Tolino eReader Showdown: Shine 3 vs. Vision 4 HD – Which Should You Buy?
In the Tolino comparison, we examine the two very similar 6-inch models from the German book trade alliance side-by-side: Tolino Shine 3 vs. Tolino Vision 4 HD.
On paper, the eBook readers appear so similar despite their different price segments and the several years between their market launches that readers really need to look closely to identify the key differences.
That’s reason enough to take a closer look at the two reading devices and find out in the comparison which you should buy.
Design and Build Quality
The Tolino Vision 4 HD visually presents itself in the familiar Tolino style, offering a high recognition value. Not only is the connection to the original Shine apparent, but also the previous Vision series adopted this almost unchanged design. Only the Vision 5, as the newest addition to the series, breaks with the traditional design.
New design for the Shine
In contrast, the Tolino Shine 3 adopts a minimalist look and abandons the well-known Tolino style elements. The reason is simple: The development of the latest Shine was driven by the Japanese-Canadian technology partner Rakuten Kobo. The Kobo Clara HD, released a few months ago, uses – save for some minor differences – the same design.
In terms of build quality, both sibling models are impressive. Both the Vision 4 HD and the Shine 3 are excellently built – nothing creaks or cracks, even when gripped firmly.
The Shine 3 offers two small advantages with a slightly lower weight of 166 grams (Vision 4 HD: 174 grams) and slightly smaller dimensions.
More angular design and different material result in relatively poorer ergonomics for the Shine 3
However, the Vision still takes the lead thanks to its ergonomics, as the new Shine’s feel is not particularly pleasing, at least in my opinion. The hard plastic casing feels cheaper despite flawless workmanship and attracts fingerprints and smudges like a magnet.
The choice of design and material on the back of the Shine also fails to impress, making the device slippery and a dust magnet. The more angular design also proves to be somewhat uncomfortable.
The Vision 4 is comfortable to hold, thanks to its material and generous curves
The Tolino Vision 4 HD is completely different: Originally positioned in the premium segment, this eReader not only looks a bit more modern with its flat front but is also much more comfortable to hold with its rougher back. The casing, rounded on every edge and corner, is easier to handle, too.
Winner: Tolino Vision 4 HD
Features
This section can be kept relatively short, as the Tolino Shine 3 offers no additional features over the Vision 4 HD (for most users). Only tinkerers can expand the storage by swapping the internal memory card. To do this, however, the device must be opened, and the warranty risked.
While this is not possible with the Tolino Vision 4 HD, the eBook reader brings more to the table: The built-in water protection is certainly the most important feature that sets the Vision apart from its cheaper sibling. Less important, but still worth mentioning, are the Tap2Flip function (which allows you to turn the page by tapping the back of the device), the touch-sensitive home button below the display, and the light button on the top edge of the casing. Additionally, the flat front was already mentioned.
Aside from the water protection, there are technically only small differences that set the Vision 4 HD apart from the Shine 3. However, it’s enough to declare the Vision the winner in this section.
Winner: Tolino Vision 4 HD
Software
The software of both models is virtually identical. The Tolino partners use the same interface across all current devices in the portfolio. Since both devices were available alongside each other for some time, it’s reasonable to speculate that future software updates will continue to be available for both models over the long term.
It’s worth noting in this context that, except for the very first Tolino Shine 1 from 2013, all models have always received the latest firmware. Only the timing of the rollout has differed for older models.
This means there are no significant software differences between the two devices in the mid-term.
Winner: Tie
Display
In terms of display comparison, the Tolinos are also very close. The displays of the two models share the following identical features:
- 6-inch screen diagonal
- 300 ppi “Retina” resolution (1448×1072 pixels)
- Capacitive touchscreen
- Lighting
- Blue light reduction (Night light/SmartLight)
Equivalent contrast values without lighting
The Tolino Vision 4 HD scores with its flat front, which sometimes proves to be more comfortable to operate. However, the responsiveness of both touchscreens is equally good.
Tolino Vision 4 HD (left) vs. Tolino Shine 3 (right). Night light deactivated.
The quality of illumination is also similarly good in the Tolino comparison, albeit with a few minor differences. The Vision 4 HD has a narrow, shadowy strip on the bottom edge of the screen, which doesn’t exist in this form on the Shine 3.
Night light comparison: Tolino Vision 4 HD (left) vs. Tolino Shine 3 (right)
The shadow formation on the Tolino Shine 3 is more diffuse and thus slightly less visible. However, the shadows extend a bit further up. This doesn’t disrupt the reading flow due to its slight intensity, but it’s noticeable in direct comparison to the Vision 4 HD.
As a result, the Vision’s lighting appears more uniform in direct comparison.
Note: The color temperatures of the illuminations can vary within a series. Based on experience, light colors fluctuate by up to 400 Kelvin – across all manufacturers.
The Vision also presents slightly better ghosting performance. The “ghostly translucency” of letters from the previous page is visibly less pronounced than in the new Shine.
Overall, the Tolino Vision 4 HD can deliver better performance, which you would expect for the higher price. But don’t be fooled: Even if the Shine 3 scores a bit lower in the Tolino comparison, its display is still excellent and among the best on the market. The Vision just takes it up a notch.
Winner: Tolino Vision 4 HD
Price-Performance Ratio
The Tolino Shine 3, on the other hand, shines with its price-performance ratio: It goes over the counter for a list price of 119 Euros.
In contrast, the Vision 4 HD normally costs 179 Euros, but it’s generally available for 159 Euros. Thus the price premium over the Shine is usually around 40 Euros or approximately 34 percent.
Better price-performance ratio for the Tolino Shine 3
Even though the Vision can do some things better, for the price, you get relatively more with the Shine 3.
Winner: Tolino Shine 3
Conclusion of the Tolino Comparison
Shine 3 and Vision 4 HD are neck and neck in the Tolino comparison. Both eBook readers can impress in practice across the most important areas and have almost no weaknesses.
In particular, the Tolino Vision 4 HD proves once again to be an excellent all-rounder, which the Shine 3, despite great performance, ultimately can’t quite match. The Vision’s overall package is just too strong.
However, the question inevitably arises whether the 30% premium is justified or if the Tolino Shine 3 is sufficient. The Shine only faces criticism for its feel and otherwise need not shy away from the Vision or competitors from other manufacturers.
In the Tolino comparison, both 6-inch models with night light prove to be great reading devices.
Now to the crucial question: Vision 4 HD or Shine 3?
Answer: Since the Tolino Vision 4 HD has now been succeeded by the Vision 5, the Vision 4 HD has become cheaper as a clearance model, narrowing the price gap to the Shine 3. Since the Vision does a few things a tad better, the small premium is worth it in my eyes (even though the Vision 4 HD is the older device).
Only if you want to keep the cost as low as possible and potentially aim for the 100 Euro mark with various offers on the Shine 3, is the Shine 3 the better choice.
But whichever Tolino model you choose, you’ll receive a technically very good device that provides comfortable reading.
Black Friday Promotion: The Tolino Vision 4 HD is currently available in the Black Friday sale at Thalia.de for a whopping 44 Euros less. This brings the price down to just 115 instead of 159 Euros.
Click here for the promotional offer
You will find detailed information including purchase advice, test reports, and price comparisons on the detail pages of the eReaders:
