Last autumn, Amazon unveiled the Kindle Colorsoft, marking its entrance into the realm of color e-readers. While it may appear as if Amazon has pioneered the color e-ink concept, the truth is that several competitors have been innovating in this space for years, creating devices that utilize color e-ink while maintaining the advantages of traditional e-ink such as minimal glare and optimal readability in varied lighting conditions.

Onyx International, a technology firm based out of China, stands among these pioneers. Operating under the brand Boox, Onyx has been producing e-ink tablets and readers since before the Kindle made its debut. While the brand name “Boox” may suggest low-quality products, these devices are far from being simple imitations. The Boox Palma, for instance, is a preferred model for many users due to its impressive features. Throughout the years, Onyx has incorporated significant advancements such as touch screens, integrated front lights, and color displays well ahead of Amazon’s offerings.

The Boox Note Air series is noteworthy, having first emerged in 2020 as an innovative solution that allows for writing on its screen much like one would use paper. This functionality was not available on Amazon’s devices until the Kindle Scribe was introduced two years later. The latest iteration, the Boox Note Air 3C, introduced color capabilities, enhancing the user experience even further. The upcoming Boox Note Air 4C presents a comprehensive range of features that surpass mere reading functionality.

It functions as a capable tablet, offering features akin to those found on traditional tablets while retaining its unique aesthetic rooted in e-ink technology.

An Impressively Sharp Display

The device is outfitted with a 10.3-inch screen that rivals standard Kindle displays, boasting a resolution of 2480 x 1860 for black and white and 1240 x 930 for color images at 150 dpi. A temperature-adjustable front light enhances visual comfort, allowing for effortless reading in different light conditions. However, at 420g, it is somewhat hefty for extended one-handed use. The device operates on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G, an octa-core processor that is sufficient for the tasks it is likely to handle but falls short of modern tablet speeds.

Coming in at just 5.8mm, its sleekness is complemented by solid build quality. Minimal ports—a USB-C charging point and a power button that also acts as a fingerprint scanner—are available. Users who enjoyed the Boox Palma might miss its programmable action button, which was useful for specific functions.

Equipped with dual speakers and a microphone, the Note Air 4C supports audio note recordings and features an SD card slot that allows for storage expansion by as much as 2TB.

Battery Life Considerations

One drawback is its battery longevity. Unlike traditional e-ink devices that can survive days on a single charge, the Note Air 4C’s vibrant display, coupled with extensive feature usage, sees it draining rather quickly. For frequent users, daily charging may be necessary, while casual reading may allow for several days to a week between charges.

Comprehensive Capability as an E-Reader and Tablet

While many may initially view this as primarily an e-reader, the Note Air 4C exceeds those expectations with its extensive capabilities. Running on an open version of Android 13, it grants users the flexibility to download any reading applications they prefer, including Kindle, Nook, and Libby, as well as numerous other apps from the Google Play Store.

It’s worth noting that within the e-ink market, manufacturers use a similar screen technology, which means the Note Air 4C operates on the same color screen technology as the Kindle Colorsoft, known as Kaleido 3.

Performance with Color E-Ink

Despite the novelty of color e-ink, the experience is still akin to an experimental phase. This device does present color visuals, albeit with limitations; images appear washed out and somewhat grainy, with a noticeable drop in resolution in color mode. Users should not expect the vibrancy of LCD or OLED screens. For improved clarity, users may adjust the refresh rates depending on the intended use, but static images will yield better results than dynamic content.

Excellent for Comics and Manga

The expansive screen size and basic color functionality make it a reasonable choice for reading comics, particularly since manga often relies on monochrome sketches. While comic books may show some vibrancy, users should anticipate muted colors and lackluster details in comparison to traditional formats.

Application Access for Gaming and Productivity

Though comparisons cannot be directly drawn without side-by-side examinations, the Note Air 4C essentially retains all capabilities of competitors while offering a wider functionality range. The responsive screen allows for smooth internet scrolling, making it less of a distraction for users looking to break free from overindulgence in digital content.

The device excels with applications involving reading, but struggles where greater graphics performance is concerned. While it is possible to access platforms like Netflix and YouTube, the performance may not be satisfactory, with noticeable delay creating a less enjoyable experience.

Suitable for Casual Gaming

Gaming experiences on the Note Air 4C vary; casual and less graphically intense games work well, but attempts to run high-performance games can lead to noticeable lag and frustration.

The Note Air 4C as a Digital Notebook

One significant advantage of the Note Air 4C, particularly in relation to the Kindle Scribe, is its flexibility as a digital note-taking tool. The device is equipped with powerful note-taking applications and access to a wide range of choices from app stores.

Using the included stylus feels natural, closely mimicking writing on paper, with minimal lag resulting in a seamless writing experience. However, the color display may confuse users unfamiliar with its limitations, as color fidelity does not match what one would expect from exporting images.

Durability Issues to Consider

Despite its appealing features, the Note Air 4C is noted for its fragility. Past models have garnered feedback on sensitivity to pressure and knocks, thus requiring careful handling. Users should invest in a durable case to safeguard their investment if they plan to take it on the go.