REVIEW: VAIO TL12 Tablet Aims for the Pure Android Experience

Billed as a full-featured tablet from the brand famous for its high-performance notebooks, the VAIO TL12 It's a great option for those who need a lightweight tablet and don't want to make any additional purchases, as it comes with a stylus and keyboard cover included in the box. But does its less powerful processor go unnoticed amidst all the benefits the manufacturer promises? Check out the details in this review.

Design

With official weight of 697 grams when it is without the keyboard cover, the V positions the TL12 tablet as a versatile model that can be used in a variety of ways. There's no denying that it's truly lightweight and easy to carry in your hand or backpack, ready to use as soon as the screen turns on.

The thickness is another detail that impresses, as this tablet from V is extremely thin, at just 6,5 millimeters. For comparison, one of its biggest competitors in the market, Galaxy Tab S9 FE, has the same thickness.

I'd say the model needed a fingerprint reader to make what's saved even more secure. Of course, entering a password or using a swipe pattern are great, but remember that you're investing a considerable amount, and not having a security feature like this is a loss for not only better everyday use but also for ensuring that only you have access to what's saved on the device. And remember, this can also be used as security validation for online purchases.

Complementing the design features, the model has only three buttons: one to turn the screen on/off and two to control the volume. It fits well in your hand, and you can use the keyboard cover to view images and videos in landscape mode, something we'll discuss later in this article. Charging is done via a USB-C connection, which can also be used for audio output.

Fabric

A screen of the type AMOLED de 12,6" was added to the model. These more powerful displays offer perfect blacks and infinite contrast, as each pixel emits its own light and can be turned off individually. This results in more vibrant colors and greater energy efficiency, especially when displaying dark images.

The large screen, as expected, is the model's biggest draw: working outdoors also gave me no problems viewing images. The 2,5K resolution helps, and since much of the content on the internet is in FHD resolution, the tablet allows photos and videos to be viewed in quite good quality. It's not 4K yet, but it's close.

On sunnier days, what I missed most was an anti-glare coating, as the screen can become a mirror when the natural light is brighter. You can still see the information on the screen, but dark mode apps will work better when you're indoors or in the shade.

To address this, the manufacturer could have increased the peak brightness of this display to avoid issues like this, as it only has 600 nits. It's not low, but a higher brightness level would certainly improve the user experience.

Regarding the refresh rate, the screen can reach 60Hz, which I would also say is sufficient for consumers who would buy a tablet like this, but 120Hz wouldn't be bad here either.

You can see that this tablet V It stays in its comfort zone, refusing to take risks when trying to deliver a better visual experience. This doesn't characterize it as a device with a poor display, but it also doesn't stand out among other competitors, which have options with higher peak brightness or refresh rates that would make a difference in everyday life.

Processor

Throughout this review, I will talk more about the system and everyday applications, but the biggest explanation for delivering such a basic experience lies in its processor: here, there is a Unisoc T820, considered as input and equivalent to Snapdragon 6 Gen1, present in entry-level smartphones and tablets.

The processor can run the Android 15 without problems or crashes, but there's no point in waiting too long: it only works for more basic things, like using the Gemini app, Chrome and social networks.

I was able to run games like Asphalt 9 with the highest graphics without any issues, but I did experience some heating after about thirty minutes. This isn't a tablet for high-performance games and applications. If you're looking for a model for more demanding tasks, this isn't the one for you.

System and interface

O VAIO TL12 hits the market with Android 15 and the manufacturer confirmed at the launch event that it will be updated to the Android 16, in addition to receiving security patches for another year. There is no dedicated interface V (like Samsung, Motorola, or Realme do) and here the pure Android experience is available. Something that worked in some parts, but failed in others.

The experience of not having any experience affected by the manufacturer to sell some service is interesting and here you have complete control over the entire operating system, but at the same time there is that feeling that something is missing.

I couldn't, for example, even use the tablet as a second screen connected to the notebook, even wired. This is because V did not develop or partner to make this feature available to buyers. This did not work even when using Link to Windows, which can, for example, mirror the screen and control my smartphone directly from my notebook.

It's not like the tablet has a bad system, but I feel like it could also go further and provide solutions that are useful in everyday life, such as, for example, some tool that could convert written text to typed text, or some functionality that would allow it to be used as a second screen when connected to a notebook.

Artificial Intelligence & Apps

This tablet from V does not have native artificial intelligence, such as Galaxy A.I. da Samsung or Apple Intelligence, Apple . However, your keyboard has an open key. Gemini, which always requires an internet connection to be used. During the launch event, the company even mentioned that it is an "AI-ready tablet," but the truth is that it doesn't have an AI to call its own.

Despite this, the Gemini is well integrated with the tablet and the work of Google Unifying your apps so everything can be shared between them gives you that productivity boost. Plus, having a key to “call” the app’s AI Google It's very interesting.

I missed the support for Circle to Search, because despite the work of using the Google Lens to do the same, which is to read what is on the screen, the task of taking a screenshot just for that seems a bit outdated.

O Circle to Search has been released for more and more devices, including my realme 12 pro + with Android 15 now has the functionality. Since it has a slightly less powerful processor, it may take some time for this to reach the VAIO TL12, but during the writing of this review, this was missing.

The model also doesn't have its own gallery, which also eliminates the possibility of a gallery with AI features to erase intruders, apply filters to improve color, etc. You end up depending on the Google Photos, which isn't bad, but again: it feels like there's something missing.

Furthermore, AI applications that also depend more on an internet connection than on a good processor or RAM worked well here: I was able to use the ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity and DeepSeek no crashing issues.

It's true that this is a tablet ready to run AI applications, but the icing on the cake would be having a native AI that does things considered basic, like erasing intruders in photos, transcribing audio to text, and even creating summaries of documents saved directly on the tablet.

Frontal camera

A tablet's front camera has the simple function of being used for video calls and, in the VAIO TL12, there is a lens of 12 MP. Without the support of software that can improve the image at some point, the sensor present in the screen is very weak.

It'll be enough for you to make video calls with decent quality, but there's no point in expecting much, even in post-editing, as there's no gallery with effects that can be applied to photos or videos. The camera app also has light capture issues and sometimes left my skin looking whiter than usual, creating a kind of washout.

The feeling that remains is that the V It only developed an application that was useful just to open the camera, which wouldn't be bad if it had invested in features like automatic correction in photos, even in post-processing.

Despite all this, the camera can deliver video calls in FHD (1080p) quality at 30 FPS, a basic quality found on virtually all entry-level laptops and satisfactory for meetings held at home or in the office. Don't count on the tablet to take great selfies, but it won't disappoint when it comes to video calls.

Back camera

For VAIO TL12, One 13 MP rear lens was chosen and, even though it has a slightly better sensor (at least it should be, in theory), the photo delivery is close to what we see on the front camera: a more basic experience with no special features.

The same thinking about the front camera applies here: you don't need such a powerful camera on a tablet for work, since you would basically use the rear camera to scan documents or save some information for a later moment.

The 13 MP lens performs well when focusing properly, but the native camera app can't identify this for better capture, so you'll need to use a third-party option. And this is a basic feature found on R$1 smartphones.

Anyone trying to use the rear camera for video calls or simpler content capture may receive 4K videos at 30 FPS, but it will be of no use if a simpler application cannot identify documents or automatically configure resources.

Memory, storage and cards

The model was launched in Brazil in three versions, none of which have an SD card slot. They are:

• 8 GB RAM + 128 GB internal storage
• 8 GB RAM + 256 GB internal storage
• 12 GB RAM + 512 GB internal storage

O showmetech received the 512 GB and 12 GB RAM version, a combination that performs well for everyday tasks you'd perform on a tablet. I honestly missed the RAM Plus feature, which leverages a portion of the internal storage to deliver more performance.

It's that old thinking: extra performance has never been a problem, and it would be interesting to see the company invest in that cherry on the cake; but at least the model comes with 12 GB of RAM, which is more than enough to perform the activities on the model and run several apps at the same time.

Audio

The tablet features a microphone located near the front camera, providing a great support for video calls. Audio capture is quite reliable, but remember that without AI noise-canceling features, you'll have to rely heavily on the quiet surroundings to be heard on the other end of the call.

Its audio output is stereo, with two speakers located near the USB-C connection. Special sound features such as support for Dolby Atmos, found in competitors like the Galaxy Tab S10 FE, are not available here. The sound fills the room, which can be useful for those expecting the basics from a tablet, but more demanding users may miss it.

Connectivity

An interesting difference is that the processor, while not the most powerful, has a 5G modem that allows the use of up to two physical SIM cards, breaking the chains of using your smartphone's Wi-Fi hotspot or your office/home Wi-Fi. The model doesn't support eSIM, but having a slot for physical SIM cards is a huge plus.

As for Wi-Fi, it follows the Wi-Fi 5 standard, the standard for simple tablets. Other sensors include NFC for contactless payments and, perhaps, also using the tablet as a lock unlocker. I believe Wi-Fi 6/6E would make more sense for its price, but the version chosen by V passes without problems.

Tickets

The tablet V arrives on the Brazilian market with the standard: just one USB-C port. There are also magnetic POGO connectors, which are used to connect the keyboard cover. Those who want to listen to music while the model is charging can't do both simultaneously, but let's face it, this is the standard for some models on the market, so no surprises.

Battery and charging

A 12″ screen requires a large battery to be present in a tablet like this, and for that, there is a battery with a capacity of 10.090 mAh, with support from 33W fast charging. I used the device for a whole day of work at showmetech for 8 hours and reached the end of the day with 60% of the battery remaining. The next day, I did the same routine and still had another 20% of the battery remaining.

Certainly, the battery is far from being a problem for this model, making it a good option for those who spend a lot of time away from an outlet or just need a tablet to work for an entire day.

Charging via the power supply shipped in the box with 33W power takes 03 hours to complete (going from 0% to 100%), so just plug it in overnight after a long day of use and have battery life for more than two days, even with heavy use on 5G, for example.

Accessories

It's funny to note that these essential mobility details are only useful when the device is without the keyboard cover, as the weight increases significantly and holding it with just one hand is an almost impossible task.

The keyboard serves as a good screen protector, but it would be nice if you didn't have to sacrifice the mobility of using it with just one hand. Your tablet will be ready to be used as a full-featured device, but weight is the price to pay for this.

Those with larger hands may also have some difficulty using the keyboard, as the focus is on mobility, so the keys are smaller. I usually use a 15" laptop that has keys ideal for my hand size, and the lack of a dedicated numeric keypad was noticeable right away.

There were situations where I needed to rewrite some words due to accidentally pressing keys, this was because the keys were placed closer together.

It's not a bad keyboard, just a basic one, and I think it'll be best used by those with smaller hands. It might be a good option for use on the go and when you're away from your computer, but, at least for those with larger hands, it will require patience.

The pen, little highlighted by the V In the tablet's marketing material, it's a great success. When used, it delivers a very complete experience, even if your hand is resting on the screen while typing.

The physical button allows you to take photos/start recording videos, but it would also be more useful for writing activities, such as deleting something by pressing the button three times or something similar. But for that, V would need to develop their own application, instead of opting for Google Docs.

Price and availability

The tablet V was launched in Brazil with a suggested price starting at R$3.999 for its 8 GB RAM + 128 GB version. Currently, the model can be found in the same price range. See the options we found during the completion of this review:

Mercado Livre	Amazon	Magazine Luiza	VAIO Official Website
8GB + 128GB: R$3.099	8GB + 128GB: R$3.999	8GB + 128GB: R $ 2.987,11 on Pix	8GB + 128GB: R $ 3.609,05 on Pix
8GB + 256GB: R$3.799	8GB + 256GB: R$3.799	8GB + 256GB: BRL 4.899 on Pix	8GB + 256GB: R $ 3.799,05 on Pix
12GB + 512GB: R$3.999	12GB + 512GB: R$4.449	12GB + 512GB: R $ 4.047,12 on Pix	12GB + 512GB: R $ 3.779,10 on Pix

Conclusion

O VAIO TL12 It's a tablet with interesting specs, but day-to-day use leaves me with the feeling that something is missing. Its main highlights are the excellent AMOLED screen with 2.5K resolution and the long-lasting battery with fast charging.

However, the experience is hampered by the lack of proprietary apps and features like a desktop mode, something that competitors like Samsung e Xiaomi offer in the same price range. The V bet on a “pure” Android, but forgot to add differences.

My conclusion is that the tablet isn't bad, but its price is inadequate for what it delivers. Compared to competitors with a better ecosystem and value for money, the VAIO TL12 is a fair price around R$2.500, as it offers a tablet with good display specifications, battery accessories, and 5G connectivity—features that don't make it unique in the market, but are nice to have.

When you look at the Galaxy Tab S10 FE, which can now be purchased for R$2.500 and has several of its own features Samsung that really make a difference in everyday life, in addition to integration with other devices from the brand, the choice is simple.

Technical specifications

Córdoba	VAIO TL12
Colors	Black
Fabric	12.6″ AMOLED screen Ratio 16:10 Density 248 ppi, 2,5K Resolution Maximum brightness 600 cd/m 60Hz refresh rate Touchscreen
Processor	Unisoc T820 (2,4GHz)
System and interface	Android 15
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 5 Bluetooth 5.3 Support for up to 2 5G SIMs
Battery and charging	10.090 mAh Charging up to 33W Font shipped in the box
Rear cameras	13 MP rear camera 12 MP front camera
Memory and storage	8 GB + 128 GB 8 GB + 256 GB 12 GB + 512 GB
Availability in Brazil	As of August 06, 2025

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Text revised by Alexandre Marques in 10 / 09 / 2025.