The Nexus 4 is a powerful and very smooth high-end smartphone Google sells at a reasonable price. It runs with Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) which includes accessibility features that enable users with visual disabilities to use it with no problems. It also comes with a wireless charger that is sold separately though not yet available for all countries.

The phone is lightweight (139 grams) with dimensions of 133.9x68.7x9.4 millimeters. It features a 4.7-inch True HD IPS Plus multitouch screen protected with a single pane of Corning Gorilla Glass that has 1.280x768 pixel resolution with 320 ppi density overall. In fact, it is one of the sharpest and crispier displays available in the market.

Most of the basic features found in commercial smartphones are available in this device including A-GPS, NFC, WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities, among others. The phone includes a rear 8 megapixels camera and front-facing VGA camera which allows deaf users who prefer sign language to communicate through video calls.

The Nexus 4 has a hearing aid compatibility rating of M3, and users wearing Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids can also connect with the device through this technology. The phone supports instant messaging services and allows users to download web-based chat applications available for Android.

Unfortunately, neither the Nexus 4 user guide nor Google’s online support service provide information on hearing aid compatibility, so users with hearing disabilities may have a hard time deciding if this device is right for them before buying it.

Accessibility features for the visually impaired

Accessibility experts have been complaining about the lack of accessibility features in Android devices for people with visual limitations especially the blind. Although TalkBack, Android’s built-in screen reader, has been available for a while, this assistive application failed to provide complete access to content in Android’s smartphones to blind people. Among other issues, these users needed help to activate TalkBack in the first place.

The current version of the Nexus 4 operating system solves most of these issues. The newly improved TalkBack not only enables users to turn it on without assistance but also includes gestures that enable them to navigate the phone and activate items. In addition, it provides a screen magnifier that is activated with a simple one finger triple tapping gesture and an option to increase the font size for the entire device.

Accessibility barriers

Notwithstanding, despite the improvements included in Android latest update, users with dexterity limitations may have some difficulties setting up the Nexus 4. Although this device is lightweight, easy to grip and includes a voice recognition feature, ejecting the SIM card tray requires the insertion of a special tool into a small hole, which can be hard for individuals with tremors or shaking in the upper limbs. This can also be difficult for people with visual disabilities.

For more details about accessibility features included in this device, please see Amóvil's full accessibility report.