When it comes to branded high end tablets there are quite a few choices in India. Sony is another brand that you can depend on. The Sony Tablet S is the latest addition in the Tablet family that comes powered by a 1 GHz dual core processor and sporting a 9.4 inch LCD touchscreen. However the Sony tablet is pricy at under Rs. 30,000.
You will definitely agree that the Sony Tablet S is costly. But there are some features that have actually increased the tablet cost, having said that, there are some features missing which might keep users away from this tablet. There is no 3G support only Wi-Fi. Sony may come up with another model with Wi-Fi and 3G but then that will also increase the cost, but for now the Sony S tablet supports only Wi-Fi.
Sony Tablet S features
This tablet is powered by a Dual Core ARM Cortex-A processor running at 1 GHz which is really good add to it the Honeycomb OS (Android 3.2) which is the main selling point. The S tablet comes with 1 GB RAM and 16 GB of internal storage. About 40 % of the 16 GB storage is used by the OS and technically users will not get full 16 GB space and for this reason the microSD / MicroSDHC card slot is present which can support up to 64 GB.
The Sony Tablet S looks a bit different with a curvy edges and folded form factor. This design makes it easier to hold the tablet as well as when placed on the desk the screen looks slightly inclined which makes it easier to type. This Sony tablet weighs 598 grams with dimensions 241.2 x 10.1 – 20.6 x 174.3 mm.
Display
This tablet sports a 9.4 inch TFT LCD touch screen with smoother touch experience. The resolution supported is pretty good at 1280 by 800 pixels, excellent for watching movies and playing games. The tablet supports Ambient light, Gyro, Digital Compass and 3-axis accelerometer sensors.
Camera
The Sony S Tablet comes with a primary 5 MP camera and a secondary 0.3 MP camera. HD recording is also supported. The 5 MP camera comes with Exmor sensor that is twice sensitive and helps getting high quality output even in bad light conditions. Camera features (Touch focus, geo-tagging, face, image stabilization and smile detection.)
Connectivity
This tablet does not supports 3G so mobile connectivity is out of question. But this tab does come with Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) built in. But without 3G connectivity users will be able to access the net only when there are Wi-Fi hotspot/ router available and really does not make sense for people who are always on the move.
Other connectivity options are USB 2.0 port which is a good option and probably one may be able to use a 3G dongle to get high speed 3G connectivity on this tablet. This tablet also comes with Bluetooth 2.1, audio jack and built in GPS that can be used with Google Maps.
Other features
Built in stereo speaker, pre-installed games for playstation and Dynamic xLOUD Sound for enhanced sound effects.
Battery
The Standard Li-Ion battery (capacity unknown) gives a standby time of about 400 hours and one may be able to use it continuously for almost 8 hours.
Sony Tablet S Price in India
MRP: Rs. 29,990
Sony Tablet S Review
This is not a cheap tablet but the display quality is too good. The design may look a bit awkward especially if you have used a tablet before. But you will get used to it, the tablet has been designed in such a way that it is comfortable in hand and when placed on a desk.
As far as the accessories are concerned its better to avoid them as they are way overpriced. For example the screen protector comes for about Rs. 1900 and the tablet bag costs more than the Aakash tablet – From Rs. 4,000 onwards.
Overall the tablet is good (if you are not depended on 3G) but you will need to additional microSD card as almost half of the 16 GB space is used by the OS. This tablet will compete with the Samsung Galaxy Tab.