Sony Tablet S Complete Review of Features Pricing & Performance

Design and Build Quality

The Sony Tablet S stands out with its unique design. Unlike many other tablets from its time, it boasts a wedge shape, which is thicker on one side and tapers down on the other. This design not only makes it comfortable to hold but also mimics the feeling of holding a magazine folded back on itself. Made from durable materials, the Tablet S weighs 598 grams and measures 241.2 x 174.3 x 10.1-20.6 mm, offering a solid and sturdy feel. Its black finish gives it a sleek, professional look, suitable for both casual and business environments.

Display

The device comes with a 9.4-inch TFT display, one of its primary attractions. The screen offers a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels, which, while not the highest by today's standards, was quite adequate at the time of release. The aspect ratio of 16:10 is ideal for a variety of media consumption, including videos and reading. The display produces decent colors and sharpness, with a pixel density of approximately 161 ppi, providing satisfactory viewing angles and brightness for indoor use.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Sony Tablet S is powered by the Nvidia Tegra 2 T20 chipset, featuring a dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 processor, paired with a ULP GeForce GPU. This hardware configuration was cutting-edge at the time, aimed at delivering smooth performance for everyday tasks such as browsing the web, streaming videos, and playing games that weren't too graphically intensive. The tablet is equipped with 1 GB of RAM, which provides just enough capacity for multitasking, though heavy users might find it somewhat limiting.

Storage

The Tablet S offers two internal storage options: 16GB and 32GB. Additionally, it supports expandable storage via an SD card slot, which can accommodate cards up to 32GB. This flexibility allows users to store a decent library of media and applications without constantly worrying about running out of space.

Camera

On the photography front, the Tablet S features a 5MP rear camera with autofocus, capable of recording 720p videos at 30fps. While not designed as a primary photography device, the camera captures adequate images and videos for casual use. The front-facing VGA camera fulfills basic video conferencing needs, though it's not ideal for high-quality selfies or video calls.

Operating System and Software

Originally shipping with Android 3.1 Honeycomb, the Sony Tablet S was later upgradable to Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich. The upgrade brought enhancements like improved multitasking and a refined user interface. Sony also personalized the software with some of its applications and features to enhance user experience, such as integrated media services and access to Sony's entertainment network.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Connectivity options for the Tablet S include Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with DLNA support for media sharing, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR for wireless peripherals, and GPS for location-based services. An infrared port enables the device to function as a universal remote, a feature not commonly found in many tablets. Although it lacks cellular connectivity, the presence of microUSB 2.0 with OTG support allows for the connection of various USB devices, expanding its utility.

Sound and Audio

The Tablet S is equipped with stereo speakers that deliver decent sound quality for media consumption. It also includes a 3.5mm audio jack for private listening through headphones, a standard feature that ensures compatibility with a wide range of audio accessories.

Battery Life

Powering the device is a fixed Li-Ion battery capable of providing up to 430 hours of standby time and up to 7 hours of continuous usage. For music playback, the battery lasts up to 31 hours, which is quite impressive. The battery performance underscores the Tablet S's reliability for daily use without frequent charging.

Conclusion

The Sony Tablet S, launched in 2011, represented a compelling blend of innovative design and functionality. While its hardware specs might seem dated by modern standards, it provided a well-rounded performance and user experience at the time. The unique design and added features like infrared remote control capability helped it stand out in a crowded marketplace. Although discontinued, it remains a notable entry in Sony's history of electronics, reflecting the company's commitment to design and quality.