#Fluentalk T1 mini translator device by Timekettle – Review

Disclosure: We received a free Fluentalk T1 mini translator device by Timekettle, for testing and use on our travels. We have tried first on our Korea, Japan, and Vietnam trip. This is our honest review.

In certain countries, it is very difficult to communicate. Their English is poor or nonexistent, and we cannot learn a new language everywhere we go, so having a translator is fundamental. During our trip to East Asia, we decided to test the Translator Fluentalk T1mini. It was fun, and it can be very useful, but it has some shortcomings (as explained below).

We evaluated its accuracy, translation speed, easiness, and image translation. Finally, we created a list with our conclusions to guide you on the decision about purchasing a translator device.

What is the Fluentalk T1mini?

Fluentalk is a mini translator device that works online and offline. It is a small, light device that fits in a pocket, weighing only 80g. It can translate voice, text, and image information. It is very simple to use, you only need to click a button to translate the necessary information.

It automatically recognizes the language spoken so the conversation can be fluent. It translates 36 languages, has 88 accents, 13 offline language pairs, and 39 language translation capabilities through a photo.

The device works online without Wi-Fi connections, as it has a built-in data card. You have a year of free internet traffic, starting from the device’s first activation. After the data service expires, you can use the WIFI connection or use the hotspot on your phone.

You also have an option to purchase more data when your data expires ($14.90/month or $44.90/year).

Fluentalk T1mini quick information

• Size: 9.1 x 5.48 x 1.34 cm (3.58 x 2 x 0.5 inch)
• Wight: 80g (2.8onces)
• Screen size: 2.83”
• Battery capacity: 1500 mAh
• Wifi/SIM card (built-in)
• 12-month warranty

Functions

• Languages translated: Arabic / Bulgarian / Cantonese / Catalan / Chinese / Croatian / Czech / Danish / Dutch / English / Finnish / French / German / Greek / Hebrew / Hindi / Hungarian / Indonesian / Italian / Japanese / Korean / Norwegian / Polish / Portuguese / Romanian / Russian / Slovak / Slovenian / Spanish / Swedish / Tamil / Telugu / Thai / Turkish / Ukrainian / Vietnamese
• Offline language pairs:
  • Chinese ⇆ English, Japanese, Korean, French, Spanish, Russian, German
  • English ⇆ Chinese, Japanese, Korean, French, Spanish, Russian, German
• Photo Languages translated: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Catalan, Dutch, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, Icelandic, Chinese (Cantonese), Japanese, Korean, Thai, Telugu, Tamil, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Malay, Tagalog, Urdu, Russian, Polish, Hungarian, Ukrainian, Czech, Slovak, Croatian, Bulgarian, Romanian, Slovenian, Hebrew, Greek, Turkish, Arabic

Click here to see the price and buyers’ reviews.

Accuracy

This item is a tricky one. In East Asia, like Korea and Japan, where we tested Fluentalk T1, there were several situations where the translation had nothing to do with what the speaker intended to say, especially from Japanese to English or Korean to English. Or because the device didn’t recognize the pronunciation, or the person was wearing a mask, or simply the way they communicate isn’t easy to translate.

We also found that when the surroundings were very noisy, the translator performed poorly.

When we tried the device in Portugal and translated it between Portuguese and English (two languages we speak well), it was very accurate. But our experience in Asia wasn’t the same. We found that it is also best to use simple questions without thrills in a translation.

Translation Speed

The translation is fast, so you don’t have to wait long for the response, which is useful when asking for information.

On the other hand, when the device is shut off, it takes a long time to switch on. So, before starting a conversation with someone, always check that the device is on and ready to use.

Battery life

The battery has a good capacity, with frequent use, you need to charge it in 3 in 3 days. But, of course, it depends on how much you use the device. And the fact is, if you switch it off properly or leave it in hibernation, it will last much longer.

You can use your USB-C phone charger to recharge Fluenttalk T1 mini translator device. So, you don’t need to take one more charger during your travels. We love to travel very light, so this and the lightweight is a big plus for us.

Is it easy to work with?

It is easy to work with, you simply need to press a button while talking and don’t release it before finishing it. This is a big advantage for some people.

However, it may also intimidating to use if you are shy and socially awkward. You may not feel comfortable using it and find it is easier to use your phone as a translator. Even the people who are talking to you sometimes are apprehensive and prefer using their smartphones.

Translating images

Our experience is that the translator device is worse at translating images than a smartphone. The lens isn’t as good, the image takes longer to process, and it doesn’t capture the image as easily as a smartphone.

This is expected, as modern smartphones are very good at taking and processing photos!

However, the Fluentalk T1min delivers a good translation, sometimes an even better translation than Papago or Google Translate, particularly when using it with menus and food names.

So, if you don’t have a smartphone or don’t want to use it, the Fluentalk T1 mini will deliver the job. You just need to be more careful taking the photo.

If you want to buy a Fluentalk T1 mini translator device by Timekettle, click here.

Advantage of Fluentalk T1 mini translator device

• It recognizes the language spoken.
• It is small, light, and easy to pack.
• It is independent of your smartphone, and you can leave it with other people or hand it to strangers.
• If you are learning a new language, you can use the device to perfect your pronunciation and verify if you are saying the word accurately.
• As it is very easy to use, it is a great option for people who are proficient with smartphones and don’t speak English.

Disadvantages of Fluentalk T1 mini translator device

• It works poorly in noisy environments.
• It’s ineffective at understanding different pronunciations or if people are using face masks.
• It doesn’t translate town names well. This is understandable and happens with every translator we tried.
• It is very slow to turn on.
• If you are shy, you won’t feel comfortable using it.
• It has a weaker image processor in comparison to your smartphone.

Fluentalk vs. Mobile Apps

Several mobile apps can translate with some accuracy. You have Google Translate, and in Japan and Korea, PAPAGO is also frequently used. There are advantages and disadvantages to using the app on your smartphone.

Suppose you are used to using your smartphone and feel comfortable using it and handing it to other people. Then maybe the mobile app works better for you. In East Asia, it is also probable that the other person is very used to Papago.

On the other hand, if you need a translator extensively, need it for professional reasons, and don’t want to use your smartphone or waste its battery, maybe the Fuentalk T1 mini is ideal.

Our experience

As mentioned above, we used the device during our trip to East Asia, and first of all, we strongly advise you to have a translator with you as most people there don’t speak any Western language. Or speaks only a few words.

Nevertheless, we had some issues with it. First, there were plenty of situations that it wasn’t accurate at first or second try, particularly in loud rooms or with lots of people.

Second, sometimes, we found it was easier to use the phone or find another way to communicate. Particularly because many interlocutors also preferred using their phones to communicate or were not used to the device.

However, the more we used Fluentalk, the easier it became because we also felt more natural using it. We also enjoyed using it to learn new words or expressions in Korean and Japanese. If Fluentalk understands us, we must be pronouncing somewhat accurately.

Finally, we feel that the Fluentalk T1 mini translator device is an excellent option for people who don’t have an ultra-modern smartphone, don’t want to overuse their phone, or simply aren’t that good at using smartphones.

Click here to buy the Fluentalk T1 mini translator device.