The Core Question: How Good is the Translation?

Miniso X15 Translation Earbuds Review: Affordable Translator Dream or Compromised Reality?

Miniso, the lifestyle retailer known for trendy, budget-friendly gadgets, has dipped its toes into the AI translation pool with the X15 Translation Earbuds. Promising real-time language conversion in a familiar TWS (True Wireless Stereo) format, they tap into a traveler’s dream. But at their tempting price point (typically around $40-$60 USD), can they genuinely compete with dedicated translators or high-end earbuds? I put them to the test to find out.

First Impressions: Familiar & Functional
Right out of the stylish Miniso box, the X15s look the part. They come in sleek white or black with a glossy charging case that’s compact and pocketable. The earbuds themselves are lightweight and relatively comfortable for short-to-medium listening sessions. The fit is fairly standard – they won’t disappear in your ears like premium models, but they stayed put during everyday activities.

The physical build feels solid for the price, though predictably plasticky compared to higher-end brands. You get a USB-C charging cable (yay!), extra ear tips in different sizes, and some basic documentation.

The Core Question: How Good is the Translation?

This is the headline feature, so let’s dive deep.

1. The Good:

   • Multiple Languages: The X15s boast support for over 40 languages, covering most major tourist destinations.
   • App Reliance (& Offline Mode): Translation happens via the dedicated “AI Translation” app (available on iOS/Android). Crucially, the app allows you to download languages for offline use, a massive plus for travelers without constant data.
   • Phrasebook Style: The core function works best in “listen and translate” mode. You speak a phrase (e.g., “Where is the train station?”) into the microphone, the app processes it quickly, and then plays the translated phrase through the earbuds themselves (or the phone speaker). Accuracy for simple, common phrases was generally decent in my tests (English <-> Spanish, French, Japanese). It was usable for basic navigation and transactions.
   • Text Translation: You can also type text into the app and have it read aloud in the target language.
   • Convenience: Having translation readily available in your earbuds, especially offline, is genuinely convenient compared to juggling a separate device or constantly typing.

2. The Caveats (And They Matter):

   • NOT Real-Time Conversation: This is critical. The X15s do not offer live, bi-directional conversation translation like high-end devices (e.g., Google Pixel Buds Pro with Assistant) or apps like Google Translate’s conversation mode. It’s strictly “speak your phrase -> app processes -> plays translation.” You must hand the phone/earbud to the other person for them to respond, then repeat. It breaks the flow.
   • Microphone Sensitivity: Translation accuracy heavily depends on speaking clearly and being close to the phone’s mic. Noisy environments or mumbling drastically reduced performance. The earbuds’ own mics can be used if you hold them close to your mouth, but it’s awkward and less reliable than the phone mic.
   • Complexity Struggles: Move beyond simple sentences, use slang, or complex grammar, and accuracy plummets. Don’t expect nuanced discussions or perfect translations.
   • App Dependency: You always need the app open and running for translation. Forget seamless integration into calls or other apps.
   • Battery Drain: Constant translation processing uses significant phone battery.

Performance as Earbuds (Sound & Features):

Let’s remember these are also, fundamentally, wireless earbuds.

• Sound Quality: Managing expectations is key. For $40-$60, the sound is… adequate. Bass is present but lacks depth and punch. Mids are decent, vocals are reasonably clear. Highs can be a bit tinny or harsh at higher volumes. They’re fine for podcasts, audiobooks, casual music listening, and calls. Audiophiles or bass heads should look elsewhere.
• Call Quality: Callers reported my voice as acceptable but slightly muffled, especially in wind or moderate noise. Background noise cancellation is minimal. Again, usable, not great.
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 provided a stable connection within ~10 meters. Pairing was simple.
• Touch Controls: Basic single/double/triple taps for play/pause, track skip, answer calls, and activating the phone’s voice assistant. They worked reliably.
• Battery Life: Miniso claims ~5 hours on the buds and 20+ hours with the case. Real-world usage with moderate listening volume and occasional translation landed me around 4-4.5 hours per bud charge and roughly 3 full recharges from the case – solid performance. Charging is quick via USB-C.

Who Are They For?

The Miniso X15 Translation Earbuds are a fascinating proposition with a specific niche:

1. Budget Travelers: If you need occasional, offline, phrasebook-style translation help for simple interactions and also want cheap wireless earbuds, they offer decent value. The offline capability is their biggest translation strength.
2. The Mildly Curious: If you’re intrigued by translation tech but don’t want to invest heavily, they provide a low-risk entry point.
3. Language Learners (Beginners): Could be a fun, low-stakes way to practice pronunciation and hear basic phrases.

Who Should Probably Look Elsewhere?

1. Those Needing Real Conversations: If you need seamless, natural back-and-forth translation, invest in a dedicated device or premium earbuds with better AI integration (and be prepared to pay much more).
2. Audiophiles: Sound quality is strictly budget-tier.
3. Power Users: If you need long battery life primarily for translation, the app drain is significant. If you need robust call quality, these aren’t ideal.

The Verdict: A Clever Concept with Clear Trade-offs

The Miniso X15 Translation Earbuds execute a clever trick: packaging basic offline phrase translation into an affordable pair of TWS earbuds. As a 2-in-1 device, they succeed in being more convenient than juggling separate cheap earbuds and constantly using your phone’s translation app offline.

However, managing expectations is crucial. The translation is functional rather than revolutionary, best suited for simple, premeditated phrases. It’s not a substitute for dedicated translators or high-end AI assistants for complex conversations. Similarly, their audio performance is passable but unremarkable.

Final Thought: If you understand and accept the limitations – primarily the phrasebook-style translation and budget audio – and value the offline capability and convenience factor for travel basics, the X15s offer a unique and worthwhile proposition at their price point. But if you’re expecting magic, seamless conversations, or great sound, you’ll be disappointed. They are a fascinating step towards accessible translation next generation tech devices, but not the final leap. Worth considering for the right user with the right expectations!