RNID: For deaf and hard of hearing people.

Simple mobile phones - February, March 2006

Mobile phones are packed with features and can be rather confusing to use at first. Those chosen for this product review were simpler than most mobiles on the market, but they still have many features, make use of menu systems and also tend to have quite small controls. For these reasons, it is really important to consider how easy they are to use and understand. Here we give you comments from both our experts and a panel of hard of hearing users.

  • Motorola  C139

    Quite a small screen, but colours are bright and it’s very easy to read. Menu system is quite easy to follow but some features are hard to find. Texting is straightforward. The number controls are a good size and give a positive ‘click’ when pushed. Main controls are large and easy to use, but the circular menu control could be fiddly. The controls are very clearly labelled.

  • Nokia 1100

    A very simple and easy to use mobile. The black and white screen was rather small, but very clear and easy to read. The menu system is very intuitive, all features were easy to find and alter. Texting is easy and swift. Number controls are a good size, but some users disliked their rounded shape. There are only five other controls and these are all a good size and simple to operate. The controls are clearly labelled.

  • Nokia 2600

    Clear screen is easy to read. Menu system is intuitive and easy to use. Texting is easy and quick. Number controls are a good size and have a nice positive feel, but aren’t all the same size. Main controls are a good size and are easy to use. However the main selection control is narrow and awkward to use. The controls are clearly labelled.

  • Sagem MYC5-2V

    The largest screen on test, with clear and bright colours. Good menu system but screens have many options and look cluttered. Texting let down by the small script size, even when enlarged, making it difficult to read. Large number controls have a good, positive action and are easy to use. However, the other controls were small and very fiddly to operate. Controls are clearly labelled. Volume controls on the side are easy to use.

  • Siemens A62

    Screen has pastel colours but is quite easy to read. The menu system is straightforward and quite intuitive to use. Main number controls have a positive action and a pleasing ‘click’ but are small and fiddly to use. Texting isn’t easy due to the small controls, the script lacks good colour contrast and isn’t easy to read. Other controls are a good size and are easy to operate. The controls are clearly labelled.

  • Sony T290i

    Clear colour screen. The menu system is easy to understand and operate, but icons change once chosen. Number controls have a positive action but are small and close together, making them tricky to use. Texting isn’t easy due to the small controls, the script is small and lacks good colour contrast. Other controls are also small and fiddly to use, but all are very clearly labelled. Volume controls on the side are quite easy to use but rather small.