Infinix is a global smartphone brand that focuses on affordable devices with modern features. It mainly targets young users and developing markets, offering stylish phones with good performance at lower prices.
The Infinix Zero 40 4G, released in 2024, comes with a 6.78-inch AMOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate, and high brightness, powered by the MediaTek Helio G100 chipset with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. It runs on Android 14 with XOS and receives two major Android upgrades (it is now on Android 15, with Android 16 on the way). It includes a 108 MP main camera, 50 MP ultrawide, and 50 MP front camera. It has dual speakers, a 5000 mAh battery with 45W fast charging, an under-display fingerprint sensor, and supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, infrared, and USB Type-C, but has no headphone jack or memory card slot.
Table of Contents
Real Accessibility Experience
When reviewing a phone for visually impaired users, hardware is not enough. The real question is: can a blind user use this phone easily without help? In the case of the Infinix Zero 40, the answer is mixed. While it cannot be confirmed that the issues mentioned in the following sections are present on all Infinix devices, it can be assumed that this may also be the case, especially on devices running the same Android version as this phone.
Setup Experience: A Major Problem
The first issue starts right from the beginning. On most Android phones, you can press the volume up and volume down buttons together to turn on the screen reader during setup. This feature allows visually impaired users start using the phone independently.
However, on this device, this shortcut does not work. This creates a serious problem. A blind user may need help from another person just to complete the setup. This already makes the phone less accessible compared to other brands.
The default launcher: Accessible yet basic
Although I am not using the default launcher right now, when I tested it, it was accessible, with support for screen reader actions and the ability to move and sort items accessibly. You might encounter an unlabeled button, though. However, the launcher itself is very basic, lacking customization, which makes third-party launchers a reasonable choice for many users.
TalkBack Performance: Limited and Frustrating
The phone comes with Android 14, so it supports TalkBack. But in real use, TalkBack is not very smooth or reliable here.
Navigation with TalkBack feels limited. Some UI elements, especially sliders and seekbars, are difficult to control. These controls are very important in daily use, like adjusting volume or brightness. On this phone, they do not respond properly with TalkBack, which can be frustrating.
Another issue is performance. When TalkBack is turned on, the phone becomes slow and laggy. This affects the overall experience and makes simple tasks take more time.
Better Alternative: Jieshuo Screen Reader
When using Jieshuo, the experience improves a lot. The phone becomes smoother, and navigation is easier. Controls like sliders and seekbars also work properly.
This shows that the hardware is capable, but the default accessibility software is not well optimized. However, using Jieshuo requires some knowledge and setup, which may not be easy for all users.
Camera Accessibility: Missing Important Feature
The camera app is another weak point. Although its buttons are correctly labeled, there is no speech feedback inside the camera. This means a visually impaired user cannot know what is happening while taking a photo.
Other brands like Samsung and Pixel offer voice guidance in their camera apps. This helps users take photos independently. Unfortunately, this feature is missing here, which reduces usability.
Keyboard Issues: Needs Replacement
The default keyboard on this phone is not fully compatible with screen readers. Typing can feel confusing because some keys are not properly announced.
To fix this, users need to install Gboard or any keyboard of their preference. After installation, typing becomes smooth and reliable. But again, this requires extra setup, which may not be easy for beginners.
Bloatware: Manageable but Annoying
The phone comes with many pre-installed apps. For visually impaired users, this can make navigation more difficult and confusing.
The good thing is that most of these apps can be removed or disabled. After cleaning the phone, the experience becomes better. Still, this extra step is something users must handle themselves.
Phone App: Keypad Accessibility Issue
Although the built-in Phone app has some useful features like the ability to record calls without even the “this call is being recorded” message that the other party hears, there is a major accessibility issue when inserting numbers on the keypad. The numbers are inserted directly when touched, which means that screen reader users cannot move their finger on the screen to find the number they want to enter and then lift the finger to input it.
Audio and Daily Use
One strong point of this phone is its audio. The dual speakers are loud and clear. This is very helpful for screen reader users who depend on sound.
For daily tasks like calling, messaging, and listening to media, the phone works fine—especially after making necessary changes like installing a better screen reader and keyboard.
Who Should Use This Phone?
This phone is not suitable for everyone in the visually impaired community.
It is NOT recommended for:
- Beginners
- Users who depend only on TalkBack
- Users who want easy setup and ready-to-use accessibility
It is usable for:
- Intermediate or advanced users on a budget
- Users who can install apps and change settings
- Users comfortable using Jieshuo and Gboard
Final Verdict
The Infinix Zero 40 has strong hardware for its low price, including a big bright screen, good performance, and loud speakers. However, accessibility is not well optimized out of the box, which is something to keep in mind when considering this device.
It can become a usable device for visually impaired users, but only after making several adjustments, such as changing the screen reader, installing a better keyboard, and removing unnecessary apps.
Overall, this is a phone that requires effort to set up properly. It is not designed with accessibility as a priority. For experienced users willing to adjust settings and who are on a tight budget, it can work well. However, for beginners, it is not the right choice.
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