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



While not widely recognized, Onyx consistently delivers reliable gadgets at a reasonable price point. Their latest offering is the Onyx Boox Leaf, a 7-inch e-book reader that focuses on simplicity and functionality. With no stylus support, it serves as a lightweight alternative, weighing only 170 grams, catering to those seeking a less burdensome device than traditional tablets. The primary emphasis is on reading, providing a distraction-free experience. Onyx also offers a magnetic case specifically designed for the Leaf, enabling users to hold the device like a physical book and utilize the page turn buttons for an authentic reading experience. Additionally, the Leef ebook reader supports audiobooks, text-to-speech functionality, and audiobooks. It is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to enhance their audio listening experience with headphones or Bluetooth speakers. Powered by Android 10, the Onyx Boox Leaf eReader combines simplicity and functionality in a compact package.


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



PocketBook has introduced the PocketBook InkPad Lite, a new budget ereader equipped with a 9.7-inch E Ink Carta screen. Set to be released in autumn 2021, the device is expected to be priced at $299, making it the most affordable large-screen ereader on the market by approximately $50. However, the PocketBook InkPad Lite is raising eyebrows due to its peculiar screen choice. PocketBook has opted for the cheapest screen available, featuring a resolution of 1200 x 825, which is the same resolution used by 9.7-inch E Ink screens over a decade ago. This results in a pixel density of only 150 ppi. In comparison, the Likebook P10 offers a superior screen with 200 ppi and is only slightly more expensive. Furthermore, the Likebook P10 boasts an upgraded quad-core CPU with 2GB of RAM and runs on a more versatile Android operating system.


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



Polish company Inkbook has unveiled their latest flagship e-reader, the inkBOOK Focus, priced at €229. This feature-rich device boasts a larger 7.8-inch screen that displays 30% more text, providing a more immersive reading experience. With a user-friendly interface, users can effortlessly navigate through pages using the touchscreen or customize the navigation buttons to suit their preferred hand orientation, whether right or left-handed. Running on the Android operating system, the inkBOOK Focus offers unlimited access to various apps such as Kindle, Skoobe, Onleihe, Storytel, and more. What sets it apart from other e-readers is its compatibility with multiple services and e-book sources. Users can consolidate their e-reading needs into a single device, seamlessly accessing content from Kindle, Kobo, Onleihe, Tolino, Thalia, Skoobe, Nubico, Legimi, Pocket, and other platforms. Moreover, the inkBOOK Focus caters to audiobook enthusiasts, allowing users to effortlessly switch between reading and listening experiences across various services. By connecting Bluetooth earphones, users can enjoy audiobooks or synchronize audio and text if available, making it a versatile option for those who appreciate both reading and listening.


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 operating system. Unfortunately, details regarding pricing and global availability have yet to be disclosed. Rest assured, we will keep you updated with any further information as it becomes available. Nevertheless, we can provide specifications for the new Tolino eReader, which includes a 6-inch E Ink Carta touchscreen display with a resolution of 768 x 1024 pixels (212 ppi), a 1 GHz NXP i.MX6 processor, 512MB RAM, 8GB storage, a 1,000 mAh battery, 802.11b/g/n WiFi connectivity, and a micro USB port.


2018. Arta Tech announces InkBook Explore



Arta Tech has recently unveiled the InkBook Lumos, a new e-reading device that aims to cater to the entry-level market. Equipped with a six-inch capacitive touchscreen display featuring a resolution of 800×600 and a pixel density of 167 PPI, the Lumos offers a similar experience to the Kindle Basic. Powered by a Dual-Core Cortex A9 processor, which offers cost-effectiveness but may have performance limitations, the device provides 128MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage, unfortunately lacking support for SD cards. Running on Android 4.4.2, the InkBook Lumos can be pre-ordered on the Inkbook website for a retail price of $88 USD.


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



Arta Tech, the former European distributor of Onyx Boox, has introduced the new inkBOOK Obsidian e-reader. The Obsidian features a flush capacitive display with a six-inch screen and bezel. However, it must be noted that the resolution on this model is relatively low, with 1024 x 758 and 212 PPI, in comparison to competitors like the Kindle Voyage, Nook Glowlight, or the Ultimate e-reader, which boast 1430 x 1080 resolution and 300 PPI. One of the standout features of this device is its use of Android 4.2.2 as the operating system, enabling users to install their own applications. Although you can access apps from the Midiapolis App Store created by Aras, it currently offers a limited selection of around 10 apps and relies on the Aptoide App Store for additional content. The inkBOOK Obsidian is currently available for purchase at a price of €145.