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