Top 10: Android e-Ink e-readers

2024. New 10.3″ Bigme inkNoteX Color with Android 13 is now available



The newly launched Bigme inkNoteX Color, featuring a sizable 10.3-inch color E Ink display, is now purchasable on Amazon albeit at a steep price tag of $699, making it one of the priciest eNotes available presently. Despite the cost, it boasts premium specifications for an E Ink gadget, running on open Android 13 with the capability to install third-party applications. Equipped with an octa-core 2.4GHz MediaTek Dimensity 900 processor, 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage with expandability via a memory card slot, the inkNoteX Color also incorporates advanced features like a fingerprint sensor, wireless charging stylus, dual speakers, a microphone, USB-C port, dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. Additionally, it sports both front (5MP) and rear (8MP) cameras, a 4000mAh battery and measures 225.6 x 191 x 6.6mm in size. Although its weight remains unspecified, it appears to include a leather case as part of the package.


2024. iReader Neo 2 provides a 35% increase in overall performance vs the previous generation



The new iReader Neo 2 utilizes the latest generation E INK technology, Carta 1300 and provides a massive 35% increase in overall performance vs the previous generation. This means if you thought the 11th generation Kindle Paperwhite was fast, this trounces it. It even supports English, so there is a massive market for it. The iReader Neo 2 features a 6-inch E INK Carta 1300 black and white e-paper panel. It has a resolution of 1072×1448 with 300 PPI. It features a recessed bezel design, providing a superior reading experience. Most e-readers on the market have a glass layer protecting the screen. There is a USBC port for charging and transferring documents and it is powered by a 1700 mAh battery. The iReader Neo 2 runs Android 11 as the operating system but doesn’t have an app store. I have heard that you can sideload in apps on this model, but you couldn’t on the first gen Neo. The main UI is at the bottom and has links to the library, store and settings menu. It retails for $239.99.

2023. Onyx Boox Note Air3 is now available



Onyx BOOX has released the Note Air3, an exceptional black and white E-Ink notepad designed for distraction-free note-taking. The Note Air3 series offers users a choice between the Note Air3 and Note Air3 C, offering a monochrome screen or a colour screen, respectively. The Note Air3 is available with a free magnetic case and the Boox Pen 2 Plus stylus for $399.99 The Note Air3 boasts a 10.3-inch E Ink Carta 1200 screen offering a crisp reading experience while minimizing eye strain. There is WIFI to connect to the internet and it has a USB-C port for transferring data or charging. It is powered by a 3700 mAh battery. Running on the Android 12 OS, the Note Air3 gives access to numerous apps for note-taking and reading. Equipped with the latest firmware, the Note Air3 comes preloaded with the game-changing Smart Scribe feature, empowering users to refine their note-taking skills effortlessly. With this innovative addition, users can annotate books with handwritten notes and seamlessly transform them into perfect shapes, highlights, underlines, or even easily erase their handwriting. Furthermore, the Note Air3 features a more realistic handwriting experience. It also offers comprehensive note-taking tools, including keyword search to find relevant notes instantly, converting handwritten notes into editable text and seamless integration with related files or websites for quick reference.


2023. Bigme released new colour e-note S6 Color+


Bigme has unveiled its latest e-note, the S6 Color+, which comes with On-Cell Touch and boasts a vibrant 7.8-inch E Ink display based on the on-cell Kaleido 3 color e-paper technology. According to Bigme, this innovative color display incorporates fewer layers over the touch surface, resulting in improved light transmission and a brighter visual experience. Under the hood, the S6 Color+ houses a powerful octa-core 2.3 GHz processor, along with 6GB of RAM and a generous 128GB of internal storage. Should users require more storage space, the device supports expandable storage via an SD card of up to 1TB capacity. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi and 4G; however, network support is currently limited to China. To enhance user experience, the S6 Color+ is equipped with dual speakers and a microphone. On the photography front, it features a 5 MP front-facing camera and an 8 MP rear camera setup. Running on Android 11 with preinstalled Google Play Store, the device offers access to a wide range of applications. Powering the S6 Color+ is a 3000 mAh battery, ensuring extended usage. The S6 Color+ by Bigme is available at a price of $459.99.


2023. MobiScribe released color waterproof eNote - MobiScribe Wave Color



Earlier this year MobiScribe has introduced the MobiScribe Wave with 7.8-inch black and white E Ink screen and now there is a color variant of the MobiScribe Wave as well. The MobiScribe Wave Color is priced at $320, while the black and white version costs $285. The MobiScribe Wave Color boasts a 7.8-inch E Ink Kaleido Plus screen and operates on Android 12. It includes a built-in speaker for audio playback and a frontlight with adjustable color temperature. The device's battery capacity is 2500mAh. As expected, it comes with a stylus and the touchscreen supports 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity using a Wacom touchscreen, similar to most eNotes. Additionally, the MobiScribe Wave is waterproof with an IPX7 rating, enabling it to endure submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes.


2023. Onyx Boox launches compact e-reader Onyx Boox Page running Android



The new Onyx Boox Page is an impressive new ebook reader featuring convenient manual page-turn buttons and the latest E INK Carta 1200 e-paper technology. This 7-inch e-reader operates on Google Android 11, providing full access to the Google Play Store. It can be purchased for $249.99 and includes a complimentary case. Under the hood, it houses a powerful Qualcomm 2.0GHz Octa-core processor, along with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. The device is equipped with a speaker for enjoying audiobooks, music, or podcasts and offers Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity for wireless earbuds or headphones. With the built-in WiFi (802.11b/g/n/ac) 2.4G + 5G chip, you can easily connect to the internet and browse the web. The USB-C port enables content transfer and charging functionality. Additionally, the device features a microphone for voice communication apps and a g-sensor that automatically rotates the screen from portrait to landscape orientation. Powered by a 2300mAh battery, it boasts compact dimensions of 156 X 137 X 6.0mm and weighs just 195g.


2023. iReader Neo e-Readers come with AI for Text-to-speech function



iReader's recent addition to their product lineup is the Neo series, which are dedicated e-readers that lack note-taking capabilities. The Neo and Neo Pro are the two models available, with the Neo having 212 PPI and the Neo Pro boasting 300 PPI. The Neo Pro is priced at $230, which is $40 more than the standard model and both devices operate on Android. One notable feature of the iReader Neo e-readers is their intelligent optimization technology. This technology includes an intelligent edge trimming function that automatically detects the format of the PDF book content, allowing for easier PDF rearrangement and the ability to adjust font, font size, typesetting and more. Additionally, the AI technology allows for text-to-speech reading, contrast enhancement and one-click smart PDF watermark removal, which enhances the overall reading experience, especially when viewing magazines or comics. Another standout feature of the Neo e-reader series is its support for English, with an integrated dictionary that provides instant translation of words in the book. Furthermore, the devices offer a language learning mode that provides real-time content translation.


2023. iReader launches 6-inch iReader Neo



Chinese manufacturer iReader has launched the Neo series of Android e-reader devices – the iReader Neo and the iReader Neo Pro. Both devices share similar designs, but the Neo Pro is more advanced than the base Neo model. The Neo model has a 6-inch E Ink panel with 212 PPI resolution, while the Pro version features a 6-inch E Ink display with a resolution of 300 PPI. The iReader Neo series of e-readers also comes with a smart flip cover that not only acts as a protective cover for the e-reader but also includes a set of customizable buttons that can be used to return to the Home page or refresh the display. This is particularly useful for those who prefer physical buttons on their e-readers, even though the Neo series lacks them. However, the case with integrated buttons needs to be purchased separately. The base iReader Neo is priced at $125, while the Pro version costs $140.


2023. Xiaomi brings back the Inkpalm Mini 2



Xiaomi has collaborated with digital stationery company Kinbor to revive the second generation InkPalm Mini 2, which retains its original hardware but comes with several additional features. These include a luggage tag and stickers featuring an owl reading books, a high-quality traveling pouch made from super high-grade plastic and a ledger with a pen for note-taking and drawing. The unboxing experience is truly unique, offering a plethora of discoveries. The Xiaomi mini e-reader boasts a 5.2-inch screen with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels and a pixel density of 284 ppi, runs on Google Android 8.1 and supports the installation of third-party apps such as F-Droid or the Amazon App Store for updates. While the device includes a dedicated e-reading app for sideloaded English ebooks, the majority of the UI is in Chinese.


2021. Onyx Boox launches an affordable Leaf eReader



Onyx may not be widely known, but the brand produces some of the most dependable gadgets on the market at a reasonable price. Their latest offering is the new 7-inch e-book reader, officially named the Onyx Boox Leaf. This e-reader features a 7-inch display and lacks stylus support. It’s a more lightweight option, weighing only 170 grams, for those who prefer a less cumbersome device. Primarily designed for reading, it allows you to focus on your books. It comes with a lightweight magnetic cover also made by Onyx, enabling you to hold the device like a traditional book and use the page-turn buttons, simulating the experience of flipping through pages. The Leaf e-book reader supports audiobooks and text-to-speech features and connects via Bluetooth, allowing you to pair it with headphones or Bluetooth speakers for enhanced audio. The Onyx Boox Leaf eReader operates on Android 10.


2021. New PocketBook InkPad Lite 970 has cheap 9.7-inch E Ink Screen



PocketBook has introduced a new e-reader featuring a 9.7-inch E Ink Carta display, named the PocketBook InkPad Lite. It’s essentially a budget-friendly e-reader with a large screen, slated for release in autumn 2021. The price is rumored to be $299, making it the most affordable large-screen e-reader on the market by about $50. The PocketBook InkPad Lite is somewhat unusual in 2021 because PocketBook chose to use a low-cost display with the same 1200 x 825 resolution that 9.7-inch E Ink screens had over a decade ago. This results in a resolution of only 150 ppi. Even the Likebook P10 offers a better screen with 200 ppi and is just about $50 more expensive, featuring an upgraded quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM and a more versatile Android OS.


2021. inkBOOK Focus - the new high-spec e-Ink reader



Polish company Inkbook has introduced a new flagship e-reader, the inkBOOK Focus, priced at €229. It features a larger 7.8-inch screen that displays 30% more text. You can turn pages using the touchscreen or configure the navigation buttons to suit your preference, whether you are right- or left-handed. Running on Android, it allows you to use apps without restrictions, including Kindle, Skoobe, Onleihe, Storytel and more. The inkBOOK Focus provides functionality that other e-readers lack, allowing you to use a single device for multiple services such as Kindle, Kobo, Onleihe, Tolino, Thalia, Skoobe, Nubico, Legimi, Pocket and others. Additionally, if you enjoy listening, you can use Storytel or Audible. The inkBOOK Focus lets you switch between reading and listening on various services. You can connect Bluetooth headphones to listen to audiobooks or synchronized books if available.


2019. Tolino Page 2 running Android OS is available



Tolino has introduced four new eReaders this week, including the Tolino Page 2, which features a 6-inch E Ink display and operates on an Android-based system. Although details on pricing or global availability have not yet been released, we will keep you informed as soon as this information becomes available. Meanwhile, here are the specifications for the new Tolino eReader: a 6-inch, 768 x 1024 pixel E Ink Carta touchscreen display (212 ppi), a 1 GHz NXP i.MX6 processor, 512MB RAM, 8GB storage, a 1,000 mAh battery, 802.11b/g/n WiFi and a micro USB port.


2018. Arta Tech announces InkBook Explore



Arta Tech, a Polish firm specializing in e-readers for the past five years, has just introduced a new device: the Inkbox Explore. It features a 7.8-inch E Ink Carta screen with a resolution of 1872 x 1404 pixels and 300 PPI. The device includes a front light with an adjustable color temperature, allowing for comfortable reading in low light and reducing screen brightness. It is powered by an i.MX6SL processor (with an integrated E Ink controller), 512MB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, plus a MicroSD slot that supports up to 32GB. This model stands out as one of the few e-readers equipped with USB-C, with Onyx being another brand offering this feature. The Inkbox Explore is equipped with a 3000 mAh battery, promising several weeks of use. Bluetooth functionality is included, enabling users to install their preferred audiobook apps for listening at any time. Running on Android 4.4.4, the device does not have a built-in app store, so users will likely need to download the Good e-Reader App Store for E Ink to access additional applications. It is priced at $189 USD and can be purchased from the Inkbook website.


2015. The new e-ink reader inkBOOK Obsidian is now available



Arta Tech (formerly the European distributor of Onyx Boox) has released the new inkBOOK Obsidian e-reader. The Obsidian features a flush capacitive screen with the bezel and a six-inch display. The resolution on this model is relatively modest, with 1024 x 758 pixels and 212 PPI, compared to the Kindle Voyage, Nook Glowlight, or the Ultimate e-reader, which offer 1430 x 1080 pixels and 300 PPI. One of the main attractions of this device is that it operates on Android 4.2.2, allowing you to install your own apps. You can download them from the Midiapolis App Store created by Aras, which only offers around 10 apps and relies on the Aptoide App Store for content. This e-reader is currently available for €145.