Sony has announced a host of devices at IFA in Berlin this year, the smartphone lineup has been fleshed out with the addition of a new flagship, the Sony Xperia T and a new ‘affordable premium’ Android handset, the Sony Xperia J.
Alongside the smartphone releases, we've also been introduced to some of the new tablets which Sony has been working on. Word of bringing the Xperia name to its tablet lineup had been bandied about for some time, but we’ve now been granted access to the Sony Xperia Tablet S.
Sony Xperia Tablet S main

What is the Sony Xperia Tablet S?

The new Android tab from Sony and successor to last year’s Sony Tablet S, the Xperia Tablet S not only unites the Android tablets and smartphones under one brand, but also stands as the natural evolution to last year’s tablet.
Running Ice Cream Sandwich, the design has changed notably, with a more conservative take on the ‘folded’ design, the top rim of the tab still curves over but sits parallel on the back with a shorter line into the rest of the tablets lower-back. The sides house the majority of the controls and ports on each side, but feel is inherently different, with a more aggressive edging (click the photos below to get a closer look).
The display is vibrant and offers excellent viewing angles, similar to it’s predecessor’s 9.4-inch panel.
Sony has bumped up the processor and the Nvidia Tegra 3 doesn’t necessarily eliminate lag but noticeably subdues it over the 2011 Tablet S.
Sony Xperia Tablet S side shots

What are its main features?

  • Screen: 9.4-inch WXGA (1280x800) display with Sony Mobile BRAVIA Engine enhancements
  • Processor: 1.3GHz NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor
  • Memory: 1GB of RAM
  • Storage: 16/32/64GB storage options plus microSD support up to 32GB
  • Camera 8-megapixel auto-focus rear camera with 1080p HD video recording at 30fps, 1-megapixel front-facing camera with 720p HD video recording at 30fps
  • Connectivity: WiFi b,g,n, Bluetooth 2.1, microUSB 2.0
  • Resilience: IPX-4 certified waterproofing

When will the Sony Xperia Tablet S launch?

Sony are yet to set a date for the launch of the Xperia Tablet S, but based on the Sony Tablet S, we’re expecting the Xperia Tablet S to hit stores next month.

How much will the Sony Xperia Tablet S cost?

Sony has yet to confirm a UK price. The original Tablet S now costs around £280 online, from a suggested price of £349.99.
Sony xperia tablet 2 maps