Sony PRS-T3S

Video Review

Sony PRS-T3S: At a Glance

With the PRS-T3S, Sony offers a streamlined version of the standard PRS-T3 that mainly stands out for its omission of the integrated cover. This change not only has a positive effect on the weight—at around 160 grams, the reader is noticeably lighter—but also makes it significantly more comfortable to use. Especially for users with average-sized hands, the more compact design is a real benefit, allowing for a looser and more pleasant grip compared to the model with the cover. Despite coming in at about 30 euros less than the PRS-T3, you don’t have to compromise at all on build quality: the device remains solidly constructed, with well-defined buttons and a removable back cover that provides access to the memory card slot.

Differences in the Display – Subtle Details That Make a Difference

Although the PRS-T3S uses the same E-Ink Pearl technology with 1024×758 pixels as the standard model, there are subtle differences due to natural variations between production batches. For example, the display on the review unit is a little brighter than the PRS-T3, which—together with a slightly higher black level—doesn’t change the excellent contrast ratio of 12:1, but does contribute to a somewhat improved reading experience. More importantly, though, is the optimized ghosting performance. Thanks to Sony’s “Regal” technology and the brighter screen, ghost images are less noticeable on the PRS-T3S, which is especially apparent during longer reading sessions without a full page refresh.

Buying eBooks Locally

A real unique feature of the PRS-T3S is the ability to set your preferred eBook store directly on the device. Users in Germany can therefore not only shop with the Sony Reader Store or eBook.de, but can also choose to support their local bookstores—provided they are part of the Libri network. With around 1,000 partner bookstores, there’s plenty of choice, and integrating the store is straightforward right from the device itself. This aspect really sets the PRS-T3S apart from many other devices, especially those tied to a specific provider.

Conclusion – Minimalism with Added Value

The Sony PRS-T3S impresses with its pared-down yet thoughtfully designed features. If you can do without built-in lighting and prefer a lightweight device that sits comfortably in your hand, the PRS-T3S is an interesting alternative to the standard model. The slightly brighter screen and improved ghosting performance are welcome side effects from production variations, and even give the device a slight edge in practice. Combined with the option to support local bookshops directly, it all adds up to a well-rounded package for budget-conscious readers seeking comfort and independence in their reading experience.

Sony PRS-T3S: Full Review

The Sony PRS-T3S is eBook.de’s special edition of the regular Sony eBook reader model. The PRS-T3S mainly differs from the PRS-T3 by the lack of a front cover. Doing without the protective cover is noticeable not only in handling, but also in the price: The Sony PRS-T3 is 30 euros cheaper.

And although the two devices are essentially identical in construction, there are a few noteworthy differences—both in software and hardware. We therefore put the Sony PRS-T3S through a shortened version of our test routine again and recorded our impressions below.

Note: Since the functionality of the Sony PRS-T3S is identical to that of the PRS-T3, the software will not be described again here. This short review primarily serves to highlight the differences from the PRS-T3. The software features are described in detail in the Sony PRS-T3 review.

Unboxing and build quality

As already mentioned, the biggest difference between the Sony PRS-T3S and the PRS-T3 becomes apparent as soon as you unbox the device: There’s no cover.

If you’re switching from a Sony PRS-T1 or T2, you won’t really notice, since those don’t have integrated covers either. The PRS-T3S still differs from other eBook readers in that the back of the device remains removable. In other words, you can simply take off the cover—attached with simple plastic clips—and, for example, swap it for a lighted cover.

You’ll need to remove the back occasionally anyway, because the memory card slot is now located under the cover.

The Sony PRS-T3S’s light weight immediately makes handling feel better. The Sony PRS-T3 weighs around 200 grams with its cover, which is very light for a reader with a case, but still significantly more than the coverless PRS-T3S at 160 grams.

The Sony PRS-T3S is very comfortable to handle

In my view, this makes the device noticeably more pleasant to use overall. With average-sized hands, you can easily grip and hold the reader from the back. That’s not quite as easy with the PRS-T3 and its built-in cover due to the extra bulk. Overall, the PRS-T3S just sits more naturally and loosely in the hand.

But don’t get me wrong: The regular Sony PRS-T3 is also a wonderfully compact eBook reader that’s tiny compared to other devices with covers. However, the coverless Sony PRS-T3S plays the role of a compact 6-inch device even better.

Otherwise, the two devices don’t differ in build quality—as expected. The Sony PRS-T3S is still excellently made, and the buttons have a good, crisp actuation. Thanks to their different shapes and clear separation and spacing, the buttons are also easy to find by touch.

The Sony PRS-T3S does without an integrated cover

All in all, the Sony PRS-T3S leaves me with a better impression than the “regular” PRS-T3. That said, it’s largely a matter of personal preference whether you’d rather use a reader with or without a cover. It may be worth visiting an electronics store to simply try the regular Sony PRS-T3 in your hand. The PRS-T3S special model, however, is only available from Libri (eBook.de and partner bookstores).

Display

The screen of the Sony PRS-T3S is, of course, the same as on the PRS-T3. I was actually going to skip this section entirely. However, the production variance of E Ink screens is so apparent here that I decided to briefly describe the PRS-T3S’s display.

First, a few quick words on the tech: The Sony PRS-T3S uses an E Ink Pearl display with a resolution of 1024×758 pixels. It also features the so-called Regal technology, which is intended to minimize ghosting with partial refreshes.

Like the regular model, the Sony PRS-T3S has no built-in lighting and thus stands alone among this year’s new 6-inch releases. However, you can use the aforementioned lighted cover to illuminate the screen with an externally mounted lamp.

Sony also continues to rely on an infrared touch screen, which doesn’t require a distracting plastic layer over the display. The PRS-T3S is thus (alongside the PRS-T3) the only new eBook reader this year with such an uncompromising focus on the display itself.

Production variance: The PRS-T3S’s screen (right) is slightly brighter than our PRS-T3 review unit (left)

Production variance in the display

The PRS-T3S’s predecessor also took this uncompromising approach. It earned the Sony PRS-T2 an excellent reputation, as the device’s screen is very bright while maintaining low black levels. The PRS-T2’s contrast ratio was an unbeaten 13:1. In our test, the Sony PRS-T3 couldn’t quite match its predecessor’s numbers, but still delivered very good readability with a 12:1 ratio.

When we published that review, some suggested that production variance in the displays might be responsible for the slight drop compared to the predecessor. Based on experience, that’s quite plausible and is now clearly visible with the Sony PRS-T3S.

As the microscope image below shows, the Sony PRS-T3S’s screen is marginally brighter than our PRS-T3 review unit. Of course, this isn’t due to different display technologies, but simply down to normal production variance.

Production variance under the microscope: Despite identical hardware, the Sony PRS-T3S’s display is a little brighter

Along with the slightly brighter background (PRS-T3: 83 on L*; PRS-T3S: 86 on L*), the black level has increased by the same amount (PRS-T3: 10 on L*; PRS-T3S: 13 on L*). Despite the different brightness values, the maximum contrast remains identical at 12:1 on the Sony PRS-T3S as well.

Contrast ratio without lighting (higher is better)

• Sony PRS-T2 13:1
• PocketBook Touch Lux 12:1
• Sony PRS-T3S 12:1
• Sony PRS-T3 12:1
• Kindle Paperwhite 11.5:1
• Tolino Shine 11:1
• Kobo Glo 10.5:1

Less ghosting thanks to “Regal” and production variance

In the end, production variance has no effect on contrast. It’s a different story with Regal technology.

Regal is the ability to clear ghosting without a full page refresh (i.e., without flicker). According to Sony, the PRS-T3S only needs a full refresh every 4 hours. While this promise left a somewhat mixed impression in practice on the Sony PRS-T3, it looks surprisingly better on the PRS-T3S. On our PRS-T3S review unit, ghosting is practically invisible under normal conditions.

Ghosting on the tested Sony PRS-T3 is also very minor, but still more noticeable than on the PRS-T3S we tested now. The cause of this difference is likely the slightly brighter display. Because the pigment particles seem to be a bit lighter, they’re not as visible after a page change as on the darker PRS-T3.

In the end, the Sony PRS-T3S’s display is certainly convincing, and thanks to its slightly better ghosting behavior, I actually prefer it to our PRS-T3 review unit. It’s important to stress again that the difference doesn’t come from a hardware revision or other technology, but simply from normal production variance. All manufacturers are affected by this. In this case, it’s clear that the variance has no impact on the contrast ratio.

Buying eBooks

In addition to the familiar ways of loading the Sony PRS-T3S with eBooks (USB mass storage, Calibre, Sony software, memory card), you can of course also supply the reader via an online shop.

You can set your preferred eBook store

As a user in Germany, you can choose between the Sony Reader Store, eBook.de, or a partner bookstore. Whatever you select, the store link is placed directly on the home screen and replaces the standard “Reader Store” link.

The most interesting part, of course, is that you can support your local bookstore with the Sony PRS-T3S—provided they have a Libri partner shop. With around 1,000 partner shops, the selection is quite large. If you want to use one of Libri’s partners, select the corresponding menu item. A window will open where you enter the name of the bookstore.

This is what a typical Libri partner shop looks like

If there’s only one bookstore with that name, the shop opens right away and you can log in and shop. If, however, there are several stores with the same name (e.g., if you only entered part of the name), a search results list opens from which you can choose the desired retailer. In such a case, it’s a good idea to complete the bookstore’s name in the device settings afterward.

Conclusion

Although the Sony PRS-T3S doesn’t differ technically from the regular PRS-T3, it leaves me with a better overall impression. That’s primarily due to the coverless design, which makes the reader simply feel better in the hand. Despite its excellent build quality, I still haven’t really warmed to the PRS-T3’s integrated cover.

There are two other important points that make for a better overall picture in my eyes: The display is slightly brighter and produces even less ghosting than the already very good PRS-T3 screen. The biggest plus for the PRS-T3S, however, is clearly the ability to set your preferred eBook store. This option is completely missing from the regular model (if purchased at Media Markt & Co.).

This means the Sony PRS-T3S actually offers something that various Tolino partners have occasionally claimed for themselves: support for the German book trade. With the Tolino alliance, that really means only the chains Weltbild, Thalia, and Hugendubel, whereas with the Sony PRS-T3S it truly includes the independent bookstore around the corner. The prerequisite, of course, is that the bookseller operates a Libri partner shop and that you use it.

With the Sony PRS-T3S you can shop directly on the device at your local bookstore

As expected, the PRS-T3S’s other functions don’t differ from the PRS-T3, so the same criticisms apply. The biggest of these concerns, of course, the built-in lighting—or rather, the lack of it. Unfortunately, Sony hasn’t jumped on the frontlight bandwagon that all other manufacturers are now riding, and in my opinion is missing an opportunity to solidify its otherwise good market position in Germany.

Fortunately, there’s at least a lighted cover that lets you work around this reasonably well. For anyone who can do without a built-in light, the Sony PRS-T3S is a very good eBook reader at a fair price. Overall, the final score is once again a solid 1.7.

Sony PRS-T3S: Technical Specifications

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