What are Smartphones?
A smartphone is a phone that can connect to the internet. This means they can do a lot of the same things as a computer. In addition to normal phone calls and text messages, a smartphone can connect to mobile data so you can take it outside the house and use the internet. For example, you can use a smartphone to look up bus times while you wait at a bus stop.
Smartphones are small and portable, and many blind and partially sighted people use them to:
- Get directions
- Send and receive emails
- Talk to family and friends by making audio and video calls
- Take photos and videos
- Find information on the internet
- Use social media
- Make payments
- Listen to music, digital radio and podcasts
- Download a wide range of useful programs and apps, such as online banking.
There are two main types of smartphones: Apple and Android. Apple smartphones are called iPhones. For more information about Apple phones and the accessibility features available on Apple Smartphones and devices please see What are Apple devices and are they accessible? and Apple devices - accessibility.
Android smartphones are made by lots of companies, including Samsung, Sony, LG, Huawei and HTC. For more information about Android phones and the accessibility features available on Android smartphones and devices please see What are Android devices and are they accessible? Android devices - accessibility.
Smartphones come in a range of sizes, described as a screen size. Screen size is measured diagonally from corner to corner, and ranges from 4 inches up to 7 inches.
Smartphones use a touch screen, and only have a few buttons (such as the power and volume controls) on the side. To get the phone to do something, you tap or flick across the touch screen, rather than pressing a physical button.
