Kobo Forma vs ONYX BOOX Nova

Last updated: July 09, 2023
Kobo Forma and ONYX BOOX Nova are both popular e-book readers, but they have key differences in terms of display technology, ecosystem, and additional features.

1. Display Technology: Kobo Forma features a 8-inch E Ink Carta display with a resolution of 1440x1920 pixels. It provides a high-quality reading experience with crisp text and excellent contrast. The display is also equipped with ComfortLight Pro, Kobo's adjustable front light technology that provides a warm and evenly distributed light for reading in various lighting conditions. On the other hand, ONYX BOOX Nova boasts a 7.8-inch E Ink Carta HD display with a resolution of 1872x1404 pixels. It offers a slightly higher resolution and pixel density, resulting in even sharper text and images. The Nova also features front lighting for reading in low-light environments.

2. Ecosystem: Kobo Forma is part of the Kobo ecosystem, which provides access to a wide range of e-books, including bestsellers and independent titles. Kobo users can browse and purchase e-books directly from the Kobo bookstore, sync their reading progress across multiple devices, and enjoy additional features like personalized recommendations. ONYX BOOX Nova, on the other hand, does not have its own ecosystem. Instead, it supports various e-book formats and allows users to sideload their own e-books from third-party sources. This flexibility enables users to access e-books from different platforms and sources.

3. Additional Features: Kobo Forma offers several additional features to enhance the reading experience. It includes features like adjustable font sizes and styles, customizable margins, and the ability to highlight and make notes in e-books. The Forma also supports OverDrive integration, allowing users to borrow e-books from public libraries directly on the device. ONYX BOOX Nova provides a range of additional features as well. It runs on the Android operating system, offering access to a variety of third-party apps. The Nova also supports handwriting and note-taking with a stylus, making it a versatile device for annotations and annotations.
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Kobo Forma
To make the reading experience better for ravenous booklovers who read for hours on end, and want a lightweight, portable alternative to heavy print books, we’ve delivered our most comfortable eReader yet with waterproof reliability, the choice of landscape or portrait mode, and the expanded access of book borrowing.
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ONYX BOOX Nova
ONYX BOOX Nova Air is an e-book reader with an increased screen diagonal and high resolution. The stylus that comes with the device allows you not only to take notes in a separate application, but also directly in the text of documents. The body of the reader is made of magnesium alloy, which makes it lightweight and durable. The NOVA Air model is based on the Android which allows you to use various third-party applications and makes the device more multipurpose. Thanks to the increased screen diagonal and double touch control, the e-reader will be an ideal choice for those who read fiction books and work with technical documents.
Kobo Forma vs ONYX BOOX Nova in our news:

2023. Pocket updates support for Kobo e-readers



News and article reading service Pocket has announced that Kobo e-readers will no longer be supported. The reason is that in order to improve security all Pocket accounts are migrated to Firefox accounts. This news caused great indignation among Kobo users and the developers of Pocket decided to solve the problem anyway. Sarah Vasquez, the Senior Manager, Communication at Mozilla, told Good e-Reader in an exclusive statement, “Kobo is aiming to update the Pocket login on their e-readers to support Firefox accounts. The exact timing is to be determined. However, Pocket’s existing Kobo users will not be affected nor lose access to their accounts.


2022. Onyx Boox upgrades its note-taking ereader Nova 5



Onyx Boox has introduced an updated version of its Nova5 e-reader, featuring a 7.8-inch E Ink Carta 1200 display with a resolution of 1872 x 1404 and a pixel density of 300 PPI. Powering the device is a 2.0GHz Qualcomm octa-core processor paired with 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage, with support for external memory expansion of up to 512 GB. Running on Android 11, the e-reader offers 2.4G and dual-band 5G wireless connectivity. It is equipped with a 2000 mAh battery for reliable power supply. The Nova5 also includes a highly sensitive microphone and a dual-speaker setup for enhanced audio. Conveniently positioned on the left side are the page-turn buttons, while a Type-C port enables easy charging and data transfer. Weighing a mere 240 grams, the Nova5 ensures effortless portability. Priced at $277, it comes bundled with the BooxPen Plus for added convenience.


2022. New Kobo software update added a pinch-zooming gesture



Kobo has released a software update for their entire range of Kobo e-readers, including models dating back to the original Kobo Touch (excluding the Kobo Mini). The update introduces a pinch-zooming gesture to adjust font size and now includes a new gesture that allows users to quickly access the last three books they read by swiping down from the top of the screen. Additionally, two new font options specifically designed for digital reading, Rakuten Sans and Rakuten Serif, have been added. The interface now supports three additional languages: Czech, Polish, and Romanian. A new feature called "Recently Viewed" has also been introduced, which displays recently viewed ebooks in the Kobo store, although users have the option to disable this feature in the settings.


2021. Kobo released Sage and Libra 2 with Bluetooth and stylus support



Kobo has introduced two new e-readers, the Sage and Libra 2, which build upon the company's high-end offerings by incorporating Bluetooth audiobook and stylus support. These devices retain the recognizable asymmetrical design of their larger counterparts. Furthermore, the Sage and Libra 2 are equipped with a new charging cover, allowing users to recharge the device every few months instead of every few weeks. The Sage, an evolution of the Forma, boasts an impressive 8-inch, 300 PPI screen and a color-adjustable screen light, ensuring an exceptional reading experience. Similarly, the Libra 2 serves as the successor to the Libra H2O (sans the H2O branding, although it remains waterproof), featuring a 7-inch display with the same display and lighting characteristics. For those seeking a more compact option, the Clara model remains the ideal choice.


2021. Onyx BOOX Nova Air - 7.8 inch E Ink tablet



The Onyx BOOX Nova Air is a new E Ink tablet sporting a 7.8-inch E Ink Carta display with a resolution of 1872 x 1404 pixels. It offers both finger and pen touch support, and runs on Android 10-based software. Priced at $350 and currently available for pre-order, the Nova Air serves as a versatile device for reading eBooks, taking notes, and utilizing third-party applications accessible through the BOOX Store or sideloaded from other sources. Onyx has ensured broad compatibility by supporting over 10 different text file formats, as well as various image formats including JPG, PNG, TIFF, and BMP. Additionally, the Nova Air includes text-to-speech functionality, enabling users to listen to books being read aloud through the device's built-in speakers or headphone jack.


2021. Onyx released Boox Nova 3 with color E Ink screen


Onyx has unveiled a new iteration of its e-reader, the Boox Nova 3, which shares similarities with the regular Nova 3 model but boasts a notable enhancement—a 7.8-inch color E Ink screen. This updated version also features a cool-colored frontlight (without a warm frontlight) and an improved touchscreen with stylus functionality, while maintaining the same resolution. The device retains identical specifications, including 3GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage, USB-C connectivity, WiFi, and Bluetooth 5.0 support. As with other Boox e-readers, it operates on Android 10, enabling the installation of Android apps. Users can enjoy drawing in 16 colors with 5 brush options, as well as reading and annotating PDF documents. The device introduces new customization options, additional gestures, screen recording functionality, and improved sharing options for seamless content transfer. Furthermore, the ePub engine has been enhanced by the developers. Priced at $419.99, the Boox Nova 3 comes bundled with a complimentary case.


2020. Onyx Boox Nova 2 is available now for $339


Onyx has recently unveiled their latest offering, the Nova 2, which serves as both an e-reader and a digital note-taking device. Boasting impressive hardware specifications, the Nova 2 comes pre-loaded with Android 9. It features a spacious 7.8-inch E INK Carta HD display and comes bundled with a stylus for enhanced usability. Under the hood, it packs a Qualcomm octa-core 2 GHz Cortex A53 processor, along with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. The device is powered by a robust 3150mAh battery, supports Bluetooth 4.1, and includes a USB-C port with OTG functionality. This USB port is particularly noteworthy as it allows seamless connectivity with external devices without the need for additional drivers. Starting at $339, the Nova 2 also comes with a complimentary case and screen protector, providing added value to customers.


2018. Kobo Forma e-Reader gets first major update



Kobo has recently released a significant update for their Kobo Forma e-reader, addressing various persistent issues such as improving WIFI stability and enhancing manga performance. With this update, readers now have the ability to navigate through pages by pressing dedicated page-turn buttons, enabling them to move forward or backward with ease. Furthermore, by pressing and holding these buttons, users can rapidly flip through multiple pages. Kobo has also ensured that their e-reader is suitable for both left-handed and right-handed individuals. By simply holding the Kobo Forma in either hand, the screen will automatically adjust. Additionally, readers can now enjoy the flexibility of reading in landscape or portrait mode. While reading, users can rotate their device to any orientation they prefer. To lock the screen into portrait or landscape mode, readers can tap the middle of the page to access the menu and then select the rotation icon located in the header (all while maintaining the option to hold the device in either hand).


2018. Kobo Forma - e-Ink reader with IPX8 case



Kobo has unveiled their latest ebook reader, the Kobo Forma, which surpasses the Kindle Oasis in several aspects, making it their most innovative e-reader to date. With a design reminiscent of the Kindle Oasis, featuring page buttons on one side of the screen and a tapered back (without the wedge), the Kobo Forma offers the flexibility to read in both portrait and landscape mode, complete with the option for automatic screen rotation. Boasting a spacious 8-inch screen and waterproof capabilities, this digital eBook reader delivers an immersive reading experience. Moreover, it allows direct borrowing of ebooks from Overdrive, resulting in long-term cost savings. The inclusion of comfortlight technology enables users to dim the bright white screen for comfortable nighttime reading. The adjustable front-light is gentle on the eyes and gradually reduces blue-light exposure, promoting better sleep quality. With an IPX8 rating, the Forma is waterproof for up to 60 minutes, and it even comes pre-installed with the popular library app OneDrive, simplifying the process of connecting your library account to the e-reader.


2018. Kobo's latest e-reader is called the Forma



Kobo has introduced the Forma, their latest addition to the lineup of e-ink e-readers, showcasing a range of enhancements. The Forma is equipped with an 8-inch 1920 x 1080 pixel (1080p) e-ink display, combining high resolution with an immersive reading experience. Its new ergonomic design stands out, featuring a handle on the side that not only provides a fresh aesthetic but also improves the device's grip. Along the right edge, convenient buttons simplify page-turning, offering a more tactile alternative to touchscreen interactions. Weighing just 197g, the Forma is approximately 15 percent lighter than the Kobo Aura One, without compromising durability. Kobo assures that the e-reader can withstand drops from two meters. Furthermore, with its IPX8 rating, the device is water-resistant and capable of enduring submersion in up to two meters of water for around 60 minutes. The Forma is available in an 8GB version starting at $299.99 CAD.


2018. Onyx Boox unveiled 3 new e-Readers



Onyx has recently unveiled three new e-Ink readers. The Onyx Boox Nova e-Reader features a 7.8-inch screen and offers access to Google Play, allowing users to install their favorite apps. It is highly likely that Onyx will include their optimized apps, such as Kindle, which offers seamless and smooth page transitions. The Onyx Boox Poke is a 6-inch Quad Core e-Reader that runs on Android 6.0. Additionally, the Boox Note S e-Reader serves as a smaller alternative to the Boox Note. This particular device boasts a 9.7-inch screen and is priced more affordably compared to the 10.3-inch model. It also operates on Android 6.0 and provides access to Google Play.