October 2019

The following lines detail the results of the tests we have carried out with the Thomson Serea 75 terminal.

Buttons and physical appearance

The phone has a folding screen and also has an additional exterior screen to display notifications. Unlike other terminals, the camera is located on the folding screen itself.

The keys are large, with contrast and generally well-identified functions such as frequent numbers or camera.

The central cursor key can cause confusion, as it does not have identification by arrows, it seems that it is simply a central button, it should be identified in some visual or tactile way.

Menu and texts

The menus have large icons and the texts are relatively large and with contrast, although their size is not configurable.

Once one of the main menu icons has been selected, the options are presented in the form of a list, which is quite intuitive if the main movements are already handled with the OK and Previous keyboard.

There is a functionality that allows you to associate a photo to each contact, in such a way that the photo is displayed on the interior or exterior screen each time that person calls you. In addition, it is possible to see that photo in the contact list every time you want to make a call.

It is easy to activate and deactivate the silent mode with the lower right key.

SOS button

The SOS button is located on the back. It has little relief, but at the same time it is discreet.

In order to activate it, it is necessary to enter a specific section within the configuration menu. In this configuration we can activate the sound, and configure up to 5 numbers to receive calls and SMS alerts.

During the tests carried out, we were able to observe that, once the press was made, the phone begins to play an alert sound and shows an SOS signal on the external screen.

Calls and SMS

The terminal has 3 keys for direct calls to frequent numbers and the option to use photo contacts. These functionalities must be previously configured by someone who has certain skills in handling technology. Once configured, they are very useful to make the call progress and even show the photo and name of the receiving contact on the screen if it is pre-configured.

Writing and sending SMS is not particularly complex.

The phone has an “audio boost” functionality to increase the volume to the maximum. The volume is quite high and can be set with its side button.

With the call in progress, it is possible to activate the hands-free function using the upper right button, although on the screen this functionality should be labeled in Spanish instead of with the English identifier “H-free”

Camera

The camera, unlike in other terminals with a folding screen, is located in the front, but when it is opened it becomes a rear camera.

The resolution is acceptable with zoom that can be used as a magnifying glass.

Manual

The phone has a minimum manual that does not meet the most important concepts to be able to use the terminal, although this is a typical failure in most phones for the elderly that we have tested.

FM radio and audio playback

The terminal includes Jack-type headphones with microphone.

The radio is listening and tuning well. For its use it is necessary to connect the headphones that function as an antenna. Once activated, you can select the option of listening through the loudspeaker.

The terminal allows listening to mp3 music stored internally through the menu option “playback”.

Charging base

The phone has a charging base that fits well if placed in the correct position, although it would be advisable not to allow the phone to be docked in the reverse position by mistake. In any case, you have confirmation of loading through the external screen.

Battery

The battery capacity is 1000 mAh, which is equivalent to 6 hours of talk time and 480 hours of standby time.

In the configuration menu you can enable the sending of an SMS to a trusted contact when the battery is low.

Additional storage

The phone has a slot for an SD card for additional storage useful in case you want to store photos or videos.

Connectivity

The phone has Bluetooth connectivity but does not have 3G mobile data connectivity.

It has a micro USB connection.

Flashlight, alarm, calendar, alarm and magnifying glass

There is a side button between the volume buttons that allows you to turn an LED flashlight on and off.

You can make use of the magnifying glass functionality with the camera itself.

Accessibility

The phone has HAC hearing aid compatibility (M3 / T3)

It does not have a screen reader

Conclusion

The Thomson Serea 75 is a phone framed within those non-touch terminals that incorporate a series of functionalities designed for the elderly.

These features include the hot keys, the SOS button, the charging base, or the FM radio.

It generally manages to implement a certain simplicity in its use thanks to the menus in the form of a list or its large, high-contrast keys.

Highlights:

• The call keys to frequent contacts and photo contacts
• Additional external screen to view notifications and other information.
• Buttons and icons in general well identified.

Improvement points:

• The center button cursor could be better identified visually or by touch.
• Some translations and identifiers of the menu should be reviewed
• Charging base could be improved to fit neatly in one position