Sony S1 vs Sony S2

Image courtesy of Expansys

Sony is due to release two tablets into the market later this year, both of which are currently under the codenames of Sony S1 and, you guessed it, Sony S2. The Sony Tablet will hit the shelves in autumn 2011 as the Japanese tech giant makes its first attempt at producing a competitor to Apple’s hugely popular iPad.

The S1 and S2 are different, to say the least, so here is a comparison of the two for you to consider if you are thinking of making a purchase that will help Sony establish itself as a major player in this booming market:

Sony S1 Tablet

Display: Single screen – 9.4 inches with 1280 x 820 resolution

The S1 is slightly smaller than the iPad, which stretches to 9.7 inches, but it is nevertheless a decent and comfortable size for portability. In my opinion, it trumps the S2 for overall user experience in this department, but, hey, that’s just my opinion. I’m sure some people (perhaps fans of the Nintendo DS) will love the dual-screen.

Operating system: Android 3.0 Honeycomb

Supports 3D graphics and allows for tabulation, as opposed to opening multiple windows, during internet browsing.

Processor: NVIDIA Tegra 2 – Dual core

The Tegra 2 doesn’t really separate the Sony Tablet from the crowd, but it’s powerful all the same.

Design: Folded-magazine style

Upon first glance, the S1 looks rather odd. It’s like a permanently folded magazine, but I do think it’s a grower. It’s quite sleek and sexy in its own way. I wouldn’t advise trying to unfold it though.

It’s just as portable all other tablets, apart from the S2, but no major downfalls in design to report.

Features: Wi-Fi, 3G/4G, HDMI, DLNA, infrared, 3.5mm headphone jack, remote control for Sony Bravia TVs, PlayStation Suite, Qriocity.

Sony S2 Tablet

Display: Dual-Screen – 2X 5.5 inch displays with 1024 x 480 resolutions

The two screens can be used simultaneously or separately. Sony’s email app, for example, allows users to have the inbox or message box displayed on the top screen with a soft keyboard on the lower screen. This makes it more versatile than the S1 but perhaps more awkward and less attractive in the full screen mode, with the black bar separating the screens.

Operating system: Android 3.0 Honeycomb

Supports 3D graphics and allows for tabulation, as opposed to opening multiple windows, during internet browsing.

Processor: NVIDIA Tegra 2 – Dual core

The Tegra 2 doesn’t really separate the Sony Tablet from the crowd, but it’s powerful all the same.

Design: Clam-shell case

The S2 has a wonderfully portable foldable case that seems to have been modelled on the Nintendo DS. It seems rather chunky – almost ‘90s in style – but it’s easier to carry around than its big sister, the S1.

Features: Wi-Fi, 3G/4G, HDMI, DLNA, infrared, 3.5mm headphone jack, PlayStation Suite, Qriocity.

Overall verdict: Sony S1 vs Sony S2

With the two tablets boasting the same operating systems, processing power and main features, the choice comes down to style and portability. The S1, for me, has the edge aesthetically but it is beaten out of those smaller bags and pockets by the portability of the S2. In the end, it all depends on taste and selecting the best fit for your lifestyle.