Unveiling Sony Xperia Tablet S Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Sony Xperia Tablet S

The Sony Xperia Tablet S, released in September 2012, was a standout device in the realm of tablets at the time of its launch. Known for its elegant design and seamless performance, this tablet was designed with entertainment and productivity in mind. Although it has been discontinued, it still holds a special place in the tech landscape due to its distinctive features and robust capabilities.

Design and Build

The Xperia Tablet S boasts a sleek and modern design with dimensions of 239.8 x 174.4 x 8.8 mm and a weight of 570 g. The metallic finish of the Black/Silver color scheme gives it a high-end appearance. It features a durable body that could withstand everyday use, although the device is not waterproof. The tablet’s design includes a slight taper, which makes it comfortable to hold for extended periods, enhancing the user experience significantly.

Display

Featuring a 9.4-inch LED-backlit LCD screen with a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels and a 16:10 aspect ratio, the Xperia Tablet S provides vibrant visuals and crisp image quality. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 61.3%, which was quite respectable at the time of its release. Additionally, the display is equipped with an oleophobic coating, reducing fingerprints and smudges, thereby maintaining clarity and enhancing the viewing experience.

Performance

Under the hood, the tablet is powered by the Nvidia Tegra 3 chipset, featuring a Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU and a ULP GeForce GPU. Coupled with 1GB of RAM, the Xperia Tablet S is capable of handling multiple tasks, including media playback, gaming, and productivity applications. It initially came with Android 4.0.3 (Ice Cream Sandwich) but was upgradable to Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean), which broadened the range of apps and features available to users.

Storage

The tablet was available in three storage variants: 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB, offering users flexibility based on their needs. It also features a card slot for SD cards, expandable up to 32 GB, enabling additional storage for media and applications, which is vital for a multimedia-centric device.

Camera

The Xperia Tablet S includes an 8 MP autofocus rear camera capable of capturing high-quality photos and recording 1080p videos at 30fps. Although tablets are not primarily used for photography, this camera was more than adequate for casual photo and video capture. Additionally, it houses a 1 MP front camera, suitable for video calls and selfies, supporting video recording in 720p resolution.

Sound and Audio

With stereo speakers, the tablet provides a decent audio experience for media consumption. It also includes a 3.5 mm audio jack for connecting headphones or external speakers, which is a valuable feature for private listening.

Connectivity and Communication

The Xperia Tablet S is equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, supporting dual-band and hotspot functionalities, offering reliable Internet connectivity. Additionally, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP enables wireless connectivity with other devices, enhancing the versatility of the tablet. While the absence of cellular connectivity and a radio might be considered limitations, the inclusion of an infrared port extends its usage as a universal remote control, adding a unique dimension to its utility. It also has a microUSB 2.0 port with MHL support for TV-out, allowing content to be shared on larger screens.

Sensors and Additional Features

The tablet includes a suite of sensors like an accelerometer, gyro, and compass, contributing to enhanced functionality in various apps and games. The tablet's smart shortcut key placement and convenient layout make it easy to use, whether you’re watching movies, browsing the web, or playing games.

Battery Life

The tablet is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 6000 mAh battery, offering an impressive battery life of up to 12 hours of multimedia usage. This makes it a great companion for long journeys or extensive use without the constant need for recharging.

Conclusion

Despite being discontinued, the Sony Xperia Tablet S leaves a legacy as a pioneer in innovative tablet design and multimedia performance. Originally priced at about 190 EUR, it offered substantial value for its features back in 2012. Its strengths lie in its design, display quality, performance capability, and extensive connectivity options. While advancements in technology have surpassed its capabilities today, the Xperia Tablet S remains a testament to Sony's commitment to quality and innovation in consumer electronics during its time.