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Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch Review | 68 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£90
  • Screen size: 6 inches
  • Battery life: 30 hours
  • Supported bookstore ecosystem: Barnes Noble Ecosystem

Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch review. Compare 68 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among ereaders and if it is worth buying.

4.9

Overall score

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 components:

90.0%

4.9

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.9

Technical Score

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 components:

25.0%

3.9

Display

22.0%

5.8

Reading

18.0%

5.8

Battery

14.0%

4.6

Hardware

12.0%

3.2

Connectivity

9.0%

6.2

Design

Poor
?

User score

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 components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

    • No image
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    Best prices in UK

      N/A~ £90

    Best rankings

    ?

    Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
    All: ranking among all products in the database.

    Verdict

    The Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch is a compact e-reader featuring a 6-inch E Ink Pearl touchscreen with 800x600 resolution and 16 levels of greyscale, powered by an 800MHz TI OMAP 3 processor and 256MB of RAM. Its primary advantages include an exceptionally long battery life of up to two months, a lightweight 7.48-ounce design with a comfortable rubberized grip, physical page-turn buttons, and expandable storage via a microSD slot (up to 32GB) to supplement its 2GB internal capacity. However, it lacks a built-in web browser and audio support, its E Ink display is subject to occasional ghosting or flickering during page refreshes, and it is no longer directly compatible with the modern Nook bookstore for new downloads.

    Technical Specifications of eReader Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch

    Technical Score

    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 components:

    25.0%

    ?

    Display

    22.0%

    ?

    Reading

    18.0%

    ?

    Battery

    14.0%

    ?

    Hardware

    12.0%

    ?

    Connectivity

    9.0%

    ?

    Design

    4.9
    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch has a technical score of 4.88 points, which is lower than that of 86.1% of products in this category.
    User score

    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 components:

    70.0%

    0.0

    User reviews

    30.0%

    1.0

    Popularity

    ?
    Popularity
    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.
    1.0
    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 70.5% of smartphones.
    Ratio quality/price

    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 components:

    60.0%

    4.9

    Overall score

    40.0%

    10

    Price

    6.4
    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch has a quality-to-price ratio of 6.4 points, which is lower than 86.9% of smartphones.
    Brand name
    What it is: Identifies the company or ecosystem behind the device, which often shapes the store, software approach, and accessory support.
    When it matters: When you are choosing between Kindle, Kobo, Boox, PocketBook, or another ecosystem with different store access and software behavior.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Barnes
    Screen size
    What it is: The diagonal measurement of the reading panel, usually given in inches.
    When it matters: When you are deciding between a small travel reader and a larger page that works better for PDFs, comics, or textbooks.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=7.8

    6 inches
    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch has a screen size of 6 inches which is smaller than 57.4% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 40.2% of eReaders.
    Screen resolution
    What it is: The total pixel grid shown on the panel, normally written as width by height.
    When it matters: When small fonts, diagrams, or dense page layouts need to stay readable without constant zooming.

    Importance: HIGH

    600x800 px
    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch uses a screen resolution of 600x800 px, which is less sharp than that of 83.6% of eReaders and the same as that of 15.6% of eReaders.
    Pixel density
    What it is: The number of pixels packed into each inch of the display, expressed in ppi.
    When it matters: When you want text edges to look cleaner and serif fonts to resemble print more closely.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=300

    167 ppi
    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch has a pixel density of 167 ppi which is lower than 77.9% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 10.7% of eReaders.
    E-paper display
    What it is: Uses an electrophoretic panel designed to mimic paper rather than a conventional backlit phone or tablet screen.
    When it matters: When you read for long stretches and want lower glare and less screen-like fatigue than on LCD or OLED devices.

    Importance: LOW

    yes
    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch uses an e-paper display. 97.6% of eReaders have an e-paper display.
    Show more
    Supported file types
    What it is: Lists which ebook, document, image, or audio formats the reader can open without conversion.
    When it matters: When your library comes from mixed sources instead of one locked bookstore.

    Importance: HIGH

    2
    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch supports 2 file types which is fewer than 97% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 3% of eReaders.
    PDF reflow support
    What it is: Can rearrange PDF text into a more readable, screen-sized layout instead of forcing the original fixed page.
    When it matters: When you read A4 documents, articles, or manuals on a smaller eReader screen.

    Importance: HIGH

    yes
    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch offers PDF reflow. 55.4% of eReaders support PDF reflow.
    Annotation support
    What it is: Allows highlighting, handwritten notes, typed comments, or markup directly inside supported files.
    When it matters: When you study, review academic papers, or want your notes to stay attached to the exact passage.

    Importance: HIGH

    yes
    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch offers annotation support. 100% of eReaders offer annotation support.
    Dictionary
    What it is: Provides built-in word lookup while you read.
    When it matters: When you read in another language or want quick definitions without leaving the page.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    yes
    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch includes a built-in dictionary. 99.2% of eReaders include a built-in dictionary.
    Text-to-speech
    What it is: Converts on-screen text into spoken audio using a synthetic voice.
    When it matters: When you want to keep following a book while resting your eyes, walking, or multitasking.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    no
    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch does not offer text-to-speech. 64.2% of eReaders include text-to-speech.
    Show more
    Battery life
    What it is: Estimates how long the device can keep running between charges under normal reading conditions.
    When it matters: When you travel, commute, or want to finish books for days without thinking about charging.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=30

    30 hours
    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch offers 30 hours of battery life which is longer than 67.5% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 10% of eReaders.
    Battery capacity
    What it is: The amount of energy the battery can store, commonly expressed in mAh.
    When it matters: When you want a rough hardware indicator of how much power reserve the device has.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2000

    1,530 mAh
    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch has a battery capacity of 1530 mAh which is higher than 46.7% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 3.3% of eReaders.
    Charging time
    What it is: The approximate time needed to recharge the battery from low to full.
    When it matters: When you often top up shortly before leaving and need the reader ready again quickly.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=3

    3 hours
    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch takes 3 hours to charge which is slower than 52.9% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 28.9% of eReaders.
    Wireless charging
    What it is: Can recharge on a compatible charging pad without plugging in a cable.
    When it matters: When you prefer drop-and-charge convenience on a desk or bedside stand.

    Importance: LOW

    no
    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch does not offer wireless charging. 7.3% of eReaders offer wireless charging.
    Internal storage
    What it is: The built-in space available for books, notes, audiobooks, apps, and downloaded documents.
    When it matters: When you keep large libraries offline or store a lot of PDFs and audio locally.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >=32

    2 GB
    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch offers 2 GB of internal storage which is less than 80.5% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 17.8% of eReaders.
    RAM capacity
    What it is: The amount of working memory used for page rendering, multitasking, and keeping content active in the background.
    When it matters: When you open heavy files, switch between books, or expect the interface to stay snappy.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2

    0.256 GB
    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch offers 0.256 GB of RAM which is less than 73.1% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 15.1% of eReaders.
    CPU base clock speed
    What it is: The baseline operating frequency of the main processor under normal load.
    When it matters: When you compare readers for faster menu navigation, indexing, and handling of larger documents.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    1 x 0.8 GHz
    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch has a CPU base clock speed of 1 x 0.8 GHz, which is slower than that of 76% of eReaders and the same as that of 14.9% of eReaders.
    Operating system
    What it is: The software platform that drives the interface, reading apps, and deeper system capabilities.
    When it matters: When you care about app availability, customization, and how flexible the device can become beyond basic reading.

    Importance: HIGH

    Android 2.1
    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch runs Android 2.1, which is more advanced than that of 72.1% of eReaders of eReaders.
    Android 2.1
    Memory card slot
    What it is: Accepts removable storage so the library can expand beyond the built-in capacity.
    When it matters: When your collection will outgrow internal storage or you move files between devices manually.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    yes
    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch has a memory card slot. 43.1% of eReaders have a memory card slot.
    Show more
    Wi-Fi connectivity
    What it is: Connects the reader to wireless networks for book downloads, syncing, updates, and online services.
    When it matters: When you buy books directly on the device or keep your library synced without using a cable.

    Importance: HIGH

    yes
    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch connects over Wi-Fi. 93.5% of eReaders have Wi-Fi.
    Wi-Fi version
    What it is: Specifies which wireless networking standard is supported, such as Wi-Fi 4, 5, or 6.
    When it matters: When router compatibility, wireless stability, or faster transfers on newer home networks matter to you.

    Importance: LOW

    Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch 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
    What it is: Shows whether the reader can use 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or both wireless bands.
    When it matters: When crowded apartment Wi-Fi or 5 GHz-only setups make band support matter at home or in the office.

    Importance: LOW

    2.4 GHz
    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch 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
    What it is: Provides short-range wireless pairing for headphones, speakers, keyboards, page turners, or other accessories.
    When it matters: When you listen to audiobooks, use a remote page turner, or want cable-free accessories around the house.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    no
    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch does not connect over Bluetooth. 60.2% of eReaders have Bluetooth.
    Bluetooth version
    What it is: Identifies the supported Bluetooth generation, which affects efficiency, codec support, and compatibility.
    When it matters: When you pair newer headphones and want a more stable, lower-power wireless connection.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=5.0

    N/A
    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch supports Bluetooth N/A which is older than 59.3% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 40.7% of eReaders.
    Show more
    Weight
    What it is: The mass of the device, usually measured in grams.
    When it matters: When one-handed comfort matters and you do not want the reader to feel tiring during long sessions.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <=200

    212 g
    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch weighs 212 g which is lighter than 51.6% of eReaders on this spec of eReaders.
    Thickness
    What it is: The depth of the body from front to back, usually measured in millimetres.
    When it matters: When grip comfort, sleeve fit, or how slim the reader feels in the hand matters to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=8

    12 mm
    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch is 12 mm thick which is thicker than 98.3% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 0.8% of eReaders.
    Height
    What it is: The vertical size of the body, usually measured from top to bottom in millimetres.
    When it matters: When you are checking whether the reader will fit a bag, jacket pocket, or small stand.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=160

    165 mm
    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch is 165 mm tall which is shorter than 61.5% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 1.6% of eReaders.
    Width
    What it is: The side-to-side body measurement, usually given in millimetres.
    When it matters: When one-handed reach and how much space the reader takes in a bag or bedside setup matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <=130

    127 mm
    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch is 127 mm wide which is narrower than 51.6% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 2.5% of eReaders.
    Water resistance (splashproof)
    What it is: Can tolerate light splashes, damp hands, or brief accidental contact with water.
    When it matters: When you read by the bath, at the pool, or outdoors where light moisture is realistic.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    no
    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch does not have water resistance against splashes. 25% of eReaders have water resistance against splashes.
    Show more

    Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch vs the average eReader

    • Includes memory card slot
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch includes a memory card slot, while the average eReader does not.
      What it is: Accepts removable storage so the library can expand beyond the built-in capacity.
      When it matters: When your collection will outgrow internal storage or you move files between devices manually.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch includes a memory card slot, while the average eReader does not.
    • Has page-turn buttons
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch has page-turn buttons, while the average eReader does not.
      What it is: Adds dedicated physical controls for moving forward or backward without tapping the screen.
      When it matters: When you read one-handed, wear gloves, or want fewer fingerprints on the display.

      Importance: HIGH

      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch has page-turn buttons, while the average eReader does not.
    • 9 hours longer battery life
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch offers longer battery life than the average eReader (30 hours vs 21 hours). The average eReader offers 21 hours of battery life.
      What it is: Estimates how long the device can keep running between charges under normal reading conditions.
      When it matters: When you travel, commute, or want to finish books for days without thinking about charging.

      Importance: HIGH

      Good value: >=30

      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch offers longer battery life than the average eReader (30 hours vs 21 hours). The average eReader offers 21 hours of battery life.30 hours vs 21 hours
    • More advanced operating system
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch uses Android 2.1, a more advanced operating system than Kindle OS on the average eReader.
      Android 2.1
      What it is: The software platform that drives the interface, reading apps, and deeper system capabilities.
      When it matters: When you care about app availability, customization, and how flexible the device can become beyond basic reading.

      Importance: HIGH

      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch uses Android 2.1, a more advanced operating system than Kindle OS on the average eReader.Android 2.1 vs Kindle OS
    • Broader library support
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch supports more library lending platforms than the average eReader (OverDrive, cloudLibrary, 3M Cloud Library vs OverDrive, Libby).
      Requires Adobe Digital Editions or manual transfer steps.
      What it is: Lists which public-library borrowing services can deliver books directly or indirectly to the device.
      When it matters: When you borrow ebooks regularly and want that workflow to stay simple instead of relying on workarounds.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch supports more library lending platforms than the average eReader (OverDrive, cloudLibrary, 3M Cloud Library vs OverDrive, Libby).OverDrive, cloudLibrary, 3M Cloud Library vs OverDrive, Libby
    • 88.9% cheaper
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch is cheaper than the average eReader (£90 vs £170).
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch is cheaper than the average eReader (£90 vs £170).£90 vs £170
    • Broader library support
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch supports more library lending platforms than the average eReader (OverDrive, cloudLibrary, 3M Cloud Library vs OverDrive, Libby).
    • 9 hours longer battery life
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch offers longer battery life than the average eReader (30 hours vs 21 hours). The average eReader offers 21 hours of battery life.
    • Includes memory card slot
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch includes a memory card slot, while the average eReader does not.
    • More advanced operating system
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch uses Android 2.1, a more advanced operating system than Kindle OS on the average eReader.
    • Has page-turn buttons
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch has page-turn buttons, while the average eReader does not.

    Total
    Overall
    Reading
    Battery
    Hardware
    Design
    • Less advanced E-Ink technology
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch uses Pearl E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.
    • No front light
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch does not include front light, while the average eReader does.
    • Lower screen resolution
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch supports lower screen resolution than the average eReader (600x800 px vs 1072x1448 px). The average eReader supports 1072x1448 px screen resolution.
    • 37% lower pixel density
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch has a lower pixel density than the average eReader (167 ppi vs 265 ppi). The average eReader has a pixel density of 265 ppi.
    • No color temperature adjustment
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch does not support color temperature adjustment, while the average eReader does.
    • 1 inches smaller screen size
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch has a smaller screen than the average eReader (6 inches vs 7 inches). The average eReader screen size is 7 inches.
    • 5 fewer front-light LEDs
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch has fewer front-light LEDs than the average eReader (0 vs 5). The average eReader has 5 front-light LEDs.
    • Basic touchscreen technology
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch uses infrared touchscreen technology, while the average eReader uses capacitive.
      IR grid
    • Limited bookstore ecosystem
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch uses the Barnes Noble Ecosystem bookstore ecosystem, while the average eReader uses Android Open Ecosystem.
      Barnes Noble bookstore ecosystem.
    • Limited DRM support
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch supports fewer DRM schemes than the average eReader (B&N DRM, Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Readium LCP).
    • 13 limited file support
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch supports fewer file types than the average eReader (2 vs 15).
    • No audiobook playback
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch does not support audiobook playback, while the average eReader does.
    • No text-to-speech
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch does not support text-to-speech, while the average eReader does.
    • No folder support
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch does not support folders, while the average eReader does.
      can create custom subfolders when sideloading via PC
    • No parental controls
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch does not have parental controls, while the average eReader does.
    • 9 fewer supported languages
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch supports fewer languages than the average eReader (1 vs 10). The average eReader supports 10 languages.
    • 1 hours longer charging time
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch charges more slowly than the average eReader (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average eReader charges in 2 hours.
    • 87.5% less storage
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch offers less internal storage than the average eReader (2 GB vs 16 GB). The average eReader provides 16 GB of internal storage.
    • 0.26 GB less RAM
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch has less RAM than the average eReader (0.3 GB vs 0.512 GB). The average eReader has 0.512 GB of RAM.
    • Slower CPU base clock speed
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch 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.
    • No USB Type-C
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch does not have USB Type-C, while the average eReader does.
    • No Bluetooth
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch does not have Bluetooth, while the average eReader does.
    • No Bluetooth audio
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average eReader does.
    • No OTA updates
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch does not support OTA updates, while the average eReader does.
    • No web browser
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch does not include a built-in web browser, while the average eReader does.
    • 3.9 mm thicker
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch is thicker than the average eReader (12 mm vs 8.1 mm). The average eReader thickness is 8.1 mm.
    • 10 year/s older release date
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch is older than the average eReader (2011 vs 2021). The average eReader was released in 2021.
      June 2,011
    • Limited bookstore ecosystem
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch uses the Barnes Noble Ecosystem bookstore ecosystem, while the average eReader uses Android Open Ecosystem.
      Barnes Noble bookstore ecosystem.
      What it is: Shows which built-in store or content platform the device is tied to for buying or downloading books.
      When it matters: When store selection, regional catalog access, or ecosystem lock-in will shape what you can read most easily.

      Importance: HIGH

      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch uses the Barnes Noble Ecosystem bookstore ecosystem, while the average eReader uses Android Open Ecosystem.Barnes Noble Ecosystem vs Android Open Ecosystem
    • Limited DRM support
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch supports fewer DRM schemes than the average eReader (B&N DRM, Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Readium LCP).
      What it is: Shows which copy-protection systems the device can open, such as Adobe DRM or store-specific protection.
      When it matters: When you buy or borrow books from multiple stores and need them all to open on one reader.

      Importance: HIGH

      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch supports fewer DRM schemes than the average eReader (B&N DRM, Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Readium LCP).B&N DRM, Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Readium LCP
    • Less advanced E-Ink technology
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch uses Pearl E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.
      What it is: States which E Ink generation or panel family the device uses, such as Carta or Kaleido.
      When it matters: When you compare newer and older readers for contrast, refresh behavior, or color performance.

      Importance: HIGH

      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch uses Pearl E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.Pearl vs Carta Plus
    • No front light
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch does not include front light, while the average eReader does.
      What it is: Adds built-in illumination that shines across the screen so the page stays readable in dark environments.
      When it matters: When you read in bed, on flights, or anywhere ambient light is too low for an unlit screen.

      Importance: HIGH

      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch does not include front light, while the average eReader does.
    • Lower screen resolution
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch supports lower screen resolution than the average eReader (600x800 px vs 1072x1448 px). The average eReader supports 1072x1448 px screen resolution.
      What it is: The total pixel grid shown on the panel, normally written as width by height.
      When it matters: When small fonts, diagrams, or dense page layouts need to stay readable without constant zooming.

      Importance: HIGH

      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch supports lower screen resolution than the average eReader (600x800 px vs 1072x1448 px). The average eReader supports 1072x1448 px screen resolution.600x800 px vs 1072x1448 px
    • 37% lower pixel density
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch has a lower pixel density than the average eReader (167 ppi vs 265 ppi). The average eReader has a pixel density of 265 ppi.
      What it is: The number of pixels packed into each inch of the display, expressed in ppi.
      When it matters: When you want text edges to look cleaner and serif fonts to resemble print more closely.

      Importance: HIGH

      Good value: >=300

      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch has a lower pixel density than the average eReader (167 ppi vs 265 ppi). The average eReader has a pixel density of 265 ppi.167 ppi vs 265 ppi
    • No USB Type-C
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch does not have USB Type-C, while the average eReader does.
      What it is: Uses the reversible USB-C connector for charging and, on some models, wired data transfer.
      When it matters: When you want one shared cable standard for your reader, phone, and other travel gear.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch does not have USB Type-C, while the average eReader does.
    • 13 limited file support
      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch supports fewer file types than the average eReader (2 vs 15).
      What it is: Lists which ebook, document, image, or audio formats the reader can open without conversion.
      When it matters: When your library comes from mixed sources instead of one locked bookstore.

      Importance: HIGH

      Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch supports fewer file types than the average eReader (2 vs 15).2 vs 15
    Total
    Overall
    Display
    Reading
    Battery
    Hardware
    Connectivity
    Design

    Graphic comparison of Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch and other eReaders

    Attribute category
    Attribute
    No results found

    Third-party reviews

    What customers like about Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch?

    • Excellent battery life, often lasting up to two months with Wi-Fi disabled
    • Highly ergonomic design with a soft-touch, grippy rubberized back
    • Includes physical page-turn buttons on both sides of the bezel
    • Expandable storage via a microSD card slot (up to 32GB)
    • Glaring-free E-ink Pearl display offers high contrast and great readability in direct sunlight
    • Supports the universal ePub format and library lending
    • No intrusive on-screen advertisements
    • Compact and lightweight, making it easy to hold in one hand

    What customers dislike about Barnes Noble Nook Simple Touch?

    • Lacks a built-in browser and 3G/4G connectivity (Wi-Fi only)
    • The 2GB internal storage is heavily restricted, with only ~240MB-340MB available for side-loaded content
    • Touchscreen can occasionally experience ghosting or become unresponsive when the battery is low
    • Lacks a headphone jack and speakers for audiobooks or music
    • PDF handling is poor, with limited zoom and layout issues
    • More difficult to sync non-B&N content compared to the Kindle ecosystem
    • Stiff and sometimes awkward power button located on the back

    Expert reviews

    C
    cnet.com
    23/04/2012
    Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight review Would you like to find guides on how to sideload books or root this specific model for modern u...

    The Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight is a, 6-inch E-Ink reader featuring an integrated, eight-LED light for uniform illumination in low-light environments, weighing just under 7 ounces. Pros highlighted by CNET include highly responsive touchscreen navigation, physical page-turn buttons, expandable memory, and exceptional battery life, while maintaining an ad-free,...Read more

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    cnn.com
    26/04/2012
    Review: Barnes & Noble’s new glowing Nook is a winner

    The CNN review praises the 2012 Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight as a "winner" for its innovative built-in, adjustable light, which allows for reading in complete darkness. Key advantages include a lightweight, comfortable design, long battery life, and a responsive E Ink screen, along with a microSD slot for expanded storage. While the device is highly rated, potential drawbacks...Read more

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    theverge.com
    24/04/2012
    Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight review

    The Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight is a pioneering E-Ink reader featuring an integrated lighting system designed for reading in low-light environments. It offers a superior, non-glare alternative to external clip-on lights, despite a slight blue tint and minor unevenness in the lighting at the top of the display. The device boasts an ergonomic, lightweight design...Read more

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    theverge.com
    02/06/2011
    Barnes & Noble Nook review (2011)

    The 2011 Nook Simple Touch features a compact design, excellent ergonomics, and a 6-inch E Ink Pearl display with high contrast and reduced ghosting, complemented by physical page-turn buttons. It excels with an intuitive Android-based interface, a dedicated LendMe sharing feature, and seamless Barnes & Noble store integration. However, the device lacks audio support, and its web...Read more

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    marco.org
    03/06/2011
    Nook Simple Touch compared to Kindle 3 - Marco.org

    In his 2011 review, Marco Arment praises the Nook Simple Touch for superior hardware, highlighting its comfortable, lightweight design and an infrared screen that lacks an extra, glare-inducing layer. The device features a cleaner, more modern interface than the Kindle 3, with less frequent screen refreshes and, notably, physical page-turn buttons on both sides. Despite the...Read more

    B
    businessinsider.com
    23/06/2011
    Nook Simple Touch Review

    The Nook Simple Touch is a lightweight e-reader featuring a 6-inch E Ink Pearl display with "Best-Text" technology for reduced ghosting. Its infrared touch interface is highly responsive, and the device offers a significant battery life of up to two months, along with an expandable microSD slot. Key strengths include an open ecosystem supporting EPUB files from libraries and a...Read more

    T
    thislamp.com
    14/06/2011
    Review: B&N Nook Simple Touch

    In a June 2011 review, the Nook Simple Touch is praised for its exceptional speed and responsiveness, largely due to an E Ink page-caching mechanism that outperforms the Kindle. The touchscreen interface is described as fluid, and the device features a comfortable, rubberized design with a superior, modern user interface. Key advantages highlighted include easy access to endnotes...Read more

    U
    uk.pcmag.com
    16/05/2014
    Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch - PCMag.com Would you like a similar list for the Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight, or perhaps a comparison between t...

    The Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch is a compact 6-inch E Ink Pearl reader, weighing 7.5 ounces, that offers a highly portable design with a matte black, grippy back. It distinguishes itself with both a responsive touchscreen and dedicated physical page-turn buttons, providing flexible navigation. Key advantages include an excellent, glare-free display, a battery life lasting up to...Read more

    U
    uk.pcmag.com
    29/11/2011
    Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch - Review 2011 - PCMag UK

    The PCMag review highlights the Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch as a top-tier, budget-friendly e-reader featuring a compact design, a 6-inch E Ink Pearl display, and a responsive infrared touchscreen. Key pros include exceptional battery life of up to two months, fast page turns, a microSD card slot for storage expansion, and native EPUB support. Cons identified include the lack of...Read more

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    mobiletechreview.com
    20/06/2011
    New Nook Simple Touch Reader - MobileTechReview

    The Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch is characterized by MobileTechReview as a significant evolution, featuring a compact, ergonomic design with a 6-inch E-Ink Pearl touchscreen that prioritizes comfort and high-contrast display quality. Its IR touch technology provides a glare-free experience, while the soft-touch back makes it easy to hold for extended periods. Key advantages...Read more

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    teleread.com
    12/06/2011
    Review: Nook Simple Touch Reader, by John Schember

    In his review for TeleRead, John Schember describes the Nook Simple Touch as a solid, well-built, and lightweight e-reader that prioritizes a dedicated, distraction-free reading experience. The device features a responsive E-Ink Pearl touch screen, physical page-turn buttons for navigation, and a specialized Android-based interface designed to be user-friendly. Key strengths, or...Read more

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    techcrunch.com
    09/06/2011
    Review: The Barnes & Noble Nook - TechCrunch

    The June 2011 TechCrunch review praises the Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch as a superior, focused e-reader, highlighting its lightweight, ergonomic design and super-crisp E-ink touchscreen. Key advantages included an exceptional two-month battery life and faster, more efficient page turns compared to the Amazon Kindle. While criticized for lacking tablet functionality like a...Read more

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    cnet.com
    31/05/2011
    Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch review - CNET

    The 2011 Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch is a 212-gram, dedicated 6-inch Pearl E-ink e-reader designed for portability and a high-contrast reading experience. Key advantages include its fast infrared touchscreen, reduced screen refresh "flash," up to two months of battery life, and microSD expansion. However, the device lacks audio support, a web browser, and 3G, while the...Read more

    I
    ilmk.wordpress.com
    07/06/2011
    I touched a NOOK Simple Touch - I Love My Kindle

    In a review on I Love My Kindle, the author highlights the Nook Simple Touch's effective, albeit initially unintuitive, touchscreen interface compared to the Kindle 3. Key pros include the robust physical design and excellent tactile page-turn buttons, alongside easy text highlighting that the reviewer suggests Amazon should emulate. However, a significant drawback noted is the...Read more

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    ebooksgratuits.com
    25/04/2026
    Nook Touch – Part 1: The Review

    The Nook Simple Touch is a dedicated e-reader featuring a 6-inch E Ink Pearl touchscreen, a comfortable, rubberised design, and highly responsive infrared technology. It boasts excellent battery life, a fast 800MHz processor, and a microSD card slot for storage expansion. However, the review notes significant drawbacks, including poor PDF handling, the absence of a web browser or...Read more

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    I
    igen.fr
    20/09/2011
    Review of the Barnes & Noble Nook Touch e-reader

    The iGen.fr review highlights the Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch as a compact, 212-gram e-reader featuring a 6-inch E Ink Pearl touchscreen and a comfortable, ergonomic rubberized design. Key advantages include responsive infrared touch technology, physical page-turn buttons, and superior battery life, along with microSD expansion up to 32GB. Limitations noted in the review...Read more

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    redusers.com
    26/11/2012
    Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight: An e-reader that isn't afraid of the dark

    The Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight introduced integrated, even lighting to the mainstream e-reader market via eight LEDs, allowing for comfortable reading in darkness. Weighing 6.9 ounces, the device features a 6-inch E Ink Pearl display and maintains the ergonomic, soft-touch design and physical page-turn buttons of its predecessor. Key advantages include the versatile GlowLight...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    X
    xataka.com
    21 diciembre 2011
    New Amazon Kindle in Spain (Nook Simple Touch Comparison)

    The new entry-level Kindle has launched in Spain, offering a highly portable and affordable e-reader option with a 6-inch display, improved screen technology, and seamless access to the Spanish ebook store. Key pros include its extreme lightness, compact design, long battery life, and strong integration with the Amazon ecosystem. However, cons include wider bezels with a non-flush...Read more

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    miguelangellv.wordpress.com
    25/05/2026
    Rooting the Nook Simple Touch

    The review from Androides y Pingüinos details a guide for rooting the Nook Simple Touch (v1.1.0) using a MicroSD card and tools like Clockworkmod to transform the device into a low-cost, functional Android tablet. A significant pro is the expansion of utility, allowing users to install apps such as YouTube, Gmail, and Opera Mini, alongside tools like MoreLocale 2 for Spanish...Read more

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    tweakers.net
    05/07/2012
    Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch Black Review (User Review)

    The Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch is a dedicated, ergonomic e-reader featuring a rubberized grip and physical page-turn buttons, optimized for one-handed use with a highly responsive 6-inch E Ink Pearl touchscreen. Key advantages include high contrast, excellent sunlight readability, and a battery life lasting roughly two months, alongside expandable storage via a microSD slot....Read more

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    C
    consumentenbond.nl
    18/03/2026
    Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch Reader - Test, Reviews & Prices

    The Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch is a user-friendly, ergonomic e-reader featuring a soft-touch back, physical page-turn buttons, and a responsive infrared touchscreen. It offers excellent battery life of up to two months and a high-contrast 6-inch E Ink Pearl display suitable for reading in direct sunlight. Key advantages include expandable storage via microSD and a fast...Read more

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    tweakers.net
    09/02/2012
    Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch Black Review

    The Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch is praised for its exceptional build quality, featuring a compact, lightweight design with a soft-touch finish and dedicated physical page-turn buttons for easy navigation. Its E-Ink Pearl screen is lauded for high contrast, and the IR touchscreen is notably responsive for its era, though the device requires a mandatory, often cumbersome, Barnes...Read more

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