Pocketalk S2 PLUS

The S2 Plus is the newest addition to the Pocketalk Plus range, offering a 40% larger display and a battery that’s 50% more efficient than the previous S2 model. While the manufacturer advertises support for “over 92 languages,” in reality, only 61 provide full two-way voice translation. An additional 21 languages work in a voice-to-text format, and the rest—mostly less common languages—are limited to one-way translation. This mismatch between claims and functionality raises some concerns about the accuracy of the marketing. The interface isn’t particularly intuitive either, and getting the hang of it takes a bit of time. On the plus side, the device includes five years of free internet access, but after that period, continued use requires an annual subscription costing around £38.40

Review

Over several weeks, we had the chance to try out the Pocketalk S2 Plus in a range of countries and travel settings. While it performs reliably for simple, everyday translations, it falls short when faced with more complex scenarios or busier environments.

Design and Build Quality

The Pocketalk S2 Plus makes a strong first impression with its sleek appearance and conveniently compact form. The 480x800 resolution touchscreen is generally clear and easy to read, although visibility can be an issue in bright sunlight. The physical buttons offer decent tactile feedback, but their placement isn’t especially user-friendly. One of the most notable design drawbacks is the complete absence of water resistance — there’s no IP rating at all. For a gadget intended for travel, this is a serious oversight. A sudden downpour could easily render the device unusable.

Features and Operating Modes

During our hands-on testing, we explored all the available translation modes on the Pocketalk S2 Plus:

Voice Translation (92 languages) - The manufacturer claims support for 92 languages, but in practice, the functionality is more nuanced. Only 61 languages offer full two-way voice translation, 21 support two-way voice-to-text, and the remaining 37 (less common languages) are limited to one-way voice-to-text. For widely spoken European languages like English, German, or Spanish, the device performs fairly well in day-to-day situations. However, its performance dips significantly in noisy settings. Despite having noise-cancelling microphones, the device often failed to cut through background chatter. In one busy café, we found ourselves repeating phrases several times just to get a coherent translation. When using it for languages that support only one-way voice-to-text, its practicality is drastically reduced.

Photo Translation (55 languages) - This mode allows the device to scan and translate texts and signs in 55 languages. It’s reasonably accurate when the lighting is good and the text is clear and printed. That said, it struggles in dimmer settings or when attempting to decipher handwriting. When we tested it on a restaurant menu, the tool handled standard dishes with ease, but had trouble correctly interpreting more niche culinary terms or less common ingredients.

Translation Quality

One notable drawback is the lack of transparency around translation accuracy or the specific engines powering the device. Unlike some competitors that publish clear data on performance, Pocketalk offers no such detail. During our testing, we observed that the device occasionally produced mistranslations, particularly in more nuanced contexts, which could easily lead to confusion or miscommunication.

Connectivity and Internet

The Pocketalk S2 Plus includes a SIM card that provides coverage in over 170 countries — an advantage that removes the need to search for Wi-Fi or buy local SIM cards. However, some competing devices offer unlimited internet across 200 countries, often without any additional fees. It’s important to consider the ongoing cost of £38.40 per year to maintain service with the Pocketalk S2 Plus, which adds to the total cost of ownership. During our tests in major European cities, internet connectivity was generally reliable. Yet, in more remote areas, signal strength varied, causing delays in translations. In very isolated locations, the device sometimes lost coverage altogether. This is likely due to the limited number of GSM modules in such compact devices, which can affect performance in sparsely populated regions.

Battery and Ease of Use

The manufacturer states the battery should last for around 7 hours of continuous use and up to 213 hours (8 to 9 days) on standby. In practice, during more intensive activities like city tours with a guide, we found ourselves recharging the device every other day. When it comes to usability, switching languages mid-conversation is somewhat complicated. Despite claims of “one-button translation,” the process actually involves several steps, which can be frustrating. You have to press an arrow and then an extra button before your conversation partner begins speaking. Additionally, the interface during conversations isn’t particularly intuitive. You might need to watch a few tutorials to use the translator confidently, as it’s not entirely intuitive at first. We also found the button controls a bit tricky — releasing the button too early would interrupt the translation.

Summary

The Pocketalk S2 Plus delivers reasonable performance for basic use, but it comes with some significant limitations. One of the main concerns is the claim of supporting “over 92 languages,” when in fact, only 61 offer full two-way voice translation. While it handles common languages fairly well in quiet environments, it struggles with accuracy in noisy surroundings. The photo translation tool works best under ideal lighting with clear, printed text, but falters in less favourable conditions. One benefit is the included mobile data, which offers connectivity in 170 countries for a limited time. However, once the trial period ends, users must pay an annual fee of £38.40 to maintain service. Despite marketing claims, the interface is not especially intuitive and may take some getting used to. Battery life typically lasts 2 to 3 days with average usage. Notably, the device lacks any water resistance, which is a drawback for frequent travellers. All things considered, the Pocketalk S2 Plus may suit users needing occasional, basic translation help abroad, but its overall value for money is debatable.