The Nokia Asha 311 that Amóvil was able to review thanks to a loan by Nokia Spain, is a basic budget Smartphone, ideal for users who like to keep things simple. However, it offers limited accessibility features, and Amóvil can only recommend it to persons with hearing disabilities.

The handset measures 106x52x12,9 mm and weighs only 95 grams. It features a compact design that includes a 3.0-inch TFT display with 240x400 pixels resolution that is protected by a panel of Gorilla Glass.

Unlike other Asha models, this device does not include a physical keyboard but a virtual keypad that changes its format according to its position. When the handset is in vertical position, the keyboard is in the classic three letters per key format, but when set horizontally it becomes a QWERTY keyboard that includes emoticons.

The device runs on Nokia’s S40 operating system, and includes a modest 3.2 MP rear camera that makes video. It is also WiFi and Bluetooth enabled and can be connected to a computer with a microUSB/USB cable that is sold separately.

Accessibility review

Vision

The Nokia Asha 311 is inaccessible to persons with visual disabilities. It does not include a screen reader and is not compatible with any third party application that provides this service. A screen magnifier is also lacking. In addition, customizing the font style and size as well as the screen brightness is not possible in this device, so users with residual sight may have difficulties using it. Color blind users may also have a limited experience as this phone offers no color inversion features.

Hearing

The Nokia Asha 311 does not include a built-in inductive coupler, so hearing aids users need a loopset to be able to use this phone in the T setting. However, some users might be able to use it in the microphone mode or through Bluetooth technology if their hearing aids or cochlear implants support it.

While this device does not support some of the most popular chat applications, users will be able to download WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter for S40. However, because this device provides no front-facing camera, video calls are not available.

Dexterity

Persons with dexterity disabilities may also have a limited experience with this smartphone mainly because it does include a voice recognition feature and it is not compatible with a third party app that offers this service. In addition, icons are not large enough to be pressed comfortably, and the screen timeout cannot be disabled. Another downside is that there is no possibility to use this handset with a stylus or another similar assistive device.

However, there are a few features available that can improve the experience to these users. For example, the predictive text feature and the device’s weight and size that allow these users to easily carry it around.

Comprehension

The Nokia Asha 311 also offers limited accessibility features to persons with poor comprehension skills. On one hand, keys functions are not easy to recognize. The colors and icons the send and end keys are hard to see. In addition, the end key has more than one function which can cause confusion to some of these users. Also, some of the icons included in this device, such as the camera icon, do not comply with international standards, and the user guide available online in PDF format is not accessible to those who rely on screen readers to browse the web.

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