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 Glowlight 4e Review | 68 Data compared

Avg. price:~£110Screen size:6 inchesPixel density:212 ppiInternal storage:8 GBBattery life:10.5 hoursSupported bookstore ecosystem:Barnes Noble Ecosystem

Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight 4e Review: Compare 68 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the eReaders category and whether it is worth buying.

5.1

Overall score

Score
5.1/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components

90%

5.1

Technical score

10%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 84% of ereaders
5.1

Technical score

Technical score
5.1/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
Score components

25%

6.0

Display

22%

4.8

Reading

18%

3.3

Battery

14%

3.9

Hardware

12%

5.7

Connectivity

9%

7.6

Design

â–¼Worse than 77% 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image

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Technical Specifications of eReader Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight 4e

Technical score
Technical score
5.1/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
Score components:

25%

6.0

Display

22%

4.8

Reading

18%

3.3

Battery

14%

3.9

Hardware

12%

5.7

Connectivity

9%

7.6

Design

5.1
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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight 4e 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
6.5/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components:

60%

5.1

Overall score

40%

9.9

Price

6.5
Brand name
Barnes
Screen size
6 inches
Screen size
6 inches
â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
Market range: <5 inches – >10 inches
This ereader has a screen size of 6 inches which is smaller than 57.4% on this spec and equal to 40.2% of eReaders.
Screen resolution
758x1024 px
Screen resolution
758x1024 px
â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
This ereader uses a screen resolution of 758x1024 px, which is less sharp than that of 67.2% of eReaders and the same as that of 14.8% of eReaders.
Pixel density
212 ppi
Pixel density
212 ppi
â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
Market range: <150 ppi – >300 ppi
This ereader has a pixel density of 212 ppi which is lower than 59.8% on this spec and equal to 12.3% of eReaders.
E-paper display
yes
E-paper display
yes
â–² Better than 2% of models
This ereader uses an e-paper display. 2.5% of eReaders have an e-paper display.
Show more
Supported file types
2
Supported file types
2
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Market range: <9 – >24
This ereader supports 2 file types which is fewer than 97.5% on this spec and equal to 2.5% of eReaders.
PDF reflow support
no
PDF reflow support
no
â–¼ 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
â–² Better than 2% of models
This ereader offers annotation support. 1.6% of eReaders offer annotation support.
Dictionary
yes
Dictionary
yes
â–² 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
â–¼ 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
10.5 hours
Battery life
10.5 hours
â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
Market range: <12 hours – >42 hours
This ereader offers 10.5 hours of battery life which is shorter than 90.6% on this spec and equal to 2.1% of eReaders.
based on typical usage of 30 minutes per day over 3 weeks
Battery capacity
1,400 mAh
Battery capacity
1,400 mAh
â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
Market range: <1k mAh – >4k mAh
This ereader has a battery capacity of 1,400 mAh which is lower than 69.4% on this spec and equal to 0.8% of eReaders.
Charging time
2 hours
Charging time
2 hours
â–² Better than 49% of models
Market range: <1 hours – >6 hours
This ereader takes 2 hours to charge which is quicker than 49.1% on this spec and equal to 40% of eReaders.
With a 5W charger
Wireless charging
no
Wireless charging
no
â–¼ 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
â–¼ 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
2 GB
RAM capacity
2 GB
â–² Better than 72% of models
Market range: <0 GB – >5 GB
This ereader offers 2 GB of RAM which is more than 72.1% on this spec and equal to 8.2% of eReaders.
CPU base clock speed
4x 1.5 GHz
CPU base clock speed
4x 1.5 GHz
â–² Better than 69% of models
This ereader has a CPU base clock speed of 4x1.5 GHz, which is faster than that of 68.6% of eReaders and the same as that of 0.8% of eReaders.
Operating system
Android 8.1
Operating system
Android 8.1
â–² Better than 66% of models
This ereader runs Android 8.1, which is more advanced than that of 65.6% of eReaders and the same as that of 1.6% of eReaders.
Memory card slot
no
Memory card slot
no
â–¼ Worse than 43% of models
This ereader does not have a memory card slot. 43.4% of eReaders have a memory card slot.
Show more
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
â–² 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)
â–¼ 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
â–¼ 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
â–¼ 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
170 g
Weight
170 g
â–² Better than 82% of models
Market range: <160 g – >480 g
This ereader weighs 170 g which is lighter than 82% on this spec and equal to 3.3% of eReaders.
Thickness
8.2 mm
Thickness
8.2 mm
â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
Market range: <6 mm – >11 mm
This ereader is 8.2 mm thick which is thicker than 52.9% on this spec.
Height
155.2 mm
Height
155.2 mm
★ Better than 92% of models
Market range: <150 mm – >240 mm
This ereader is 155.2 mm tall which is shorter than 91.8% on this spec and equal to 0.8% of eReaders.
Width
120 mm
Width
120 mm
â–² Better than 65% of models
Market range: <100 mm – >200 mm
This ereader is 120 mm wide which is narrower than 64.8% on this spec and equal to 1.6% of eReaders.
Water resistance (splashproof)
no
Water resistance (splashproof)
no
â–¼ 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 Glowlight 4e vs the average eReader

246810TotalDisplayReadingBatteryHardwareConnectivityDesign
  • Page-turn buttons
    Page-turn buttons
    yes
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    This ereader has page-turn buttons, while the average eReader does not. 44.7% of eReaders have page-turn buttons.
  • 20.2% lighter
    Weight
    170 g
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <160 g – >480 g
    This ereader is lighter than the average eReader (170 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.
    170 g vs 213 g
  • 1.49 GB more RAM
    RAM capacity
    2 GB
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <0 GB – >5 GB
    This ereader has more RAM than the average eReader (2 GB vs 0.5 GB). The average eReader has 0.512 GB of RAM.
    2 GB vs 0.512 GB
  • Faster CPU base clock speed
    CPU base clock speed
    4 x 1.5 GHz
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This ereader has a faster CPU base clock speed than the average eReader (4x1.5 GHz vs 1x1 GHz). The average eReader has a CPU base clock speed of 1x1 GHz.
    4x1.5 GHz vs 1x1 GHz
  • Auto-brightness sensor
    Auto-brightness sensor
    yes
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    This ereader has an auto-brightness sensor, while the average eReader does not. 41.8% of eReaders have an auto-brightness sensor.
    Ambient light sensor enables automatic brightness adjustments.
  • 17.8 mm shorter
    Height
    155.2 mm
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <150 mm – >240 mm
    This ereader is shorter than the average eReader (155.2 mm vs 173 mm). The average eReader height is 173 mm.
    155.2 mm vs 173 mm
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Android 8.1
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    This ereader uses Android 8.1, a more advanced operating system than Kindle OS on the average eReader.
    Android 8.1 vs Kindle OS
  • 54.5% cheaper
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight 4e is cheaper than the average eReader (£110 vs £170).
    £110 vs £170
  • 54.5% cheaper
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight 4e is cheaper than the average eReader (£110 vs £170).
    £110 vs £170
  • Auto-brightness sensor
    Auto-brightness sensor
    yes
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    This ereader has an auto-brightness sensor, while the average eReader does not. 41.8% of eReaders have an auto-brightness sensor.
    Ambient light sensor enables automatic brightness adjustments.
  • 1.49 GB more RAM
    RAM capacity
    2 GB
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <0 GB – >5 GB
    This ereader has more RAM than the average eReader (2 GB vs 0.5 GB). The average eReader has 0.512 GB of RAM.
    2 GB vs 0.512 GB
  • Faster CPU base clock speed
    CPU base clock speed
    4 x 1.5 GHz
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This ereader has a faster CPU base clock speed than the average eReader (4x1.5 GHz vs 1x1 GHz). The average eReader has a CPU base clock speed of 1x1 GHz.
    4x1.5 GHz vs 1x1 GHz
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Android 8.1
    â–² Better than 66% of models
    This ereader uses Android 8.1, a more advanced operating system than Kindle OS on the average eReader.
    Android 8.1 vs Kindle OS
  • Page-turn buttons
    Page-turn buttons
    yes
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    This ereader has page-turn buttons, while the average eReader does not. 44.7% of eReaders have page-turn buttons.
  • 20.2% lighter
    Weight
    170 g
    â–² Better than 82% of models
    Market range: <160 g – >480 g
    This ereader is lighter than the average eReader (170 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.
    170 g vs 213 g
  • 17.8 mm shorter
    Height
    155.2 mm
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <150 mm – >240 mm
    This ereader is shorter than the average eReader (155.2 mm vs 173 mm). The average eReader height is 173 mm.
    155.2 mm vs 173 mm
  • Limited bookstore ecosystem
    Supported bookstore ecosystem
    Barnes Noble Ecosystem
    â–¼ 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
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This ereader does not support PDF reflow, while the average eReader does. 54.9% of eReaders support PDF reflow.
  • 10.5 hours shorter battery life
    Battery life
    10.5 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <12 hours – >42 hours
    This ereader offers shorter battery life than the average eReader (10.5 hours vs 21 hours). The average eReader offers 21 hours of battery life.
    based on typical usage of 30 minutes per day over 3 weeks
    10.5 hours vs 21 hours
  • 13 fewer supported file formats
    Supported file types
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <9 – >24
    This ereader supports fewer file types than the average eReader (2 vs 15).
    2 vs 15
  • No Bluetooth audio
    Bluetooth audio support
    no
    â–¼ 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 Bluetooth
    Bluetooth
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    This ereader does not have Bluetooth, while the average eReader does. 60.2% of eReaders have Bluetooth.
  • No color temperature adjustment
    Color temperature adjustment
    no
    â–¼ 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.
  • Limited DRM support
    DRM schemes supported
    Adobe DRM
    â–² Better than 45% of models
    This ereader supports fewer DRM schemes than the average eReader (Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Social DRM).
    Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Social DRM
  • 5.44x less popular
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight 4e is less popular than the average eReader (1 vs 5.4).
    1 vs 5.44
  • 11.5% worse value for money
    Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight 4e has worse value for money than the average eReader (6.53 vs 7.3).
    6.53 vs 7.28
  • No color temperature adjustment
    Color temperature adjustment
    no
    â–¼ 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.
  • Lower screen resolution
    Screen resolution
    758x1024 px
    â–¼ Worse than 67% of models
    This ereader supports lower screen resolution than the average eReader (758x1024 px vs 1072x1448 px). The average eReader supports 1072x1448 px screen resolution.
    758x1024 px vs 1072x1448 px
  • 1 inches smaller screen size
    Screen size
    6 inches
    â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
    Market range: <5 inches – >10 inches
    This ereader has a smaller screen than the average eReader (6 inches vs 7 inches). The average eReader screen size is 7 inches.
    6 inches vs 7 inches
  • Less advanced E-Ink technology
    E-Ink technology
    Carta
    â–¼ Worse than 38% of models
    This ereader uses Carta E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.
    Carta vs Carta Plus
  • 20% lower pixel density
    Pixel density
    212 ppi
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <150 ppi – >300 ppi
    This ereader has a lower pixel density than the average eReader (212 ppi vs 265 ppi). The average eReader has a pixel density of 265 ppi.
    212 ppi vs 265 ppi
  • Limited bookstore ecosystem
    Supported bookstore ecosystem
    Barnes Noble Ecosystem
    â–¼ 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
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This ereader does not support PDF reflow, while the average eReader does. 54.9% of eReaders support PDF reflow.
  • 13 fewer supported file formats
    Supported file types
    2
    â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
    Market range: <9 – >24
    This ereader supports fewer file types than the average eReader (2 vs 15).
    2 vs 15
  • Limited DRM support
    DRM schemes supported
    Adobe DRM
    â–² Better than 45% of models
    This ereader supports fewer DRM schemes than the average eReader (Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Social DRM).
    Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Social DRM
  • No audiobook playback
    Audiobook playback
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
    This ereader does not support audiobook playback, while the average eReader does. 72.5% of eReaders support audiobook playback.
  • No text-to-speech
    Text-to-speech
    no
    â–¼ 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.
  • No folder support
    Folder support
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    This ereader does not support folders, while the average eReader does. 54.5% of eReaders support folders.
  • Limited library support
    Library lending platforms supported
    OverDrive
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
    This ereader supports fewer library lending platforms than the average eReader (OverDrive vs OverDrive, Libby).
    Requires Adobe Digital Editions or manual transfer steps.
    OverDrive vs OverDrive, Libby
  • 9 fewer supported languages
    N. of supported languages
    1
    â–¼ 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
  • 10.5 hours shorter battery life
    Battery life
    10.5 hours
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <12 hours – >42 hours
    This ereader offers shorter battery life than the average eReader (10.5 hours vs 21 hours). The average eReader offers 21 hours of battery life.
    based on typical usage of 30 minutes per day over 3 weeks
    10.5 hours vs 21 hours
  • 10.5% smaller battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    1,400 mAh
    â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
    Market range: <1k mAh – >4k mAh
    This ereader has a smaller battery than the average eReader (1400 mAh vs 1565 mAh). The average eReader battery has a capacity of 1565 mAh.
    1,400 mAh vs 1,565 mAh
  • 50% less storage
    Internal storage
    8 GB
    â–¼ 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
  • No Bluetooth
    Bluetooth
    no
    â–¼ 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
    â–¼ 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 web browser
    Built-in web browser
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 92% of models
    This ereader does not include a built-in web browser, while the average eReader does. 91.1% of eReaders include a built-in web browser.

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 Glowlight 4e

  • Physical page-turn buttons on both sides of the device
  • Lightweight and highly portable 6-inch design
  • Soft-touch, comfortable matte plastic back
  • Affordable entry-level price point
  • No advertisements on the lock screen or interface
  • USB-C port for modern charging and connectivity
  • Easy integration with the Barnes & Noble ebook ecosystem

What we don't like about Barnes Noble Nook Glowlight 4e

  • Lower screen resolution (212 PPI) compared to the standard GlowLight 4
  • Lacks warm/amber light settings (front light is cool white only)
  • Not waterproof (lacks IPX rating)
  • Limited internal storage (8GB total, with only ~4GB usable)
  • Clunky process for borrowing and sideloading library books (requires Adobe Digital Editions)
  • Occasional software lag and system crashes reported by users
  • Recessed screen design can trap dust and hair in the bezel edges

Verdict

The Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 4e is an entry-level e-reader featuring a 6-inch E Ink Carta HD display with a 212 PPI resolution and 1,024-by-758 pixel density. It is powered by an Allwinner B300 quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM and includes 8GB of internal storage, though only about 4GB to 5GB is usable for sideloaded content. Key characteristics include a lightweight design weighing 6 ounces, USB-C charging, and physical page-turn buttons on both sides of the bezel. Major pros are its comfortable, portable form factor, highly responsive physical buttons, and a glare-free screen that performs well in sunlight. However, cons include a lower-resolution display compared to premium models, a lack of warm light color temperature adjustment, an inconsistent front light, and no waterproofing.

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