Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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About choosing an Android Smartphone (self.Blind)
submitted 8y ago by Attocas
Hello /r/blind! I hope my post gets some response as this subreddit seems to be rather small. A dear friend of mine is legally blind but has some of his vision left that allows him to navigate through known places and use a computer/monitor.
He now decided to get himself a smartphone, choosing between the LG G3 S and the ZTE Blade S6. He would propably prefer the LG for compatiblity reasons, sice he ofcourse needs sofware assistance for using the device.
Are there any recommendations you could give me regarding this topic? We know that an iPhone seems to be the first choice, but for budget and principal reasons we would like an Android device.
Thanks in advance!
He now decided to get himself a smartphone, choosing between the LG G3 S and the ZTE Blade S6. He would propably prefer the LG for compatiblity reasons, sice he ofcourse needs sofware assistance for using the device.
Are there any recommendations you could give me regarding this topic? We know that an iPhone seems to be the first choice, but for budget and principal reasons we would like an Android device.
Thanks in advance!
geoffisblind 1 points
I am low vision and I am desperately clinging to Android before I finally have to face reality and accept that iPhone is better for people with visual impairments at the moment. I totally get wanting to stick with your favorite platform, I'm an Android fanboy to the end and I refuse to switch until I absolutely have to.
My current phone is a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 which is about as good as it gets with the Android devices I've used in terms of accessibility. You can use the S Pen to control a magnifier and it works so well, honestly one of my favorite features. You can also setup a quick accessibility menu that can be activated by tapping the home button 3 times which will give you access to the toggles for Negative colors, TalkBack, and a shortcut to the full accessibility menu. This makes it super easy to adjust quickly to different needs.
The TalkBack is unfortunately incredibly weak compared to IOS. I know Google is working on it but if he occasionally needs to use this feature (like me) it won't be as robust as on the Apple platform.
Android is undoubtedly behind on the accessibility thing, however Google is working hard to make the platform better. My struggle is that my mobility is impaired. I use Google Walking Directions to stay oriented in unfamiliar environments but there are a lot of great, blind specific apps like BlindSquare, Seeing Eye, etc. on iPhone that aren't there for Android. I think the Android platform will get there, it will just take time. I'm excited to see where it goes but I may have to switch myself for practicality reasons at least in the short term. Anyway, hope this helps, good luck!
My current phone is a Samsung Galaxy Note 4 which is about as good as it gets with the Android devices I've used in terms of accessibility. You can use the S Pen to control a magnifier and it works so well, honestly one of my favorite features. You can also setup a quick accessibility menu that can be activated by tapping the home button 3 times which will give you access to the toggles for Negative colors, TalkBack, and a shortcut to the full accessibility menu. This makes it super easy to adjust quickly to different needs.
The TalkBack is unfortunately incredibly weak compared to IOS. I know Google is working on it but if he occasionally needs to use this feature (like me) it won't be as robust as on the Apple platform.
Android is undoubtedly behind on the accessibility thing, however Google is working hard to make the platform better. My struggle is that my mobility is impaired. I use Google Walking Directions to stay oriented in unfamiliar environments but there are a lot of great, blind specific apps like BlindSquare, Seeing Eye, etc. on iPhone that aren't there for Android. I think the Android platform will get there, it will just take time. I'm excited to see where it goes but I may have to switch myself for practicality reasons at least in the short term. Anyway, hope this helps, good luck!
angelcake 1 points
My BF is low vision and is really happy with Samsungs accessibility features. If you have specific questions let me know and I'll ask him.
An OLED screen is highly recommended, it's so much better for those with limited vision.
An OLED screen is highly recommended, it's so much better for those with limited vision.
romanj35 1 points
If I could offer a few more suggestions, and note I'm a Samsung junkie here so I'm biased lol.
The Galaxy S 4 and 5 or the Note 3 or 4.
My wife and I, even though she's sighted, have the S 6. For my work I use a bluetooth keyboard. The note 4 and the galaxy s 5 and beyond have a function called darkscreen, works like darkcurtain for ios, blacks out the screen except for the back button and the recent apps button, both on-screen buttons.
I'm not sure what your friend's price range is but the s 4 and 5 are dropping by the minute.
The Galaxy S 4 and 5 or the Note 3 or 4.
My wife and I, even though she's sighted, have the S 6. For my work I use a bluetooth keyboard. The note 4 and the galaxy s 5 and beyond have a function called darkscreen, works like darkcurtain for ios, blacks out the screen except for the back button and the recent apps button, both on-screen buttons.
I'm not sure what your friend's price range is but the s 4 and 5 are dropping by the minute.
fejervarya 1 points
I would suggest getting a moto x. It's not one of the options you are considering but the voice and gesture functions are absolutely fantastic. Worth a look anyway.
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