OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using eReaders Methodology v1.0
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Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo eReaders Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
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Barnes Noble Nook Color Review | 68 Data compared

Avg. price:~£160Screen size:7 inchesPixel density:169 ppiInternal storage:8 GBBattery life:8 hoursSupported bookstore ecosystem:Barnes Noble Ecosystem

Barnes Noble Nook Color Review: Compare 68 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the eReaders category and whether it is worth buying.

4.6

Overall score

Score
4.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the eReader's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best eReaders on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 92% of models
Score components

90%

4.6

Technical score

10%

?

User score

▼Worse than 92% of ereaders
4.6

Technical score

Technical score
4.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the eReader's technical performance, covering key areas such as display quality, reading features, battery life, format support, ecosystem, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare eReaders based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components

25%

3.3

Display

22%

6.4

Reading

18%

4.9

Battery

14%

5.6

Hardware

12%

4.1

Connectivity

9%

2.2

Design

▼Worse than 89% of ereaders
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the eReader.
When it matters
When you want to know how an eReader feels in daily reading and how reliable it is for screen comfort, battery life, and library management according to user feedback.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 52% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image

Best prices

    N/A~ £160

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of eReader Barnes Noble Nook Color

Technical score
Technical score
4.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the eReader's technical performance, covering key areas such as display quality, reading features, battery life, format support, ecosystem, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare eReaders based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 89% of models
Score components:

25%

3.3

Display

22%

6.4

Reading

18%

4.9

Battery

14%

5.6

Hardware

12%

4.1

Connectivity

9%

2.2

Design

4.6
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the eReader.
When it matters
When you want to know how an eReader feels in daily reading and how reliable it is for screen comfort, battery life, and library management according to user feedback.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 52% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the eReader.
When it matters
When you prefer to choose an eReader reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Barnes Noble Nook Color has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 72.1% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the eReader's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for an eReader with a good balance between reading comfort, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 93% of models
Score components:

60%

4.6

Overall score

40%

9.7

Price

6.1
Brand name
Barnes
Screen size
7 inches
Screen size
7 inches
▲ Better than 48% of models
Market range: <5 inches – >10 inches
This ereader has a screen size of 7 inches which is larger than 48.4% on this spec and equal to 15.6% of eReaders.
Screen resolution
600x1024 px
Screen resolution
600x1024 px
▼ Worse than 83% of models
This ereader uses a screen resolution of 600x1024 px, which is less sharp than that of 82.8% of eReaders.
Pixel density
169 ppi
Pixel density
169 ppi
▼ Worse than 77% of models
Market range: <150 ppi – >300 ppi
This ereader has a pixel density of 169 ppi which is lower than 77.1% on this spec.
E-paper display
no
E-paper display
no
▼ Worse than 98% of models
This ereader does not use an e-paper display. 98.4% of eReaders have an e-paper display.
Show more
Supported file types
?
PDF reflow support
no
PDF reflow support
no
▼ Worse than 55% of models
This ereader does not offer PDF reflow. 55.4% of eReaders support PDF reflow.
Annotation support
yes
Annotation support
yes
▲ Better than 2% of models
This ereader offers annotation support. 1.6% of eReaders offer annotation support.
Dictionary
yes
Dictionary
yes
▲ Better than 1% of models
This ereader includes a built-in dictionary. 0.8% of eReaders include a built-in dictionary.
Text-to-speech
no
Text-to-speech
no
▼ Worse than 65% of models
This ereader does not offer text-to-speech. 64.8% of eReaders include text-to-speech.
Show more
Battery life
8 hours
Battery life
8 hours
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Market range: <12 hours – >42 hours
This ereader offers 8 hours of battery life which is shorter than 99% on this spec and equal to 1% of eReaders.
Battery capacity
4,000 mAh
Battery capacity
4,000 mAh
★ Better than 93% of models
Market range: <1k mAh – >4k mAh
This ereader has a battery capacity of 4,000 mAh which is higher than 93.4% on this spec and equal to 0.8% of eReaders.
Charging time
3 hours
Charging time
3 hours
▼ Worse than 54% of models
Market range: <1 hours – >6 hours
This ereader takes 3 hours to charge which is slower than 53.6% on this spec and equal to 27.3% of eReaders.
Wireless charging
no
Wireless charging
no
▼ Worse than 7% of models
This ereader does not offer wireless charging. 7.4% of eReaders offer wireless charging.
Internal storage
8 GB
Internal storage
8 GB
▼ Worse than 53% of models
Market range: <2 GB – >62 GB
This ereader offers 8 GB of internal storage which is less than 53.3% on this spec and equal to 12.3% of eReaders.
RAM capacity
0.512 GB
RAM capacity
0.512 GB
▼ Worse than 47% of models
Market range: <0 GB – >5 GB
This ereader offers 0.512 GB of RAM which is more than 29.5% on this spec and equal to 23.8% of eReaders.
CPU base clock speed
1x 0.8 GHz
CPU base clock speed
1x 0.8 GHz
▼ Worse than 76% of models
This ereader has a CPU base clock speed of 1x0.8 GHz, which is slower than that of 76% of eReaders and the same as that of 14.9% of eReaders.
Operating system
Android 2.2
Operating system
Android 2.2
▲ Better than 71% of models
This ereader runs Android 2.2, which is more advanced than that of 71.3% of eReaders.
Memory card slot
yes
Memory card slot
yes
▲ Better than 57% of models
This ereader has a memory card slot. 57.4% of eReaders have a memory card slot.
Show more
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
▲ Better than 7% of models
This ereader connects over Wi-Fi. 6.6% of eReaders have Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
▼ Worse than 43% of models
This ereader supports Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), which is newer than that of 10.7% of eReaders and the same as that of 46.7% of eReaders.
Wi-Fi bands supported
2.4 GHz
Wi-Fi bands supported
2.4 GHz
▼ Worse than 43% of models
This ereader supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi bands, which is broader than that of 6.6% of eReaders and the same as that of 50% of eReaders.
Bluetooth
no
Bluetooth
no
▼ Worse than 61% of models
This ereader does not connect over Bluetooth. 60.7% of eReaders have Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
Weight
450 g
Weight
450 g
▼ Worse than 88% of models
Market range: <160 g – >480 g
This ereader weighs 450 g which is heavier than 87.7% on this spec and equal to 0.8% of eReaders.
Thickness
12 mm
Thickness
12 mm
▼ Worse than 98% of models
Market range: <6 mm – >11 mm
This ereader is 12 mm thick which is thicker than 98.4% on this spec and equal to 0.8% of eReaders.
Height
210 mm
Height
210 mm
▼ Worse than 76% of models
Market range: <150 mm – >240 mm
This ereader is 210 mm tall which is taller than 76.2% on this spec.
Width
127 mm
Width
127 mm
▲ Better than 52% of models
Market range: <100 mm – >200 mm
This ereader is 127 mm wide which is narrower than 51.6% on this spec and equal to 2.5% of eReaders.
Water resistance (splashproof)
no
Water resistance (splashproof)
no
▼ Worse than 25% of models
This ereader does not have water resistance against splashes. 25% of eReaders have water resistance against splashes.
Show more

Barnes Noble Nook Color vs the average eReader

246810TotalDisplayReadingBatteryHardwareConnectivityDesign
  • 2.56x larger battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    4,000 mAh
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    Market range: <1k mAh – >4k mAh
    This ereader has a larger battery than the average eReader (4000 mAh vs 1565 mAh). The average eReader battery has a capacity of 1565 mAh.
    4,000 mAh vs 1,565 mAh
  • Memory card slot
    Memory card slot
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This ereader includes a memory card slot, while the average eReader does not. 43.1% of eReaders include a memory card slot.
  • 3.5 mm jack
    3.5 mm headphone jack
    yes
    ▲ Better than 85% of models
    This ereader has a 3.5 mm headphone jack, while the average eReader does not. 15.6% of eReaders have a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
  • Accelerometer included
    Accelerometer
    yes
    ▲ Better than 55% of models
    This ereader has an accelerometer, while the average eReader does not. 45.1% of eReaders have an accelerometer.
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Android 2.2
    ▲ Better than 71% of models
    This ereader uses Android 2.2, a more advanced operating system than Kindle OS on the average eReader.
    Android 2.2 vs Kindle OS
  • 1 more speakers
    Speakers
    1
    ▲ Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 – >5
    This ereader has more speakers than the average eReader (1 vs 0). The average eReader has 0 speakers.
    Built-in speaker count reflects onboard audio hardware.
    1 vs 0
  • Supports auto-rotate
    Auto-rotate
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This ereader supports auto-rotate, while the average eReader does not. 43.4% of eReaders support auto-rotate.
  • Supports auto-rotate
    Auto-rotate
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This ereader supports auto-rotate, while the average eReader does not. 43.4% of eReaders support auto-rotate.
  • 2.56x larger battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    4,000 mAh
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    Market range: <1k mAh – >4k mAh
    This ereader has a larger battery than the average eReader (4000 mAh vs 1565 mAh). The average eReader battery has a capacity of 1565 mAh.
    4,000 mAh vs 1,565 mAh
  • Memory card slot
    Memory card slot
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This ereader includes a memory card slot, while the average eReader does not. 43.1% of eReaders include a memory card slot.
  • Accelerometer included
    Accelerometer
    yes
    ▲ Better than 55% of models
    This ereader has an accelerometer, while the average eReader does not. 45.1% of eReaders have an accelerometer.
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Android 2.2
    ▲ Better than 71% of models
    This ereader uses Android 2.2, a more advanced operating system than Kindle OS on the average eReader.
    Android 2.2 vs Kindle OS
  • 3.5 mm jack
    3.5 mm headphone jack
    yes
    ▲ Better than 85% of models
    This ereader has a 3.5 mm headphone jack, while the average eReader does not. 15.6% of eReaders have a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
  • 1 more speakers
    Speakers
    1
    ▲ Better than 66% of models
    Market range: <0 – >5
    This ereader has more speakers than the average eReader (1 vs 0). The average eReader has 0 speakers.
    Built-in speaker count reflects onboard audio hardware.
    1 vs 0
  • Limited bookstore ecosystem
    Supported bookstore ecosystem
    Barnes Noble Ecosystem
    ▼ Worse than 87% of models
    This ereader uses the Barnes Noble Ecosystem bookstore ecosystem, while the average eReader uses Android Open Ecosystem.
    Barnes Noble bookstore ecosystem.
    Barnes Noble Ecosystem vs Android Open Ecosystem
  • No PDF reflow
    PDF reflow support
    no
    ▼ Worse than 55% of models
    This ereader does not support PDF reflow, while the average eReader does. 54.9% of eReaders support PDF reflow.
  • No front light
    Front light
    no
    ▼ Worse than 75% of models
    This ereader does not include front light, while the average eReader does. 74% of eReaders include front light.
  • 13 hours shorter battery life
    Battery life
    8 hours
    ▼ Worse than 99% of models
    Market range: <12 hours – >42 hours
    This ereader offers shorter battery life than the average eReader (8 hours vs 21 hours). The average eReader offers 21 hours of battery life.
    8 hours vs 21 hours
  • Limited DRM support
    DRM schemes supported
    B&N DRM, Adobe DRM
    ▼ Worse than 56% of models
    This ereader supports fewer DRM schemes than the average eReader (B&N DRM, Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Social DRM).
    B&N DRM, Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Social DRM
  • No USB Type-C
    USB Type-C
    no
    ▼ Worse than 52% of models
    This ereader does not have USB Type-C, while the average eReader does. 51.2% of eReaders have USB Type-C.
  • 36.2% lower pixel density
    Pixel density
    169 ppi
    ▼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <150 ppi – >300 ppi
    This ereader has a lower pixel density than the average eReader (169 ppi vs 265 ppi). The average eReader has a pixel density of 265 ppi.
    169 ppi vs 265 ppi
  • 2.11x heavier
    Weight
    450 g
    ▼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <160 g – >480 g
    This ereader is heavier than the average eReader (450 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.
    450 g vs 213 g
  • 19.4% worse value for money
    Barnes Noble Nook Color has worse value for money than the average eReader (6.1 vs 7.3).
    6.1 vs 7.28
  • 5.44x less popular
    Barnes Noble Nook Color is less popular than the average eReader (1 vs 5.4).
    1 vs 5.44
  • No front light
    Front light
    no
    ▼ Worse than 75% of models
    This ereader does not include front light, while the average eReader does. 74% of eReaders include front light.
  • 36.2% lower pixel density
    Pixel density
    169 ppi
    ▼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <150 ppi – >300 ppi
    This ereader has a lower pixel density than the average eReader (169 ppi vs 265 ppi). The average eReader has a pixel density of 265 ppi.
    169 ppi vs 265 ppi
  • Lower screen resolution
    Screen resolution
    600x1024 px
    ▼ Worse than 83% of models
    This ereader supports lower screen resolution than the average eReader (600x1024 px vs 1072x1448 px). The average eReader supports 1072x1448 px screen resolution.
    600x1024 px vs 1072x1448 px
  • No color temperature adjustment
    Color temperature adjustment
    no
    ▼ Worse than 52% of models
    This ereader does not support color temperature adjustment, while the average eReader does. 51.6% of eReaders support color temperature adjustment.
    Only offers brightness adjustment
  • No glare-free screen
    Glare-free screen
    no
    ▼ Worse than 96% of models
    This ereader does not have a glare-free screen, while the average eReader does. 95.1% of eReaders have a glare-free screen.
  • No e-paper display
    E-paper display
    no
    ▼ Worse than 98% of models
    This ereader does not use an e-paper display, while the average eReader does. 97.6% of eReaders use an e-paper display.
  • 5 fewer front-light LEDs
    N. of front-light LEDs
    0
    ▼ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <0 – >35
    This ereader has fewer front-light LEDs than the average eReader (0 vs 5). The average eReader has 5 front-light LEDs.
    0 vs 5
  • Limited bookstore ecosystem
    Supported bookstore ecosystem
    Barnes Noble Ecosystem
    ▼ Worse than 87% of models
    This ereader uses the Barnes Noble Ecosystem bookstore ecosystem, while the average eReader uses Android Open Ecosystem.
    Barnes Noble bookstore ecosystem.
    Barnes Noble Ecosystem vs Android Open Ecosystem
  • No PDF reflow
    PDF reflow support
    no
    ▼ Worse than 55% of models
    This ereader does not support PDF reflow, while the average eReader does. 54.9% of eReaders support PDF reflow.
  • Limited DRM support
    DRM schemes supported
    B&N DRM, Adobe DRM
    ▼ Worse than 56% of models
    This ereader supports fewer DRM schemes than the average eReader (B&N DRM, Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Social DRM).
    B&N DRM, Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Social DRM
  • No text-to-speech
    Text-to-speech
    no
    ▼ Worse than 65% of models
    This ereader does not support text-to-speech, while the average eReader does. 64.2% of eReaders support text-to-speech.
  • 9 fewer supported languages
    N. of supported languages
    1
    ▼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <4 – >34
    This ereader supports fewer languages than the average eReader (1 vs 10). The average eReader supports 10 languages.
    1 vs 10
  • 13 hours shorter battery life
    Battery life
    8 hours
    ▼ Worse than 99% of models
    Market range: <12 hours – >42 hours
    This ereader offers shorter battery life than the average eReader (8 hours vs 21 hours). The average eReader offers 21 hours of battery life.
    8 hours vs 21 hours
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    Charging time
    3 hours
    ▼ Worse than 54% of models
    Market range: <1 hours – >6 hours
    This ereader charges more slowly than the average eReader (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average eReader charges in 2 hours.
    3 hours vs 2 hours
  • 50% less storage
    Internal storage
    8 GB
    ▼ Worse than 53% of models
    Market range: <2 GB – >62 GB
    This ereader offers less internal storage than the average eReader (8 GB vs 16 GB). The average eReader provides 16 GB of internal storage.
    8 GB vs 16 GB
  • Slower CPU base clock speed
    CPU base clock speed
    1 x 0.8 GHz
    ▼ Worse than 76% of models
    This ereader has a slower CPU base clock speed than the average eReader (1x0.8 GHz vs 1x1 GHz). The average eReader has a CPU base clock speed of 1x1 GHz.
    1x0.8 GHz vs 1x1 GHz
  • No USB Type-C
    USB Type-C
    no
    ▼ Worse than 52% of models
    This ereader does not have USB Type-C, while the average eReader does. 51.2% of eReaders have USB Type-C.
  • No Bluetooth
    Bluetooth
    no
    ▼ Worse than 61% of models
    This ereader does not have Bluetooth, while the average eReader does. 60.2% of eReaders have Bluetooth.
  • No Bluetooth audio
    Bluetooth audio support
    no
    ▼ Worse than 58% of models
    This ereader does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average eReader does. 57.4% of eReaders support Bluetooth audio.
  • No OTA updates
    OTA updates supported
    no
    ▼ Worse than 82% of models
    This ereader does not support OTA updates, while the average eReader does. 81.7% of eReaders support OTA updates.
  • 2.11x heavier
    Weight
    450 g
    ▼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <160 g – >480 g
    This ereader is heavier than the average eReader (450 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.
    450 g vs 213 g
  • 3.9 mm thicker
    Thickness
    12 mm
    ▼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <6 mm – >11 mm
    This ereader is thicker than the average eReader (12 mm vs 8.1 mm). The average eReader thickness is 8.1 mm.
    12 mm vs 8.1 mm
  • 11 older
    Release date
    2010
    ▼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This ereader is older than the average eReader (2010 vs 2021). The average eReader was released in 2021.
    November 2010
    2,010 vs 2,021
  • 37 mm taller
    Height
    210 mm
    ▼ Worse than 76% of models
    Market range: <150 mm – >240 mm
    This ereader is taller than the average eReader (210 mm vs 173 mm). The average eReader height is 173 mm.
    210 mm vs 173 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

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Third-party reviews

What we like about Barnes Noble Nook Color

  • Vibrant 7-inch IPS LCD screen with 16 million colors, ideal for magazines and children's books
  • Backlit display allows for reading in total darkness without external light
  • Support for a wide variety of formats including ePub, PDF, and Microsoft Office documents
  • Expandable storage via a microSD card slot (up to 32GB)
  • Responsive capacitive touchscreen with multi-touch support for web browsing
  • Built-in Wi-Fi and a functional WebKit-based web browser
  • Premium build quality with a soft-touch, rubberised back for better grip
  • Access to the extensive Barnes & Noble ecosystem and 'Read In Store' features

What we don't like about Barnes Noble Nook Color

  • Short battery life (approximately 8 hours) compared to weeks on e-ink devices
  • Relatively heavy at 15.8 ounces, making it tiring to hold one-handed for long periods
  • LCD screen is difficult to read in direct sunlight due to glare
  • No physical page-turn buttons; navigation is entirely touch-based
  • Proprietary charging requirement—often will not charge with standard micro-USB cables unless the original B&N adapter is used
  • Lack of 3G connectivity; relies solely on Wi-Fi for downloads and browsing
  • Software can feel 'closed' or limited compared to full Android tablets, with no access to the standard Google Play Store
  • Sideloaded content (non-B&N books) is often relegated to a separate 'My Files' folder, complicating organization

Verdict

The Barnes & Noble Nook Color is a hybrid e-reader and tablet featuring a 7-inch IPS LCD 'VividView' touchscreen with a 1024 x 600 resolution and 169 PPI. It is powered by an 800MHz ARM Cortex A8 processor with 512MB of RAM and runs on a modified Android 2.1/2.2 platform. The device includes 8GB of internal storage (approximately 5GB user-accessible), expandable up to 32GB via a microSDHC slot, and provides Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11b/g/n) but lacks a 3G option. Main pros include its vibrant 16-million color display ideal for magazines and children's books, a robust build with a rubberized back, and support for various formats like EPUB, PDF, and MS Office files. However, it is relatively heavy at 15.8 ounces, its approximately 8-hour battery life is significantly shorter than E-Ink competitors, and the screen suffers from poor visibility in direct sunlight.

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