Nokia Asha 302, basic and affordable but with limited accessibility features

Wednesday, 28 August, 2013

By Amóvil

Nokia Asha 302 color gris.

The Nokia Asha 302 is a basic and budget Smartphone that offers a few interesting features. However, may not be accessible to some users with disabilities.

The device, that Amóvil was able to review thanks to a loan by Nokia Spain, is lightweight (99 grams), measures 116,5 x 55,7 x 13,9 mm and includes a 2.4-inch TFT display with 320x240 pixels resolution. It is navigated with a d-pad, a flat thumb-operated four way directional control.

While this handset is not equipped with many of state of the art technologies available in other Smartphones, it is WiFi and Bluetooth enabled. Users will be able to browse the web and even update their social network profiles. In fact, its powerful 1GHz processor opens applications fast enough and without much fuss.

The device runs on Nokia’s S40 operating system, and includes a modest 3.2 MP rear camera that makes video. It can also be connected to a computer with a microUSB/USB cable.

Accessibility review

Vision

The Nokia Asha 302 is inaccessible to persons with visual disabilities. It does not include a screen reader nor allows downloading an external one. A screen magnifier is also lacking and while it does allow customizing the font style and size, the screen brightness cannot be modified, so users with residual sight may have difficulties using this device. Color blind users may also have a limited experience as this phone offers no color inversion features.

Hearing

The Nokia Asha 302 does not include a built-in inductive coupler, so hearing aids users need a loopset to be able to use this phone in the T setting. However, some users might be able to use it in the microphone mode or through Bluetooth technology if their hearing aids or cochlear implants support it.

The QWERTY keyboard available in this phone enhances communication to these users. Because it is Internet-enabled, deaf and hard of hearing persons can exchange text messages through instant messaging applications such as WhatsApp and Facebook Chat. However, video calls are not available to those who prefer communicating in sign language.

Dexterity

Amóvil cannot recommend this handset to persons with dexterity issues mainly because it lacks a voice recognition feature, and the keys are not large enough for these users to press them comfortably. Another downside is the lack of a volume key on either side of the device, so these users cannot readily control incoming sounds during a phone call.

However, there are a few features available that can improve the experience to persons with dexterity disabilities. For example, the device’s weight and size allow carrying it around without problems. It also includes predictive text features, and phone numbers can be assigned to the number keys on the keyboard for speed dialing.

Comprehension

The Nokia Asha 302 includes standardized icons and symbols that may help users with certain limited comprehension skills or learning disabilities. However, the display has a limited customization feature. Icons can be moved and positioned for easier access but they cannot be removed.

For more details about the accessibility features available in this device, please consult the full accessibility report posted in Amóvil.

Rate this new:

Average: 4.7 (3 votes)

Leave your comment:

Log in or register to post comments

Accessible mobile search assistant

Amóvil helps you identify mobile devices that accommodate your personal preferences. Select your profile.

Search accessible technologies