TEST: Sony PRS-T3S
The Sony PRS-T3S is eBook.de’s special edition of the standard Sony eBook reader model. The PRS-T3S differs from the PRS-T3 primarily by its lack of a front cover. Doing without the protective cover shows not only in handling, but also in the price: The Sony PRS-T3S is 30 euros cheaper.
And although the two devices are essentially identical in construction, there are a few notable differences—both in software and hardware. We therefore put the Sony PRS-T3S through a shortened version of our test routine and recorded our impressions below.
Note: Since the functionality of the Sony PRS-T3S is identical to that of the PRS-T3, we won’t describe the software again here. This quick review primarily serves to highlight the differences from the PRS-T3. The software features are described in detail in the Sony PRS-T3 review.
Sony PRS-T3 quick video review
The following video shows the standard Sony PRS-T3 in our video review. Apart from the form factor (and the points mentioned below), the devices hardly differ, so the features shown and the accompanying comments apply to the Sony PRS-T3S as well. All differences are discussed individually in the text below.
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: the cover is missing.
If you’re switching from a Sony PRS-T1 or T2, you’ll hardly notice, since those don’t have integrated covers either. The PRS-T3S still differs from other eBook readers, though, because the back of the device is still removable. In other words, you can simply take off the back panel, which is held on 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 under the cover.
When handling the Sony PRS-T3S, the lower weight immediately stands out in a positive way. The Sony PRS-T3 weighs around 200 grams with its cover, which is very light for a reader with a case, but still noticeably more than the 160 grams of the coverless PRS-T3S.
The Sony PRS-T3S is very comfortable to handle
In my view, this makes the device more pleasant to use overall. With average-sized hands you can easily grip and hold the eBook reader from the back. That’s not quite as easy with the PRS-T3 and its built-in cover due to the added bulk. Overall, the PRS-T3S just sits lighter and more naturally in the hand.
Don’t get me wrong: the regular Sony PRS-T3 is also a wonderfully compact eBook reader and, compared to other devices with covers, a real compact little thing. However, the coverless Sony PRS-T3S plays the role of the compact 6-inch model even better.
Otherwise, as expected, there are no differences in build quality. The Sony PRS-T3S is still excellently made, and the buttons have a crisp, precise click. Thanks to their different shapes and clear separation/spacing, they’re easy to find by feel.
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. Of course, much of this comes down to personal preference—whether you prefer an eBook reader with or without a cover. So it may be worth visiting an electronics retailer and simply picking up the standard Sony PRS-T3. The PRS-T3S special edition, 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 unit-to-unit variation with E Ink displays shows up so clearly here that I decided to briefly describe the PRS-T3S’s display.
A few quick technical notes up front: The Sony PRS-T3S uses an E Ink Pearl display with a resolution of 1024×758 pixels. It also includes what Sony calls “Regal” technology, which is designed to minimize ghosting during partial refreshes.
Like the standard model, the Sony PRS-T3S does not have built-in lighting and thus stands pretty much alone among this year’s new 6-inch releases. However, you can use the aforementioned lighted cover to illuminate the screen with an external lamp.
Sony also continues to rely on an infrared touchscreen, which doesn’t require an extra plastic layer over the display. Alongside the PRS-T3, the PRS-T3S is the only new eBook reader this year with such an uncompromising focus on the screen.
Unit-to-unit variation: The PRS-T3S’s display (right) is slightly brighter than on our PRS-T3 review unit (left)
Unit-to-unit variation in the display
The predecessor to the PRS-T3S also pursued this uncompromising approach. That earned the Sony PRS-T2 an excellent reputation, as its display is very bright while maintaining a low black level. As a result, the PRS-T2’s contrast ratio was an unbeaten 13:1. In our tests, the Sony PRS-T3 didn’t quite match its predecessor’s numbers, but still delivered very good readability with a ratio of 12:1.
When we published that review, some readers suggested that unit-to-unit variation could be responsible for the slight deterioration compared to the predecessor. From experience, that’s quite plausible—and it’s easy to see with the Sony PRS-T3S.
As the microscope image below shows, the Sony PRS-T3S’s display is marginally brighter than our PRS-T3 review unit. That’s not due to different display technologies, of course, but simply to normal variation in manufacturing.
Unit-to-unit variation under the microscope: Despite identical hardware, the Sony PRS-T3S’s display is a bit brighter
Along with the slightly brighter background (PRS-T3: 83 on L*; PRS-T3S: 86 on L*), the black level has increased to the same extent (PRS-T3: 10 on L*; PRS-T3S: 13 on L*). Despite the different brightness values, the maximum contrast remains the same and is also 12:1 on the Sony PRS-T3S.
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 unit-to-unit variation
In the end, unit-to-unit variation has no impact on contrast. It’s a different story with Regal technology.
Regal is a method of clearing ghosting without a full page refresh (i.e., without flicker). According to Sony, the PRS-T3S needs a full refresh only every 4 hours. While that promise left a somewhat mixed impression on the Sony PRS-T3 in practice, it looks surprisingly better on the PRS-T3S. On our PRS-T3S review unit, ghosting is practically invisible in normal use.
On the PRS-T3 we tested, ghosting is also very slight, but still more noticeable than on the PRS-T3S reviewed here. The likely reason is the slightly brighter display: because the ink particles appear a touch lighter, they’re less visible after a page turn than on the darker PRS-T3.
All told, the Sony PRS-T3S’s display is convincing, and thanks to the slightly better ghosting behavior I like it better than on our PRS-T3 review unit. It’s important to stress again that this difference isn’t due to a hardware revision or different technology, but simply to normal unit-to-unit variation in production—a “problem” that affects all manufacturers equally. In this case, it’s clear that the variation has no effect on contrast.
Buying eBooks
In addition to the usual ways to load the Sony PRS-T3S with eBooks (USB mass storage, Calibre, Sony software, memory card), you can of course also supply the eBook reader via an online store.
You can choose your preferred eBook store
In Germany, you can choose between the Sony Reader Store, eBook.de, or a partner bookstore. Whichever you select, a shortcut to that shop is placed right on the home screen and replaces the standard “Reader Store” link.
Most interestingly, you can use the Sony PRS-T3S to support your local bookstore—provided it has 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, choose the corresponding menu item. A window then opens where you enter the bookstore’s name.
What a typical Libri partner shop looks like
If there’s only one bookstore with that name, the shop opens directly and you can log in and start shopping. If there are several bookstores with the same name (e.g., if you entered only part of the name), a search results list opens for you to select the desired retailer. In that case, it’s a good idea to complete the bookstore’s name in the device settings.
Conclusion
Although the Sony PRS-T3S doesn’t differ technically from the standard PRS-T3, it leaves me with a better overall impression. That’s primarily due to the coverless design, which makes the eBook reader sit better in the hand. Despite the excellent workmanship, I still haven’t really warmed to the PRS-T3’s integrated cover.
There are two other important factors that, in my view, add up to a better overall package: the display is a bit brighter and shows even less ghosting than the already very good PRS-T3 screen. The biggest plus, however, is clearly the ability to set your preferred eBook store. This option is completely missing from the standard model (if purchased from Media Markt & Co.).
This means the Sony PRS-T3S truly offers something that various Tolino partners have occasionally claimed for themselves: support for Germany’s book trade. Whereas the Tolino alliance essentially means the chain stores Weltbild, Thalia, and Hugendubel, with the Sony PRS-T3S that also genuinely includes the independent bookstore around the corner. The prerequisite, of course, is that the bookseller runs a Libri partner shop and you use it.
With the Sony PRS-T3S you can shop directly on the device at your local bookseller
The PRS-T3S’s other functions don’t differ from the PRS-T3, as expected, so the same criticisms apply. The biggest of these is the built-in lighting—or rather, the fact that it’s missing. Unfortunately, Sony hasn’t jumped on the front-light bandwagon that all other manufacturers are now using and, in my opinion, is missing a chance to cement its otherwise strong market position in Germany.
Fortunately, there is at least a lighted cover that lets you work around this to some extent. Anyone who can do without integrated lighting will get a very good eBook reader at a fair price with the Sony PRS-T3S. Overall test score: again a solid 1.7.
