The pleasure of traveling to new places is second to none. The opportunity to visit new countries due to the relatively low cost of air tickets is one of the outstanding achievements of the modern era.
The only problem is with the language barrier. Of course, you can try to learn the local language, but it is difficult. For those who do not have time for this, there is good news: they can use their smartphone. This review provides a list of the best translation apps for Android.
Google translate
Not surprisingly, the application created by the search giant ranks first. The program appeared in 2006 and was first launched from a web browser before it became possible to install a dedicated client on the smartphone. Although he was the best online translator for Android, he was criticized a lot because it was originally based on transcripts of the UN and the European Parliament and translated one word at a time. However, since 2016, Google began to use its own Neural Machine Translation system, which allows translating the entire sentence with great accuracy.
Compared to other offers, the program offers some interesting features that allow you to communicate with people all over the world. More importantly, it's maximum simplicity. After installing the program, the user is prompted to specify the language from which to translate most often. At the same time, the corresponding dictionary will automatically be downloaded to the phone so that you can work offline. Upon completion of the setup, a notification about downloading the language and an invitation to take a tour of the Google translator will be displayed. When you select the translation option, a request for permission to translate text on the device will automatically open.
Input options
There are many ways to translate, including using a camera, voice, finger or stylus.
When choosing a camera, you can take a picture of the text in writing. This is suitable for short phrases, not pages of text. If, for example, you point the phone at a sign, then the translation in real time will be displayed on the screen, demonstrating the possibilities of augmented reality.
With handwriting, words can be written on the smartphone’s display with a finger or stylus and automatically translate them.
Another great addition - the talk function - allows you to communicate using your phone, transferring the device from hand to hand. Each interlocutor has his own microphone icon, which should be clicked to translate what was said (or use automatic mode). This method does not work perfectly, but allows people with a language barrier to communicate. Google also added the ability to tell the person in his language that you need to speak with the phone.
In addition, you can translate voice recording without using the real-time talk feature. The best feature of this mode is the ability to play translated content in audio form.
Features of Google Translate
The program menu allows you to find the translation history. Next to each phrase is an icon in the form of an asterisk, which allows you to add them to your favorites.
By clicking on the menu button in the upper left corner, you can download a list of several options hidden from the main display inside the Google translator. “Phrasebook” is the mentioned opportunity to put phrases in favorites so that you can quickly find translations made in the past. Thus, if necessary, you can always download a list of translated words and phrases stored offline for immediate use. They can be reproduced as if the translation was just done.
SMS translation is another interesting feature. After Google Translate receives permission to view SMS, it automatically scans them and downloads the latest message from your contact list. You can translate any text from the list, but it should be borne in mind that abbreviations and words with spelling errors may be incorrectly translated or, in general, ignored. Here you can not see the names of contacts, but only the phone numbers associated with them, which seems like a clear omission.
Finally, there is the option of downloading additional languages for the program to work offline in places where it is not possible to connect to the network. You can download as many languages as you need, and the choice is wide. The menu has options for managing data usage, voice input, and touch translation.
Thanks to its extensive features, Google Translate is an excellent universal translator, even if it gets confused with the simplest things. (For example, the application does not understand the difference between Je m'appelle and Mon nom est in French - the first phrase is used for acquaintance, and the second is rarely used in spoken language). The application has many incredible features, including the best offline translator for Android with voice input and an augmented reality translation device that will make the user feel like a magician even in 2018. The quality of the translation is not sky-high, but today it is one of the most reliable applications of this type.
Text and Voice Translator
The program accurately translates phrases such as "My name is" and "I go to the store for milk." It is not clear what service she uses. The interface is convenient, with a large translation icon in the center of the display and fields at the top and bottom of the screen to display phrases in different languages. There are no impressive features, although the translation can be voiced. At the same time, voice quality is even higher than that of Microsoft Translator. In addition, the translator can be used for text messaging. At the bottom of the screen are shortcuts for Facebook, Messenger and Whatsapp (along with a standard button for choosing how to send text).
Naver papago
This is one of the newest translation applications, which was launched in the summer of 2017. Although it is not as advanced as some older software, its engine is quite modern. Naver Papago uses a neural network to learn from its mistakes and improve translation quality. The visual design is also wonderful.
Unfortunately, the application is quite limited in terms of available languages. In addition to English, Spanish and French, there are only Asian (Korean, Japanese, Chinese, etc.). The quality of the translation also leaves much to be desired, although it is unclear whether it will improve over time thanks to the neural network. But there are popular functions, including talk mode and the ability to translate text in photographs. But the greatest advantage of the program is the lack of advertising or in-app purchases.
Translate voice
In search of an answer to the question of which translator is better for Android, you can download this program in the application store. Despite the outdated screenshots, the interface in everyday use looks pretty good. True, contextual advertising introduces a little confusion. There are 2 banner ads on the main screen, and even when you exit the application, the user must view full-screen ads. You can get rid of all this by registering a premium account with a monthly subscription.
Given the opportunities available from Google or Microsoft, it is probably best to use them. Moreover, Translate Voice makes gross errors during translation.
Google assistant
If the translation needs to be done only periodically and not by entire applications, you can use the Google Assistant. In phones running Android 6.0 and later, the program is probably already installed and can be called up by holding down the home button.
Thanks to the assistant, you can ask your smartphone to translate specific words or sentences, enter words and phrases for automatic translation, and even ask you to pronounce phrases in any chosen language for playback by local residents.
But if you need to translate a lot, then Google Translate or Microsoft Translate will be good translators for Android.
Bk translate
BK Translate is a developer who offers a variety of translation programs in the Google app store. Dozens of languages are supported, including the popular Arabic, German, Indonesian, French and Spanish translators for Android. Each application works the same. It translates one of the languages into English. Supported keyboard input, handwritten and voice. In addition, it is possible to work both with individual words and with complete sentences. The user interface is simple and convenient. All VK Translate programs are free, but contain ads. Unfortunately, you cannot get rid of it for an additional fee.
Dict box
This is a multilingual dictionary. It supports dozens of languages, including Russian, English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Hindi, Ukrainian, Romanian, etc. Some of its functions are: battery life, correcting and pronouncing words, memory cards and synchronizing with other devices. Dict Box also works with the camera. The design is decent and simple. Some features are available only in the paid version.
Microsoft translator
Although Google Translate is the undisputed leader, Microsoft Translate is also one of the best free translators for Android. It supports over 60 languages. This is less than a competitor, but they are also available offline. The application provides two-way translation in real time (up to 100 people at the same time), phrasebooks, pronunciation guides, compatibility with Android Wear and offers alternative translations.
Microsoft Translate performs its task surprisingly well. No hidden fees or advertising. The user interface is pretty user friendly. If using Google Translate is problematic, then this is the best alternative possible.
Dict.cc
This is another multilingual dictionary and a good translator for Android. It supports dozens of languages, including French, Italian, Latin, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, etc. It works only with single words. However, this is a good way to translate. The application can work autonomously, automatically offers options for input words, voices the translation, etc. The free version includes about a dozen languages. The premium version comes with all supported languages and does not contain ads.
Linguee
This is a popular and powerful multilingual dictionary that supports dozens of languages. The application has a convenient user interface. There is also offline support, sample sentences, voice acting, and more. According to user reviews, this is a good translator for Android, completely free, without any advertising or purchases.
Google Play Books (and equivalents)
The program offers a new approach to the old method of translation using a paper dictionary. Google Play Books has many books, manuals, tutorials, dictionaries, and phrasebooks in different languages. The application supports offline download, synchronization with other devices and has an excellent interface. Books are different - cheap and very expensive. However, the user has a decent choice. Other translation methods work much faster, but this is a good option for those who prefer to act the old fashioned way.
Innovative software
The company offers many bilingual dictionaries, which can also be used as a good translator for Android. They all have the same functionality, including full offline support, automatic prompts, pronunciation, voice prompts, synonyms, antonyms and vocabulary games for memorizing practice. All programs are free, but contain ads, which will not work to get rid of for an additional fee.
Klays-development
This is another developer whose products are very similar to BK Translate. It produces a variety of bilingual translation applications and there is one that unites all languages. The interface is simple. You can enter sentences using the on-screen keyboard and voice. Two-way apps are free and contain ads. A universal translator with all languages costs about 115 rubles, but there are no intrusive offers or purchases in it. Users are advised to stay on a paid option.
Reverso dictionary
This is another popular multilingual dictionary. It is inferior to Dict.cc or Dictionary Linguee, however, it will serve as a good fallback if these applications for some reason do not work. Dozens of languages are supported. For example, there is a Russian-English translator for Android. In addition, the application gives examples of sentences, reads the text, allows you to play dictionary games, works without access to the Internet, etc.