Onyx Boox Page Review: Unleashing the Potential of a Feature-Rich Android eReader

Some Noticeable Information

The Onyx Boox Page is a 7-inch touchscreen E-Ink tablet with powerful processing capabilities and customizable page-turn buttons.

The device boasts a sleek and portable design, ensuring effortless grip and maneuverability. It is accompanied by a magnetic protective case, further enhancing convenience.

Featuring a high-resolution display, the Boox Page delivers sharp and distinct text; however, images might exhibit less vividness owing to the absence of color. Running on Android 11, the device enables users to effortlessly access and install a wide array of apps from the Play Store.

The market for eReader devices is highly competitive, with Amazon's Kindle devices leading the way. Although smartphones and tablets can also function as eReaders, there is a distinct appeal to reading on devices that utilize E-Ink displays, as they provide a more realistic paper-like experience.

The Onyx Boox Page is a 7-inch touchscreen E-Ink tablet that boasts a robust processor and customizable page-turn buttons. Running on the Android 11 operating system, it is the more conservative option among Onyx's range of Boox devices, which includes color ePaper tablets and other stylus pen-compatible devices.

Can the Onyx Boox Page, a fast and high-resolution eReader, successfully accomplish the fundamentals and provide sufficient additional features to rival, and possibly surpass, Amazon's Kindle devices?

ONYX

The Onyx Boox Page is a highly capable and versatile 7-inch E-Ink eReader that offers a compelling alternative to Amazon Kindle devices. However, users should be prepared to customize settings and download apps to enhance their reading experience.

Key Specifications:

- Display: 1680 x 1264 resolution with 300ppi

- Storage: 32GB (eMMC)

- Screen Size: 7 inches

- Processor: Qualcomm Advanced Octa-core

- RAM: 3GB (LPDDR4X)

- Audio: Built-in Speaker, Microphone

- Supported formats: 24 (native)

- Battery: 2,300mAh Li-ion Polymer

- Operating System: Android 11

- Weight: 6.9oz (195g)

- Connectivity: Wi-Fi (2.4GHz + 5GHz) + BT 5.0

- Front light: CTM (Warm and Cold)

- Dimensions: 6.1 x 5.4 x 0.24in (156 x 137 x 6.0mm)

- Connections: USB-C

Pros:

- Comfortable form factor

Choice of lighting types

Audible Narration compatible

Versatility of Android operating system

Includes cover

Cons Interface is not as intuitive as on Amazon's Kindles

Not optimized as an eReader with default settings

Not water resistant

$249.99 at Best Buy $249.99 at B&H Photo Video See at ONYX

Design: Small Without Sacrificing Feel

Joe Robinson

The Boox Page and its accompanying 7-inch Boox Page Magnetic Protective Case are packaged in sleek black cardboard boxes. Inside the box, you will find the Boox Page, along with a USB-C to USB-A charging cable, a card tray eject tool, a quick start guide, and a warranty sheet.

The Boox Page has dimensions of 6.1 x 5.4 x 0.24 inches, giving it a square-like shape compared to other 7-inch eReaders that have more height. However, its generous bezels provide a comfortable grip. The interior display resembles a smaller version of a regular paperback book, measuring approximately 5.48 inches in height and 4.15 inches in width, with rounded edges that give it a diagonal measurement of 6.96 inches. It weighs similar to Amazon's Kindle Oasis, at around 6.9 ounces.

The device features a power button at the bottom. On the right side, you'll find a speaker, a tray-based microSD card slot, a USB-C port that supports both OTG and audio, and a microphone. Positioned on the front right, there are two customizable page turn buttons surrounded by a bezel that is approximately 0.91 inches wide, contrasting with the narrower .29-inch bezels on the rest of the unit's face. Additionally, the back of the device has a textured strip measuring 1.9 inches across, offset to the left of the page turn buttons, providing a better grip while holding the unit, which otherwise has a smooth surface.

The 7-inch Boox Page Magnetic Case is exceptionally slim and features a textured black exterior with a soft orange interior. The Boox Page stays securely in place inside the case thanks to the magnetic connection, although the magnet is not particularly strong; there were a few instances where the Boox Page slid within the case. Nevertheless, the risk of the device falling out is minimal.

Specifications: Powerful for a Reason

As anticipated in such cases, when the Boox Page is opened, the device instantly comes to life, as long as it remains powered on or is not in timeout mode. Although there are a few alternative case choices from third-party manufacturers, they generally increase the overall size compared to the sleeker design of Boox's own included case.

Joe Robinson on the right side of the Onyx Boox Page.

The Boox Page boasts double the processing power of Onyx's previous eReader, the Boox Leaf 2, along with an additional 1GB of RAM, a magnetic backing, and a larger 2300mAh battery. It showcases a 7-inch ePaper capacitive multitouch screen, powered by a Qualcomm Octa-core CPU and paired with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. Approximately 21.2GB of the storage is available, and there is also a microSD card slot for extra storage, although it is unlikely to be necessary for most users focusing on documents, images, music, and videos. For those primarily utilizing this device as an eReader, the internal storage should be more than sufficient.

The superior processing capabilities of the Boox Page come with a trade-off. Unlike regular eReaders that do not utilize Android as their operating system or offer similar functionality to a tablet, this device is more power-intensive. Consequently, when it surpasses the auto sleep time and enters its default power-off timeout, it is akin to fully powering off the device.

In contrast to the Kindle Paperwhite, for instance, which automatically wakes up from sleep mode within seconds of opening its magnetic cover, even after extended periods of inactivity, the Boox Page necessitates the user to press the power button and patiently wait for the startup sequence to complete each time. In my personal experience, this process took slightly over 30 seconds. Although this may not appear significant, it becomes frustrating when every time you set your Boox Page aside and engage in other activities that surpass the power-off timeout, you are obligated to endure at least a 30-second wait before resuming your reading.

You have the option to adjust the power-off timeout duration to your preference, extending it from the default 15 minutes to as long as two days or indefinitely. In the case of the battery life being impacted by the "never" setting, approximately 3% of battery life is lost each day, even when the magnetic cover is closed and the device is not being used. Despite this trade-off, I found it to be a satisfactory compromise in exchange for the convenience of quickly resuming reading by simply opening the cover and picking up the device.

Naturally, activities that require a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection, or involve frequent screen refreshing, such as browsing the internet or watching videos, will significantly drain the battery faster. However, for regular eReading purposes, the device should easily retain a charge for over a week.

Display: A Quality E-Paper Device

Joe Robinson

The Boox Page features a Carta 1200 touchscreen, boasting a density of 300PPI and an effective resolution of 1680 x 1264. Consequently, text appears sharp and clear. However, because it lacks color, certain images may appear unclear if they have low contrast.

By default, the screen refreshes itself every 5 taps, but this can be adjusted from Never to a maximum of 30 taps. Increasing the screen refresh rate consumes more power, but it could be worthwhile. In my experience, the screen is more prone to retaining faint remnants of previous screens compared to a Kindle Paperwhite.

The front light can be customized for different reading situations. It offers the option of cold light, ideal for most reading scenarios, and warm light, which is more yellow and preferable for nighttime reading to reduce blue light exposure. There is also a possibility to combine both cold and warm lights, although I usually prefer choosing one or the other. Regardless of the lighting conditions, whether it's bright sunlight or a completely dark room, I have never experienced any difficulties reading on the display.

Within the E-Ink Center, there are various adjustments available. These include dark color enhancement, light color filter, and refresh modes. The default setting is the normal speed refresh mode, which is generally recommended for regular text reading. Additionally, there is a speed mode that may cause slight ghosting but is useful for quickly scrolling through images and text. A2 mode has more noticeable ghosting but allows for even faster scrolling. Lastly, X mode sacrifices some graphical detail but proves beneficial for browsing websites and playing videos. The screen is equipped with a built-in gyroscope, enabling automatic rotation when the device is turned.

Software: Android Is a Plus

Joe Robinson

With its operating system based on Android 11, the Boox Page offers a compelling advantage in its ability to run and install apps, a feature that is not available on Amazon's Kindle Readers. Although not all apps may be optimized for an E-Ink display, having the option is a valuable addition. This is particularly important because the Onyx Store, which is pre-installed on the device, only provides access to public domain books that may not be well-formatted for the device, such as the Project Gutenberg version of "Alice in Wonderland." However, users need not worry about this limitation as popular eBook storefronts such as Amazon's Kindle, Google Play Books & Audiobooks, and Shueisha Manga Plus can be easily installed from the Play Store without any formatting issues.

Additionally, the Boox Page comes with a variety of default apps including NeoBrowser, BOOXDrop, PushRead, and Recorder.

NeoBrowser is a specialized web browser that excels in accurately and efficiently displaying web pages on e-paper displays.

BOOXDrop simplifies the process of transferring files between the Boox Page and a computer or mobile device, whether they are connected to the same network or via a website. This convenient feature allows you to effortlessly push your own documents, images, and audio files to the Boox Page, eliminating the need for manual transfer onto a microSD card. Additionally, it supports a wide range of document, image, and audio formats, including those supported by various Android apps.

PushRead offers the ability to receive RSS and OPDS subscriptions, as well as web pages that can be accessed later. It serves as a valuable complement to BOOXDrop and sets this device apart from standard eReaders.

Recorder utilizes the microphone on Boox Page to allow users to record voice memos. Alongside practical applications like calculator and clock, which includes alarm, stopwatch, and timer features, Recorder enhances the device's functionality. While these features are typically used on smartphones, tablets, or smartwatches, having them available on another device is undeniably convenient when carrying multiple devices.

Usability: Needs Configuring

Joe Robinson

The touchscreen allows for independent enabling of bottom and side gestures. Swiping up from the bottom left opens the E-Ink Center. Swiping up from the bottom center returns to the home screen. Swiping up from the bottom right navigates back. Raising and lowering the volume can be done by swiping up and down on the left side, respectively. Similarly, swiping up and down on the right side controls the warm light intensity. To navigate back, a swipe inward from either the left or right side can be performed.

If you prefer not to use gestures, there is an option to enable a navigation bar instead. This navigation bar provides access to different settings through icon-based buttons in the order of your choice. When enabled, a floating toolbar appears on the right side of the document. Tapping the circle on the toolbar displays various selectable options arranged in a semi-circle.

Joe Robinson offers insights into the Navigation Ball interface button and its customization options. While the user interface posed no major problems, achieving the desired functionality required extensive experimentation and adjustments. Notably, assumptions regarding the compatibility of default page turn buttons in all apps proved inaccurate, necessitating extra effort, a recurring theme for this device.

One of the features I love about Amazon's Kindle app is Whispersync for Voice and Immersion Reading. Both are available if you purchase both the eBook and Audible formats of the same title. Whispersync for Voice allows you to seamlessly switch between reading and listening to a Kindle book, while keeping track of your progress. On the other hand, Immersion Reading allows you to read and listen to the book simultaneously. While Amazon's Kindle eReaders support audio and Whispersync for Voice, they do not support Immersion Reading. This feature is only available on Android-based, Fire-based, or iOS-based smartphones and tablets. However, the Onyx Boox Page, being an Android-based device, fully supports Immersion Reading. It highlights each word as it is read and automatically turns the page, making it a great choice for those who enjoy this feature.

Although the Boox Page's built-in speaker has a modest maximum volume and low-end fidelity, it still adds value to the device. While it may not be ideal for listening to music or videos, it is suitable for audiobooks. If you desire high-quality audio output, it is recommended to use a Bluetooth speaker or headset, or connect to the device's USB-C port using a relevant adapter.

Should You Buy the BOOX Page?

Joe Robinson

If you're seeking an eReader that offers greater versatility, the Boox Page presents a compelling choice. Although not every app is optimized for or functions properly with E-Ink screen technology, the inclusion of the Play Store opens up numerous possibilities.

Equipped with a high-quality touchscreen, swift responsiveness, built-in speaker and microphone, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and expandable storage via a microSD card, the Boox Page is suitable for almost as many purposes as a regular tablet. While users may still prefer Onyx's larger color E-Ink tablets or traditional tablets without an e-Ink display, the Boox Page deserves consideration for its own merits, provided one understands its inherent limitations.

If you have a strong commitment to the Kindle ecosystem and primarily prioritize reading books, it is arguably more advantageous to opt for one of Amazon's dedicated eReaders. However, it is worth noting that the Onyx Boox Page is still more affordable than Amazon's cheapest 32GB Kindle Oasis, which includes lock screen ads.

On the other hand, if you desire the capability to access content from various ecosystems and require greater flexibility in features offered by your E-Ink device, then the Onyx Boox Page is a highly recommended option. Just be aware that configuring it extensively is necessary to ensure an optimal reading experience.

ONYX

The Onyx Boox Page stands out as a robust and flexible 7-inch E-Ink eReader, offering a compelling alternative to Amazon Kindle devices. However, it is important to be ready to fine-tune settings and incorporate apps to enhance your overall user experience.

$249.99 at Best Buy $249.99 at B&H Photo Video See at ONYX

Editor's P/S

1. The Onyx Boox Page is a 7-inch E-Ink tablet with powerful processing capabilities and customizable page-turn buttons. It features a high-resolution display, sharp and distinct text, and runs on Android 11, allowing users to access and install a wide range of apps from the Play Store. The device also boasts a sleek and portable design, ensuring effortless grip and maneuverability.

2. In terms of pros and cons, the Onyx Boox Page offers several advantages, such as a comfortable form factor, choice of lighting types, Audible Narration compatibility, and the versatility of the Android operating system. However, it also has some drawbacks, including a less intuitive interface compared to Amazon's Kindles, a need for customization to optimize the eReader experience, and a lack of water resistance. Overall, the Onyx Boox Page is a highly capable and versatile 7-inch E-Ink eReader that offers a compelling alternative to Amazon Kindle devices, but users should be prepared to customize settings and download apps to enhance their reading experience.