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Onyx Boox Note 5 Review | 68 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£500
  • Avg. price in US: ~$570
  • Screen size: 10.3 inches
  • Battery life: ?
  • Supported bookstore ecosystem: Android Open Ecosystem

Onyx Boox Note 5 review. Compare 68 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among ereaders and if it is worth buying.

7.9

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%

8.1

Technical Score

10.0%

6.1

User score

Very good
8.1

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%

8.2

Display

22.0%

9.2

Reading

18.0%

9.1

Battery

14.0%

7.2

Hardware

12.0%

8.7

Connectivity

9.0%

3.6

Design

Excellent
6.1

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%

7.6

User reviews

30.0%

2.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.8
(24)

(Reviews last updated: Apr 2026)

Good
    • No image
    No image

    Best prices in UK

    Best rankings

    ?

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

    Verdict

    The Onyx Boox Note 5 is a versatile 10.3-inch e-ink tablet featuring a Mobius Carta flexible display with a 1872 x 1404 resolution (227 ppi) and a lightweight, slim 5.8mm profile. Powered by an 8-core 2.0 GHz Qualcomm processor, 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM, and 64GB of internal storage, it runs on Android 11, providing full access to the Google Play Store for third-party apps. Main pros include its premium build with a fingerprint-integrated power button, dual speakers, and a Wacom layer supporting 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity for a natural note-taking experience. However, notable cons include the lack of a G-sensor for automatic screen rotation, potentially non-uniform front lighting in some units, and a screen that offers slightly less contrast than its competitors.

    Technical Specifications of eReader Onyx Boox Note 5

    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%

    8.2

    Display

    22.0%

    9.2

    Reading

    18.0%

    9.1

    Battery

    14.0%

    7.2

    Hardware

    12.0%

    8.7

    Connectivity

    9.0%

    3.6

    Design

    8.1
    Onyx Boox Note 5 has a technical score of 8.1 points, which is higher than that of 83.6% 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%

    7.6

    User reviews

    30.0%

    2.5

    Popularity

    User score:
    United Kingdom
    amazon
    3.8
    (24)

    (Reviews last updated: Apr 2026)

    6.1
    Onyx Boox Note 5 has a user score of 6.06 points, which is lower than that of 94.3% of products in this category.
    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.
    2.5
    Onyx Boox Note 5 has a popularity of 2.5 points, which is lower than 65.6% 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%

    7.9

    Overall score

    40.0%

    7.9

    Price

    7.9
    Onyx Boox Note 5 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.9 points, which is higher than 66.4% 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

    Onyx
    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

    10.3 inches
    Onyx Boox Note 5 has a screen size of 10.3 inches which is larger than 86.9% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 11.5% 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

    1404x1872 px
    Onyx Boox Note 5 uses a screen resolution of 1404x1872 px, which is sharper than that of 73.8% of eReaders and the same as that of 17.2% 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

    227 ppi
    Onyx Boox Note 5 has a pixel density of 227 ppi which is lower than 51.6% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 7.4% 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
    Onyx Boox Note 5 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

    ?
    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
    Onyx Boox Note 5 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
    Onyx Boox Note 5 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
    Onyx Boox Note 5 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

    yes
    Onyx Boox Note 5 offers 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

    ?
    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

    3,000 mAh
    Onyx Boox Note 5 has a battery capacity of 3000 mAh which is higher than 78.3% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 5% 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

    2 hours
    Onyx Boox Note 5 takes 2 hours to charge which is quicker than 49% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 40.4% 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
    Onyx Boox Note 5 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

    64 GB
    Onyx Boox Note 5 offers 64 GB of internal storage which is more than 82.2% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 11% 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

    4 GB
    Onyx Boox Note 5 offers 4 GB of RAM which is more than 86.6% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 10.1% 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

    8 x 2 GHz
    Onyx Boox Note 5 has a CPU base clock speed of 8 x 2 GHz, which is faster than that of 82.6% of eReaders and the same as that of 12.4% 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 11
    Onyx Boox Note 5 runs Android 11, which is more advanced than that of 76.2% of eReaders and the same as that of 17.2% of eReaders.
    Android 11
    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

    no
    Onyx Boox Note 5 does not have 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
    Onyx Boox Note 5 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 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
    Onyx Boox Note 5 supports Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), which is newer than that of 58.2% of eReaders and the same as that of 40.2% 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+5 GHz
    Onyx Boox Note 5 supports 2.4 GHz+5 GHz Wi-Fi bands, which is broader than that of 57.4% of eReaders and the same as that of 42.6% 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

    yes
    Onyx Boox Note 5 connects 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

    5.0
    Onyx Boox Note 5 supports Bluetooth 5.0 which is newer than 58.5% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 28.8% 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

    385 g
    Onyx Boox Note 5 weighs 385 g which is heavier than 79.5% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 0.8% 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

    5.8 mm
    Onyx Boox Note 5 is 5.8 mm thick which is thinner than 91.7% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 5.8% 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

    249 mm
    Onyx Boox Note 5 is 249 mm tall which is taller than 91% 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

    176.5 mm
    Onyx Boox Note 5 is 176.5 mm wide which is wider than 78.7% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 0.8% 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
    Onyx Boox Note 5 does not have water resistance against splashes. 25% of eReaders have water resistance against splashes.
    Show more

    Onyx Boox Note 5 vs the average eReader

    • 3.3 inches larger screen size
      Onyx Boox Note 5 has a larger screen than the average eReader (10.3 inches vs 7 inches). The average eReader screen size is 7 inches.
      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

      Onyx Boox Note 5 has a larger screen than the average eReader (10.3 inches vs 7 inches). The average eReader screen size is 7 inches.10.3 inches vs 7 inches
    • 4x more storage
      Onyx Boox Note 5 offers more internal storage than the average eReader (64 GB vs 16 GB). The average eReader provides 16 GB of 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

      Onyx Boox Note 5 offers more internal storage than the average eReader (64 GB vs 16 GB). The average eReader provides 16 GB of internal storage.64 GB vs 16 GB
    • Supports handwriting recognition
      Onyx Boox Note 5 supports handwriting recognition, while the average eReader does not.
      Built-in handwriting-to-text support.
      What it is: Can convert handwritten pen input into editable digital text.
      When it matters: When you write notes by hand and want them searchable, cleaner, or easier to export later.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Onyx Boox Note 5 supports handwriting recognition, while the average eReader does not.
    • 96.1% larger battery capacity
      Onyx Boox Note 5 has a larger battery than the average eReader (3,000 mAh vs 1,530 mAh). The average eReader battery has a capacity of 1,530 mAh.
      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

      Onyx Boox Note 5 has a larger battery than the average eReader (3,000 mAh vs 1,530 mAh). The average eReader battery has a capacity of 1,530 mAh.3,000 mAh vs 1,530 mAh
    • 3.49 GB more RAM
      Onyx Boox Note 5 has more RAM than the average eReader (4 GB vs 0.512 GB). The average eReader has 0.512 GB of RAM.
      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

      Onyx Boox Note 5 has more RAM than the average eReader (4 GB vs 0.512 GB). The average eReader has 0.512 GB of RAM.4 GB vs 0.512 GB
    • Faster CPU base clock speed
      Onyx Boox Note 5 has a faster CPU base clock speed than the average eReader (8x2 GHz vs 1x1 GHz). The average eReader has a CPU base clock speed of 1x1 GHz.
      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

      Onyx Boox Note 5 has a faster CPU base clock speed than the average eReader (8x2 GHz vs 1x1 GHz). The average eReader has a CPU base clock speed of 1x1 GHz.8x2 GHz vs 1x1 GHz
    • Supports stylus
      Onyx Boox Note 5 supports a stylus, while the average eReader does not.
      Wacom sensor layer supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity
      What it is: Works with a pen for handwriting, sketching, selection, or precise markup.
      When it matters: When you annotate PDFs, write in margins, or use the reader partly as a digital notebook.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Onyx Boox Note 5 supports a stylus, while the average eReader does not.
    • More advanced operating system
      Onyx Boox Note 5 uses Android 11, a more advanced operating system than Kindle OS on the average eReader.
      Android 11
      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

      Onyx Boox Note 5 uses Android 11, a more advanced operating system than Kindle OS on the average eReader.Android 11 vs Kindle OS
    • 3.3 inches larger screen size
      Onyx Boox Note 5 has a larger screen than the average eReader (10.3 inches vs 7 inches). The average eReader screen size is 7 inches.
    • Higher screen resolution
      Onyx Boox Note 5 supports higher screen resolution than the average eReader (1404x1872 px vs 1072x1448 px). The average eReader supports 1072x1448 px screen resolution.
    • Supports handwriting recognition
      Onyx Boox Note 5 supports handwriting recognition, while the average eReader does not.
    • Supports stylus
      Onyx Boox Note 5 supports a stylus, while the average eReader does not.
    • Broader library support
      Onyx Boox Note 5 supports more library lending platforms than the average eReader (OverDrive, Libby, Hoopla, cloudLibrary vs OverDrive, Libby).
    • Includes stylus
      Onyx Boox Note 5 includes a stylus, while the average eReader does not.
    • 96.1% larger battery capacity
      Onyx Boox Note 5 has a larger battery than the average eReader (3,000 mAh vs 1,530 mAh). The average eReader battery has a capacity of 1,530 mAh.
    • 4x more storage
      Onyx Boox Note 5 offers more internal storage than the average eReader (64 GB vs 16 GB). The average eReader provides 16 GB of internal storage.
    • 3.49 GB more RAM
      Onyx Boox Note 5 has more RAM than the average eReader (4 GB vs 0.512 GB). The average eReader has 0.512 GB of RAM.
    • Faster CPU base clock speed
      Onyx Boox Note 5 has a faster CPU base clock speed than the average eReader (8x2 GHz vs 1x1 GHz). The average eReader has a CPU base clock speed of 1x1 GHz.
    • More advanced operating system
      Onyx Boox Note 5 uses Android 11, a more advanced operating system than Kindle OS on the average eReader.
    • Has fingerprint scanner
      Onyx Boox Note 5 has a fingerprint scanner, while the average eReader does not.
    • Has microphone
      Onyx Boox Note 5 has a microphone, while the average eReader does not.
    • Supports USB OTG
      Onyx Boox Note 5 supports USB OTG, while the average eReader does not.
    • 2 more speakers
      Onyx Boox Note 5 has more speakers than the average eReader (2 vs 0). The average eReader has 0 speakers.
    • Better Wi-Fi bands
      Onyx Boox Note 5 supports 2.4 GHz+5 GHz Wi-Fi bands, while the average eReader supports 2.4 GHz.
    • 2.3 mm thinner
      Onyx Boox Note 5 is thinner than the average eReader (5.8 mm vs 8.1 mm). The average eReader thickness is 8.1 mm.

    Total
    Display
    Reading
    Battery
    Hardware
    Connectivity
    Design
    • Less advanced E-Ink technology
      Onyx Boox Note 5 uses Carta E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.
      Mobius Carta
    • 14.3% lower pixel density
      Onyx Boox Note 5 has a lower pixel density than the average eReader (227 ppi vs 265 ppi). The average eReader has a pixel density of 265 ppi.
    • Limited DRM support
      Onyx Boox Note 5 supports fewer DRM schemes than the average eReader (Does not support DRM vs Adobe DRM, Readium LCP).
      Relies on third-party Android apps for DRM-protected content.
    • Older Bluetooth version
      Onyx Boox Note 5 supports an older Bluetooth version than the average eReader (5 vs 5.1).
    • 80.8% heavier
      Onyx Boox Note 5 is heavier than the average eReader (385 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.
    • 76 mm taller
      Onyx Boox Note 5 is taller than the average eReader (249 mm vs 173 mm). The average eReader height is 173 mm.
    • 48.9 mm wider
      Onyx Boox Note 5 is wider than the average eReader (176.5 mm vs 127.6 mm). The average eReader width is 127.6 mm.
    • Limited DRM support
      Onyx Boox Note 5 supports fewer DRM schemes than the average eReader (Does not support DRM vs Adobe DRM, Readium LCP).
      Relies on third-party Android apps for DRM-protected content.
      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

      Onyx Boox Note 5 supports fewer DRM schemes than the average eReader (Does not support DRM vs Adobe DRM, Readium LCP).Does not support DRM vs Adobe DRM, Readium LCP
    • Less advanced E-Ink technology
      Onyx Boox Note 5 uses Carta E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.
      Mobius Carta
      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

      Onyx Boox Note 5 uses Carta E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.Carta vs Carta Plus
    • 80.8% heavier
      Onyx Boox Note 5 is heavier than the average eReader (385 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.
      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

      Onyx Boox Note 5 is heavier than the average eReader (385 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.385 g vs 213 g
    • 76 mm taller
      Onyx Boox Note 5 is taller than the average eReader (249 mm vs 173 mm). The average eReader height is 173 mm.
      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

      Onyx Boox Note 5 is taller than the average eReader (249 mm vs 173 mm). The average eReader height is 173 mm.249 mm vs 173 mm
    • 14.3% lower pixel density
      Onyx Boox Note 5 has a lower pixel density than the average eReader (227 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

      Onyx Boox Note 5 has a lower pixel density than the average eReader (227 ppi vs 265 ppi). The average eReader has a pixel density of 265 ppi.227 ppi vs 265 ppi
    • 2.94x more expensive
      Onyx Boox Note 5 is more expensive than the average eReader (£500 vs £170).
      Onyx Boox Note 5 is more expensive than the average eReader (£500 vs £170).£500 vs £170
    • 48.9 mm wider
      Onyx Boox Note 5 is wider than the average eReader (176.5 mm vs 127.6 mm). The average eReader width is 127.6 mm.
      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

      Onyx Boox Note 5 is wider than the average eReader (176.5 mm vs 127.6 mm). The average eReader width is 127.6 mm.176.5 mm vs 127.6 mm
    • 32% lower user score
      Onyx Boox Note 5 has a lower user score than the average eReader (6.06 vs 8,000).
      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.
      Onyx Boox Note 5 has a lower user score than the average eReader (6.06 vs 8,000).6.06 vs 8
    Total
    Overall
    Display
    Reading
    Connectivity
    Design

    Graphic comparison of Onyx Boox Note 5 and other eReaders

    Attribute category
    Attribute
    No results found

    Third-party reviews

    United Kingdom
    amazon
    3.8
    24 Reviews

    (Reviews last updated: Apr 2026)

    What customers like about Onyx Boox Note 5?

    • Open Android 11 ecosystem allowing full access to the Google Play Store for third-party apps.
    • Premium build quality with a new metal frame and a fingerprint-resistant, gummified back.
    • Integrated fingerprint reader in the power button for enhanced security.
    • Lightweight and durable Mobius flexible screen (plastic backplane) which is less prone to shattering than glass.
    • Excellent PDF management and annotation tools in the native NeoReader app.
    • Fast performance for an e-ink device, handling large files and multitasking efficiently.
    • Magnetic attachment for the stylus (Pro Pen) for easier storage.

    What customers dislike about Onyx Boox Note 5?

    • Lower screen contrast and clarity compared to the Note Air 2 or Note 3 due to the Mobius display layer.
    • Lack of a G-sensor (accelerometer), meaning the screen does not auto-rotate when the device is turned.
    • Uneven front light uniformity reported by some users, particularly in warm light settings.
    • Significant price premium ($570 bundle at launch) compared to similar models like the Note Air 2.
    • Reduced battery capacity (3000 mAh) compared to the previous Note 3 model.
    • Manufacturing inconsistencies where some later units shipped with glass screens instead of the advertised plastic.
    • Steep learning curve for the complex user interface and hidden software menus.

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