RealSAM Smartphone: Here’s What You Can Expect
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March 9, 2022
Currently available in the United Kingdom, RealSAM Pocket is a voice-controlled smartphone made for those with vision loss. Here’s what you can expect when this product is released in the United States.
In January 2022, we got a close-up look at the RealSAM Pocket. Here’s what we learned:
We've reviewed many different phones for seniors and senior phone plans, and these devices can generally be broken down into two categories.
First, you have simplified devices like Jitterbug phones. This type of device takes the modern cell phone and streamlines its features through voice commands and simplified menus, allowing those new to the technology to pick up and use it.
Alternatively, there are phones that cater to the needs of those with disabilities. For example, RAZ mobility makes cell phones, particularly for those with either low vision or dementia. Designed especially for those with vision loss, the RealSAM Pocket would fall into this category.
The RealSAM Pocket is a smartphone designed for those with visual impairments. Through its simplified interface based on voice commands, even blind users should find it easy to make calls, get visual assistance, and make use of built-in entertainment features.
The RealSAM Pocket allows you to make calls, send text messages, and add contacts. This can be done by using either voice commands or the phone’s large touch-screen buttons.
For example, if you said, “Call Mom,” the phone would dial the number that’s connected with this contact.
Similar to the communication features, the Pocket allows you to access a variety of entertainment features by using your voice. These include audiobooks, newspapers, magazines, podcasts, and the radio.
While U.S. compatibility is yet to be determined, the U.K. version of the Pocket gives you access to publications like The Guardian at no additional cost.
What impressed us most about the RealSAM Pocket were its features that allow users greater accessibility while further supporting their independence. This means that those with vision loss are better able to more safely engage with their surroundings. As mentioned, each feature on the phone can be activated through voice commands.
With this phone, you can:
Since the RealSAM Pocket has yet to be released in the U.S., its pricing is not currently available. Currently, the Pocket v4 costs a one-time £779 in the U.K (this would translate to $1,044.82 in the U.S.). This price includes the device itself and unlimited access to books and podcasts.
In the U.K., you have three options in terms of RealSAM cellular service. Users can:
As of February 2022, RealSAM has announced neither a pricing structure nor cellular partners for the U.S.; however, we can expect to see similar options to those of the U.K.
Smartphones from both Androids and iPhones feature built-in voice assistants, raising the question as to what separates RealSAM from these devices.
For starters, the Pocket has a dedicated button on the home screen for voice commands. By tapping this button, you activate the device’s microphone. From here, you can speak any number of commands and launch any programs. Additionally, the RealSAM Pocket also allows you to add contacts to your phone via voice commands, which is something you can’t currently do on an iPhone.
Additionally, the accessibility features of this phone exceed the current capabilities of both iPhones and Androids. While apps exist on these smartphones for text dictation and image identification, the RealSAM Pocket has them built into the phone, and they can be accessed solely by using your voice.
So while other smartphones have voice command capabilities, only the RealSAM Pocket allows you to do everything (literally, everything) with your voice.
To learn more about our favorite phones for seniors, be sure to check out our additional reviews:
