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Kogan Ebook Reader Review | 68 Data compared

Avg. price:~£120Screen size:6 inchesPixel density:167 ppiInternal storage:2 GBBattery life:?Supported bookstore ecosystem:?

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

4.4/10

Overall score

Score
4.4/ 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 94% of models
Score components

90%

4.4

Technical score

10%

?

User score

â–¼Worse than 94% of ereaders
6.0

Value for money

Value for money
6.0/ 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 96% of models
Score components

70%

4.4

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

â–¼Worse than 96%
4.4

Technical score

Technical score
4.4/ 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 93% of models
Score components

25%

2.5

Display

22%

4.3

Reading

18%

7.4

Battery

14%

3.8

Hardware

12%

2.1

Connectivity

9%

7.7

Design

â–¼Worse than 93%
?

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
Where to buy
    N/A~ £120
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of eReader Kogan Ebook Reader

Technical score
Technical score
4.4/ 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 93% of models
Score components:

25%

2.5

Display

22%

4.3

Reading

18%

7.4

Battery

14%

3.8

Hardware

12%

2.1

Connectivity

9%

7.7

Design

4.4
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:
Kogan Ebook Reader 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
6.0/ 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 96% of models
Score components:

70%

4.4

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

6.0
Brand name
Kogan
Screen size
6 inches
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
600x800 px
This eReader 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
167 ppi
Market range: <150 ppi – >300 ppi
This eReader has a pixel density of 167 ppi which is lower than 77.9% on this spec and equal to 10.7% of eReaders.
E-paper display
yes
This eReader uses an e-paper display. 2.5% of eReaders have an e-paper display.
Show more
Supported file types
18
Market range: <9 – >24
This eReader supports 18 file types which is more than 61% on this spec and equal to 3.4% of eReaders.
PDF reflow support
no
This eReader does not offer PDF reflow. 55.4% of eReaders support PDF reflow.
Annotation support
no
This eReader does not offer annotation support. 99.2% of eReaders offer annotation support.
Dictionary
no
This eReader does not include a built-in dictionary. 100% of eReaders include a built-in dictionary.
Text-to-speech
no
This eReader does not offer text-to-speech. 64.8% of eReaders include text-to-speech.
Show more
Battery life
?
Battery capacity
?
Charging time
4 hours
Market range: <1 hour – >6 hours
This eReader takes 4 hours to charge which is slower than 81.8% on this spec and equal to 12.7% of eReaders.
Wireless charging
no
This eReader does not offer wireless charging. 7.4% of eReaders offer wireless charging.
Internal storage
2 GB
Market range: <2 GB – >62 GB
This eReader offers 2 GB of internal storage which is less than 81.2% on this spec and equal to 17.2% of eReaders.
RAM capacity
0.064 GB
Market range: <0 GB – >5 GB
This eReader offers 0.064 GB of RAM which is less than 100% on this spec.
CPU base clock speed
1x 0.533 GHz
This eReader has a CPU base clock speed of 1x0.533 GHz, which is slower than that of 91.7% of eReaders and the same as that of 3.3% of eReaders.
Operating system
Linux
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.
Memory card slot
yes
This eReader has a memory card slot. 57.4% of eReaders have a memory card slot.
Show more
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This eReader does not connect over Wi-Fi. 94.3% of eReaders have Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi version
WiFi not supported
This eReader supports Wi-Fi WiFi not supported, which is older than that of 94.3% of eReaders and the same as that of 5.7% of eReaders.
Wi-Fi bands supported
no Wi-Fi
This eReader supports no Wi-Fi Wi-Fi bands, which is narrower than that of 94.3% of eReaders and the same as that of 5.7% of eReaders.
Bluetooth
no
This eReader does not connect over Bluetooth. 60.7% of eReaders have Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
Weight
229 g
Market range: <160 g – >480 g
This eReader weighs 229 g which is heavier than 57.4% on this spec.
Thickness
9.6 mm
Market range: <6 mm – >11 mm
This eReader is 9.6 mm thick which is thicker than 76.9% on this spec and equal to 0.8% of eReaders.
Height
176 mm
Market range: <150 mm – >240 mm
This eReader is 176 mm tall which is taller than 58.2% on this spec.
Width
118 mm
Market range: <100 mm – >200 mm
This eReader is 118 mm wide which is narrower than 68.9% on this spec.
Water resistance (splashproof)
?
Show more

Kogan Ebook Reader vs the average eReader

246810TotalDisplayReadingBatteryHardwareConnectivityDesign
  • Memory card slot
    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
    This eReader has page-turn buttons, while the average eReader does not. 44.7% of eReaders have page-turn buttons.
  • 3.5 mm jack
    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.
  • 3 more supported file formats
    This eReader supports a broader range of file types than the average eReader (18 vs 15).
    18 vs 15
  • 41.7% cheaper
    Kogan Ebook Reader is cheaper than the average eReader (£120 vs £170).
    £120 vs £170
  • 9.6 mm narrower
    This eReader is narrower than the average eReader (118 mm vs 127.6 mm). The average eReader width is 127.6 mm.
    118 mm vs 127.6 mm
  • 41.7% cheaper
    Kogan Ebook Reader is cheaper than the average eReader (£120 vs £170).
    £120 vs £170
  • 3 more supported file formats
    This eReader supports a broader range of file types than the average eReader (18 vs 15).
    18 vs 15
  • Memory card slot
    This eReader includes a memory card slot, while the average eReader does not. 43.1% of eReaders include a memory card slot.
  • 3.5 mm jack
    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.
  • Page-turn buttons
    This eReader has page-turn buttons, while the average eReader does not. 44.7% of eReaders have page-turn buttons.
  • 9.6 mm narrower
    This eReader is narrower than the average eReader (118 mm vs 127.6 mm). The average eReader width is 127.6 mm.
    118 mm vs 127.6 mm
  • Less advanced E-Ink technology
    This eReader uses Vizplex E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.
    Vizplex vs Carta Plus
  • No PDF reflow
    This eReader does not support PDF reflow, while the average eReader does. 54.9% of eReaders support PDF reflow.
  • No front light
    This eReader does not include front light, while the average eReader does. 74% of eReaders include front light.
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    This eReader charges more slowly than the average eReader (4 hours vs 2 hours). The average eReader charges in 2 hours.
    4 hours vs 2 hours
  • Lower screen resolution
    This eReader 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
    This eReader 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
    This eReader does not have USB Type-C, while the average eReader does. 51.2% of eReaders have USB Type-C.
  • No Bluetooth audio
    This eReader does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average eReader does. 57.4% of eReaders support Bluetooth audio.
  • 20.8% worse value for money
    Kogan Ebook Reader has worse value for money than the average eReader (6.03 vs 7.3).
    6.03 vs 7.28
  • 5.44x less popular
    Kogan Ebook Reader is less popular than the average eReader (1 vs 5.4).
    1 vs 5.44
  • Less advanced E-Ink technology
    This eReader uses Vizplex E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.
    Vizplex vs Carta Plus
  • No front light
    This eReader does not include front light, while the average eReader does. 74% of eReaders include front light.
  • Lower screen resolution
    This eReader 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
    This eReader 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 color temperature adjustment
    This eReader does not support color temperature adjustment, while the average eReader does. 51.6% of eReaders support color temperature adjustment.
  • 1 inches smaller screen size
    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
  • No touchscreen
    This eReader does not have a touchscreen, while the average eReader does. 91.9% of eReaders have a touchscreen.
  • No glare-free screen
    This eReader does not have a glare-free screen, while the average eReader does. 95.1% of eReaders have a glare-free screen.
  • 5 fewer front-light LEDs
    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 PDF reflow
    This eReader does not support PDF reflow, while the average eReader does. 54.9% of eReaders support PDF reflow.
  • No cloud sync
    This eReader does not support cloud sync, while the average eReader does. 80% of eReaders support cloud sync.
  • Limited DRM support
    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 annotation support
    This eReader does not support annotation, while the average eReader does. 98.4% of eReaders support annotation.
  • No text-to-speech
    This eReader does not support text-to-speech, while the average eReader does. 64.2% of eReaders support text-to-speech.
  • No dictionary
    This eReader does not include a dictionary, while the average eReader does. 99.2% of eReaders include a dictionary.
  • No parental controls
    This eReader does not have parental controls, while the average eReader does.
  • 4 fewer supported languages
    This eReader supports fewer languages than the average eReader (6 vs 10). The average eReader supports 10 languages.
    6 vs 10
  • 2 hours longer charging time
    This eReader charges more slowly than the average eReader (4 hours vs 2 hours). The average eReader charges in 2 hours.
    4 hours vs 2 hours
  • 87.5% less storage
    This eReader offers less internal storage than the average eReader (2 GB vs 16 GB). The average eReader provides 16 GB of internal storage.
    2 GB vs 16 GB
  • 0.45 GB less RAM
    This eReader has less RAM than the average eReader (0.1 GB vs 0.5 GB). The average eReader has 0.512 GB of RAM.
    0.064 GB vs 0.512 GB
  • Less advanced operating system
    This eReader uses Linux, a less advanced operating system than Kindle OS on the average eReader.
    Linux vs Kindle OS
  • Slower CPU base clock speed
    This eReader has a slower CPU base clock speed than the average eReader (1x0.5 GHz vs 1x1 GHz). The average eReader has a CPU base clock speed of 1x1 GHz.
    1x0.533 GHz vs 1x1 GHz
  • No USB Type-C
    This eReader does not have USB Type-C, while the average eReader does. 51.2% of eReaders have USB Type-C.
  • No Bluetooth
    This eReader does not have Bluetooth, while the average eReader does. 60.2% of eReaders have Bluetooth.
  • No Bluetooth audio
    This eReader does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average eReader does. 57.4% of eReaders support Bluetooth audio.
  • No OTA updates
    This eReader does not support OTA updates, while the average eReader does. 81.7% of eReaders support OTA updates.
  • No Wi-Fi
    This eReader does not support Wi-Fi, while the average eReader does. 93.5% of eReaders support Wi-Fi.
  • Older Wi-Fi version
    This eReader supports an older Wi-Fi version than the average eReader (WiFi not supported vs Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)).
    WiFi not supported vs Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • No web browser
    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.
  • Limited Wi-Fi bands
    This eReader supports no Wi-Fi Wi-Fi bands, while the average eReader supports 2.4 GHz.
    no Wi-Fi vs 2.4 GHz
  • 11 older
    This eReader is older than the average eReader (2010 vs 2021). The average eReader was released in 2021.
    August 2010
    2010 vs 2021
  • 1.5 mm thicker
    This eReader is thicker than the average eReader (9.6 mm vs 8.1 mm). The average eReader thickness is 8.1 mm.
    9.6 mm vs 8.1 mm
  • 7.5% heavier
    This eReader is heavier than the average eReader (229 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.
    229 g vs 213 g

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

cnet.com
29/09/2010
Hands-on review · Budget first reader
Verdict
The Kogan eBook Reader is a light, affordable first reader with a leather case, but its slow menus and search make it frustrating.
delimiter.com.au
24/08/2010
Review · Format support
Verdict
Kogan Ebook Reader suits owners of mixed libraries, with wide format and Adobe DRM support and sharp PDFs, though it has no last-page memory.
redferret.net
16/12/2010
Hands-on review · Bundled extras
Verdict
Kogan Ebook Reader, a 6-inch model, works out of the box with a case, charger and 1500 free books, but awkward handling and freezes hold it back.
cnet.com
05/09/2011
Performance review · Touchscreen reader
Verdict
Kogan Ebook Reader with e-Ink touchscreen has a sturdy design and 1500 free books, but slow responses, crashes and short battery life make it hard to recommend.
I
itwire.com
23/08/2010
Summary of the review
Review: Kogan eBook reader

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Kogan Ebook Reader

  • Affordable price point compared to contemporary name-brand competitors
  • Generous inclusion of over 1,500 pre-loaded public domain ebooks
  • Broad file format support, including EPUB, PDF, TXT, MOBI, and even some audio/image files
  • Bundled accessories typically include a leather or soft protective case and headphones
  • Compatible with Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) DRM, allowing books to be purchased from various retailers
  • Features expandable storage via an SD/SDHC card slot

What customers don't like about Kogan Ebook Reader

  • Sluggish performance with slow boot times, page turns, and interface lag
  • Poor battery life, with some units lasting only a few days even when not in active use
  • Build quality feels 'plasticky' and cheap, with stiff or unresponsive buttons
  • Lack of Wi-Fi connectivity necessitates sideloading books via a computer
  • Significant screen ghosting and glitches reported on the touchscreen model
  • Unintuitive software that sometimes fails to automatically remember the last page read without manual bookmarking
  • Unstable firmware prone to occasional crashing or freezing

Verdict

The Kogan eBook Reader is a lightweight 6-inch device featuring an E-Ink display with 800x600 resolution and 16 levels of greyscale, designed to mimic the look of real ink on paper for reduced eye strain. Key specifications include an ARM 9 core Samsung processor, 64MB of RAM (on touchscreen models), and internal storage options ranging from 2GB to 16GB, further expandable via an SD card slot. Its primary strengths lie in its extreme portability, weighing as little as 189g, and its broad file compatibility supporting EPUB, PDF, TXT, MOBI, and even audio formats like MP3 through a 3.5mm jack. While it offers a long battery life capable of approximately 7,500 to 10,000 page turns per charge, users often cite significant performance drawbacks, including slow boot times, sluggish page refreshes, and lack of built-in Wi-Fi, necessitating manual file transfers via USB.

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