Pocketalk S2

The Pocketalk S2 is a small, handy translator that supports over 92 languages online. It also comes with a SIM card providing internet access in more than 170 countries. That said, once the complimentary access expires, users will need to pay £38.40 yearly for continued data service. While the device is marketed as featuring “one-button translation,” in reality, completing a translation requires several steps, making it less straightforward than expected.

Review

The Pocketalk S2 aims to be a reliable pocket translator — but does it deliver? Let’s find out.

Design and Build Quality

The Pocketalk S2 immediately stands out thanks to its minimalist design and compact size. It feels sturdy and comfortable to hold. At the front, there’s a well-lit Push-to-Talk (PTT) button for activating translations. Its position is carefully considered — it’s unlikely to be pressed by mistake but remains easy to reach during conversations. Weighing less than 74 grams, the device is lightweight and slips effortlessly into a trouser pocket or small handbag. The touchscreen is reasonably clear indoors, although visibility drops somewhat in bright sunlight. The image quality could be sharper, as longer texts sometimes appear slightly fuzzy.

Features and Operating Modes

Over four weeks of testing, we explored all the operating modes of the Pocketalk S2:

Voice Translation (92 languages) – This is the device’s core feature, but it’s not as straightforward as the manufacturer implies. While Pocketalk promotes “one-button translation,” in reality, you need to tap an on-screen arrow before pressing the translation button for your conversation partner to speak. The process isn’t very intuitive and takes some time to become familiar with. For example, during a meal at a traditional restaurant in Lisbon, switching between Portuguese and English involved several screen taps, which led to confusion for both us and the waiter. The manufacturer states the device supports over 92 languages; however, the FAQ reveals some discrepancies. Only 61 languages offer full voice-to-voice translation, 21 support voice-to-text mode, and a further 37 niche languages allow just one-way translation. This inconsistency between marketing claims and actual functionality does not reflect well on the brand.

Photo Translation – This feature lets you photograph text and receive a translation, including audio playback. In practice, though, it struggles in poor lighting or with complex text layouts. During a visit to the Prado Museum in Madrid, attempts to translate exhibit descriptions were often unsuccessful due to unusual fonts and dim lighting.

Additional Functions – The device includes a unit converter that handles currency, length, width, and temperature conversions — a handy and practical tool for travellers.

Translation Quality

This is the core of the matter — how well does the Pocketalk S2 perform its main function of translation? Unfortunately, the manufacturer offers little detail on translation accuracy or the types and number of translation engines employed, which leaves some room for scepticism. They claim the device uses “the best translation engines worldwide,” but without concrete information, it’s hard to verify this. In practice, we found that translations can occasionally be inaccurate, particularly with complex sentences or idiomatic expressions.

Connectivity and Internet

The Pocketalk S2 comes with a built-in SIM card providing free internet access in over 170 countries. During our testing across various European and Asian locations, connectivity was generally reliable, though in busy city centres with overloaded mobile networks, the device occasionally struggled to maintain a connection. This feature is definitely a plus, but it’s worth mentioning that some competitors offer unlimited internet coverage in up to 200 countries — sometimes for life, without extra charges. Once the free internet period ends, users must purchase a data plan costing £38.40 per year, which adds a recurring expense and can significantly increase the overall cost of owning the device in the long run.

Battery and Ease of Use

The manufacturer states that the Pocketalk S2 battery can last a full day of intensive use — around 6 to 7 hours of translation — which is a respectable claim. In standby mode, with a full charge, the device is said to run for up to 5 days, though this falls short of the Pocketalk S2 Plus model’s performance. During our testing on a busy day touring Barcelona, where the translator was used extensively in restaurants and museums, the battery needed recharging after roughly 5 hours, which is less than advertised. Ergonomically, the Pocketalk S2 fares well: it’s lightweight, compact, and easy to handle with one hand. The noise reduction system employs dual microphones, and the two built-in speakers are intended to help conversations in noisy settings. However, in practice, speech recognition struggled in loud environments — precisely the places where reliable performance is most crucial, such as crowded stations, airports, or busy restaurants.

Summary

After a month of testing, the Pocketalk S2 shows several strengths but also some notable drawbacks. Its compact size, light weight, and solid build quality are definite plus points. However, hidden costs once the free internet access ends and poor performance in noisy settings are significant downsides. The awkward language-switching system disrupts smooth conversations, while the photo translation feature often struggles without ideal lighting and tends to fail with decorative fonts. Average battery life and inconsistent translation accuracy, especially with complex phrases, limit its practicality for full-day use. The Pocketalk S2 could suit occasional travellers seeking a straightforward, pocket-sized translator who don’t mind imperfect translations or navigating a somewhat clunky menu.