Jarvisen Translator 2

The Jarvisen Translator 2 is a digital translation device that supports 108 languages when used online, along with 18 offline language pairings. Unfortunately, as most offline options are centred around Chinese, they offer limited usefulness to non-Chinese speakers. The device also features a handy photo translation tool, capable of recognising text in 50 different languages. While it includes an integrated SIM card, ongoing internet access costs around £73 per year once the initial trial period ends.

Review

We tested the Jarvisen Translator 2 over several weeks and have mixed impressions. While it handles everyday translations reasonably well and includes some useful features, it doesn’t quite justify its premium price. Limitations in offline support and long-term costs take the shine off what could have been a more competitive translator.

Design and Build Quality

The Jarvisen Translator 2 has a conventional design with a sturdy plastic casing that feels durable but lacks the premium touch found in some competitors. One of the biggest drawbacks is the screen, which clearly limits comfort when translating longer texts or when using the OCR function. With longer translations, you need to scroll through the text, which isn’t very convenient, especially in dynamic situations. Physical buttons function adequately, though their feedback is less distinct compared to some rival models. Lack of that my sometimes cause doubts about whether the button was actually pressed.

Features and Operating Modes

During our tests, we tested all key functions:

Voice Translation (108 languages online) – the core function is effective, although response times sometimes exceed the manufacturer’s claim of 0.5 seconds. Translations are generally smooth and accurate, but more complex sentences and specialised vocabulary occasionally caused errors, more so than with some competing devices.

Offline Translation (18 language pairs) – This feature is useful in theory but disappointing in practice. The offline options are mostly Chinese-based, limiting utility for a broad range of users. Plus, manually downloading language packs before travel is an inconvenience — especially if forgotten prior to visiting areas without internet access or when the data runs out.

Photo Translation (50 languages online, 3 offline) – Performs well in good lighting. The built-in camera captures clear images, but OCR struggles with unusual fonts and angled text. Menus photographed in dim restaurant lighting posed challenges for accurate translation.

Translation Quality

The manufacturer states up to 96% accuracy. Basic phrases and common requests work flawlessly, but complex expressions, idioms, and specialised terminology show a noticeable drop in precision. Difficulties were most apparent when translating between languages with distinct grammar structures, such as Japanese or Arabic. The device maintained a satisfactory translation speed for fluid conversations, although noisy environments hindered speech recognition, impacting translation quality.

Connectivity and Internet

Equipped with a built-in SIM, the Jarvisen Translator 2 provides two years of complimentary internet access. While beneficial for occasional travellers, this limitation is a drawback compared to competitors like Vasco, which offer free lifelong connectivity. During European trials, the device connected reliably but occasionally experienced slower network access when crossing borders. The connection was stable but sometimes sluggish in remote areas. The main concern is the annual fee (around £73 annually) required after two years, significantly raising the device’s long-term cost and impacting overall value.

Ease of Use and Ergonomics

The Jarvisen Translator 2 features a straightforward and intuitive interface, with English as the default language, making it easy to operate. Navigating the menus is simple and doesn’t typically require consulting the manual. However, the small screen poses the biggest ergonomic challenge, particularly when dealing with lengthy texts or using the photo translation feature. Another downside is the lack of an option to enlarge the font, which may be inconvenient for users who prefer bigger text for easier reading.

Summary

The Jarvisen Translator 2 delivers on its fundamental purpose by enabling communication across languages. It performs well in everyday use, offering prompt and fairly accurate translations. While it might be suitable for occasional travellers who don’t need sophisticated features, those who travel frequently or work in international environments may want to consider alternative devices. In the end, the Jarvisen Translator 2 is a dependable option but doesn’t particularly stand out against its competitors. Given its cost and the fact that free internet access lasts only two years — with around £73 annual fee afterwards — it arguably doesn’t provide the best value for money.