OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using eReaders Methodology v1.0
eReaders Methodology v1.0
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.
Explore eReaders Methodology v1.0

Icarus Excel Review | 68 Data compared

Avg. price:~£310Screen size:9.7 inchesPixel density:150 ppiInternal storage:4 GBBattery life:10 hoursSupported bookstore ecosystem:Android Open Ecosystem

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

5.2

Overall score

Score
5.2/ 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 80% of models
Score components

90%

5.1

Technical score

10%

5.9

User score

▼Worse than 80% 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 75% of models
Score components

25%

5.1

Display

22%

8.8

Reading

18%

2.2

Battery

14%

4.7

Hardware

12%

4.5

Connectivity

9%

3.6

Design

▼Worse than 75% of ereaders
5.9

User score

User score
5.9/ 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 98% of models
Score components

70%

6.4

User ratings

30%

4.6

Number of reviews

▼Worse than 98% of ereaders
  • icarus-excel
icarus-excel

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Best rankings

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Technical Specifications of eReader Icarus Excel

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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 75% of models
Score components:

25%

5.1

Display

22%

8.8

Reading

18%

2.2

Battery

14%

4.7

Hardware

12%

4.5

Connectivity

9%

3.6

Design

5.1
User score
User score
5.9/ 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 98% of models
Score components

70%

6.4

User ratings

30%

4.6

Number of reviews

5.9
Popularity
Popularity
4.6/ 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 60% of models
Popularity:
Icarus Excel has a popularity score of 4.6 points, which is lower than that of 59% of products in this category.
4.6
Value for money
Value for money
6.3/ 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 91% of models
Score components:

60%

5.2

Overall score

40%

8.9

Price

6.3
Brand name
Icarus
Screen size
9.7 inches
Screen size
9.7 inches
▲ Better than 78% of models
Market range: <5 inches – >10 inches
This ereader has a screen size of 9.7 inches which is larger than 77.9% on this spec and equal to 4.1% of eReaders.
Screen resolution
825x1200 px
Screen resolution
825x1200 px
▼ Worse than 60% of models
This ereader uses a screen resolution of 825x1200 px, which is less sharp than that of 59.8% of eReaders and the same as that of 4.1% of eReaders.
Pixel density
150 ppi
Pixel density
150 ppi
▼ Worse than 95% of models
Market range: <150 ppi – >300 ppi
This ereader has a pixel density of 150 ppi which is lower than 95.1% on this spec and equal to 3.3% of eReaders.
E-paper display
yes
E-paper display
yes
▲ 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
21
Supported file types
21
▲ Better than 76% of models
Market range: <9 – >24
This ereader supports 21 file types which is more than 76.3% on this spec and equal to 4.2% of eReaders.
EPUB, PDF, MOBI , TXT, HTML, RTF, FB2, PDB
PDF reflow support
yes
PDF reflow support
yes
▲ Better than 45% of models
This ereader offers PDF reflow. 45.5% 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
yes
Text-to-speech
yes
▲ Better than 36% of models
This ereader offers text-to-speech. 36.1% of eReaders include text-to-speech.
Show more
Battery life
10 hours
Battery life
10 hours
▼ Worse than 94% of models
Market range: <12 hours – >42 hours
This ereader offers 10 hours of battery life which is shorter than 93.8% on this spec and equal to 4.2% of eReaders.
around 10 hours of constant use with wireless internet on, or up to 8,000 page turns with Wi-Fi off
Battery capacity
1,600 mAh
Battery capacity
1,600 mAh
▲ Better than 50% of models
Market range: <1k mAh – >4k mAh
This ereader has a battery capacity of 1,600 mAh which is higher than 50.4% on this spec and equal to 3.3% of eReaders.
Charging time
5 hours
Charging time
5 hours
▼ Worse than 95% of models
Market range: <1 hours – >6 hours
This ereader takes 5 hours to charge which is slower than 95.5% on this spec and equal to 4.6% 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
4 GB
Internal storage
4 GB
▼ Worse than 66% of models
Market range: <2 GB – >62 GB
This ereader offers 4 GB of internal storage which is less than 66.4% on this spec and equal to 13.9% of eReaders.
RAM capacity
0.256 GB
RAM capacity
0.256 GB
▼ Worse than 71% of models
Market range: <0 GB – >5 GB
This ereader offers 0.256 GB of RAM which is less than 71.3% on this spec and equal to 15.6% 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
Linux
Operating system
Linux
▼ Worse than 71% of models
This ereader runs Linux, which is less advanced than that of 71.3% of eReaders and the same as that of 8.2% of eReaders.
Android 4
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
530 g
Weight
530 g
▼ Worse than 93% of models
Market range: <160 g – >480 g
This ereader weighs 530 g which is heavier than 92.6% on this spec and equal to 3.3% of eReaders.
Thickness
11 mm
Thickness
11 mm
▼ Worse than 90% of models
Market range: <6 mm – >11 mm
This ereader is 11 mm thick which is thicker than 90.1% on this spec and equal to 2.5% of eReaders.
Height
240 mm
Height
240 mm
▼ Worse than 89% of models
Market range: <150 mm – >240 mm
This ereader is 240 mm tall which is taller than 88.5% on this spec.
Width
180 mm
Width
180 mm
▼ Worse than 82% of models
Market range: <100 mm – >200 mm
This ereader is 180 mm wide which is wider than 82% on this spec.
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

Icarus Excel vs the average eReader

246810TotalDisplayReadingBatteryHardwareConnectivityDesign
  • 2.7 inches larger screen size
    Screen size
    9.7 inches
    ▲ Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <5 inches – >10 inches
    This ereader has a larger screen than the average eReader (9.7 inches vs 7 inches). The average eReader screen size is 7 inches.
    9.7 inches vs 7 inches
  • Supports handwriting recognition
    Handwriting recognition
    yes
    ▲ Better than 77% of models
    This ereader supports handwriting recognition, while the average eReader does not. 23.6% of eReaders support handwriting recognition.
  • 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.
  • Page-turn buttons
    Page-turn buttons
    yes
    ▲ 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.
  • 6 more supported file formats
    Supported file types
    21
    ▲ Better than 76% of models
    Market range: <9 – >24
    This ereader supports a broader range of file types than the average eReader (21 vs 15).
    EPUB, PDF, MOBI , TXT, HTML, RTF, FB2, PDB
    21 vs 15
  • 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.
  • Supports stylus
    Stylus support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This ereader supports a stylus, while the average eReader does not. 38.2% of eReaders support a stylus.
    Features a Wacom touchscreen and includes a special digitized stylus for notes and annotations
  • 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.
  • 2.7 inches larger screen size
    Screen size
    9.7 inches
    ▲ Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <5 inches – >10 inches
    This ereader has a larger screen than the average eReader (9.7 inches vs 7 inches). The average eReader screen size is 7 inches.
    9.7 inches vs 7 inches
  • Supports handwriting recognition
    Handwriting recognition
    yes
    ▲ Better than 77% of models
    This ereader supports handwriting recognition, while the average eReader does not. 23.6% of eReaders support handwriting recognition.
  • 6 more supported file formats
    Supported file types
    21
    ▲ Better than 76% of models
    Market range: <9 – >24
    This ereader supports a broader range of file types than the average eReader (21 vs 15).
    EPUB, PDF, MOBI , TXT, HTML, RTF, FB2, PDB
    21 vs 15
  • Supports stylus
    Stylus support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This ereader supports a stylus, while the average eReader does not. 38.2% of eReaders support a stylus.
    Features a Wacom touchscreen and includes a special digitized stylus for notes and annotations
  • Stylus included
    Stylus included
    yes
    ▲ Better than 71% of models
    This ereader includes a stylus, while the average eReader does not. 29.3% of eReaders include a stylus.
    Stylus included in the box.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Microphone included
    Microphone
    yes
    ▲ Better than 74% of models
    This ereader has a microphone, while the average eReader does not. 26.7% of eReaders have a microphone.
  • 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
  • Page-turn buttons
    Page-turn buttons
    yes
    ▲ 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.
  • Less advanced E-Ink technology
    E-Ink technology
    Pearl
    ▼ Worse than 70% of models
    This ereader uses Pearl E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.
    Pearl vs Carta Plus
  • 3 hours longer charging time
    Charging time
    5 hours
    ▼ Worse than 95% of models
    Market range: <1 hours – >6 hours
    This ereader charges more slowly than the average eReader (5 hours vs 2 hours). The average eReader charges in 2 hours.
    5 hours vs 2 hours
  • 43.4% lower pixel density
    Pixel density
    150 ppi
    ▼ Worse than 95% of models
    Market range: <150 ppi – >300 ppi
    This ereader has a lower pixel density than the average eReader (150 ppi vs 265 ppi). The average eReader has a pixel density of 265 ppi.
    150 ppi vs 265 ppi
  • 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.
  • 11 hours shorter battery life
    Battery life
    10 hours
    ▼ Worse than 94% of models
    Market range: <12 hours – >42 hours
    This ereader offers shorter battery life than the average eReader (10 hours vs 21 hours). The average eReader offers 21 hours of battery life.
    around 10 hours of constant use with wireless internet on, or up to 8,000 page turns with Wi-Fi off
    10 hours vs 21 hours
  • 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.
  • 2.49x heavier
    Weight
    530 g
    ▼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <160 g – >480 g
    This ereader is heavier than the average eReader (530 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.
    530 g vs 213 g
  • 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.
  • 36.1% lower user score
    User score
    5.9/ 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
    Icarus Excel
    the average eReader
    Icarus Excel has a lower user score than the average eReader (5.88 vs 8.000).
    5.88 vs 8
  • 15.6% worse value for money
    Icarus Excel has worse value for money than the average eReader (6.3 vs 7.3).
    6.3 vs 7.28
  • 82.4% more expensive
    Icarus Excel is more expensive than the average eReader (£310 vs £170).
    £310 vs £170
  • Less advanced E-Ink technology
    E-Ink technology
    Pearl
    ▼ Worse than 70% of models
    This ereader uses Pearl E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.
    Pearl vs Carta Plus
  • 43.4% lower pixel density
    Pixel density
    150 ppi
    ▼ Worse than 95% of models
    Market range: <150 ppi – >300 ppi
    This ereader has a lower pixel density than the average eReader (150 ppi vs 265 ppi). The average eReader has a pixel density of 265 ppi.
    150 ppi vs 265 ppi
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Lower screen resolution
    Screen resolution
    825x1200 px
    ▼ Worse than 60% of models
    This ereader supports lower screen resolution than the average eReader (825x1200 px vs 1072x1448 px). The average eReader supports 1072x1448 px screen resolution.
    825x1200 px vs 1072x1448 px
  • Basic touchscreen technology
    Touchscreen technology
    stylus digitizer
    ▼ Worse than 89% of models
    This ereader uses stylus digitizer touchscreen technology, while the average eReader uses capacitive.
    stylus digitizer vs capacitive
  • 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
  • No cloud sync
    Cloud sync support
    no
    ▼ Worse than 81% of models
    This ereader does not support cloud sync, while the average eReader does. 80% of eReaders support cloud sync.
    Requires apps like Moon+ Reader Pro or Google Play Books on the Android-based device
  • Limited DRM support
    DRM schemes supported
    Adobe DRM
    ▲ 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 parental controls
    Parental controls
    no
    ▼ Worse than 64% of models
    This ereader does not have parental controls, while the average eReader does.
  • 3 hours longer charging time
    Charging time
    5 hours
    ▼ Worse than 95% of models
    Market range: <1 hours – >6 hours
    This ereader charges more slowly than the average eReader (5 hours vs 2 hours). The average eReader charges in 2 hours.
    5 hours vs 2 hours
  • 11 hours shorter battery life
    Battery life
    10 hours
    ▼ Worse than 94% of models
    Market range: <12 hours – >42 hours
    This ereader offers shorter battery life than the average eReader (10 hours vs 21 hours). The average eReader offers 21 hours of battery life.
    around 10 hours of constant use with wireless internet on, or up to 8,000 page turns with Wi-Fi off
    10 hours vs 21 hours
  • 75% less storage
    Internal storage
    4 GB
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <2 GB – >62 GB
    This ereader offers less internal storage than the average eReader (4 GB vs 16 GB). The average eReader provides 16 GB of internal storage.
    4 GB vs 16 GB
  • Less advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Linux
    ▼ Worse than 71% of models
    This ereader uses Linux, a less advanced operating system than Kindle OS on the average eReader.
    Android 4
    Linux vs Kindle OS
  • 0.26 GB less RAM
    RAM capacity
    0.256 GB
    ▼ Worse than 71% of models
    Market range: <0 GB – >5 GB
    This ereader has less RAM than the average eReader (0.3 GB vs 0.5 GB). The average eReader has 0.512 GB of RAM.
    0.256 GB vs 0.512 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.
  • 2.49x heavier
    Weight
    530 g
    ▼ Worse than 93% of models
    Market range: <160 g – >480 g
    This ereader is heavier than the average eReader (530 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.
    530 g vs 213 g
  • 2.9 mm thicker
    Thickness
    11 mm
    ▼ Worse than 90% of models
    Market range: <6 mm – >11 mm
    This ereader is thicker than the average eReader (11 mm vs 8.1 mm). The average eReader thickness is 8.1 mm.
    11 mm vs 8.1 mm
  • 67 mm taller
    Height
    240 mm
    ▼ Worse than 89% of models
    Market range: <150 mm – >240 mm
    This ereader is taller than the average eReader (240 mm vs 173 mm). The average eReader height is 173 mm.
    240 mm vs 173 mm
  • 9 older
    Release date
    2012
    ▼ Worse than 73% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This ereader is older than the average eReader (2012 vs 2021). The average eReader was released in 2021.
    2,012 vs 2,021
  • 52.4 mm wider
    Width
    180 mm
    ▼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <100 mm – >200 mm
    This ereader is wider than the average eReader (180 mm vs 127.6 mm). The average eReader width is 127.6 mm.
    180 mm vs 127.6 mm

Video reviews

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

9.5
Good e-Reader
≈ estimated
12/10/2012
Hands-on review · PDF, ebook, browser and music tests
Verdict
Icarus Excel is the best 9.7-inch e-reader for PDFs if you read a lot of documents.
7.0
The eBook Reader
≈ estimated
17/07/2012
Hands-on review · fonts, apps and file management
Verdict
Icarus Excel is adequate overall, with a creaky plastic body but strong text and font options.
9.0
Good e-Reader
≈ estimated
05/05/2015
Short test · outdoor reading in direct sunlight
Verdict
Icarus Excel is readable in direct sunlight from almost every angle, with fast page turns.
8.0
Good e-Reader
≈ estimated
02/10/2012
Unboxing · first impressions and touch tests
Verdict
Icarus Excel makes a promising first impression with fast page turns, but you need the stylus to interact with it.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

expertreviews.co.uk
02/10/2012
Hands-on review · Large-screen reader
Verdict
The Icarus Excel is a good 9.7-inch reader for PDFs and documents, but slow screen refresh and its size hold it back.
T
the-ebook-reader.com
[Updated] 2012
Summary of the review
Icarus Excel (Onyx M92) Review
the-ebook-reader.com
Not Dated
Full review · 9.7-inch reader
Verdict
The Icarus Excel is a strong 9.7-inch E Ink reader for PDFs and extra features, but slow page turns and an unreliable touchscreen hold it back.
C
computerbase.de
23/12/2014
Summary of the review
Icarus Excel 2014 Review: A4-Format E-Book Reader with Stylus
(Translated)Show original
L
lesen.net
22/07/2014
Summary of the review
Icarus Excel (2014): 9.7-inch eBook reader with Android 4
(Translated)Show original
allesebook.de
Date not specified
Hands-on test · PDF reader
Verdict
The Icarus Excel is a strong PDF reader thanks to its large screen, but clumsy menus and a patchy German translation hold it back.
A
allesebook.de
15/12/2014
Summary of the review
Icarus eXceL (2014) - ALLESebook.de
(Translated)Show original
F
focus.de
01/02/2015
Summary of the review
Stiftung Warentest: Which e-reader should come home?
(Translated)Show original
papierlos-lesen.de
03/02/2015
Hands-on test · PDF and notes
Verdict
The Icarus Excel suits anyone who reads big PDFs and marks them up, though ghosting and a stylus-only touchscreen limit it.
ereaders.nl
27/02/2012
Hands-on review · Large-format reader
Verdict
The Icarus Excel is a large 9.7-inch reader that suits comics and PDFs, but its heavy body and weak browser hold it back.

Third-party reviews

What we like about Icarus Excel

  • Superior PDF support with high-quality rendering on a large 9.7-inch display
  • Excellent annotation features including handwriting with the included stylus and exporting notes as TXT files
  • Open system that allows for extensive customisation of fonts, line spacing, and file management
  • Physical refresh rate control which allows users to disable flickering entirely
  • Solid hardware features including a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio and an SD card slot for storage expansion
  • Support for a wide variety of ebook formats including ePub, RTF, and PRC with Adobe DRM compliance

What we don't like about Icarus Excel

  • High premium price compared to mainstream competitors like Amazon or Use code with caution.Copied to clipboardjsonKoboUse code with caution.Copied to clipboardjson
  • Limited touch interface as the screen only responds to the included stylus, not fingers
  • Navigational constraints such as folder-based file browsing rather than a traditional library metadata listing
  • Hardware design flaws like a plastic back that easily shows fingerprints and no integrated storage slot for the stylus
  • Inconsistent software features such as a text-to-speech engine that sometimes struggles with pronunciation
  • Potential Wi-Fi connectivity issues and slower performance on non-text-heavy websites

Verdict

The Icarus Excel (E1051BK) is a large-format 9.7-inch e-reader featuring an E Ink Pearl display with a resolution of 1200 x 825 pixels (167 DPI). Powered by an 800 MHz Freescale CPU and 256 MB of RAM, it includes 4 GB of internal storage expandable via a full-sized SD card slot. Key pros include exceptional PDF support with stylus-based annotations, Wi-Fi connectivity, physical navigation buttons, and a 3.5 mm audio jack for music and text-to-speech. However, users may encounter cons such as a heavy 530g weight, a stylus-only touchscreen that lacks finger-touch support, and an older Linux-based interface that can feel sluggish compared to modern devices.

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