GrandPad Reviews

Thought this would be great for my 95-year-old mother but she was confused by technology and so the only time it was used was when we were there to help her.

I became late on my monthly service charges and they suspended the service which was fine as I was going to terminate the service anyway. When I received the final invoice they had charged me for the time in which the service was suspended, said I was ineligible for any refund if I returned the $280 10-month-old GrandPad. A very, very expensive mistake on my part to ever do business with Consumer Cellular!

Length of Use: 6–12 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

I wish I could give 0 stars. I would not recommend GrandPad or Consumer Cellular.

Bought this for my 89-year-old dad in June. Initially, it seemed to be a good idea for him but the reception was so poor that it frustrated him. He barely used it but we wanted him to have it so we could at least video call with him occasionally during Covid. Last week (when the device was still less than 6 months old), my dad noticed a smell and realized his GrandPad started smoking at the charging cradle. He lives alone and called me worried about the device catching on fire, our family was terrified and thankful that he was awake and aware of something going wrong.

He is now too worried about the hazard to ever use so he asked if I could return. After explaining the event and perhaps thinking they would be very interested and sympathetic, Consumer Cellular would not even consider a refund of his $250 for the device. Not even a partial refund! All they wanted was for me to return the device and they would investigate and possibly send a replacement. My dad wants nothing to do with a GrandPad now and I told them as much. We don’t want a replacement GrandPad. They were awful to deal with.

Also, here’s the icing on the cake - you cannot sell the GrandPad to anyone else or donate or clear it and possibly use as a tablet. So my dad is out $250 and the months of data plan service. It is an awful, inconsiderate, and ruthless policy for a company to play “gotcha” with seniors like my 89-year-old dad. Now we’re stuck with a useless device or a “replacement “ but no consideration for even a partial refund. You would think that a huge technology communications conglomerate Consumer Cellular would be happy to refund a measly $250, but they refused to even consider. His only option is replacement! Beware buyers.

Length of Use: 3–6 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Lots of problems with it in which they downplayed. My mom couldn't receive inbound calls. I had to constantly call the help center and they would re-boot it.

As for having the opportunity of returning it after 30 days, forget that, they claim they found a scratch on it and returned the phone back to me. I'm out a few hundred dollars for a piece of junk!

Length of Use: Less than 3 months

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

I bought the GrandPad for my 97-year-old Dad who is on complete lock-down at a senior residence due to the COVID-19 virus (no community meals, all activities canceled, no visitors allowed). I was concerned about the effects of almost complete isolation other than phone calls. I was skeptical at first because my Dad is very computer illiterate, but since the GrandPad is so simple to use, my Dad was video calling everyone within an hour after he received it. It has absolutely been a lifeline for him and he loves it because now that he can actually see the person he is talking to, he feels so much more connected. And I have nothing but good things to say about customer service too...every time I've called them I have had less than a 5-minute wait time, the customer service representatives are very pleasant and have always been able to resolve any issue I've had. Can't say enough about the GrandPad, it's absolutely changed my Dad's life!

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

They tried to overcharge me on Sales Tax on the GrandPad. Out of principle, I canceled the order. The actual sales tax in NY Suffolk is 8.6%. They tried to charge me 12.7%. They are either inept or crooks. David and Hansel in customer service were like robots - unable to do anything but enter in keystrokes and say "I'm so sorry but I can't help". Since the cost of purchase is in excess of $700, I can't imagine the customer service my elderly relative would have received. What a joke!

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend

My 91-year-old mother has been using the GrandPad for over a year now. We weren't really sure how she'd like it since she doesn't have a computer or a smartphone. However, she loves receiving photos, videos, and messages from her children, grandsons, nieces, and nephews often calling me to tell me about a new post. It's a bit time-consuming to set up and enter all the family contact information but worth the time. We even entered all their birthdays and cities so she gets notices related to birth dates. In weather, she can view the forecast for everyone as we are spread out in over a half dozen states. She often leaves voice messages in reply. It was very much a surprise success with someone who has never owned or used a computer. Thank you.

Bottom Line: Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

The lack of an interface to PC is a deal changer. Without the ability to adapt to a computer screen the GrandPad prevents enjoying its potential. With the current app, I am limited to seeing any content on a phone screen. An app that allows PC viewing would allow me to see grandma on the big screen like Skype or many other apps. My family doesn't use it much simply because it doesn't connect well to other applications.

Bottom Line: No, I would not recommend this to a friend