The Vodafone Smart Mini is a budget low range smartphone that offers several state of the art features commonly available in high-end devices. It also provides accessibility features that accommodate the needs of persons with partial vision or limited manual dexterity.

This handset measures 115 x 62.3 x 12.2 mm, weighs 118 grams, and includes an IPS LCD 3.5-inch touchscreen. Despite having a resolution of only 320 x 480 pixels, the display has enough sharpness and contrast. Running on Android 4.1, the device comes with support for NFC, Bluetooth, WiFi, and GPS among others. It also includes a simple 2MP camera that makes videos.

Accessibility review

Vision

Amovil cannot recommend the Vodafone Smart Mini to blind users. While it contains a version of TalkBack built-in that talk these users through most of the available content and menus, it includes customized elements by the manufacturer that are not compatible with the screen reader. Apps such as Gmail and Google Maps, for instance, are not properly labeled, so these users have no way to get access to them.

Although the Vodafone Smart Mini complies with the necessary accessibility features to meet the needs of persons with partial blindness, some of these users may still have a limited experience. The device does not include a screen magnifier. Additionally, color blind users will not be able to invert background and foreground colors to meet their needs.

Hearing

Vodafone does not offer information on the device’s hearing aid compatibility rating. However, Amóvil has been able to attest that it is compatible with some hearing aids at least in the microphone mode. To be able to use it in the T mode, an inductive loopset is needed. In addition, those who wear Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids or cochlear implants will be able to connect to the device through this technology.

Hearing impaired users will also be able to send text messages or use any chat apps available for Android devices. However, videocalls are not possible in this device because it does not include a front-side camera.

Dexterity

Some features included in this smartphone such as the hands-free feature and the option to link frequent contacts to the home screen can help users with mild dexterity difficulties interact with it.

However, those with severe dexterity issues may have difficulties to use it. The handset does not offer a software equivalent to hardware buttons, so using this device with assistive technologies is not possible.

Nevertheless, there are two applications compatible with Android devices that may enable them to use it. These are TECLA, a set of tools that provide access to mobile devices to persons with dexterity disabilities, and Sherpa a personal assistant that works similarly to Apple’s Siri. Both applications are available for downloading at no cost from Google Play.

Comprehension

The Vodafone Smart Mini includes standardized icons and symbols that may help users with certain limited comprehension skills or learning disabilities. The phone also allows customizing the home screen in order to simplify navigating through the menus available.

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