Isaac's lack of descriptions was a legitimate artistic vision in the original game but Edmund McMillen has said himself that it straight up doesn't work anymore with how many items are in the game - he's said he'd like to see something like that item description mod officially added to the game. But yeah, for now if you're not on PC you're kinda just stuck with the wiki which is a great resource but a pretty shitty way to actually play the game.
Let the voice of love take you higher,
With this gathering power, go beyond even time!