Best phone for typing in Chinese

theoracle30 on 07/10/2013 - 23:13

Hi there,

My (technologically illiterate) mum came up to me and declared she would be buying an iPhone. When I asked why, it was because she wanted something she could easily type Chinese with. She currently has a very old Nokia brick (~2005?) which obviously doesn't fit the bill.

Of course, if an iPhone is the easiest device to use and fits the description, then so be it. Apple devices seem to be a good starting point with the tech-challenged people. However, if there's a better priced Windows or Android phone that can perform equally well, I'd love to know about it. I've used both systems before so I don't need to know the pros/cons of each, but specifically on how foreign-friendly it is.

She also has ideas about using it to translate stuff (she works with ESL families at a primary school).

Thanks for any opinion!

Mobile

Comments

  • mooboy on 07/10/2013 - 23:37

    I think Android with Swype will do an equally good at the Chinese part, if not better - can swype the Chinese you want. Due to being able to download keyboards, I'm pretty sure there will be easier ways to type Chinese than on the iPhone.

    However, an iPhone still might be easier overall for your mum to use. I've never properly tried a Nokia, but one of my Chinese friends who has used all of the 3 systems prefers it the most from a usability point of view - but not from from an apps available point of view :)

    Short version: being able to type Chinese can be done on any system, and is not a tick for or against an iPhone.

    • theoracle30 on 08/10/2013 - 00:14

      Thanks! We've tried it on my Sony Xperia Z and my dad's Lumia 520, and I agree it works fine on both. The Nokia is indeed a standout. I'll be sure to consider it :)

  • delusioned on 08/10/2013 - 10:24

    I especially like the iPhone for being able to write out Chinese words (literally). I'm pretty sure you can get the same functionality, if not better on the Note series with the styli.

  • geforce2003 on 08/10/2013 - 12:33

    Android + touchpal = perfect

    Iphone, not bad just the related word sometimes not very correct, i prefer touchpal

    Especially i am using bopomofo not pinyin, from my experience, using iphone typing chinese for me is very painful.

    BTW,windows Phone is not bad too, after being with Moto RAZR and Lumia 920 and now iPhone…

  • oringal on 09/10/2013 - 01:37
    +1

    any android phone with sugou keyboard

    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sohu.input…

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