MobileHelp Smart Overview
MobileHelp Smart takes “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” emergency help and puts it into a smartwatch. MobileHelp partnered with Samsung to create this latest incarnation of its medical alert system. The goal is to provide the same tried-and-true medical alert services that MobileHelp is known for to a more active, sporty, and tech-savvy audience. This device should appeal to a broader range of consumers than just older adults, and it can be a crucial help to hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts.
MobileHelp Smart
- Advanced medical alert functions
- One-touch connection to operators
- Straightforward pricing
To see how MobileHelp Smart works, I tried out the watch over a three-day weekend. The unit we were provided for review purposes was in a testing mode that let me use the help and panic functions without the necessity of a real emergency. The watch didn’t have any of the usual smartwatch features like apps or messaging, which I thought might also be part of the testing mode—but I learned that those functions aren’t available with MobileHelp Smart, whether it’s in testing mode or not.
The Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is the watch used for MobileHelp Smart, and I thought it was bulky, heavy, and uncomfortable. I also had my boyfriend try it to see if it was better for a man, and the device didn’t last more than an hour on his wrist. He didn’t like the weight or the rubbery material. The clunky fit combined with a high price tag and limited smartphone function were the biggest downsides for me. MobileHelp has the right idea, but it’s definitely a work in progress.
| Samsung Gear S3 Frontier | $349.95 | Due upfront |
| Monthly Monitoring | $24.95/mo. | First 3 months due at time of purchase |
| Activation | $99 | Free for new customers |
| Warranty | 12 months parts, labor | Samsung warranty only |
How MobileHelp Smart Stacks Up
Price and Contract
At first glance, MobileHelp Smart delivers a lot. But as you dig into the nitty-gritty, the already high price tag starts to feel astronomical.
Pros
Straightforward Pricing
There’s no bait and switch when it comes to pricing for MobileHelp Smart. The monthly medical alert monitoring service, which includes live emergency operators 24/7, is a flat $24.95 per month, with no long-term contracts required. You do have to pay for the first three months upfront, though. The Samsung watch costs $349.95, and full payment is due when you place your order, which brings your initial out-of-pocket cost to around $425. The good news is that you won’t have another monthly monitoring fee due until three months after you order.
Cons
Expensive Watch
We know that smartwatches don’t come cheap—but they usually come with full smart functions, and this one doesn’t. Because MobileHelp wanted the primary function of MobileHelp Smart to be its medical alert services, the watch has been stripped of many features that people expect from a smartwatch that costs $350 (an Apple Watch 3 is only $329). You can’t add other mobile apps to the watch or use it to communicate with anyone other than MobileHelp’s emergency operators.
Tech and Equipment
MobileHelp Smart is a medical alert wearable that comes with advanced medical alert system features like built-in GPS tracking, vital sign monitoring, and two-way talk. The watch is the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier, which is one of the most durable smartwatches on the market, but it’s also one of the most limited when it comes to smart tech and apps.
| MobileHelp Features | Samsung Gear S3 Features |
| Home screen help button | 4G cellular network connection |
| GPS location tracking | 2-day battery life |
| Instant link to monitoring center | Built-in mic and speaker |
| Two-way communication with operators | Water, dust resistant |
| Vital sign sensors | Touchscreen |
| Weather app | |
| Samsung Health app | |
| Fitness and activity monitor |
Pros
The Watch Isn’t Tied to a Cell Phone
One of the best things about MobileHelp Smart is that the watch is the only device you need for extra peace of mind when you’re on the go. Unlike other smartwatches that require a Bluetooth connection, this one works on its own without being tethered to a nearby smartphone. This means MobileHelp’s expert medical alert services are just a button away, whether you’re in the middle of town or hiking in the mountains. It’s also waterproof, so you can splish and splash without worrying about soaking your phone.
Cons
The Alert Button Is Too Prominent
It could be my lack of experience with medical alert devices, but I hit the alert button—a big HELP in the middle of the screen—nearly every time I tried to use the watch for anything. Want to know what time it is? I hit the help button. Curious about the temperature? I hit the help button. I was grateful that my watch was just a tester because I’m sure I would’ve been blacklisted if I were a real customer. I also struggled to cancel the call for help, which is supposed to take just a tap or two of your finger.
Customer Service
MobileHelp has a great reputation for customer service. This medical alert company has more than 3,700 customer reviews and a 4.7-star rating (out of 5) on bestcompany.com. MobileHelp also has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. I only used MobileHelp’s online chat, but found the service fast, helpful, and friendly—with no pressure to buy anything.
Pros
Strong Reputation
MobileHelp has clients in all fifty states and is a trusted name when it comes to medical alert services. According to its website, MobileHelp answers a call for help every 7.5 minutes, helping the company fulfill its goal of “being someone’s hero—every day.” Another reason we trust MobileHelp is the care it takes in forming partnerships. Its monitoring services are provided through a partnership with Rapid Response, which has been a personal emergency response leader for the past twenty-five years.
MobileHelp Smart FAQs
Why is MobileHelp Smart better than using my smartphone?
MobileHelp Smart connects you instantly to a MobileHelp monitoring center, where operators already have your health, emergency, and contact information. This makes it easier and faster to dispatch emergency responders, whether you’re able to communicate clearly or not. Another advantage is the GPS location tracking that automatically lets the operator know where you are.
Is the Samsung watch a fully-functioning smartwatch?
No. Samsung and MobileHelp partnered to create a stripped-down smartwatch that provides MobileHelp’s service and an array of fitness and health monitoring functions. The watch also provides weather information. But you can’t download any third-party apps to the watch, and it doesn’t integrate with a phone, email, or other notification service.
Can I use MobileHelp Smart on any mobile device?
No. At this time MobileHelp Smart is integrated as part of the Samsung G3 Frontier that comes with the package. It isn’t a stand-alone mobile app that can be downloaded to other smart devices.
Does MobileHelp Smart come with medication reminders?
Medication reminders aren’t a standard MobileHelp feature. But you should be able to get this extra help by using the online MobileHelp Connect tool, which may cost an extra $5 per month.
Does MobileHelp Smart come with fall monitoring and detection?
MobileHelp Smart doesn’t include a fall monitor or fall detector at this time.
Do I need a base unit at my house to use MobileHelp Smart?
No. The Samsung watch makes MobileHelp Smart a standalone medical alert system. You have protection 24/7 no matter where you are, as long as the watch is charged. The watch comes with a charging station, and a full battery can last up to two days without needing to recharge.
The Bottom Line
MobileHelp Smart provides on-the-go access to emergency medical support. The medical alert features are top-of-the-line, and packing them into a smartwatch is a smart idea. Unfortunately, the watch itself is bulky and heavy, making it less appealing for smaller-framed people. The watch is also missing a lot of smartwatch functionality that we’d expect for the high price tag. If you need a medical alert system that isn’t tied to a base station or a pendant, then this is a good alternative. But we hope MobileHelp keeps working on it to offer multiple watch styles and more robust smartwatch features.
Pros
- Robust medical alert functions
- Straightforward pricing
- Two-day battery life
- One-touch connection for operators
- No long-term contracts
Cons
- No real smartwatch function
- Expensive upfront price
- Bulky, heavy design
- No fall detection
How We Evaluated MobileHelp Smart
I played with and tested the MobileHelp Smart watch for a week, wearing it non-stop for three full days. I also did research on other medical alert systems and read expert and customer reviews of MobileHelp. We looked at a few main criteria, including price and contract, tech and equipment, customer service, and customer satisfaction. To learn more about how we test and rate products, read our full methodology statement.
Written by Rebecca Edwards
Rebecca has honed her safety and security skills as both a single mom and a college director. Being responsible for the well-being of others helped her learn how to minimize risk and create safe environments. Learn more
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