Tolino Vision 2 vs. Tolino Shine: Which eReader Offers Better Value?

Update: You can find a comparison of Tolino Shine 2 HD and Tolino Vision 3 HD here!

Original article: A few days ago, the Tolino Vision 2 was introduced as an interesting new eReader, replacing its predecessor after just around six months. Along with the proven technology of the first device, it also features water protection and the new Tap2Flip function, which is presumably enabled by an accelerometer. A simple tap on the back is enough to turn the page.

Meanwhile, the Tolino Shine remains in the lineup. The eReader is still being sold for 99 euros, making it one of the more affordable illuminated models. It gained significant popularity during the 2013 Christmas season. Now the question arises, which one should you choose? The price difference for the new model is 30 euros. Starting in November, the price of the Vision 2 is set to increase to 149 euros, further widening the gap. Is the higher price really worth it?

Different Display Generations

To answer the question, let’s first take a look at the screens of the two devices. The Tolino Shine features an E-Ink Pearl display with a resolution of 1024×758 pixels. With a 6-inch screen diagonal, this results in a pixel density of around 212 ppi.

In contrast, the Vision 2 uses an E-Ink Carta display with the same resolution, size, and pixel density. This technology is characterized by even better reflectivity, which translates into a brighter screen background and thus better readability in practice (see image below).

Clearly visible: The brighter screen background on the Tolino Vision 2 (left) ensures better readability. Both devices without activated lighting.

In the first Vision, the technological difference to the cheaper Shine was also apparent, but rather limited. Therefore, one could argue that the Vision might not be worth the extra cost. The difference was so small because a capacitive touchscreen with visible sensor grid was used, slightly darkening the screen and partially nullifying the advantages of Carta technology. In contrast, the Shine uses an infrared touchscreen, which does not require an extra plastic layer on the display, ensuring the best possible screen rendering.

But what about the Tolino Vision 2? A different touchscreen is used here, which also relies on capacitive technology but lacks a visible sensor grid. Thus, even in direct comparison to its predecessor, a brighter screen with better contrast values is noticeable. The difference is now even more pronounced compared to the Shine.

The screen is significantly brighter in most lighting situations, the text crisper, and the contrast sharper. From this perspective, the clear winner is: Tolino Vision 2.

Comparing Lighting

The situation is quite similar in the lighting comparison. The Tolino Shine faced criticism from the start due to its sometimes uneven lighting. Although there aren’t disruptive irregularities (like those seen in the first Kindle Paperwhite from 2012), there are visible quality differences particularly when directly compared to some other current devices. A faint vertical color gradient is noticeable on the Shine.

However, you won’t find this on the Vision 2. While there is a slight tendency towards a shadowy gradient at the top of the screen, it’s quite subtle and not disturbing.

The new model also excels in terms of contrast: As you can clearly see in the photo below (focused on the chapter heading), the black tone noticeably lightens with activated lighting on the Shine, whereas this effect is significantly weaker on the Vision 2.

The Tolino Vision 2 (left) offers superior lighting with better contrast, more uniform illumination, and a more pleasant color temperature

Software and Extras

A detailed comparison of the software of the two devices is largely unnecessary due to their almost identical range of functions. It should just be noted here that both models offer the same capabilities, with the Vision 2 currently equipped with the latest firmware, including additional system languages (German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch) and enabling library linkage with the eBook.de store. Apart from that, there are no differences (that I noticed).

However, when it comes to extras, the two devices do differ: The Tolino Shine features memory card expansion, which the Vision 2 does not have. This feature was sacrificed for water protection, which brings us to the next point: The new eReader is protected against the harmful effects of water, allowing you to read worry-free near the pool or in the bathtub. If the eReader gets wet, just wipe it off. Done. This resilience is thanks to a nanocoating on the electronics.

Whether this benefit justifies the loss of memory card expansion is up to the individual to decide. However, since you can still store between about 1,500 and 2,500 eBooks, the absence of a memory card slot is unlikely to be a major issue for most users, especially with the Telekom Cloud storage available for external backup of eBooks.

Another plus point of the Vision 2 is the Tap2Flip function mentioned at the beginning of the article. A simple tap on the back of the device is enough to turn the page. As shown in our video test, this is a great and intuitive new feature that provides a significant added value.

Finally, there are the very different cases to mention. The Shine continues to be sold in the typical Tolino brown, which isn’t everyone’s taste. The device is also noticeably larger (not always a disadvantage!) and slightly heavier (183 g vs. 174 g). The Vision 2 shares the same housing as its predecessor but is now black. In my eyes, this looks significantly more elegant and modern.

Conclusion

Overall, the Tolino Vision 2 excels in nearly every area—except price. Currently priced at 129 euros, the new eBook reader is 30 euros more expensive than its older counterpart. Soon the price gap is expected to increase further, with the Vision 2 being sold for 149 euros. How long the Tolino Alliance will maintain this price increase remains to be seen, as the affordable 6-inch competition from the Kindle Paperwhite, PocketBook Touch Lux 2, and Kobo Aura isn’t resting.

In any case, at the end of this brief comparison, it’s clear that the Tolino Shine is still a good choice for those on a small budget (rated 1.6 – Good), but is essentially outclassed by the new Vision 2 in almost every respect. The 30 euro increase is definitely worthwhile in my opinion: A better display, more consistent lighting, a more compact and lighter housing, water protection, and Tap2Flip are significant advantages. Even current Tolino Shine owners may want to consider taking a look at the new device.