Onyx Boox Web page: Two-minute evaluate
The Onyx Boox Web page could be very very like the Kindle Oasis, particularly since its plastic physique appears to be like way more premium than the Kobo Libra 2. Sharing the identical 7-inch display screen measurement as each the older fashions from Amazon and Kobo, the Onyx Web page is only a contact quicker due to a greater processor.
Like the opposite two, there are bodily page-turn buttons right here that additionally double up as the amount controls. Sure, there’s a speaker built-in, however don’t anticipate the sound high quality to wow you. It sounds somewhat tinny but it surely suffices for those who’re solely utilizing it for audiobooks. Nevertheless, a greater listening expertise can be through Bluetooth-connected headphones or speaker of your selection.
There’s a really beneficiant 32GB of storage right here, identical to the Kobo Libra 2, however the Web page additionally contains a microSD slot in case you need to broaden storage – in spite of everything, audiobooks take up extra space than ebooks. Furthermore, the battery life right here is great, due to a 2,300mAh pack beneath the hood.
My foremost grievance is the afterimage situation attributable to citing the E Ink Heart to entry shortcuts or management sliders. I’ve seen this earlier than on different Onyx ereaders, however the place that’s normally been a ghosting situation, right here it’s a darkish overlay of the management panel remaining on the web page. This doesn’t occur each time, however usually sufficient that it will get annoying.
One other grievance I’ve is the shortage of waterproofing for the Web page, so keep away from the tub, the pool and the kitchen sink when utilizing this ereader.
Entry to content material on an Onyx Boox ereader can also be nonetheless disappointing. Whereas there are two bookstores on the Web page, one is Chinese language, the opposite solely has ebooks which are already within the public area.
That mentioned, the Web page runs on a simplified model of Android 11 and offers you entry to the Google Play Retailer. From right here, you’ll be able to obtain the Kindle or the Kobo app (or each) and discover your subsequent learn there. The flip facet to that is your bought content material from the apps received’t get added to the Web page’s default library, taking away the plethora of customizations you’ll be able to apply to ebooks inside that default folder.
So for those who don’t thoughts being restricted throughout the Android apps for Kindle or Kobo, the Onyx Boox Web page might be thought-about to be two ereaders in a single. And it is definitely priced competitively in some markets, costing as a lot because the Kobo Libra 2 within the US, which continues to be our #1 choose of the most effective ereader total.
Onyx Boox Web page evaluate: worth and availability
- Retails for $249 / €279 / AU$419
- Obtainable now immediately from Onyx or choose retailers
Introduced within the first half of 2023, the Onyx Boox Web page is out there to buy immediately from the producer or from chosen retailers like B&H within the US. Onyx has an European warehouse from the place UK clients can order the Web page, and potential Aussie clients can seize one from third-party retailers like Huge W.
It’s going to set you again $249 / €279 / AU$419 at full worth (round £240 within the UK), matching the Kindle Oasis within the US and UK, however costing extra in Australia the place the Amazon various is AU$399. It’s dearer than the Kobo Libra 2 in all markets, nonetheless, which now retails for $189.99 / £169 / AU$319.95.
Whereas it may cost extra in some areas, it is price contemplating if you need one ereader to entry each the Kindle and Kobo Shops, though it’s necessary to needless to say you can be restricted to studying on these apps if you are going to buy content material from there.
• Worth rating: 4 / 5
Onyx Boox Web page specs
| Show sort: | E Ink Carta 1200 |
| Display measurement: | 7 inches |
| Decision: | 300ppi (1680 x 1264) |
| CPU: | Qualcomm Superior Octa-core |
| Frontlight: | Heat and chilly |
| Storage: | 32GB (expandable) |
| Battery: | 2,300mAh |
| Speaker: | Twin/stereo |
| Water safety: | None |
| Software program: | Android 11 |
| Connectivity: | Wi-Fi (2.4GHz + 5GHz); Bluetooth 5.0 |
| File assist: | 18 doc; 4 picture; 2 audio |
| Dimensions: | 156 x 137 x 6.0 mm (6.1 x 5.4 x 0.24 inches) |
| Weight: | 195g (6.9oz) |
Onyx Boox Web page evaluate: Design and show
- 7-inch E Ink Carta 1200 display screen with glass anti-glare layer
- Premium appears to be like regardless of plastic physique
- No water resistance
In relation to ereaders with bodily page-turn buttons on a facet bezel, the favored fashions just like the Kindle Oasis and the Kobo Libra 2 are barely thicker on that facet to permit for a snug grip. The Onyx Web page, however, has uniform thickness all through, which provides it a glossy aesthetic. The page-turn buttons are comfortably positioned, though I feel somewhat little bit of area between them would make switching between the 2 a bit extra ergonomic (however that’s me simply nitpicking, actually).
The 7-inch E Ink display screen – which has a glass anti-glare layer on prime and sits flush with the bezels – is encased inside a plastic physique that appears a lot better than what we noticed on the Kobo Libra 2. At first look, I assumed the Web page had a metallic chassis just like the Kindle Oasis. There’s a strip of delicate paintings on the rear panel the place you’d anticipate a grip and it appears to be silk-screened on. Nevertheless, there actually is not any grip right here and I feel the magnetic case that Onyx has made for the Web page could be a superb (extra) funding in case of butter fingers.
Another excuse I feel the sleepcover would come in useful is to keep away from smudges on the gadget. As good because the chassis appears to be like, it’s a magnet for fingerprints – each entrance and rear.
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On one nook of the gadget’s edge is an influence button, so delicate that it’s straightforward to overlook. One other lengthy edge has the remainder of the bodily goodies, together with a USB-C port for charging and information switch, twin speaker grilles and a microSD card tray. Within the field, Onyx has thoughtfully included a pin so you’ll be able to open the cardboard slot in case you need to broaden the 32GB built-in storage.
The display screen itself is gorgeous and really responsive. Most ereaders I’ve examined that use the E Ink Carta 1200 display screen tech provide good distinction, so textual content stands out good and sharp on the show, and that’s the case right here. It’s a capacitive multitouch display screen with no writing capabilities.
You’ll be able to modify the display screen’s frontlight to both chilly or heat hues however there’s no strategy to set automated gentle temperature modifications from chilly to heat because the day progresses – each the Kindle Oasis and the Kobo Libra 2, nonetheless, do provide this function. That mentioned, not one of the Onyx Boox tablets I’ve examined will let you set automated gentle hue modifications for studying within the evenings and nights, so I’ve all the time simply set it to a barely hotter setting that I discover comfy at any time.
• Design & show rating: 4 / 5
Onyx Boox Web page evaluate: Person expertise
- Overwhelming gadget settings choices
- Auto-rotates orientations, which might be locked if wanted
- Onyx’s Management Heart is useful however usually leaves overlay
As with most Onyx ereaders, the consumer interface takes somewhat getting used to – it’s not as intuitive as, say, Kindle or Kobo, however you do get quite a lot of management on the way you need your e-paper pill arrange.
For instance, you’ll be able to set the page-turn buttons to scroll as an alternative of flip a web page, and so they additionally double up as the amount controls while you’re listening to an audiobook or music (which you’ll sideload, and there’s a devoted participant too).
By default, the display screen is about to refresh after each 5 faucets, however this can be modified as you see match. I had mine set to refreshing after each faucet, nonetheless, as I discovered ghosting might be a difficulty, and it additionally meant any overlay from the Management Heart dropdown would disappear instantly too. This, although, can have an effect on battery life and, for those who don’t want the Management Heart too usually, leaving display screen refresh price at 5 or 10 faucets will assist push the cost for longer.
You’ll be able to select what you see as quickly as you wake or energy on the Onyx Web page (default library, the apps web page, retailer, and many others) and arrange on-screen gesture controls as properly. I personally suppose that Onyx’s customization choices are overkill for fundamental ereaders just like the Web page, but it surely’s additionally good to know they’re there.
Talking of the Management Heart: that is the place you get shortcut entry to quite a lot of controls, together with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, plus quantity and frontlight changes. To entry the Management Heart you simply swipe down from the highest proper nook of the display screen. That is additionally the place you get different choices, like setting the gadget to airplane mode, auto-rotation controls and a display screen recorder. There’s additionally a Youngsters’ Mode possibility that means that you can set a display screen password, however needless to say you can’t reset this password as soon as set.
Inside the default library utility – the place all ebooks are robotically saved while you sideload – is a floating toolbar that provides you quick access to font and web page controls. This, too, might be personalized to incorporate the shortcuts you’ll truly use inside this utility. The floating toolbar isn’t obtainable exterior of the default library utility nonetheless.
As I’ve already talked about, this Android pill offers you entry to the Google Play Retailer, from the place you’ll be able to obtain useful apps. In my case, it was the Kobo and Kindle apps so I may entry not solely the respective bookstores but in addition my current library on every, in addition to the e-book subscription companies I pay for (Prime Studying and Kobo Plus in my case). When you can’t transfer your bought content material to the default library utility, you’ll be able to learn throughout the app, however with out the benefits of the floating toolbar.
The Onyx Boox Web page means that you can signal into choose cloud companies, which is useful you probably have an current library you need to sideload onto the gadget. This consists of Dropbox and Google Drive, but when your recordsdata aren’t on any cloud storage service, I discovered utilizing BooxDrop was the best choice to switch content material. You don’t must create an Onyx account – you should use your cellular quantity to obtain a verification code, then drag and drop what you need transferred onto the net model of the applying.
Like I mentioned, there’s loads right here to wrap your head round and it takes some experimentation, however when you’ve discovered the most effective setup for you, the Web page might be fairly pleasing to make use of.
• Person expertise rating: 4 / 5
Onyx Boox Web page evaluate: Efficiency
- Exceptional battery life
- Fast web page turns and responsive display screen
- Ghosting happens intermittently; often vital when utilizing the Management Heart
In relation to total efficiency, it’s onerous to fault the Onyx Boox Web page. Studying is an efficient expertise, with web page turns working properly through each display screen faucets and the buttons. Textual content seems good and sharp, though if what you’re studying has low-resolution photographs, they will seem somewhat fuzzy.
I discovered sideloading recordsdata (ebooks and music) through Google Drive and BooxDrop was very straightforward; whereas I didn’t strive signing into my Dropbox account, I reckon it’s simply as easy and fast.
The audio system, although, aren’t something to jot down house about. They’re nice for listening to audiobooks, though they don’t get too loud, however music doesn’t sound nice. Pairing a set of Bluetooth headphones with the Web page was straightforward once I tried it and I discovered that utilizing headphones or a paired speaker to be the higher listening expertise for each audiobooks and music.
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Ghosting can happen often if the e-book you are studying has photographs in it, however probably the most vital downside is the darkish overlay of the Onyx Management Heart as I’ve talked about earlier than. Whereas it would not happen on a regular basis, it occurred usually sufficient that I modified the refresh price to be after each 1 faucet from the default 5 faucets. That is my solely grievance in the case of efficiency and it isn’t remoted – quite a lot of the Onyx ereaders I’ve examined do have points with ghosting.
The place the Web page actually excels is battery life. It homes a 2,300mAh pack and that may final you about six weeks with an hour of studying every day. I had my evaluate pattern of the Web page set to 40% brightness and roughly 25% yellow gentle, refresh price set at 1 faucet and Wi-Fi all the time on to entry my Kindle and Kobo accounts. I additionally used the gadget for a median of two hours and acquired about 4.5 weeks of studying until it dropped to 10% battery. My battery life take a look at additionally included a couple of minutes of net shopping utilizing the built-in browser app, in addition to listening to audiobooks on the Kobo app.
Topping up for me was simply nearly as good – I had it plugged right into a 65W GAN wall charger through good high quality USB-C to C cable and it took about an hour and 20 minutes to go from 9% to full.
Efficiency rating: 4.5 / 5
Ought to I purchase the Onyx Boox Web page?
| Attribute | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Worth | It is competitively priced – until you reside in Australia – however the lack of waterproofing and automated gentle temperature modifications makes others higher worth. | 4/5 |
| Design & show | It appears to be like good, however picks up smudges inside minutes. Nevertheless, the display screen is sweet and sharp. | 4/5 |
| Person expertise | There’s loads happening right here, and it takes time and experimentation to get it arrange good. | 4/5 |
| Efficiency | Aside from the occasional ghosting and overlay, it is onerous to fault the Web page’s efficiency. | 4.5/5 |
Purchase it if…
Do not buy it if…
Additionally think about
The closest rivals to the Onyx Ebook Web page are the Kindle Oasis and the Kobo Libra. Whereas each these choices are actually ageing, they’re nonetheless glorious options and we have listed direct specs comparisons beneath.
| Header Cell – Column 0 | Onyx Boox Web page | Kobo Libra 2 | Amazon Kindle Oasis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worth | $249 / €279 / AU$419 (about £240) | $189.99 / £169 / AU$319.95 | from $249 / £179 / AU$399 |
| Display | 7-inch E Ink Carta 1200 | 7-inch E Ink Carta 1200 | 7-inch E Ink Carta 1200 |
| Decision | 300ppi | 300ppi | 300ppi |
| Working system | Android 11 | Linux primarily based | Linux primarily based |
| Storage | 32GB (expandable) | 32GB | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB |
| CPU | Qualcomm Superior octa-core | 1GHz | 1GHz |
| Battery | 2,300mAh | 1,500mAh | TBC |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Micro USB |
| Waterproofing | No | IPX8 | IPX8 |
| File assist (together with audio and pictures) | 24 | 16 | 14 |
| Audio | Sure (on-board speaker & participant) | No | No |
| Dimensions | 156 x 137 x 6.0 mm | 144.6 x 161.6 x 9 mm | 159 x 141 x 3.4-8.3 mm |
| Weight | 310g | 390g | 188g |
How I examined the Onyx Boox Web page
- Used as foremost ereader for about eight weeks
- Learn for about two hours a day, with some advert hoc listening classes
- Use the gadget to browse the net and obtain Android apps
I’m a voracious reader, so studying each single day for at the very least an hour or two is regular for me. So I simply switched out my regular ereader for the Onyx Boox Web page for a interval of about eight weeks.
Throughout this time, I averaged about two hours of studying every day, though each every now and then I listened to an audiobook for about 20-Half-hour on the Kobo app, which I downloaded through the Google Play Retailer that’s already obtainable on the Web page.
I additionally downloaded the Kindle app to entry my bought content material there.
I signed into Google Drive to sync some ebooks I already personal, plus used BooxDrop to sideload different content material, together with music recordsdata, which I additionally listened to intermittently with out headphones. Most of my listening classes, nonetheless, have been through a set of paired Bluetooth true wi-fi earbuds.
I used the default browser often as properly and stored tabs on battery drain as I carried out completely different duties on the Onyx Boox Web page.
Learn extra about how we take a look at
[First reviewed December 2023]
