The Xperia Tablet S features a magazine inspired design similar to its predecessor's, but the angle is less pronounced than in the original.

[5] It includes a full sized SD card slot, along with a proprietary Sony charging port and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

[7] Sales of the tablet were suspended in October 2012 when it was discovered that a manufacturing error left gaps between the screen and the case, which compromises its waterproofing.

Some alterations include the ability to add multiple user accounts and control of the tablet's IR blaster.

In his review, Engadget writer Joseph Volpe stated that the Xperia Tablet S "misses the mark in everyday performance.