The HTC One, that Amóvil was able to review thanks to the loan by Vodafone Spain Foundation, is a powerful and fast high-end smartphone that runs on Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) operating system. However, despite including several accessibility features, this device is not suitable for blind users.

The handset is quite elegant and housed in a polycarbonate casing. It weighs 143 grams and measures 134.4x68.2x9.3 mm, and includes a 4.7-inch Super IPS LCD 3 multi-touch capacitive screen with 1080x1920 pixels which displays content optimally.

Among the basic features available in this device are GPS/aGPS, NFC, WiFi and Bluetooth technology. In addition, it comes equipped with a rear and front-facing cameras of 4 and 2.1 megapixels, respectively, which allows video calls.

Accessibility review

Vision

Despite running on Jelly Bean 4.1 which includes an improved version of TalkBack, Android’s built-in screen reader, the HTC One is still inaccessible to blind users. While the screen reader does talk these users through most of the content and menus, HTC decided to add a custom keyboard that is incompatible with TalkBack. Thus, blind users are unable to enter text, send messages and even enter their PIN numbers. Another important accessibility barrier detected during the review is that the power and volume buttons are not thick enough to be identified by touch.

Partially blind users may also have a limited experience with this Smartphone. While the font size and style can be customized to meet their needs, this feature only works in some interfaces and menus. It also lacks of zooming and color inversion features, so color blind people may not be able to use this device with comfort.

Hearing

The HTC One has a HAC rating of M4/T4, and allows inserting a loopset. In addition, those who wear Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids or cochlear implants will be able to connect to the device through this technology. These users will also be able to send text messages or use any chat apps available for Android devices. Furthermore, as previously mentioned, this handset comes with a front-side camera, so deaf users who prefer communicating in sign language will be able to make video calls through apps such as Skype.

Dexterity

This Smartphone is also somewhat inaccessible to people with dexterity limitations. Despite being lightweight, easy to grip, and including a voice recognition feature, ejecting the SIM card tray can be hard for people with dexterity limitations. To perform this operation users are required to insert a special tool into a small hole, which that can be nearly impossible to do for individuals with tremors or shaking in the upper limbs. In addition, it offers no alternative to control the side button features from the display using a stylus.

Comprehension

The handset includes standardized icons and symbols, thus suitable for users with certain limited comprehension skills or learning disabilities. It also allows customizing the home screen as well as the phone book and adding a widget that provides a quick access to frequent contacts.

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

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