Emporia Life

First of sorry to hear about the bad luck from the first reviewer, i bought my one from Shop.co.uk (link) http://www.shop.co.uk/73961/emporia-life-plus-sim-free - for my Dad as he had trouble hearing his old mobiles ring and even more trouble hearing people on the other end.

This phone worked good first time and i tried both my 02 sim card and my Dad's Orange sim card and haven't had any problems.

The phone is so simple to use, nice big bright display, the orange really helps make all the text very clear and the design is very nice, strong slide action.

Sound levels are great, my Dad can hear the phone and us and has saved my Mum much embarrassment when out and about with him on the phone.

If you have grandparents or parents who are not very good with technology or find it hard to hear, see or use mobile phones the Emporia Life Plus is a great product which will give you piece of mind when there out and about.

Maybe wait a few months before purchasing until the manufacturing quality is higher - are all the duff units coming to the UK or is it just me that is getting a 100% failure of these phones?

It is a very unreliable product on the basis of 2 units - as it is intended as a 'lifeline' for vulnerable individuals it is seriously unfit for its purpose. I wish I could be more supportive as if the product worked well it would be great. I am now very mistrusting of the unit and a little apprehensive about handing it on to my elderly father. Incidentally the supplied Vodaphone sim card that did temporarily work included an inappropriate 'naughty' menu that could not be deleted offering subscription for sex-tips and daily pictures of hunks and babes - the phone is meant for raising help in case of palpitations and heart failure, not cause them! - maybe it would appeal to some but I will be looking for another network for my elderly churchgoing father.

The company selling them has been very helpful and prompt to replace.

Will wait and see what the second unit is like but initial impressions are poor and already hassle at having to return it to vendors.