While many people associate assistive technology with specialized devices that are expensive or hard to find, many mainstream technology devices have started supporting accessibility features and built-in assistive technology that can make specialty tools more financially and publicly accessible for all. Smartphones are a great example of this, as they provide access to a wealth of information and provide vital access to communication applications, as well as other assistive technology features for vision loss, hearing loss, and so much more. Here are features to look for when buying a smartphone for users with vision loss, part of the Mainstream Technology and Low Vision post series.
Which operating system is better for low vision: Android or iOS?
The best operating system for low vision is the one that works well for the individual user. Visual impairment is a spectrum, not a binary, and low vision access includes a broad array of accessibility features such as screen readers, large print, display customizations, braille/tactile access, and so much more. Another consideration is the design of the phones themselves— Android phones come in many more shapes and sizes compared to iPhones, since Android is used by more phone manufacturers.
Examples of low vision accessibility features for smartphones include:
- Adjustable font sizes
- Text-to-speech for reading text out loud
- Screen reader for navigating device without looking at the screen
- Dark mode
- Invert colors or high contrast displays
- Dictation for typing
- Options for increasing sizes of icons
- Virtual assistants that can be controlled by voice or typing
Android phones are known for offering a wide variety of customization options via built-in accessibility features as well as through third-party applications like custom launchers, keyboards, and text resizing apps that can make the display even larger. Examples of built-in accessibility features include the TalkBack screen reader, Select-to-speak for text-to-speech, high contrast text, custom color schemes such as dark mode and invert colors, and Google Lens functionality within the camera app.
iPhone and iOS devices also offer a wide variety of customization options and accessibility settings, though there are fewer options for using third-party apps for customization. That said, there are several accessibility features that can be used to customize devices and make them easier to use without having to download anything. Popular features for low vision include the VoiceOver screen reader, Dynamic Type for adjusting the text size, two options for inverting colors, and several display accommodations.
Related links
- Low Vision Accessibility Settings For Android Phones
- Make Any Android Smartphone Accessible For $20
- How To Make iPad Accessible for Low Vision
- iPhone Accessibility Settings For Occipital Stroke
Screen size and low vision
When choosing a smartphone with low vision, it is important to note that a larger screen is not necessarily more accessible or easier to use with low vision. For example, a larger screen may be more challenging to hold with one or two hands, or position closer to the face in order to examine smaller details. Other factors to consider when determining the ideal screen size for a user with low vision can include:
- Field of view or visual field deficits. A smaller screen may be easier to position within the user’s field of vision, or to hold up close when typing or reading.
- Amount of information on the screen. Apps that have a lot of small icons or a lot of text may get cut off by smaller screens or displays, which can make reading more challenging in portrait (vertical) display modes.
- Larger screens may be more challenging to hold during a phone call or make it more challenging to swipe or type with an on-screen keyboard. A stylus or dictation can be useful in these cases, though this does not eliminate barriers related to storing or carrying the device.
- Font sizes may appear smaller or larger than expected on different screen sizes— larger screens may appear to have smaller font sizes in apps that are not designed with responsive layouts in mind.
When choosing a smartphone with low vision, it is important to ensure that the user can comfortably hold the device in their hand. Text-to-speech or screen readers can be used to supplement visual access if the font size or screen size is still not large enough, or additional tools like display scaling, screen magnification, or simplified reading displays (e.g. Hover Text, Reading Mode) can be useful.
While tablets have larger screen sizes and can support cellular connection options, it is not recommended that a tablet is used as a replacement for a phone as they are less portable and may not support dialing emergency services.
Related links
- Mainstream Technology and Low Vision: Tablets
- Google Reader Mode and Low Vision
- How To Use Hover Text For iPad With Low Vision
Battery life and charging
Some accessibility apps and assistive technology features such as GPS navigation, live captioning, video calling, increased screen brightness, and highly visual applications can drain smartphone batteries more quickly than regular use. Users will need to plan how often they will need charge their device, and carry an extra charger or portable battery so that they don’t run out of battery at an inconvenient time. Avoid charging smartphones inside of a backpack, purse, or pocket, as this can pose an overheating or fire hazard.
Related links
- How To Organize and Identify Cords For Low Vision
- Using Google Live Transcribe With Low Vision
- Options For Attending College Classes Remotely
Considerations for device storage
While some Android smartphones offer options for external storage (e.g. SD card slots), iPhones and many other Android smartphones are generally limited to their device’s storage capacity. Large applications, images, and social media applications can fill up storage space quickly, and devices that have limited storage space often have a slower speed or may run into issues when installing software updates due to low storage. It is recommended that users purchase as much storage as possible, especially if they will be using their phone for photos, videos, or accessing visual information.
Strategies that can help with managing smartphone storage for users with low vision include:
- Using cloud storage applications to back up files instead of only keeping them stored on the device.
- Deleting old text message threads.
- Offloading applications and clearing app caches to remove non-essential data.
- Remove videos when they are no longer needed— video content can take up a lot of space.
- Consider using web applications or lite applications instead of downloading mobile apps, which may help with reducing storage.
Software updates also take up a considerable amount of device storage, so users should consider buying more storage than they think they need to ensure that their device runs smoothly and receives security updates for years to come.
Related links
Managing eye strain from smartphones
Users with low vision may find that they develop eye strain more easily when looking at a smartphone compared to tablets or computers with larger screen sizes. Strategies that can be useful for managing eye strain from smartphone screens can include:
- Use screen time or digital wellbeing settings to set limits for applications, or provide visual reminders of how much time a user spends with an application.
- Turn on dark mode, grayscale mode, or other display filters at night or in low-light environments.
- Boost colors or turn on saturated colors to increase contrast.
- Increase the font size to make text easier to see, or use tools like text-to-speech to read text out loud.
- Use an anti-glare screen protector or adjust brightness settings to avoid reflecting overhead lighting or environmental lighting.
For users with photophobia or photosensitivity, another consideration for choosing a smartphone is to check the startup animation that appears when turning the phone on. Animations that have quickly flashing lights may be disorienting to look at, and cannot be turned off.
Related links
- Smartphone Accessibility Settings For Photosensitivity
- Ten Ways To Reduce Eye Strain From Screens With Technology
- Customize Accessibility Settings For Specific Apps
Selecting a phone camera for low vision
Smartphone cameras serve many purposes for users with low vision— they can be a makeshift video magnifier, used with visual assistance applications like Be My Eyes or Seeing AI, or as a way to capture images or videos that can be enlarged or described. Choosing a camera with a high resolution can make it easier to capture images that can be magnified or enlarged without becoming super blurry, and different camera lenses can be used to adjust the camera’s field of view— which can be useful when capturing images up close or examining a wide angle image.
Related links
- All About Visual Assistance Apps For Visually Impaired
- How I Use Google Lens With Low Vision
- iOS Magnifier and Low Vision Accessibility
- How I Use Be My Eyes With Low Vision
- How I Use Microsoft Seeing AI With Low Vision
Support for GPS apps and navigation
GPS applications offer numerous features for orientation and mobility, and are a useful tool for users with low vision when it comes to navigating different environments. Google Maps and Apple Maps both offer features for pedestrians with low vision, though there are several other third-party applications that can be used to support independent travel such as ridesharing, accessibility-specific GPS apps, and indoor navigation tools. While some third-party applications may be available for both iOS and Android, the features offered between the two applications may be different depending on the device hardware.
Related links
Searching for accessible apps
Accessibility means something different to everyone— some users focus on screen reader access, others focus on magnification and display scaling, and others may focus on braille access or alternative input devices. Accessibility can also vary between platforms— an app may have additional accessibility features on one operating system that aren’t available for another. There are several online forums, listservs, email newsletters, and other resources on accessible apps for low vision and information about software bugs that can impact access to assistive technology features.
Examples of popular resources that share accessible apps for low vision and discuss software accessibility include AppleVis, Accessible Android, Reddit groups for blind users, text-based social media platforms (e.g. Mastodon, BlueSky, X), and assistive technology groups (which may also host in-person or hybrid meetups).
Choosing a phone screen protector
For low vision users, phone screen protectors can serve two purposes: protecting the screen against damage and protecting the screen for privacy. Both types of screen protectors can also help with reducing glare from overhead or environmental lighting, which can make the screen easier to see.
When it comes to protecting the screen against damage, tempered glass screen protectors and covers can be useful for protecting devices against scratches and cracks. Users may need to enable a screen protector mode or enable touch accommodations if they have trouble using the touch screen.
Privacy screen protectors prevent others from being able to see the screen. These can include anti-glare protectors that make it impossible to view the screen from an angle (e.g. over a shoulder) or from far away. Tools like a screen curtain can also be enabled on the device to turn off the display when using a screen reader or braille display.
Other items that can help with protecting phone screens from damage include:
- Lanyards for picking up a dropped phone or preventing drops— these can be attached to a phone case.
- Using a phone case that protects against damage
- PopSockets or positioning aids for holding phones
- Purchasing additional insurance or protection plans to cover repairs
- Having a dedicated charging station away from table edges
Aesthetic considerations for smartphones and low vision access
Should someone with low vision choose a phone just because it is purple, without considering any other features? No, but features like device color, weight, and cases/covers can play a role in making smartphones easier to access for low vision.
When possible, choose a device color that does not blend into common surfaces like furniture, car interiors, backpacks, bedding, or other storage areas. For example, a white phone may be challenging to locate on a white desk for someone with reduced contrast vision, or it can be challenging to identify a phone in a sea of similar-looking devices. Accessories that can help with making phones easier to identify include stickers, covers/cases, and vibrant device colors that stand out against common surfaces and make it easier to locate items.
Related links
Summary of features to consider when choosing a smartphone with low vision
- The “best” operating system for a user with low vision is determined by personal preference, as iOS and Android have comparable accessibility features
- Screen size. Smaller devices may be more portable and easier to position within a narrow field of view, while larger devices may have a wider layout that can make it easier to access visually complex apps.
- Internal storage. Purchase as much internal storage as possible to ensure the device runs smoothly and can receive security updates.
- Accessible apps. Some applications are only available on a single platform, or may have varying accessibility between platforms.
- Battery life. Power users may need to plan for charging their device more frequently and have charging cables available.
- Eye strain. There are several built-in features for managing eye strain from smartphones, such as screen time and digital wellbeing settings.
- GPS applications. GPS apps are useful for orientation and mobility (O&M)
- Phone cameras. Cameras are useful for visual assistance applications and can be used as makeshift magnifiers.
- Screen protectors. Screen protectors can serve many purposes, including protecting the device against damage and protecting user privacy.
- Phone colors and cases. Ensure that covers and cases do not blend into common surfaces, which can make them more challenging to locate.
Published October 13, 2020. Updated July 2025