A message for Samsung Accessibility Regarding Google TalkBack

[Ciprian14]

Hi Samsung Team,
I'm writing about how TalkBack works on Samsung phones. Right now, Samsung uses its own version of TalkBack instead of Google's, and this causes some problems for visually impaired users.
First, Samsung TalkBack updates only come with big One UI updates. This means I have to wait longer for new features and fixes compared to people on other Android phones, who get them straight from the Play Store. Also, older Samsung phones might never get new TalkBack versions. The Samsung TalkBack also doesn't have all the features Google's has, like the better image descriptions.
Another issue is that I can't choose to use Google's TalkBack, even if I install it. I'm stuck with Samsung’s version. The only way to use Google’s is a complicated method that most people don't know how to do. Samsung's own Galaxy Watches use Google's TalkBack, which shows it works well, so why not on phones?
These issues make it harder for me to use my phone. It’s important that I have the newest features and a consistent experience. While I appreciate the work on Samsung’s TalkBack, linking it to One UI updates slows things down for users who need the most up-to-date accessibility tools.
To make things better, I suggest using Google’s TalkBack from the Play Store. This would give me quick updates and all the features. If this isn't possible, please let me choose between Samsung's and Google's TalkBack in the settings, like how we choose web browsers.
This is a common issue discussed by people who use accessibility features. You can read more about it here:
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https://accessibleandroid.com/opinion-why-samsung-google-talkback-separation-is-nothing-but-a-headac...
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https://accessibleandroid.com/google-vs-samsung-the-android-accessibility-showdown-for-2025-and-beyo...
I hope Samsung will think about these problems to make sure visually impaired users have the best possible experience. Thanks for your time.

[Anonymous User]

Hi there, First of all, thank you for publishing this extremely important topic of discussion. Yes, Samsung Talkback seems slightly as an out-dated accessibility solution. Why I would like to continue my journey with Samsung is the Separate Sound option. Please Samsung, whatever you decide based on our valuable opinions take a very good care you do not drop out Separate Sound as a function. Furthermore, only a very small number of customers have heard that Samsung might provide a Dedicated Accessibility Support Desk. If I contact General Customer Care their accessibility advice never providing a solution. I hope Samsung's decisions are favourable. Thank you for Your consideration. Sincerely, Joel, Finland

[Devinprater]

I switched from a Samsung phone (S20 FE) to a Google Pixel 8 because of this issue. Now I barely use my Pixel because it feels even more sluggish than my S20 FE. If I am to ever go back to Samsung, it needs a dedicated accessibility team working on OneUI, keeping in lockstep with Google's TalkBack updates or using Google's TalkBack itself, or at least doing something markedly different to make Samsung's TalkBack worth using besides changing how high a priority it gets in the OS. Otherwise, I love Samsung phones, especially sound assistant. Being able to hold down volume buttons to go to the next track in music is amazing, and more amazing that it's fully supported by OneUI.

[anand2011]

because google talk back latest version is working android version 9 also but samsung talkback is not providing latest version for android 13 users• please provide talk back up tet

[AndrewL]

@Ciprian14: Apologies for the delay in getting back to you. I have received a response from the developers regarding your query, which is as followed:

"Google TalkBack and TalkBack installed on our terminals are provided in the same code, but there is a difference in the timing of provision due to work such as platform optimization. Both Google and our company are aware of this difference and are working together to improve it. The image description function will be provided in the same way as Google from One UI 8.0."

One UI 8 is on the horizon, so there's not too long to wait before we see the requested features being implemented. I hope this helps.