January 2020
This time we have tested the Sunny 3 model from the French brand Wiko. It is a device with a touch screen and Android operating system, which due to its price and some other details has become popular among those looking for a Smartphone-type terminal for the elderly.
We wanted to contrast its specifications and see how it can meet the needs of those older people who in this case have a minimum of skill in the use of technology.
Buttons, display and appearance
It incorporates a fairly light and simplified version of Android which we have updated to version Oreo 8.1.
The phone has a 5 ”touch screen and has side power and volume control buttons.
It generally has an attractive design aesthetic, can be purchased in different colors, and includes an additional protective shell.
Menu and texts
In the configuration menu it is possible to select a text size larger than the standard, although this is not excessively large. For a higher magnification it is necessary to activate the extension plugin in the accessibility menu.
The menus and user interaction is typical of Android Smartphone devices, so it can be complex for users without experience in the use of this type of device and may require additional training in some cases, or opt for a simpler terminal and strictly oriented to people with low technological ability.
Calls and SMS
The volume of calls cannot be compared with that of specific terminals that have volume increase functionalities, but is in the average of what a low-mid-range Smartphone terminal usually offers. If a higher volume is required, it would be necessary to resort to specific terminals for the elderly or those with hearing difficulties.
The menu for sending and receiving messages, as well as making and receiving is relatively simple within those offered by any Android terminal.
Camera
The terminal has a 5 megapixel rear camera with an acceptable quality for a phone in this range and a 2 megapixel front camera for selfies.
FM radio and audio playback
Includes FM radio with the need to connect the headphones that are included in the box.
The FM radio reaches a very acceptable volume and has a good tuning with a relatively simple interface.
Allows audio playback in mp3 format.
Other functionalities
It has the flashlight functionality through the camera's flash LED light, but this is not activated by means of an external physical button but by means of an icon on the screen within the settings menu.
One of the most attractive things for those who take the step to using an Android Smartphone is the possibility that they offer to incorporate WhatsApp, Facebook or YouTube and all kinds of applications compatible with Android.
The terminal offers other typical functionalities in an Android system such as a recorder, alarm, calendar or weather information.
Battery
The battery has a capacity of 2000 mAh, which in optimal conditions translates into an autonomy of 13 hours in conversation and up to 256 hours in standby mode.
The phone does not include a fixed charging base like the specific models for older people, although it does include a micro USB charger.
Additional storage
The phone has 8GB internal memory and accepts up to 64GB SD card for additional storage.
Connectivity
The phone has a double slot for Dual SIM use and incorporates the usual forms of Android terminal connectivity such as:
Manual
The box does not include an instruction manual, which is common in Android terminals, so that a person who has never used an Android terminal can start using it, a certain period of use and assistance is necessary.
Accessibility
The phone incorporates the usual forms of accessibility for Android devices such as the Talkback screen reader for the visually impaired.
A magnification plug-in is included to magnify certain areas of the screen that is activated in the accessibility menu and is used by tapping the screen 3 times to magnify content and scrolling with two fingers through the magnified content.
In addition, it allows you to install another series of accessibility plugins.
Conclusion
In short, the Wiko Sunny 3 is a phone to value for those elderly or not who want to make the leap to an inexpensive Smartphone with WhatsApp and another series of applications and do not need great features. However, it is not recommended for people with little skill in the use of technology since if they do not have some type of training and additional reinforcement it can generate some frustration.
Highlights:
- Incorporates FM Radio and flashlight
- Affordable price for a touch smartphone
- It has the accessibility features of Android
Improvement points:
- It does not incorporate SOS button or charging base
- Does not incorporate launcher simplified
- It does not incorporate any type of manual or tutorial