Hello all. Before I go any further, I'd like to say no, I'm not switching from IPhone to android as my primary phone. That's not gunna happen. I'd like to talk about best android devices which I'd like to be able to have a go with and buy. I've used android in the past but was never really fond of how android was working accessibility wise but I've heard things have gotten way better that I'd love to try android again. So? First off, phone or tablet, (with out breaking the bank Lol) Second, the pixel or some other brand. I would love stock android which is why I'm leaning toward the pixel. Third, how is talkback compared to any of these other screen readers out there? And that's another thing I love about android. The choice to be able to use whatever the hell you want. I'm a bit out of the loop as of late being as I haven't used android in a very, long time. Thoughts in the comments. Thanks in advanced.
Comments
Recommendation
If you can swing it, I would suggest a Pixel tablet, and the newer TalkForward screen reader. TalkForward is essentially a VoiceOver clone for Android. Pixels are also considered the iPhone of the Android market, so if you want an experience that is relatively familiar to what you already have on your iPhone, this will be my recommendation.
HTH.
android
I love my pixel 9A! I have used almost all the new screen readers. talkForward has become my new obsession. However, brian, regarding the "voiceOver clone", not exactly. it acts similar to talkback, and that's especially noticeable in the talkForward menu. and if you go under the advanced category. that's also noticeable in the way the TalkForward braille keyboard acts, but there's quite a bit extra that's been added. My analysis of the TalkForward screen reader is if voiceOver for the iPhone, talkback and jieshuo had a baby. but it's based on the talkback foss DNA.
Fair enough
I consider it a VO clone not to discredit it in any way, but because of its focus on swipe gestures and a working rotor, over explore by touch and angled gestures found in TalkBack.
Clicks Communicator
It isn't released yet... Looking at the description though, a full keyboard and a touch display, I can't help but wonder if combined with a powerful screen reader like TalkForward is becoming, Clicks Communicator could become the Android phone of choice for the blind? I don't need another phone right now but it is tempting.
https://clicks.tech/communicator
Re: Clicks Communicator
At the moment, Talk Forward is currently using Talkback's Enhanced Keyboard Layout based off the ChromeVox keyboard that's available on Chrome/GoogleBooks.
As for when a VO Keyboard layout is arriving to Talk Forward itself... Keep an eye on said Talk Forward thread for updates.
Android Recommendations
I have had both Android phones and tablets over the years as secondary devices. I use IOS as my primary.
I'd recommend a phone over a tablet because Android tablets have never really had the same support as the iPad. There are some nice tablets, but I find that many third party apps don't often support tablet resolutions and either just aren't available, or just use blown up phone apps. This may have improved some, as the last time I used an Android tablet was probably about 7 years ago. I haven't heard of much improvement from mainstream tech press and coverage in this area though.
If you want a more pure Android experience, I'd go with the Pixel phones too. I have used two of them, and they've worked great. The latest one I have is the 5A, but if I were to get another test phone to play with Android, it would likely be a pixel. I like that the Pixel phones seem to get updates right when Google releases them, not on huge delays, like often happens with other Android manufactures. Again, this maybe has improved some in the past couple of years.
I would like to get an android.
As I am moving to India, having an Apple device is pretty expensive there. I have an iPhone 17 Pro Max, but I am thinking about selling it, since I won't be able to get a newer Apple device in the future. What Android phone should I buy? Also, how are the updates on the Nothing Phone? since that catches my eye.
@ romaN
Honestly, I went from my 17 Pro Max to my Google pixel 10 Pro. I’m loving it. You have some android features that are only specific to the Google phones which you wouldn’t get on Samsung or any other phone like guided frame for example.
Research
I would recommend doing some research to find out what Android phones are popular where you're going to be moving to. Also, scour both the Internet and YouTube, and even Blind Android Users podcast to get an idea of what Android phones are actually blind user friendly.
Best of luck! 😊
accessible android phones
From the research that I have done, both from personal experience, and the accessible android website, the main brands that are very accessible are google, nothing, because nothing is pretty solid, samsung, motorola, which if motorola is popular down in india, absolutely, get it, and then some of the other brands like xiaomi and redme are also decently accessible.
@Jonathan Candler
If you want to be disappointed by the raffle, what you are looking in your message is exactly the way to go.
I mean looking for a device that won’t break the bank.
Some budget device is going to bring some bad experience.
If you want the best accessibility experience on android device I personally recommend going for a Google Pixel.
Personally I don’t like Samsung devices but that’s just my own opinion.
I am telling you this because I’ve been through many manufactures and device models during my journey with android before finally finding what I really like ranging from devices by
Motorola,
HTC,
Essential PH1,
LG,
Samsung,
Nexus,
Huawei, Honor,