a thoughtful Android phone for the visually impaired

Despite increasingly comprehensive accessibility options, smartphones are not necessarily suitable for all audiences. For the visually impaired, Raz Mobility has therefore launched its SmartVision 3, an Android phone designed specifically to adapt to their needs.

Are the accessibility options of Android and iOS designed for the visually impaired unfortunately not enough for you? Then Raz Mobility might have what you need. The American manufacturer, specializing in devices and solutions adapted to the visually impaired, has launched its SmartVision 3. This Android phone adopts a form factor allowing it to accommodate a keyboard and physical controls… without cutting too much on the functionality vis-à-vis a smartphone strictly speaking.

The Raz SmartVision 3 is indeed based on a T9 type keyboard. The latter includes clearly identifiable keys for entering text or telephone numbers, but also several navigation commands allowing you to move through the interface (also suitable for the visually impaired). As Android Authority points out, the device also has a button dedicated to voice commands via Google Assistant. And it is also possible to easily activate a “TalkBack” function to obtain audio feedback on the commands entered at the touch screen this time.

A well-thought-out telephone… and practical functions for everyday life

The SmartVision 3 also includes several features designed to make life easier for visually impaired people on a daily basis. Among them, the banknote detector, the light detector, the color detector or the magnifying glass. A navigation application adapted to the visually impaired is also topical.

Source: RazMobility

On the hardware side, the device is compatible with wireless charging (only 5 W on the other hand) and for the rest has a technical sheet close to that of an entry-level smartphone. We thus find a Helio P70 processor, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage and a 3.5-inch touch screen (640 by 960 pixels). The set is powered by a 3500 mAh battery and is limited to 4G connectivity. On the other hand, we benefit from a MicroSD slot to increase the total storage capacity (up to 128 GB), a dual SIM slot and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

The Raz SmartVision 3 also has two rear photo sensors (16 and 2 Mpx), a selfie module (5 Mpx) and a fingerprint reader. Access to the Google Play Store is finally possible… but beware of the price.

As often with products designed specifically for a particular audience, the price is not affordable: count 539 dollars for the device alone and 599 dollars for a pack including the phone, its wireless charging base, a cover phone case, screen protector, wrist strap, pedestrian GPS app and book/document reader.

Do you use Google News (News in France)? You can follow your favorite media. Follow CssTricks on Google News (and ).