Talk to me honestly about what I'll be losing and what I'll be gaining from an accessibility standpoint with an android phone?

I love how you're approaching this. I'll try and hit these in order.
1. You can find all sorts of voices. If you don't like the google TTs, which I think has gotten much better of late but that's just me, you have all kinds of options in the play store. Vocalizer, akapella, espeak, I saw some guy proudly demoing the old dektalk voices he got going through some sideloading thing today.
2. Yes the latency depends on the device but I've not seen any quite like iOS here and it's a little more nuanced. If you're swiping or scrolling through a UI it's not slow but there's just the slightest pause, I don't think anything of it until I'm holding a new iPhone and feel it's just ever so barely snappier. However I do a lot of explore by touch and do notice good android more responsive to me moving my finger around the screen, maybe it's because I use my Pixel so much more and was a flick or die guy for the years I used iOS.
3. Yes and no. Yes in that you can customize your system with a lot of apps, the file manager feels much more computer like (especially when I plug into an actual computer) and you obviously have tons of devices to choose from. No because Pixels especially have become really iPhone like in their software design. Even other androids try and lock you into the google apps ... you can customize things but you have to go out of your way to do it. One of my tech trainer friends loves comparing android to the MAC, that's probably more apt than windows.
4. It depends on what you want but based on your post I'd say a Pixel is probably the way to go. You get new talkback features first and have some nice accessibility extras like guided frame. Just know there are faster phones out there, I hear tell this year's Galaxy and other snapdragon elite phones have the best talkback latency but I daily drive a pixel 7 pro and have no complaints. You'd be fine with last year's although the ten line is looking to be a big CPU leap.
5. App parody is much better than it was a couple years ago but I still miss some blind specific things. Chief among them is voicevista ... scratch that, that's the only real app I miss, we've got lazarillo and goodmaps but they're just ok. You may also see some deficits in mobile word processing, office work and the like. If I couldn't have a computer and needed to work from my phone I'd have an iPhone. I doubt you'll have many issues with a secondary device and it's getting better fast. Hope that helps.

Hey! I don't have a Pixel but I have an old pure Android phone and a newer Samsung. Also, I'm far from being an Apple fan, I just have an iPhone for better accessibility, see below.
So:
1. As you were already told, everything you can imagine except for Eloquence. But to be honest, I don't like Eloquence on the iPhone either, it sounds quite unnatural to me.
2. This is one of my main concerns, yes. As I like to say, take a normal computer keyboard and take another one someone spilled some coke or sweet tea on, and you have it. I.e., iPhone's virtual keyboard is far more responsive, according to my experience. On Android, you find a letter, then you lift the finger, and there is significant latency before the letter gets typed. that's not an issue with swiping or with Braille screen input, if you are into that.
3. Absolutely. In Android what you have are different shells, as we call them, and on top of that, different launchers. So, Android Samsung flavor, Google flavor and, say, Xiaomi flavor may look extremely different, especially to a beginner, and some brands, mostly from China, might have poorly accessible shells. As for a launcher, you can install whatever you want. A launcher is like a desktop environment, akin to the variety you have on Linux, if you know what I mean.
4. I would suggest Google or Samsung, it's a matter of taste, so I would try both at least for ten minutes each. I personally like pure Android, i.e., Google's version.
5. I'd say, now it's generally considered a good habit to have both apps, for iPhone and Android, especially for large enough companies. Like, you will be frowned on if you don't develop one or another. As for accessibility, it greatly varies, so it depends on your needs.
Bonus point, put in the title of my post. My main concerns are the keyboard latency as I've already told, but there are one other that really prevents me from forgetting Apple: the magic tap. On the iPhone (which is, well, a phone, right?) the magic tap answers every call, be it phone, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Telegram, Teams, Signal, whatever. On the Android… no way. Sometimes you have to search for a little obscure button somewhere in the top of the screen which drives me absolutely nuts, given the fact that I don't like touch interfaces in general.
But on the other part, you can upload your music or audiobooks normally, like on another computer, and have a good listen, for example.
Speaking of apps, I didn't find anything on iOS even close to Smart Audiobook Player on Android. this thing is so easy and convenient, I've been using it for like 8 years and still nothing gets even close to it.
Hope it helps you.

So, my experience last time around on Android was okay, but my way of doing things has changed some. I was having to do a lot more multi-lingual stuff, switching back and forth between English and Spanish a lot, and that got old quick, as Google's Braille keyboard had to be switched via a menu, not just a quick gesture. Not a problem if you only do it once in a while. Do it like 30 times in a day, and it gets old quick. I actually think now my experience on Android would be a lot more smooth.
Having said that, the delay in talkback responsiveness isn't terrible, but you can pick up on it. For me, the major deal breaker was the lack of implementation of talkback actions. I get that some people like seeing the entire interface and knowing exactly how everything is laid out, but for me, having all the options tucked away, but easy to access with a flick down is a lot nicer. I felt like that alone increased my efficiency on Voiceover enough that iOS still wins for me. If they could enforce tb actions across apps, that would go a long way to making Android every bit as good as iOS, maybe even better.
I'm also far enough in to the Apple ecosystem that doing a complete switch makes no sense. Apple tvs, apple watch, iPhone. I have pretty much stopped using the Mac and will probably sell that. Thinking about picking up a cheap tablet of some kind. Would love an iPad for the Apple integrations, but also don't want to shell out that much for what will really be an outdoor media consumption device so I'm not killing my phone battery. And there are some decent Android tabs with acceptable build quality that would do the job for a third of the price of an iPad.

I had some experience with a very cheep samsung tablet 7-8 years ago, galaxi tab e or something? Back then the screen reader was still voice assistant. I just had an ipod touch (best device apple ever made btw) and I was doing just gaming and some OS exploring with this tablet. First of all I think I got this at the time where talkback on non samsung android didn't even have proper multi touch but samsung did? It was 2017. Funily enough from what I remember this tablet was much more responsive than the old s20 ultra I have now. And obviously apple still aren't including proper real multi user account into ipad os despite knowing that it's the most familial device of their collection ever...
TLDR: very good experience at the time, like 2017 ish. I didn't try web browsing at all, I didn't even know if it was to the latest android version or not, but I had honestly great memory of it.

Another question I think could be nice in this current thread, how about other phones aside the flagships of onePlus, samsung and google ? Like... How about fairphone? As I get it accessibility and privacy / opensource don't necessarily go hand in hand for us, the mess with wayland and beyond on linux is a great example. I've read from an old r/blind post that fairphone are mostly vanilla android so not that bad or at least better than what accessibleandroid wrote about the latest onePlus?

Agree with TheBlindGuy07, I would love to see people talking about accessibility, and overall user experience with alternative phones, such as Motorola, just for example.

I picked up a refurbished Pixel 7 earlier this week. I have been using iPhones for the last ten years.Before that i was sighted and used android phones all the time. I found the accessible android website to be very helpful in my learning of my new device. https://accessibleandroid.com/

I will be using both devices for the time being. I am using the Pixel on WiFi only for now.
There is a noticeable lag. It is frustrating, but if you have patience you can master it. I am still working on that part!lol. I would recommend an external Bluetooth keyboard for entering text.
The fingerprint sensor is a little tricky. I set it up correctly, but each time i use it to unlock the device it tells me that the fingerprint is not recognized. I am still working my way through a few things on the phone. I want to like it. The lag is anxiety inducing for me! lol. I would highly recommend checking out the Accessible Android websites to educate yourself on the different ways to navigate. I was frustrated doing the swipe gesture to close apps, then I found out how to have buttons on the bottom of the screen to help with that. Also i have noticed that i will have to tap on an icon multiple times to get it to launch. I have tried to change the screen sensitivity but that did not help much.
hope some of this helps you.

When I got the first iPhone with VO, did not need to learn from a web page. I played with it and soom I learned to use it. Later I check podcast on the use of VO for more knowledge. VO was so easy to use that I learned it very fast.

talkback has a tutorial in it's settings, it also comes up when you turn on talkback for the first time

I will say I'm primarily a BSI guy and that feels equally responsive on both platforms to me. I'm ignoring the obvious extra features ios BSI has ... but I don't find the lag with regular gboard all that bad. Your mileage will vary obviously. Android tablets seem like a great option but beware the cheap ones, they can be worse than the cheap phones. My worst computing experience by far, including the old blazie notetakers, was on a sub $200 android tablet. I've heard good things about the pixel one, that chip would be the same as in my phone and it's decent.

, anything around 300 dollar range should be fine.

Just make sure it runs Android 13 or later, and has at least 4GB of RAM (though 8 or hier is preferable.)

, same applies above, though it is best to skip the Tab-A line if ya can.

It may be running OneUI 6.1 (Android 14) as of now, but its running Talkback 13.5.

So hopefuly with OneUI 7, it gets Talkback 15.1 (if not Talkback 16...)

Just a bit more info, and something to watch out for, especially if you do use BSI. Like I said above, other than my issues constantly having to switch Braille language, BSI on Android is just as good as iOS, though of course TB doesn't have the command mode. If you do go for a tablet, especially one of the cheaper ones, be aware that they might only have 5 touch points, thus making them incompatible with BSI. Not a deal breaker if all you want to do is mess around a bit and have something for media consumption, or if you also have a bluetooth keyboard. In either of those cases, even one of the cheaper tablets will be decent. There's a brand I really like called Chuwi. They are a brand that makes devices in the more budget oriented space, that have a very premium feel especially considering the price, and offer decent performance. No affiliation at all, though I do mention their stuff a decent amount, just because it's really really good for the price. I had a tablet from them, and it was pretty good, other than the issue with only 5 touch points. Considering getting another just for media consumption, perhaps a different model to see if the issue with the touch points is resolved. I got good use out of the one I had, but kinda wanted to go all Apple, didn't want to juggle so many different operating systems, and thought the budget would allow for an iPad much sooner, but a year later, and that has not happened, priorities have changed, but I do still find myself wanting an extra device I can use for media consumption and to not run my phone battery down so fast, plus the tinkerer in me is still drawn to Android every now and then. Not enough to fully leave the Apple ecosystem again, but enough that I wouldn't mind dropping a few bucks on a cheapo device I can mess around with and see how things have changed.
But I did just want to bring up the issue with the touch points so that if you grab something in the budget space, you know what to expect.

Check him out. He does reviews on android. From phones to tablets. He is direct and will tell you what he thinks.

, can be found at

https://www.youtube.com/@FlossyCarter

On Youtube search just type what you are looking and them type Flossy Carter. He reviews all thype of phones and tablets. Even speekers and batteries and cases for phones.

Hi, if you want to play around with the TalkBack AI image description, stay away from Samsung devices as Samsung has it's own version of TalkBack which is outdated. It's best to stick with Motorola or Google when it comes to phones and Lenovo for tablets.

You can easily replace Samsung's version of Talkback with Google's one.

Do you lose anything, if you remove Samsung's version of talkback, and install googles? Any features missing, or glitchy, anything like that?

Been hearing more and more about these phones lately. How good are they compared to Samsung/Pixel? I am aware that guided frame is only available with Pixel phones, unless something has changed recently, and that's not a big deal for me. While guided frame would be nice, I don't think it's going to be a deciding factor on my next device.
How are they in terms of compatibility and accessibility though?

Another question for the masses. Do any of the international android models work over here in the US? I've been reading a lot about some of these phones that sound really, really nice, but do, not, exist over here. Can they be made to work over here on our networks?

hi, the only thing i notest is i can't go through the tutorial fully, talkback crashes after page 3 of the tutorial, i am on android 13 so idk about newer versions, the prossess for installing google talkback on samsungg has gottin a bit harder on android 15

Stay away from Verizon if ya want to use international phones, as they have to aprooved on their network. Most chineese phones, will not be alowed on there.

Guided Frame is a Pixel exclusive, though Google's Lookout should work just as good.

If As for Moto (besides their update policy), they have stock Android (with Moto stuff ontop).

They are also one of the few brands in the USA that still till this very day, have 'FM' radio built-in.

Sorry?! :)
A phone with FM is like a dream for me! Definitely going to consider Motorola next time if it's still there.
Why lenovo tablets instead of pixel? Aside the price.

The Moto sound like a possibility for me. Definitely like the FM bonus. Like I said, guided frame is nice, but not really a dealbreaker for me.
I guess what I am trying to say is that I listen to music/radio more than I take photos. Lol
Perfect example, I am an iHeart Radio fan. For those of us in the US, iHeart Radio is awesome! Think streaming music, with broadcast stations included. :-)

This is honestly criminal that trillion dollars companies are unable to keep something as basic as fm radio and or jack port in a phone... IMO.

Have you noticed how similar and designed the Pixel 9 Pro looks to an iPhone 15 Pro? 😼

Regarding Google talkback on Samsung, I did feel like it worked mostly pretty well, but I will say, google talkback didn't play nice with Bixby, where Samsung talkback did. Not sure if that has changed or not since my last dive in to Android. And if you don't actually plan on using Bixby, not a problem at all.

I've been looking into the Moto G Stylus (both the 2024 & the 2025 versions). From a cited perspective, both of these phones seem pretty amazing, for a, "budget", smart phone.
Does anyone have any experience or knowledge on how well talkback works with the stylist features? Or the Moto GUI in general?

Can't say much about the styless since I never used one on Android yet, but Moto's interface is smooth!
It was a moto play I was using.

As for the FM radio on the Moto Styless 2025, the specs from their web site say "no", though I'd double check elsewhere:

https://en-us.support.motorola.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/185268/~/specifications---moto-g-stylus---2025

The Moto G Styless 2024 on the other hand, definitley does, as ya can see confirmation here:

https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/moto-g-stylus-5G-2024/FM-Radio/m-p/5355120

, and ya can download it here:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.motorola.fmplayer

Yes, iHeart Radio is an excellent option, while another great option is
https://mytuner-radio.com/

I read all the comments about the latency when typing with the Google keyboard, there is an option in the settings to adjust the sensitivity, which did not eliminate the latency, but it is smaller, there is an improvement.
Someone wrote that you have to tap the app twice to open, this can be adjusted and only once, depending on who is comfortable with it.
If I had to choose an Android phone, I would take a Google Pixel, and from the tablets, the Xiaomi Pad7 Pro is the best in terms of price-quality in my opinion and can also be taken with a keyboard. The good thing is that Talkback goes through Google Play and not like Samsung through their Galaxy Store, the Talkback updates come on time and do not lag behind.
But I would never take a Samsung.

So, both phones look pretty good for the price. Except, the 2024 version does not seem to go past android 15. Regarding FM radio, does that work on any Motorola phone, or only on specific models?
I'll keep looking around, but you are right that it does not come preinstalled on the 2025 version of the G stylus. I just do not know if that means it's incompatible, or just not preinstalled…

The moto G Styless 2024, wil get Android 15, as its promised one major update.

All Moto G phones (with a headphone jack) from last year, for sure support FM radio (including the Play, the Power, the Pure, and the styless), though ya may need to download from the playstore (mentioned above.)

You can also find a list here:
https://www.kimovil.com/en/best-smartphones-fm-radio

Below is what Google's Gemini told me:

"Finding phones released in 2025 with a built-in FM tuner for the USA market can be a bit tricky, as many manufacturers are moving away from this feature in favor of streaming services. However, some brands still include them, particularly in their more budget-friendly or feature phones.

Here's what the information indicates for 2025:

* **Motorola:**
* The **Moto G 2025** is confirmed to have an FM radio. It's an unlocked phone designed for the US market and supports various carriers. It also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is typically needed for the FM antenna.
* There's conflicting information about the **Moto G Power 2025**. While one Motorola Customer Care representative stated it has an FM radio, another source (Motorola's official specifications page) indicates it does not.
* The **Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2025)** is also mentioned by users as having a wired FM radio.

* **Other brands (with less certainty for 2025 models):**
* **Nokia:** While some Nokia models (like the Nokia 2780 Flip and Nokia C210) are listed for 2025, the presence of an FM tuner isn't explicitly confirmed for their 2025 smartphone lineup in the provided search results. Historically, Nokia has included FM radio in some of their feature phones.
* **Samsung:** The Samsung Galaxy S25 series (S25, S25+, S25 Ultra) is mentioned as releasing in 2025, but there's no indication that these flagship models will have an FM tuner. In fact, it's noted that newer Qualcomm Snapdragon (US) Samsung Galaxy phones have largely dropped the FM receiver.
* **SERVO:** The "SERVO 2025 New Flip Mobile Phone" is listed as having an FM radio and being available at Walmart. This appears to be a basic "feature phone" rather than a smartphone.

**Important Considerations for FM Tuners in Phones:**

* **Antenna Requirement:** Most phones with an FM tuner require wired headphones or earbuds to be plugged in, as the headphone cable acts as the antenna.
* **Enabled Chipset:** Many smartphones *have* an FM radio chip internally, but manufacturers often disable it in software. The defunct "NextRadio" app used to help activate these, but its current functionality is limited.
* **Carrier Specifics:** Sometimes, FM radio functionality can be enabled or disabled by carriers.

**In summary, for 2025, your best bet for a smartphone with a built-in FM tuner in the USA appears to be the Motorola Moto G 2025 and potentially the Moto G Stylus 5G (2025). For a basic phone, the SERVO 2025 New Flip Mobile Phone also has an FM radio.**"

Sweet! I think this might be my next device. It's large enough, at least in my hands, to act like a tablet, I can get it for a reasonable price, and I don't even need to have carrier service, can just use it with Wi-Fi, and can also use Google Meet to make phone calls.
As I would primarily want this as a secondary device, I think it checks all my boxes.

Awesome!

Definitely report your findings once ya snag it!

Samsung will never hide google talkback from me, i will find a way to get it, i upgrade in 8 months and will probably stickk with Samsung

hope one UI 8 is better then one UI 7 on the rolout

You'd think they would just keep their stuff up-to-date like Google keeps their TalkBack up-to-date. I don't know why Samsung decided to go the route that they have taken, but keeping things behind the main players is kind of silly.
Just my two cents…

I'm hoping all of the shortcuts/extras involving the stylus work with TalkBack on the Moto G stylus 25, because from the reviews I've seen, those features are amazing.
Like writing a quick note on your lock screen, without unlocking your phone, or pulling up any apps, just by writing on the screen with a stylus. That feature sounded sick! Especially for someone who tends to jot down notes all of the time on his current iPhone.

That was a pretty cool episode. Is that done through Gemini, or is that talk back doing it directly? Either way, it's a pretty neat feature.

It's done through Gemini online, using the 1.5 pro model (at time of writing.)

Though if you have a Pixel phone, it'll do a combination of both online & on-device. So, responses will be much quicker.

Although Cool Blind Tech has faded away, there's a blog entry on accessibility with Samsung's S-Pen, though sadly wasn't able to find one on Moto's Styless. I would assume they would work the same way in theory:

https://coolblindtech.com/using-samsungs-s-pen-with-talkback-a-case-for-the-phablet/?amp=1

I'd ask Moto support to give ya an audio test.

One day I will have a Pixel. Most likely a Pixel 10 Pro or later. For now, I'm gonna work towards a Moto G stylus 5G 24 or 25. I say 24, because I know where I can get one now for around 150 bucks. Also, I have no problems with Android 15, and while I would like to have a device that can upgrade to Android 16, it's not necessarily a dealbreaker.

I've heard good things about the audio quality on new lenovo tablets. My pixel 7 pro is decent there, not up to the latest iPhone speakers but better than my old samsungs. I think these companies have given more thought to their speakers than they used to lately. That was a super confusing sentence, sorry ...