The HTC Windows Phone 8X is a powerful and very intuitive smartphone that offers the best of Microsoft’s operating system. However, compared to other mobile brands as well as to other HTC devices, it offers very few accessibility features. In fact, Amóvil can only recommend it to people with hearing and mild dexterity disabilities.

This handset features an elegant and simple rectangular design that reminds Nokia’s Lumia series. It weighs 130 grams and measures 132,3 x 66,2 x 10,1 mm. In addition, it is equipped with an 8MP rear-side camera with autofocus, LEDs flash and a light sensor; and a 2.1 MP front-side camera for videocalls. It also supports Bluetooth, NFC, GPS and WIFI connection.

Accessibility review

Vision

The HTC Windows Phone 8X is unsuitable to users with vision disabilities even though it includes a screen magnifier and allows customizing color contrast. On one hand, it does not support screen readers. On the other, the features included to improve the experience of peoplwith low vision are insufficient. For example, users can adjust the screen brightness up to only three levels, low, medium and high which may not be enough for some of these users. Additionally, font size and type customization only work in certain interfaces. Users are unable to enlarge the text on the home page, for instance.

Hearing

This Smartphone has a Hearing Aid Compatibility rating of M3/T3. It also supports instant messaging and videocalls through applications such as Skype.

Dexterity

This handset is inaccessible to users with severe dexterity disabilities as it is not possible to use this smartphone using assistive devices such as head wands or mouth sticks.

However, it may be suitable for those with poor dexterity skills. The device comes with an in-built voice recognition feature that works very well. Also, it lets users pin their favorite apps and frequent contact in the home page to avoid navigating through the different menus.

Comprehension

Most of the icons included in this device are not standardized. In addition, configuration instructions do not conform to accessibility requirements. For these two reasons alone, Amovil is unable to recommend this device to persons with limited comprehension skills. However, a feature that may improve these users’ experience is the fact that icons are customizable. Users can enlarge or reduce the icon size in the home page to meet their preferences and needs.

For more information, please consult the full accessibility report available in Amóvil.