Mobile phones for the blind and visually impaired

If you’re blind or visually impaired, you’ll have a number of requirements from a smartphone. Extra things you’ll need to help. From ease of navigation to compatibility with assistive technology, choosing a mobile phone with a wide range of accessibility features is important.

The best mobile phone choice for a visually impaired or blind user will be equipped with the right features to meet various key needs. This includes things like text-to-speech functionality, high contrast displays, and voice assistants. 

Below, we explore the key qualities to look for and highlight some of the best options currently available.

• Voice assistance

Choosing a device with an effective voice assistant like Siri, Google Assistant, or Bixby is essential for operating a phone as a blind or visually impaired user.

• Screen reader support

The ideal phone for a blind user should include a high-quality screen reader, such as Apple’s VoiceOver or Android’s TalkBack. 

• High contrast display options

Customisable text sizes and bold fonts can improve readability for visually impaired users.

• Haptic feedback

Physical cues through vibrations can help blind and visually impaired users to navigate a range of phone menus and notifications. 

• Dedicated accessibility features

Additional capabilities such as shortcut gestures, magnifiers, and voice typing can greatly enhance usability.

• Durability and battery life

A reliable device for a visually impaired user will also minimise disruptions and damage for users reliant on accessibility tools. 

Equipped with VoiceOver, Apple’s highly advanced screen reader, the iPhone 14 allows seamless interaction with apps and web content. Accessibility settings include larger text sizes, contrast adjustments, and a built-in magnifier. Siri integration and excellent battery life makes the iPhone 14 ideal for all-day use.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 is another leading option, with the handset boasting Samsung's voice assistant for easy navigation. It offers extensive customisation for text size, colour inversion, and high contrast themes. The S24 can deliver a powerful performance, but it also has a long battery life to guarantee a long period of uninterrupted access to essential accessibility tools.

The Pixel 8 comes complete with TalkBack, which can provide clear audio cues and descriptions for every screen interaction. The adaptive battery and AI-driven interface enhance productivity while being energy-efficient. It also offers real-time transcriptions and captions, ideal for those who require a phone equipped with auditory assistance.

Known for affordability and strong accessibility settings, including large fonts and high-contrast modes, makes the HONOR Magic6 Lite a fine choice for many visually impaired users. Additionally, its haptic feedback capabilities ensure a tactile interaction experience, supporting smooth navigation.

Choosing the right phone can seriously affect the independence and daily experiences for blind or visually impaired people.

Three is for everyone. And we understand that everyone’s different. That’s why we offer a variety of mobile solutions tailored to different needs. Find out about the visual support options for visually impaired, blind or partially sighted customers here.