Sony Tablet S (16GB)
Manufacturer: Sony Part number: CNET-Sony-S1
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Sony took its time with the Tablet S, and it shows. The industrial design is smart, and the software refinements are both practical and restrained.
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CNET editors' review
Sony Tablet S (16GB) price range: $383.10 - $519.95
- Reviewed by: Donald Bell
- Reviewed on: 09/15/2011
- Released on: 09/16/2011
The good: The Sony Tablet S goes above and beyond the typical Android tablet experience by offering exclusive apps, ergonomic design, PlayStation certification for mobile gaming, DLNA video and music streaming, and an integrated IR universal remote control.
The bad: It's on the pricey side, the charging adapter is proprietary, and screen brightness isn't what it could be.
The bottom line: Sony took its time with the Tablet S, and it shows. The industrial design is smart, and the software refinements are both practical and restrained.
Sony's track record in industrial design, hardware engineering, gaming, and media makes it the best possible candidate to challenge Apple's iPad. A year and a half after Apple's tablet debut, Sony is striking back with an Android 3.2 slate that is bound to turn heads and win some fans.
Editor's note: As of April 2012, the Sony Tablet S is upgradable to Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0). For details on the advantages ICS offers over Honeycomb, check the Ice Cream Sandwich section of the Asus Transformer Prime TF201 review.
Priced at $499 (16GB) and $599 (32GB), and lacking cellular data compatibility (at least in the U.S.), the Sony Tablet S isn't looking to be an inexpensive iPad alternative. It represents an elevation in the art of making Android tablets, and offers a genuinely fresh take on tablet design.
Design
Sony's tablet is easy to spot in a lineup. Its unique wedge shape gives it a futuristic look and provides improved balance in your hand compared with the flat competition. As seen when placed on a table, the screen's forward slant minimizes glare and makes it more comfortable to type. The tradeoff is that the Tablet S doesn't achieve the same thinness as an iPad 2, though the Tablet S is just as light at 1.3 pounds and feels more solid than the reigning Android slate, the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1.
Around the sides you'll find buttons for power and volume, speakers, a headphone jack, and a tethered cover protecting a Micro-USB sync connection and a full-size SD card reader. A built-in app handles moving files back and forth from your card. It's worth noting that unlike other Honeycomb tablets, the SD card reader here functions just for media transfer and isn't meant to act as a memory expansion port.
Sony also made an interesting choice by going with a 9.4-inch screen instead of the 10.1-inch panel used on nearly every other Honeycomb tablet out there. Sony also uses the TruBlack technology from its Bravia TV line to make the screen contrast really pop. Though the screen is slightly smaller than those found on most of its Honeycomb cousins, you really don't feel the pinch while using it and it actually helps to bring the overall form factor closer to the iPad's dimensions.
Features
Take as read that you get Google's full Android 3.1 experience. Everything from Gmail to Google Talk (with video chat) comes ready to go right out of the box. On top of that you get access to Sony's Video Unlimited service. Ironically, video selection is very limited at launch, but plans are in place to offer video download and rental options from all the major studios. You get a six-month free basic membership to Sony's Music Unlimited service (a revamped version of Sony's Qriocity). Sony's own Reader software is included, alongside Google Books. And last but not least, both of Sony's tablets are PlayStation-certified, and run emulator software allowing them to play select PS One and PSP game titles. The original PS One hit Crash Bandicoot comes preinstalled, along with a version of Pinball Heroes.
Sony has also included some interesting options for pushing media content from these tablets onto DLNA-compatible speakers, PCs, or TVs (and not just Sony's). You can think of it as Sony's answer to Apple's AirPlay media streaming, only more broadly compatible with third-party technology.
Also playing into Sony's focus on the tablet as a living-room entertainment device is the inclusion of an IR blaster and universal remote app on the Tablet S. Having tried a demo of this feature personally, we can safely say that it makes the remote functionality of the Vizio tablet look like amateur hour. Essentially, Sony cannibalized its own $250 HomeShare premium universal remote and slapped the same software inside the Tablet S. The result is a graphically rich remote that you might actually want to use.
In that same spirit of borrowing from its best technology to make a compelling tablet, Sony has borrowed the Exmor image technology from its digital cameras to make a tablet camera that's actually worth a damn. The touch-screen panels on both tablets take advantage of the TruBlack technology used on Sony's Bravia HDTV sets, as we mentioned, providing richer contrast and minimizing reflections between the LCD and the glass above it. Sony even threw in the Dash's Chumby widgets, transforming the tablet into a high-tech photo frame/widget display when the device is placed in an optional dock ($39).
Performance
The Tablet S' performance is a mixed bag. For example, its beautiful TruBlack screen falls a little short in terms of overall screen brightness.
| Tested spec | Sony Tablet S | Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 | Apple iPad 2 | T-Mobile G-Slate | HP TouchPad |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum brightness | 393 cd/m2 | 336 cd/m2 | 432 cd/m2 | 424 cd/m2 | 292 cd/m2 |
| Default brightness | 160 cd/m2 | 336 cd/m2 | 176 cd/m2 | 143 cd/m2 | 85 cd/m2 |
| Maximum black level | 0.47 cd/m2 | 0.3 cd/m2 | 0.46 cd/m2 | 0.52 cd/m2 | 0.38 cd/m2 |
| Default black level | 0.19 cd/m2 | 0.3 cd/m2 | 0.19 cd/m2 | 0.18 cd/m2 | 0.11 cd/m2 |
| Default contrast ratio | 842:1 | 1,120:1 | 926:1 | 794:1 | 772:1 |
| Contrast ratio (max brightness) | 836:1 | 1,120:1 | 939:1 | 815:1 | 768:1 |
Another example is the optimized Web browser, which prioritizes image downloads so that pages appear to load faster, even if overall page download time isn't necessarily improved. Like the TruBlack screen, it's a feature we're glad to have, but doesn't come across as an improvement when measured objectively.
One standout feature that performed undeniably well was the 5-megapixel rear camera. Photos come to life with a vibrancy we haven't seen on other competing tablets. Little extras, such as a digital macro, manual exposure adjustments, and preset scene modes, offer the kind of flexibility you'd expect at this price.
In terms of battery life, Sony rates the Tablet S at around 8 hours of mixed use. Full recharge takes around 5 hours of charge time using the included power adapter. The adapter uses a proprietary contact-only connection, which has the advantage of not wrecking the tablet if it becomes yanked. Unfortunately, the unique design means that you'll need to go to Sony for a replacement if your adapter goes missing.
Here are our official CNET Labs-tested battery life results. More tablet testing results can be found here.
| Video battery life (in hours) | |
|---|---|
| Sony Tablet S | 6.2 |
Conclusion
Sony's tablet is uniquely its own. Beyond the eye-catching design, you can't help but see Sony's hard work in the attention to detail running throughout the subtle Android optimizations, software selections, and feature refinements.
You have to give Sony credit for really making something on its own terms that showcases the best of what it has to offer. Sony has the media content, the gaming legacy, an eye for elegant design, and some solid technological advantages. Whether it can get us to open our pocketbooks remains to be seen.
Editors' note: This review was updated to add CNET Labs' battery life test results.
User reviews
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Potentially great tablet, but not yet
by johntlofty on September 19, 2011
Pros: The hardware design is wonderful. The wedge shape is easier to hold, the screen is everything you'd expect from a top flight tablet. Sony's teaks to the Android UI seem useful & don't bog down the system. The TV remote app is nice, DLNA support is nic
Cons: Several app crashes in only one day of use. Obviously Sony released this with some software glitches. Sadly, that seems standard for any new system. The Music & Video Unlimited services are not actually up and running for the Tablet. I'll probably be
Summary: This may be the top Android tablet when Sony gets a software fix out & rounds out the app support, but it seems like they fumbled a bit trying to ...
Summary: This may be the top Android tablet when Sony gets a software fix out & rounds out the app support, but it seems like they fumbled a bit trying to get the Tablet S to market before it was too late.
Also, the remote does NOT work with the PS3, which is a pretty big oversight. The Tablet has Bluetooth, so it should be possible. Another thing for Sony to fix...
Updated on Sep 19, 20115 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Awesome and Amazing!
by cornbro on September 18, 2011
Pros: I love how light it is, how easy it is to hold, the extra docking station for it ($30), the screen, exclusive apps, and on and on. I already have the Xoom and feel this was a good upgrade. It also looks nice!
Cons: I don't think there is an HDMI port!
Summary: Besides the HDMI port, I hope to learn more about this. I hope the PS3 controllers will be compatible in the future, if not already
Summary: Besides the HDMI port, I hope to learn more about this. I hope the PS3 controllers will be compatible in the future, if not already
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Product, but wish it had Gorilla Glass
by Nitefreak on September 16, 2011
Pros: Beautiful design and quick & responsive screen. The Playstation compatability is also an excellent perk.
Cons: The proprietary cable should be done without and hopefully they'll put in plug n play for SD cards.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A very pleasant surprise
by cornerofthem on September 16, 2011
Pros: Beautiful and responsive screen. Nice size, Excellent sound quality, Love the wedge shape.
Cons: Proprietary cable
Summary: The Sony S tablet is fast and responsive. I love the original design and Sony's tweaks to the Honeycomb OS. Who knows, if HP designed the Touchpad with this ...
Summary: The Sony S tablet is fast and responsive. I love the original design and Sony's tweaks to the Honeycomb OS. Who knows, if HP designed the Touchpad with this form factor and specs, it could have been a contender.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Gorgeous, ergnomic, functional enjoy sony's apps.
by drjlk9200 on January 6, 2012
Pros: Screen quality, processor speed, video playback, expandable sd card slot, shape, universal remote capabilities (works extremely well). Shape provides great balance when holding with one hand. Price drop makes it frontrunner tab Imo.
Cons: Proprietary charging cord, mini usb with no cable in box, no hdmi (not that essential, simply available on other tablets).
Summary: Love the tablet, losing sleep staying up perusing android market, watching videos, and shopping online. Haven't picked up laptop in a week.
Summary: Love the tablet, losing sleep staying up perusing android market, watching videos, and shopping online. Haven't picked up laptop in a week.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Blows other tablets out of the water!
by unclespoon on October 18, 2011
Pros: Built in IR universal remote
Sony Playstation Certified device can play PS titles
Beautiful screen resolution
Fast browsing
Wonderful gaming experienceCons: Folded-magazing shape takes some getting used to while holding
$499 for 16GB model is pricey
Apps force close and seem to have a mind of their own sometimesSummary: With all the built-in features and software to complement the wonderful hardware (tegra 2 is great!) this tablet offers so much on top of the basics of honeycomb that really ...
Summary: With all the built-in features and software to complement the wonderful hardware (tegra 2 is great!) this tablet offers so much on top of the basics of honeycomb that really make it stand out. The Playstation compatibility is perfect for people like myself who own PS3s and do a lot of streaming. The IR universal remote is great for changing channels on the fly while using your tablet. The price point is a little high but you'll be able to find discounts. This is really the end all to tablet shopping, and like myself, purchase one and I promise you won't be disappointed. I can't offer a money back guarantee, but the more of us who buy this, the more Sony will invest into enhancing the user experience and compatibility for all Tablet S users!
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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excellent device that really challenges the ipad.
by adid727 on September 17, 2011
Pros: I like this device, very smooth and the web browser is really fast. Plays flash and i don't regret choosing this over ipad.
Cons: No apple app store :(
4 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Love the design and sw, hardware improvements needed
by xshingox on September 19, 2011
Pros: Unique design, not your cookie-cutter Android tablet. Once you see it, you know it's a Sony.
Light to carry around.
Nice tablet body to hold in hand.
Optimized Honeycomb 3.2 with Sony apps.
PlayStation certified, you can play PS games (although PS store iCons: USB port does not charge the tablet?
SD card support when others are moving to micro or mini SD.
No HDMI.
Battery is slightly on the short-side but I guess it's a trade-off for weight.
Buttons are a bit hard to press/use and it's easy to press the wrong b2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Better design, higher performance and multi-task tablet
by jockey213 on September 16, 2011
Pros: Creative design like folded magazine, PC web browser, Tru Black LED screen, Play Station Certified Tablet, browse and throw function to share the media contents to the TV.
Cons: Plastic Body.
Summary: Overall, I find out that the SONY tablet is a really useful gadget for everyone. It includes a lot of built-in software such as remote control function that can control ...
Summary: Overall, I find out that the SONY tablet is a really useful gadget for everyone. It includes a lot of built-in software such as remote control function that can control all the devices such as TV, home theatre system, blu ray player and so on. With browse and throw function, you can share your media contents to your TV using wireless technology. Sony tablet is using the PC web browser. Unlike mobile web browser, you can open a lot of new tabs just only on the one web page. And finally, that's the only tablet that is play station certified so can enjoy the play station games. Overall, it will be a really useful tablet for me.
Of coz it's Android OS. So, no worries that they are using Apps Store
Updated on Sep 18, 20112 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Traded in after tablet S had auto rotate issues....
by SkylineX73 on February 18, 2012
Pros: Design, remote control functions, decent battery life...
Cons: touchscreen WAY too sensitive, opening apps even when trying to scroll. Sony does not offer 1yr manufacturer warranty on the tablet, tablet had the "auto rotate" issues that I had to reset several times.
Summary: Bought the tablet S for my wife this past Xmas and only 2 months later, it started having auto-rotate issues. After playing for several minutes the screen would auto rotate ...
Summary: Bought the tablet S for my wife this past Xmas and only 2 months later, it started having auto-rotate issues. After playing for several minutes the screen would auto rotate over and over and there was no way to stop unless by pressing the "reset". Took this in to BestBuy and it appears Sony doesn't offer a 1yr manufacturer warranty. I wasn't aware of this, but luckily got Bestbuy's 1yr cover warranty. This helped greatly as I would've otherwise had the tablet shipped in for repairs or exchange. So in the end I ended up with store credit because it was pass their 14 day return/exchange policy. I now have the Samsung Galaxy Tab and hope this is a much better tablet.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Sony
- Part number: CNET-Sony-S1
- Description: All the great things you know from Sony, now in a tablet. With a comfortable design that fits easily in your hand, and a vibrant TruBlack display, enjoy a truly optimized tablet that's responsive and intuitive. With access to the Android Market, you can browse through thousands of useful, time-saving and entertaining apps. There's also instant access to Google mobile services and applications including 3D maps and easy web search with Google voice search. download what you want and make your tablet truly yours. Having difficulty remembering which remote control goes with which device? Whether it's your TV, Blu-ray Disc player, stereo or cable box, you can control all of them right from your Sony Tablet S. Entertainment is at your fingertips with Sony entertainment network. Using video unlimited, you can access tons of hit movies to rent or own. Or tap into millions of songs from every major music label through music unlimited. Plus, take advantage of the crackle app where you can view full-length Hollywood movies and TV series for free and on demand.
General
- Product Type Web tablet
- Operating System Android 3.0 Honeycomb
Display
- Type 9.4 in,
TFT active matrix - Display Resolution 1280 x 800
- Touchscreen Yes
Memory
- Flash Memory 16 GB
- RAM 1 GB
- Supported Flash Memory Cards SD Memory Card,
SDHC Memory Card Processor
- Processor NVIDIA Tegra 2
- Processor Clock Speed 1 GHz
- Multi-Core Technology Dual-Core
Camera
- Rear-facing Camera 5 megapixels
- Still Image Resolutions 2000 x 2000,
6048 x 4032 - Capture Formats H.264,
JPEG,
H.263,
WBMP,
GIF,
PNG,
WMV,
MPEG-4,
BMP - Front-facing Camera 0.3 Megapixel
Communications
- Wireless Connectivity 802.11b/g/n,
Bluetooth 2.1 EDR Location
- GPS Navigation GPS receiver
Multimedia
- Supported Digital Video Formats WMV,
H.263,
MPEG-4,
H.264 - Audio Microphone , Stereo speakers
- Supported Digital Audio Formats WMA,
AAC,
WMA Pro,
WAV,
OGG,
FLAC,
Vorbis,
MP3,
MIDI
Software
- Preloaded Software Video Player,
Music Player,
Google Play,
Sony Entertainment Pack,
Calendar,
Contacts,
Clock,
Calculator Input Device
- Type Touch-screen
Expansion and Connectivity
- Interfaces 1 x Hi-Speed USB - 5 pin Micro-USB Type AB,
1 x Headphones - Output - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm,
1 x Infrared - USB Host Yes
Battery
- Technology / Form Factor Lithium ion
- Capacity 5000 mAh
- Run Time (Up To) 31 hour(s)
- Recharge Time 5 hour(s)
Miscellaneous
- Sensors Ambient light sensor
- Features Bluetooth ,
GPS ,
Front camera ,
Rear camera - Included Accessories Power adapter , Wrist strap
Dimensions & Weight
- Width 9.5 in
- Depth 0.3 in
- Height 6.8 in
- Weight 1.3 lbs
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Product series
-
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: Android 3.0 Honeycomb,
1 GB,
1 GHz,
NVIDIA Tegra 2,
Wi-Fi,
Bluetooth 2.1 EDR,
9.5 in x 0.3 in x 6.8 in,
9.4 in,
TFT active matrix - Yes,
1.3 lbs -
Manufacturer: Sony
Specs: 1 GB,
NVidia Tegra 2 1 GHz,
Bluetooth 2.1 EDR,
9.4 in
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Sony products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Sony
- Address:
16765 W. Bernardo Dr., San Diego, CA 92127 - Phone: 1-877-865-SONY
- Email: contact@sel.sony.com
- Fax: 941-768-7790
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