The idea of ​​picking up your phone, calling someone who speaks another language, and both of you understanding each other effortlessly is no longer science fiction. Thanks to the real-time translation in Android callsYour voice can be converted to the other person's language while you speak, while also maintaining a tone very similar to your own.
These types of features, powered by artificial intelligence, are first arriving on specific mobile devices such as the latest Google Pixel and Samsung devices with Galaxy AIHowever, there are also third-party apps that come quite close to this experience. Let's take a detailed look at how it all works, what you need to activate it, and what options you have if your phone doesn't include these features by default.
What is real-time voice translation in Android calls?
When we talk about real-time call translation, we are referring to a function that It listens to what you say, transcribes it, translates it, and turns it back into voice.All of this in just a few moments, so that the conversation can flow quite naturally.
On compatible phones, such as the latest generation Pixel or some Galaxy models, this translation is done directly on the phone. This allows the synthesized voice sounds very similar to yourswith a more natural intonation and rhythm than the typical robotic voice of translators of yesteryear.
This technology is designed for very specific everyday situations: book a restaurant while traveling, talk to a partner in another country, resolve an issue with a foreign service, or simply communicate with family or friends who do not share your language.
A key point is that most of these voice translation features in calls are designed with the privacy firstIn the case of Google and Samsung, the processing is done on the device itself, so neither the audio nor the transcripts are sent to remote servers or stored after the call.
Supported languages ​​and models that can use voice translation
Before you rush to try real-time translation on your Android mobile, it's important to know that Not all devices or languages ​​are supported.The most advanced voice translation features for calls have first arrived on a specific range of mobile phones.
In the Google ecosystem, the voice translation feature for calls is available in Pixel 10 and later models, including the Pixel FoldThese terminals allow you to translate between English and a fairly extensive list of languages.
Officially, Google allows voice call translation between English and the following languages ​​on compatible Pixel devices: French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and SwedishThe main language is usually English, and from there you can switch to the other supported languages.
In parallel, there is another function called Automatic subtitles or Live CaptionThis feature, present since older models like the Pixel 2, Pixel 3, and later, and even on other Android devices with recent operating system versions, allows you to see what's being said during a call or video on screen, and with the help of Live Translate, you can translate those subtitles.
Depending on the Pixel model and Android version, the number of supported languages ​​for subtitles and their translation increases. The latest Pixel phones support languages ​​such as [list of languages ​​would go here]. German, Spanish, French, Hindi, English, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Polish, Portuguese, Russian, and TurkishHowever, not all of them are available at all times for all functions.
How voice translation works on Google Pixel calls
On Pixel 10 and later devices, Google has taken the experience a step further with a specific feature called Voice translation which is integrated into the Phone app. This option is designed for regular voice calls, not just for subtitling what you hear.
What this tool does is translate your voice into the language of your choice and reproduce that translation with a synthetic voice similar to yoursAt the same time, the other person's voice is translated into your language, so you can both speak as if you were speaking the same language.
Furthermore, this function is designed to work No internet connection Once the necessary models and languages ​​are downloaded, this not only improves translation speed but also reduces privacy risks by eliminating the need to send voice to external servers.
The privacy policy is quite strict: neither the call audio nor the transcripts are stored on the device or sent to Google or other services. After hanging up, the conversation is not recorded. thanks to the translation function, which provides considerable peace of mind for sensitive calls.
Configure and activate Voice Translation on compatible Google Pixel devices
Voice translation on Pixel phones is not enabled by default, so it needs to be enabled. activate it manually in the phone app settingsIt's a simple process, but it's best to do it over WiFi the first time because you need to download language templates.
First of all, it is recommended that you have all apps updatedespecially the Google Phone app and Google Play services. This ensures you have the latest version of the feature and its AI models.
Once everything is updated, you need to open the Phone app on your Pixel and go into its settings. In the top left corner, you'll see the button for Next, go to Settings, and then to the Voice Translation section.That's where everything related to this tool is centralized.
Within that menu you will see a switch called Use voice translationWhen you activate it, the system may ask you to download one or more language templates. This is where you choose your primary language from a drop-down menu and, if you wish, select additional languages ​​to have them available offline.
Once the necessary packages are downloaded, your mobile will be ready to use voice translation in future calls. If you change your primary language or add a new one at any time, you can Return to this menu and adjust the downloaded languages no problem.
Using Voice Translation during a call on Pixel
Once you have activated the feature and installed the languages, the next step is use translation during real callsIt doesn't appear on its own: you have to activate it while you're talking to someone.
When you initiate a call from your Pixel, whether you're making the call or receiving it, you'll see different call-related options on the screen. One of them is Call assistance, where several intelligent functions are grouped together.
Within Call Support, you will find the button for Voice translationTapping it opens a small panel where you can choose the other person's language. You can also check or change your own language if needed, ensuring both languages ​​are correctly configured.
By clicking Done to confirm, both you and the other person will hear a short automated message in your language explaining that the call is being translated. As soon as that message ends, you can start talking normally.
The other person will hear your voice translated into their language, and you will hear theirs translated into yours, maintaining a fairly natural flow. At any time, if you prefer, you can Deactivate Voice Translation for that call only. without affecting the following ones.
Automatic subtitles and instant translation on Pixel calls
In addition to Voice Translation, Pixel phones have a very useful feature called Automatic subtitles (or Live Caption). It's not exactly the same as voice translation, but it can be an interesting alternative.
This feature is part of the accessibility options. Basically, any sound coming through the phone's speakers, such as a phone call, video, or podcast, will be audible. transcribes in real time in a floating window that overlaps with what you're seeing.
To activate it, you have to go into the device settings and look for the section on Automatic subtitlesFrom there you can turn on the general option and, very importantly, select the specific setting for subtitling callsso that they also apply when you talk on the phone.
The subtitle language depends on the Pixel model. In early models, like the Pixel 2 and 3, support was primarily limited to English. Over time, more languages ​​were added in the Pixel 4, 5, and later models. German, Spanish, French, Hindi, Italian and JapaneseAnd in more recent generations, languages ​​such as Korean, simplified and traditional Chinese, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, and Turkish have been added.
If you also want those subtitles translated into another language, you need to activate the Instant translationThis setting is located in the System section of the settings. Once there, you can download the language you want to translate from, and, provided that language is compatible, the phone will be able to display the translation of what is being said during the call.
Simultaneous call translation on Samsung mobiles with Galaxy AI
Samsung has made a strong commitment to integrating artificial intelligence into the system with its package Galaxy A.I.And one of its standout features is simultaneous call translation. Unlike other solutions, it runs directly on the device, without the conversation needing to leave the phone.
This tool integrates into the Samsung phone app and allows the phone to work while you're on a call. Detect each participant's language and translate it to the other in real timeIt's quite similar to Google's approach, but with its own way of presenting and configuring it.
Naturally, not all Galaxy models have Galaxy AI. Currently, the simultaneous call translation feature is available on a specific list of devices, primarily the Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, the entire S23 family including the FE version and recent foldable phones like the Galaxy Z Fold5, Fold6, Z Flip5 and Z Flip6.
There is also support for several high-end tablets, such as Galaxy Tab S9, S9+, S9 Ultra, Tab S10+ and Tab S10 UltraIn all of them, the idea is the same: to use the processor's AI resources to manage call translation without depending on the cloud.
As with Google, Samsung insists that the translation It runs entirely on the deviceThis means you can use it in situations with poor coverage and even in offline mode, as long as the language packs are downloaded.
How to activate simultaneous call translation on Samsung
If you have one of the Samsung phones or tablets compatible with Galaxy AI, activating call translation is quick. The key lies in the device's settings. Samsung phone appnot in an external app.
First, open the phone app and tap the icon. Settings, usually accessible from the three dots in the upper corner. There you'll find an option called Simultaneous translationwhich is the one you need to translate your calls.
When you first enter this section, the system will display an informational message and offer you download language packsSpanish and English are the default languages. If those are the languages ​​you use, simply click OK; otherwise, you can cancel and then manually select the ones you want.
Within the menu you will see two main sections called something like Yo y The other personIn each instance, you can choose the language each participant speaks. This way, if you speak Spanish and the other person speaks French, the system will know how to translate in both directions.
In addition, there are interesting settings such as Silence my voiceThis feature allows the other person to hear only the translation and not your original voice. The same can be done with the other person's voice, so that you only hear the translated version and not the original audio.
Use simultaneous translation during a call on Samsung
Once you've configured the languages ​​and downloaded the necessary packages, using real-time translation in your calls is very simple. You just have to Start a call as usualeither from the scoreboard or from a contact.
During the call, you will see the option on the control screen. Call Assistantwhich groups several of Galaxy AI's smart features. Tapping it will bring up the following option: Simultaneous translation.
Once activated, the phone will start listening to what you say. automatically translate each intervention into the language configured for the otherIn some cases, Samsung also displays subtitles or on-screen instructions, but the most important thing is the translated audio that each person receives.
Even though it's quite accurate, it's best to speak in a clear tone, neither too fast nor too soft, so that the system can recognize and correctly translate each phraseIt's also a good idea to avoid background noise and overly localized expressions or very specific jargon.
At any point during the call, you can deactivate simultaneous translation from the same assistant menu. The call continues normally, simply bypassing the translation filter.
Other ways to translate calls on any Android device
Not everyone has a latest-generation Pixel or a Samsung with Galaxy AI, but that doesn't mean you can't get close to the experience of real-time call translationOn Android, there are several third-party applications that act as interpreters between you and the other person.
These apps typically work by connecting to their own servers, where speech recognition, translation, and synthesis take place. While they aren't as integrated into the phone's interface as Google or Samsung solutions, they offer advantages such as support for many more languages or compatibility with mobile phones from any manufacturer.
The approach varies: some applications generate subtitles with translation During the call, some become a kind of switchboard that acts as an intermediary and reproduces a synthetic voice, while others integrate with videoconferencing platforms like Zoom. WhatsApp or Teams.
However, it should be noted that, since these solutions depend on external services, they often require constant internet connection and, in many cases, a paid subscription for intensive or professional use.
AI Phone: Call translation with over 100 languages
Among the specialized apps, one of the most outstanding is AI PhoneDesigned specifically for real-time phone call translation, this app aims to resemble manufacturers' built-in solutions but is available for any compatible Android device.
AI Phone offers support for more than 100 languagesThis far surpasses the list of languages ​​available in current native Google or Samsung functions. The process is similar: you speak in Spanish (for example) and the app generates a synthetic voice translation that the other person hears in their language.
Thanks to artificial intelligence, the service tries polish the translation to make it as natural as possible and minimize misunderstandings. It's not perfect, but it's a big improvement over machine translation systems from a few years ago.
The business model is usually freemium: you can try and use some of the features for free, perhaps with limits on minutes or languages, and then expand the service through a monthly subscription if you need it for work or intensive use.
In these types of apps, it's advisable to carefully read the privacy policy, as most They process calls in the cloud And, although they may be encrypted, they don't work the same way as the fully local solutions from Pixel or Galaxy AI.
iTourTranslator: interpreter for calls and video calls
Another interesting alternative is iTourTranslator, an application designed not only for phone calls, but also for different types of online communication, such as video calls or conferences.
One of its greatest advantages is that the The other person does not need to install the application for the translation to work. This simplifies things a lot if you're talking to someone who isn't very tech-savvy or doesn't want to install anything else on their phone.
iTourTranslator can work with platforms such as WhatsApp, Zoom or Microsoft Teamsacting as an additional layer that transcribes, translates and, if necessary, plays back the translated audio with a synthetic voice for each speaker.
The app boasts of admitting over 119 languages ​​and call over 200 countriesThis makes it especially interesting for businesses, tour guides, international teams, or anyone who needs to communicate with people from all over the world.
Furthermore, if machine translation is insufficient for a critical meeting, the platform offers the possibility of connect with a human translator, which is responsible for interpreting the conversation to achieve maximum accuracy.
Using Google Translate as an interpreter during a call
Although it may be surprising, the classic app of Google Translate It can also be used to translate conversations in real time, even during a call, although it is not natively designed for this purpose.
Google Translate includes a interpreter mode It listens to what two people are saying, detects the languages, and translates each exchange on the screen and aloud. This works very well when you're both physically present with your phones on the table.
Things get complicated during a phone call, because The audio doesn't always reach the app cleanly.Sometimes the phone's microphone prioritizes your voice and barely picks up what's heard through the speaker, so the translation may fail or be incomplete.
A practical solution is to use a second device with Google TranslateFor example, you can make the call with your main mobile phone and place another mobile phone or tablet with the translation app near the speaker, so that it picks up what the other person is saying and translates it in real time.
It's not as convenient or straightforward as a built-in call translation feature, but it's still a free and accessible option for any Android user who needs occasional help understanding another language.
In practice, this approach is usually more useful if the other person speaks a language you understand somewhat and you just want support at specific timesor to check that you have correctly understood a key phrase in an important conversation.
The possibilities for translating calls in real time on Android have multiplied in recent years: from advanced features of Voice translation on Pixel and simultaneous translation by Galaxy AI on SamsungFrom third-party apps like AI Phone, iTourTranslator, or Google Translate's interpreter mode, every user can find a solution more or less suited to their phone, budget, and needs. Understanding compatible models, supported languages, and the privacy and connectivity implications will help you choose the tool that best suits you and get the most out of this small but significant revolution in how we talk on the phone.
