Text: when it has to be exact
Text is the most reliable mode. There is no speech to recognise, the original is a double tap away, and the message stays in the chat. Use it for addresses, times, numbers and anything you may need to find later.
Voice message: when there is a lot to say
A voice message is faster than typing and carries your tone. The other person gets the text, the translation and a spoken version. Recognition works best somewhere quiet, with short messages and a clear voice.
Call: when you need to talk it through
A translated call is closest to a real conversation, but it asks the most of both people: a steady connection, taking turns and a little patience while each sentence is translated. In some languages you hear the translation; in others you read subtitles.
A simple rule
- Decide by call, confirm by text.
- Explain by voice message when the other person is busy.
- If a call keeps breaking up, switch to messages rather than repeating yourself.
Questions
Which mode supports the most languages?
Text: messages are translated in 96 languages. Calls understand 96, with spoken translation in 91 and subtitles in the other 5.
Is a call without translation different?
Yes. If you share a language, turn translation off; between phones that support it, the call is then end-to-end encrypted.