MZSoft Studio
LingoAI Engines Compared: On-Device Model, System, and Cloud
LingoAI Model (default) is best for longer sentences and idioms. System is fastest for short phrases. Cloud is optional, off by default, sends text to LingoAI's server and uses credits; it handles whole documents, a formal or casual tone and 75 extra languages (113 total versus 38 on-device).
The problem
“Offline” and “online” translators aren’t interchangeable. Offline is private and always available but limited in languages and length. Online handles anything but sends your text to a stranger’s server. Most apps pick one for you and don’t tell you which they used.
The three engines
| LingoAI Model | System | Cloud | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where it runs | On your phone | On your phone (Apple) | LingoAI’s server, then an AI provider |
| Internet | No | No (language download once) | Yes |
| Best for | Longer sentences, idioms | Short phrases, speed | Whole documents, tone, extra languages |
| Languages | 38 | Apple’s set | 113 |
| Cost | Free (length limit on free plan) | Free | Credits |
Cloud in more detail
- Whole document in one pass, so names and terms stay consistent.
- Tone: formal or casual.
- Quality: Standard (faster, everyday) or Best (larger model, for contracts and papers). Same credits.
- Length: up to 30,000 characters per request, without the on-device free limit; credits are the limit.
- Credits: about one for a short sentence; roughly 20 for 5,000 characters. The app shows an estimate in the input box before you translate. See credits.
- Failures aren’t charged, and the app can retry on-device.
How to choose
- Everyday phrases, signs, messages: LingoAI Model or System.
- Private or sensitive text: on-device only.
- A contract, paper or website where terminology must be consistent: Cloud, Best.
- A language the device doesn’t cover: Cloud.
Visible at all times
Each result shows whether it came from the device or the cloud, so you can always tell.
FAQ
Is Cloud on by default? No. The default is the on-device LingoAI Model, and text leaves the phone only if you choose Cloud.
What do Standard and Best mean? Two quality levels for Cloud. Standard is faster and fine for everyday text; Best uses a larger model for contracts, papers and wording that matters. They cost the same credits.
What if Cloud fails? The app can retry on-device with a notice, if the text is within your on-device limits. It never silently sends on-device text to the cloud.
How many languages does each cover? 38 on-device and 113 with Cloud.