well. Expect to extend use when confidence has been established. Not trying camera or other features yet but progress is promising. Show details
Negative reviews
Disappointing phone purchase – Phone was recommended for older people, was supposedly Australian made, and was affordable for an 88 year old. Purchased one in April 2020, it stopped working July 2021 - 2 1/2 months after the 12-month warranty ran out. -- Initial problem was the difficulty of inserting the Sim card - broke the little 'carrier' and had to send the phone back to… Read more
get that fixed (and sim card inserted). - Now, the display just shows 'garbage' - maybe, it's a language? Half the screen is in English, the other half in this unknown language. No buttons work nor does a reset.
Have heard back from the company, they would like to inspect the phone. If they pay postage, I will do so.
Stopped working after a couple of weeks – My elderly mother didn't really like it as she's gotten used to modern phones and was having a hard time re-learning how to use an older style flip phone. But it didn't really matter as it stopped working and would hang on the boot screen after two weeks of use. Show details
NOT IMPRESSED – Not happy. Bought because supposed to be easy to use. I am 85 year old, not tech savvy, find it difficult to navigate between features. Otherwise does what its meant to do. Mainly only used for emergency contact. Will BE checking smartphones.
Recent reviews
This Phone Has Poor Features and Olitech Has Warranty Compliance Issues – Easyflip 4G Phone I bought this phone for my wife 12 months ago on the basis of good reviews in Choice plus it was a Choice recommended phone. Unfortunately, after now using it for some time I have discovered its many short comings. The EastFlip 4G phone is very similar to a late 1990 flip phone and has only four advantages for seniors 1.A loud… Read more
ring, 2. Flip to answer and end a call 3.A slightly better battery life than most smart phones, 4 A charging cradle. The spoken digits feature would be helpful for the vision impaired but anyone else would want to seriously turn it off. The rest of its “features “are very poor. The camera is next to useless as is the phone’s ability to store/receive photos, the menus are “clunky” and difficult to use especially if one is not tech savvy and compiling a contact list with speed dial capability would be next to impossible for an aged person not familiar with the ABC form of entry required. The alarm is more of a nuisance than an asset as it is very easy to press this button accidentally and in fact I have had to disable this on my wife’s phone after several unintended 000 emergency calls and the surprise arrival of one ambulance. I also had to disable the torch feature as it is far too easy to accidentally activate and not easy to turn off. The FM radio will get reception in a strong signal area but would be difficult for an aged person to access this feature. The other big problem is that when the very annoying torch feature is disabled the volume control for the radio is also disabled. My advice is to just buy your loved one a decent FM radio. The other claimed big feature is the myeasyassist app which I set up on my PC. This application seemed to work only when it felt like it and although I could activate the GPS location link I discovered that by the next day it couldn’t find the phone again although nothing had changed regarding phone location. After 11 months of light use the phone suffered a major hardware fault which meant that nothing was showing on the main screen plus you could not make a phone call. I contacted Olitech and they agreed that it was a hardware fault and said they would send a replacement phone. Unfortunately, when the phone arrived I discovered that there was a fault with the sim holder but then after calling the company I further discovered using their own words that the replacement phone was an “as new” refurbished unit (my computer Tech said the sim as damaged but he was able to effect a repair). I requested a new phone as it was within their 12 month warranty period but this was refused and in further correspondence the company said “due to the time in which Mr.Blundell was in possession of the product prior to having a fault present and the high level of use this product type receives, we believe our response is very reasonable”. It is a bit like your new car being written off after 11 months and the insurance company offering to replace it with an “as new” used car. At $200.00 this phone is near the top end of the cheap flip phone market so I would suggest looking at internet reviews of alternative Flip phones some of which seem to offer a lot more for a lot less and would hopefully actually fully honour their warranty if a claim did arise.
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Great phone. 87yo mother-in-law – The phone itself was quite simple to setup, MiL is technology-averse but didn't take her to long to get the basics. Camera is not great quality but adequate for her needs. Does not scan QR Codes but this was expected. I have hidden messaging as this is beyond her capability. No apps possible. Show details
great product – Very satisfied with all aspects and options with this phone. Lovely big numbers on screen and loud ring tones if needed. Easy to use and I like the flip as it won't butt dial. Show details
My shaky friend absolutely loves it. The screen is sooo crisp, clear, loud and big enough to easily read – My friend really only uses the phone as a phone and to text. He will not use any apps. He is about to try to use the data to try to connect to his laptop. He loves the texture of the exterior, the fact that he can use a lanyard to hang it around his neck or easily pull it out of his pocket. Show details
I'm having trouble getting used to it – I'm finding the phone good for receiving and sending calls but it is very different to my last phone and it is taking me a long time to get to know it. The ability to hear the calls is a vast improvement on my previous phone but I am feeling lost in the workings of it. Sending a text message is a trial without predictive text, I really miss this. Show details
Great phone – We gave this phone to my wife’s mother and she only uses it for calling, It’s easy to use and it isn’t complicated like other mobile phones and being able to deactivate the external buttons stops the volume being inadvertently turned down Show details
Just what I needed – Very happy with this phone. Easy to see screen and keys. Variety of ring tones and is loud if you need it to be. Turn off data to prolong battery. Not as rugged as my old Nokia, but it is a flip phone after all. Show details
Does the job I want – The Power charger lead has a fault. Got to giggle it to get it to work in cradle. Have no problems when I use my old Nokia lead. Too easy to switch torch on. Show details
Fantastic Purchase – Very happy with this phone which was purchased for my mum who is 97. Mum had previously used your other Flip Phone which died suddenly so we had no hesitation in purchasing a new phone from you again. Buttons are clear and easy to read. Kristen gave outstanding assistance. Would definitely recommend this product. Show details
Great mobile for seniors – Very happy with this phone which was purchased for my mum who is 89 and dad who is 92. Neither have ever used a mobile. We had issues with landline after NBN. Mum and dad are using it to make and receive phone calls. Sound quality excellent. Buttons are clear and easy to read. Kristen gave outstanding assistance. Would definitely recommend this product. Show details
Find out how Olitech EasyFlip compares to other Mobile Phones
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First rate phone for Seniors, well done – The phone meets all of the requirements for a Senior who only wants a device that does the same job as a normal landline phone. I am computer literate and use a computer for all tasks except for actually talking to people remotely (emails aside). I do not want a device that is a total compromise, trying to emulate a proper phone and a computer in… Read more
the one object. A total waste of technology. Do the particular job once and do it properly (as per the EasyFlip).
The Smart Alternative to the ‘Smart Phone’ – Sound quality and total volume is quite something. Haven’t had a chance to use the camera yet, but this is a solid phone that never makes phone calls all by itself:)
Excellent phone. Exceeded all our expectations – This was the perfect phone for my partner who just couldn't get to grips with the touch phone technology. He just wanted a phone to make and receive calls. It resembled his very first phone way back when, so was delighted when I was able to source this one. Excellent product, fast service and good tutorial videos. Show details
Great phone for seniors! – I purchased this phone for my Dad who is in his 80's, lives alone and found smart phones a bit difficult to manage. He loves the larger buttons and the lanyard for when he's in the garden. Navigating the phone is straight forward and the emergency contact feature is great. The service from Olitech and Kirsten in particular has been outstanding. I… Read more
highly recommend the Olitech Easy Flip 4G to anyone looking for a mobile phone for seniors that provides all the basics and some additional extra's that contribute to the owners safety.
I bought the flip phone to replace my older Olitech phone – I'm disappointed with my flip phone. It is a bit to complicated for me to deal with and I have gone back to my old phone. I need a phone that has a good battery life between charging, my Aspera needs charging every day even tho' I may not make or receive calls or messages daily Show details
UNHAPPY – bought 6 months ago for partner, worst phone ever, battery would not stay charged, charger would only work sometimes. had to buy another phone, now out of pocket (as a pensioner can not afford to loose $200 +) as company will not give a refund after contacting them, would not recommend to anyone Show details
Fantastic phone for seniors – Brought this phone for mum, it’s absolutely perfect for seniors. Very user friendly and not complicated to use. It has large buttons and the volume is loud. Highly recommended if you are wanting a simple phone and not too technical. Show details
Almost perfect for me – Almost everything is great, almost...... Battery life is pathetic, my 15 year old Nokia, same size battery, lasted around ten days, Easyflip does not last two days????????? Is there a better battery available? Show details
Nice phone with one major problem – I really like this phone - nice size , good buttons and good charging options. EXCEPT - the SIM is almost impossible to insert - the slot seems to be the wrong size, it’s very fiddly and flimsy, very easy to damage and poorly designed - particularly compared with the old Doro it replaces, which just slots in. I just don’t understand how Olitech… Read more
can possibly think this is OK. If I can’t insert it (I gave up) how could older folk possibly manage? Very disappointing.
Excellent Flip phone for elderly. Customer Service very helpful. Thanks – Easy to use. Large buttons, can set quick dial. Very clear, not too bulky. Has a button for emergency. Very happy with purchase, recommend to anyone who finds phones in stores too difficult to use. Show details
Very good for what we need – Have not used the camera yet ! ( We have a very good older CAMERA )! Good brightness We are only using the phone for calling & messaging We do not run any apps Many thanks for the chance to replt Show details
Great phone for elderly and impaired – Bought for my mum. Easy to use. Directional and OK button take a little getting used too. Audio and screen clarity is very good. A great phone for the not too tech aware Show details
Excellent every day phone – Have not used the camera yet. Use it for calls and texts at this stage. Easy phone to use and understand. Quality appears to be very good. Very happy with my purchase. Show details
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latest issue was due to for some reason the message centre number loosing a number which didn't… Read more (+4 replies)