While millions are clamoring for smart phones and manufacturers are putting a lot of time and energy into producing them, it is refreshing to know that there are still some simple cell phones whose main function is making and receiving calls. The Snapfon ez ONE is just such a phone.

While the focus is on telephone calling, the Snapfon also has some simple additional features like texting, an FM radio, and a fairly bright LED flashlight. There is, however, no MP3 player.

As you can see from my picture, the Snapfon has a very large numeric dialing pad. The large white numbers (28-point font)  on a black background are very easy to read. They are lighted so they are perfect for those with vision difficulties. The phone also has a talking keypad feature. You will also see clearly marked navigation keys and a green answer (OK) button and a red end key.

The Snapfon is an unlocked GSM phone so it can be used with GSM compatible carriers worldwide. In the U.S., both AT&T and T-Mobile provide SIM cards that can be used with the Snapfon. There are also many smaller local carriers whose unlocked SIM cards that can be used by the Snapfon. The Snapfon will also work with pre-paid SIM card providers, as long as their SIM cards are not locked.

The Snapfon also has one surprise feature. On the back you will see a  large orange-red button. This is the S.O.S. button. After you activate and program in the numbers that you want the S.O.S. button to call, in an emergency you simply hold the S.O.S. button for 5 seconds. This will sound an alert and will activate the automatic emergency calling. The phone will consecutively call the 4 numbers until it received a response. If you don’t enter any numbers, the phone will call your local emergency response center.

The Bottom Line:

The phone has large keys and a talking keypad that will be welcome to the vision impaired. The S.O.S. button will also appeal to many users because it offers an emergency lifeline without an additional monthly costs.

This phone is easy to setup, easy to see, and easy to use. Because it is unlocked, you can choose your own service and service plan. It costs about $100. Check it out at: http://snapfon.com.

Pros:

• Very good size and shape
• Unlocked
• Big, bright keypad buttons
• Large, 28-point screen font with large text
• Large clear text on screen
• Talking keypad
• Long battery life
• S.O.S. button
• Useful LED flashlight
• FM Radio

Cons:

• No radio presets
• Proprietary headset
• Sliders on side seam loose