The language barrier is the most commonly cited reason for missing out when travelling. So, is the Pocketalk Translator the travel gadget that will change the way you experience the world?

The Pocketalk classic translator has now been joined by a newer model, which on the website is now known as the Pocketalk, which is due for release in May 2020. The new model features a camera for menu and sign translations, whereas the Classic is specifically for voice translations. For clarity, this review is about the Classic model of the Pocketalk.

First impressions of the Pocketalk are good. It’s palm sized, with a small screen but not so small you’ll need to squint. At the bottom, two small buttons are all that is needed to control this device (save for the power switch on the side). The screen is probably the size of an original iPhone (for those of you that remember), but of better resolution.

What is the Pocketalk?

This pocket translator is designed to translate between around 74 languages, which include the obvious and not so obvious. Here’s some of the less obvious ones:

Armenian

Basque

Burmese

Farsi

Finnish

Georgian

Kannada

Lao

Marathi

Sudanese

Zulu

When you consider that this includes inter-language translations between any of the 74 languages, you’ll see how useful a device the Pocketalk Classic could be.

Thats not all. The Pocketalk Classic comes with a mobile SIM card included, which makes it accessible on the move all around the world. Yup, no scrambling for wifi codes in foreign train stations or busy markets – your Pocketalk Classic finds a local network and hits you with live translations when you need them.

So far, sounds great, right? But how does it stand up in real world practice?

Setting up your Pocketalk

When you set up the device, it asks you for your source language and your target language. These are then assigned to one of the buttons on the device, so you hit the English button, talk, and your words are translated to the target language. Your conversation partner can then hit the button on the target side, talk and you’ll get a translation of what they said. The choice of target language is easily editable, with the menu accessible easily on the touch screen.

We were based in Spain at the time, so our source language was English and target was Spanish. Catalan is an option too, and although we were based in Valencia where Valenciano is used (very similar to Catalan), I didn’t get to check it out.

Although the mobile data is supposed to work out of the box, we had some teething problems and needed to connect to wifi to make it work. The first thing we had to do was update the software, which the device did itself, then after letting it have a word with itself, it seemed to work fine on the mobile data the next day.

Real world use with the Pocketalk

Spanish might not be the hardest language to test the device with, but as one of the world’s most common languages, and one with diverse accents, maybe it’s a good reference point. I actually speak quite decent Spanish so it was interesting to see how some of the translations came out.

We used the Pocketalk Classic in a variety of scenarios, and actually needed it for some quite demanding and complicated situations. These included registering for social security and some medical appointments. Overall, the translations are pretty accurate, although some context and ‘turn of phrase’ translations came out literally – which is to be expected.

But it can be said that on a few occasions, having the device cleared up some things that I would have missed, especially in specialised circumstances where my vocab falls short. My girlfriend especially found the Pocketalk especially useful, as she had some specialised use for it and her Spanish was very basic at the time.

The gripes

When it works, it’s a great piece of kit. But, we did find that the Pocketalk Classic had a few issues. That problem with the mobile data was a recurring issue, with the Pocketalk finding data fine on several days and then not getting it at all on others. We couldn’t work out what the problem was, and even doing this review I have had to connect to wifi to check a few things.

On wifi, it’s great, good to go. But that patchy mobile signal can be a bit annoying.

For voice input, it does help to speak clearly and slowly – with the mic missing some things if you speak too fast. Background noise was also a factor, although general hubbub in offices and hospitals was OK. The local market seemed to present a bigger challenge, but nothing talking clearly into the mic couldn’t fix.

Pocketalk vs Google Translate

We’ve all got smartphones right? Why not just use Google translate on your phone instead and save yourself the money and pocket space? One reason is the fact that the Pocketalk is a dedicated device, so no need to fumble for the app – just pull it out and talk.

Battery life is another issue with smartphones, but the Pocketalk can do it’s job easily for a couple of days on standby without needing a charge. If you’re on a long trip then knowing that you’ll be able to whip out your Pocketalk on demand without worrying about losing charge could be a deal breaker.

Data and mobile access is probably the biggest reason to invest in a Pocketalk Classic. If the mobile data connects, it is super useful and seamless, and it was a life saver on several occasions.

The Pocketalk might also be less of a theft target than your phone, with less personal data stored on it. So you might feel more confident waving it around in a busy bus station than getting out your new Samsung or iPhone.

But…. Yes, in terms of translations, I didn’t find much difference between Pocketalk and Google Translate. If you have no worries with your phones battery life or data consumption, then you might be inclined to save your money.

Should I buy a Pocketalk Classic?

Honestly, this is a great gizmo which is probably best suited to the regular, business or long term traveller. Long weekend travellers will probably get occasional use out of it, but you’ll probably be better off with your phone.

The Pocketalk Classic is currently $199/€199 on the Pocketalk website.

We were provided with a complimentary device for review purposes, and have tried to provide a balanced and unbiased review of the Pocketalk Classic. We have not been paid for this review and there are no affiliate links on this page.