Pocketalk S

Pocketalk S is a helpful translation device that may be just enough for some travelers. The device includes over 84 languages and a SIM card that’s good for 2 years of translations in 130 countries. After that period of time, it needs a renewal. A handy shape coupled with a small size is a major advantage of this device.

We liked the “S” model mainly because of the photo translation option, which is always a valuable addition to any electronic translation device. What bothers us a little is the overly complicated way of switching between languages during a conversation - a button in the middle doesn’t mean you only have to press only one button. Quite the opposite. You have to press a small arrow on the screen and then the huge button in the middle before your foreign friend starts speaking. Yeah, we think that’s weird too…

Translation quality is satisfactory, but the manufacturer never specifies how many translation engines it uses or how accurate the translations are. During our test, we had little trouble getting our point across, although the translations were not precise.

Let’s also mention the SIM card that allows 2 years of translations in the majority of countries. What’s more, it is one of the few devices in the ranking with a photo translator function.