I recently had the opportunity to test out the Boox 7 Go Color E-Ink Android E-Reader, a device that promises to bring the benefits of E-Ink technology to a color display. You can check it out in my latest review.
This e-reader is part of the Boox lineup, which includes other devices like the Boox Palma, a smaller, phone-sized e-reader. Both devices run Android and allow just about any Android app to run (although some work better than others on the -eink display). However, the Boox 7 Go Color distinguishes itself by offering a larger, seven-inch color E-Ink display.
At a price point of $249 (compensated affiliate link), this device is slightly more affordable than the Boox Palma. The display itself is what sets this e-reader apart—while it is in color, it operates using E-Ink technology, meaning the screen only updates when something changes on it. This design is ideal for reading and other activities that don’t require frequent screen updates which greatly extends batter life. However, the trade-off is a display that is less responsive, less vibrant and dimmer than the typical smartphone or tablet screen. Users will likely find themselves relying on the sidelight, which can be adjusted for color temperature to reduce blue light exposure at night.
The resolution of the display is 1680 by 1264 pixels, with a density of 300 DPI for black-and-white content and 150 DPI for color. The color is comparable to the color quality of a printed newspaper.
One drawback of the color E-Ink display is the noticeable ghosting that occurs when scrolling or interacting with the screen. This issue is less pronounced on black-and-white E-Ink displays but is quite evident here and the display will update more frequently as a result. However, the upside is exceptional battery life, which can be measured in days rather than hours, depending on usage. Reading consumes minimal power, but running Android apps, especially those requiring background processes, might drain the battery more quickly. The device also includes some clever power management features, such as shutting down completely after a few minutes of inactivity to preserve battery life and disabling apps from running in the background.
In terms of hardware, the device is lightweight, weighing just under seven ounces, and features a USB Type-C port for charging, a microSD card slot for additional storage, and front-facing buttons that can be reprogrammed for different functions. The device also supports Bluetooth, allowing users to connect headphones for audio playback, although the built-in speaker is adequate for audiobooks or podcasts.
Running on Android 12, the Boox 7 Go Color comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. However, security is a concern. The device does not require a password by default, even after a Google account is linked, and while a password can be set up, entering it on the somewhat laggy touch screen can be cumbersome.
The reading experience on the Boox 7 Go Color is solid for text-based content, although the backlight is necessary for comfortable reading due to the dim nature of the screen. The color display allows for viewing graphic novels or color PDFs, albeit with lower resolution and less vibrant colors compared to traditional screens. For games, only simple word or puzzle games like Wordle are suitable, as the display struggles with anything requiring animation or quick response times.
The device also offers good PDF support, with a simple method for transferring files via Wi-Fi using the built-in Boox Drop app, which spins up a web server that runs on device and is accessible on the local network. This feature is easy to use but again raises security concerns due to the lack of password protection. Despite these concerns, large PDF files load relatively quickly and are easily navigable, making the Boox 7 Go Color a competent device for those needing a color E-Ink reader for document viewing.
Overall, while the Boox 7 Go Color E-Ink reader has its flaws, particularly in terms of security and display brightness, it remains an interesting option for those looking for a compact, versatile e-reader that can handle a variety of content types. Its ability to run any Android reader app is a significant advantage over a Kindle, even if the color display isn’t perfect. For users who don’t require color, a black-and-white E-Ink display might be a better choice, offering sharper text and a brighter screen.
Disclosure : I paid for the Boox 7 Go with my own funds.