In a world full of smartphones offering all kind of cutting-edge specs and features, Emporia Telecom is standing out by sticking to the basics. All of their products, which are particularly aimed at the elderly or at users with limited technological skills, are designed with extreme usability in mind, offering the most simple specs and features.

The emporiaClick is a clamshell style mobile phone featuring a very simple menu system complete with calculator, alarm clock, Bluetooth, a customizable phone book, and a built-in LED flashlight that blinks upon an incoming call or message. The device is also very light, weighting only 110 grams and measures 103 x 51 x 18,5 mm. Its rubber-touch outer coating gives it an easy grip.

This model, like others manufactured by Emporia, has a single click emergency button on the backside that is activated even when locked. When the user presses it the phone tries to connect with five preset numbers in succession until someone picks up. The phone will also send a text message to each call recipient.

Accessibility review

Vision

The emporiaCLICK is not suitable for the blind. The device provides no support for screen readers and does not allow downloading an external one. However, it could be very useful for partially blind users. The phone comes equipped with a backlit 3x3 numeric keypad, with large, white bold buttons over a black background. Also, the soft keys are large enough to handle comfortably, and their functions are easy to identify. Although the screen is only 2.2-inch, the content is optimally displayed with large fonts and simple icons.

Hearing

This phone has a hearing aid compatibility rating of M3/T4, and allows inserting a loopset. In addition, users who wear Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids or cochlear implants will be able to connect to the phone through Bluetooth technology. In addition, it allows communication via text messages and users will be able to send pictures through MMS. However, since this device does not enable video-calls, deaf users who prefer communicating sign language might have a limited experience.

Dexterity

Although the emporiaCLICK is lightweight and ergonomically enough to carry, users with certain dexterity disabilities might encounter difficulties pressing the keys because they require a level of strength these persons may not have. Also, the phone lacks the QWERTY keyboard and predictive text features, which could pose an added difficulty for persons with dexterity limitations. However, a feature that comes in handy for these users is the CLICK’s desktop charger that spares them from having to deal with plugs.

Comprehension

The emporiaCLICK is suitable for persons with comprehension issues. Besides offering a basic interface with icons and symbols that are easy to identify, it comes with help texts designed to assist users step by step during operations. Furthermore, thanks to its built-in camera, an image can be added to each contact on the phonebook. In addition, users can save up to three contact and access them via the speed dial buttons on the keyboard.

For more details about the accessibility features available in this device, please see the device's full accessibility report available in Amóvil.

Have you tried this device? We would love to hear about your experience!