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

Onyx Boox Note 5 Review | 68 Data compared

Avg. price:~£500Screen size:10.3 inchesPixel density:227 ppiInternal storage:64 GBBattery life:?Supported bookstore ecosystem:Android Open Ecosystem

Onyx Boox Note 5 Review: Compare 68 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the eReaders category and whether it is worth buying.

7.9

Overall score

Score
7.9/ 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–² Better than 84% of models
Score components

90%

8.0

Technical score

10%

6.5

User score

â–²Better than 84% of ereaders
8.0

Technical score

Technical score
8.0/ 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–² Better than 89% of models
Score components

25%

8.2

Display

22%

9.3

Reading

18%

8.6

Battery

14%

7.2

Hardware

12%

8.7

Connectivity

9%

3.6

Design

â–²Better than 89% of ereaders
6.5

User score

User score
6.5/ 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 94% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

User ratings

30%

3.9

Number of reviews

Based on 24 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–¼Worse than 94% of ereaders
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Best prices

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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 Onyx Boox Note 5

Technical score
Technical score
8.0/ 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–² Better than 89% of models
Score components:

25%

8.2

Display

22%

9.3

Reading

18%

8.6

Battery

14%

7.2

Hardware

12%

8.7

Connectivity

9%

3.6

Design

8.0
User score
User score
6.5/ 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 94% of models
Score components

70%

7.6

User ratings

30%

3.9

Number of reviews

Based on 24 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
6.5
Popularity
Popularity
3.9/ 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 66% of models
Popularity:
Onyx Boox Note 5 has a popularity score of 3.9 points, which is lower than that of 65.6% of products in this category.
3.9
Value for money
Value for money
7.9/ 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–² Better than 70% of models
Score components:

60%

7.9

Overall score

40%

7.9

Price

7.9
Brand name
Onyx
Screen size
10.3 inches
Screen size
10.3 inches
â–² Better than 87% of models
Market range: <5 inches – >10 inches
This ereader has a screen size of 10.3 inches which is larger than 86.9% on this spec and equal to 11.5% of eReaders.
Screen resolution
1404x1872 px
Screen resolution
1404x1872 px
â–² Better than 74% of models
This ereader 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
227 ppi
Pixel density
227 ppi
â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
Market range: <150 ppi – >300 ppi
This ereader has a pixel density of 227 ppi which is lower than 51.6% on this spec and equal to 7.4% of eReaders.
E-paper display
yes
E-paper display
yes
â–² Better than 2% of models
This ereader uses an e-paper display. 2.5% of eReaders have an e-paper display.
Show more
Supported file types
22
Supported file types
22
â–² Better than 81% of models
Market range: <9 – >24
This ereader supports 22 file types which is more than 81.4% on this spec and equal to 0.9% of eReaders.
PDF reflow support
yes
PDF reflow support
yes
â–² Better than 45% of models
This ereader offers PDF reflow. 45.5% of eReaders support PDF reflow.
Annotation support
yes
Annotation support
yes
â–² Better than 2% of models
This ereader offers annotation support. 1.6% of eReaders offer annotation support.
Dictionary
yes
Dictionary
yes
â–² Better than 1% of models
This ereader includes a built-in dictionary. 0.8% of eReaders include a built-in dictionary.
Text-to-speech
yes
Text-to-speech
yes
â–² Better than 36% of models
This ereader offers text-to-speech. 36.1% of eReaders include text-to-speech.
Show more
Battery life
?
Battery capacity
3,000 mAh
Battery capacity
3,000 mAh
â–² Better than 78% of models
Market range: <1k mAh – >4k mAh
This ereader has a battery capacity of 3,000 mAh which is higher than 77.7% on this spec and equal to 5% of eReaders.
Charging time
2 hours
Charging time
2 hours
â–² Better than 49% of models
Market range: <1 hours – >6 hours
This ereader takes 2 hours to charge which is quicker than 49.1% on this spec and equal to 40% of eReaders.
Wireless charging
no
Wireless charging
no
â–¼ Worse than 7% of models
This ereader does not offer wireless charging. 7.4% of eReaders offer wireless charging.
Internal storage
64 GB
Internal storage
64 GB
â–² Better than 83% of models
Market range: <2 GB – >62 GB
This ereader offers 64 GB of internal storage which is more than 82.8% on this spec and equal to 10.7% of eReaders.
RAM capacity
4 GB
RAM capacity
4 GB
â–² Better than 87% of models
Market range: <0 GB – >5 GB
This ereader offers 4 GB of RAM which is more than 86.9% on this spec and equal to 9.8% of eReaders.
CPU base clock speed
8x 2 GHz
CPU base clock speed
8x 2 GHz
â–² Better than 83% of models
This ereader has a CPU base clock speed of 8x2 GHz, which is faster than that of 82.6% of eReaders and the same as that of 12.4% of eReaders.
Operating system
Android 11
Operating system
Android 11
â–² Better than 76% of models
This ereader runs Android 11, which is more advanced than that of 76.2% of eReaders and the same as that of 17.2% of eReaders.
Memory card slot
no
Memory card slot
no
â–¼ Worse than 43% of models
This ereader does not have a memory card slot. 43.4% of eReaders have a memory card slot.
Show more
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
â–² Better than 7% of models
This ereader connects over Wi-Fi. 6.6% of eReaders have Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
â–² Better than 58% of models
This ereader 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
2.4 GHz+5 GHz
Wi-Fi bands supported
2.4 GHz+5 GHz
â–² Better than 57% of models
This ereader 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
yes
Bluetooth
yes
â–² Better than 40% of models
This ereader connects over Bluetooth. 40.2% of eReaders have Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
5
Bluetooth version
5
â–² Better than 58% of models
Market range: <1 – >6
This ereader supports Bluetooth 5 which is newer than 58.3% on this spec and equal to 29.2% of eReaders.
Show more
Weight
385 g
Weight
385 g
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
Market range: <160 g – >480 g
This ereader weighs 385 g which is heavier than 79.5% on this spec and equal to 0.8% of eReaders.
Thickness
5.8 mm
Thickness
5.8 mm
★ Better than 92% of models
Market range: <6 mm – >11 mm
This ereader is 5.8 mm thick which is thinner than 91.7% on this spec and equal to 5.8% of eReaders.
Height
249 mm
Height
249 mm
â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
Market range: <150 mm – >240 mm
This ereader is 249 mm tall which is taller than 91% on this spec and equal to 1.6% of eReaders.
Width
176.5 mm
Width
176.5 mm
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Market range: <100 mm – >200 mm
This ereader is 176.5 mm wide which is wider than 78.7% on this spec and equal to 0.8% of eReaders.
Water resistance (splashproof)
no
Water resistance (splashproof)
no
â–¼ Worse than 25% of models
This ereader does not have water resistance against splashes. 25% of eReaders have water resistance against splashes.
Show more

Onyx Boox Note 5 vs the average eReader

246810TotalDisplayReadingBatteryHardwareConnectivityDesign
  • 3.3 inches larger screen size
    Screen size
    10.3 inches
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    Market range: <5 inches – >10 inches
    This ereader 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
    Internal storage
    64 GB
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <2 GB – >62 GB
    This ereader 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
    Handwriting recognition
    yes
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This ereader supports handwriting recognition, while the average eReader does not. 23.6% of eReaders support handwriting recognition.
    Built-in handwriting-to-text support.
  • 7 more supported file formats
    Supported file types
    22
    â–² Better than 81% of models
    Market range: <9 – >24
    This ereader supports a broader range of file types than the average eReader (22 vs 15).
    22 vs 15
  • 3.49 GB more RAM
    RAM capacity
    4 GB
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    Market range: <0 GB – >5 GB
    This ereader has more RAM than the average eReader (4 GB vs 0.5 GB). The average eReader has 0.512 GB of RAM.
    4 GB vs 0.512 GB
  • 91.7% larger battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    3,000 mAh
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <1k mAh – >4k mAh
    This ereader has a larger battery than the average eReader (3000 mAh vs 1565 mAh). The average eReader battery has a capacity of 1565 mAh.
    3,000 mAh vs 1,565 mAh
  • Faster CPU base clock speed
    CPU base clock speed
    8 x 2 GHz
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    This ereader 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
    Stylus support
    yes
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    This ereader supports a stylus, while the average eReader does not. 38.2% of eReaders support a stylus.
    Wacom sensor layer supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity
  • 3.3 inches larger screen size
    Screen size
    10.3 inches
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    Market range: <5 inches – >10 inches
    This ereader 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
  • Higher screen resolution
    Screen resolution
    1404x1872 px
    â–² Better than 74% of models
    This ereader supports higher screen resolution than the average eReader (1404x1872 px vs 1072x1448 px). The average eReader supports 1072x1448 px screen resolution.
    1404x1872 px vs 1072x1448 px
  • Supports handwriting recognition
    Handwriting recognition
    yes
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This ereader supports handwriting recognition, while the average eReader does not. 23.6% of eReaders support handwriting recognition.
    Built-in handwriting-to-text support.
  • 7 more supported file formats
    Supported file types
    22
    â–² Better than 81% of models
    Market range: <9 – >24
    This ereader supports a broader range of file types than the average eReader (22 vs 15).
    22 vs 15
  • Supports stylus
    Stylus support
    yes
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    This ereader supports a stylus, while the average eReader does not. 38.2% of eReaders support a stylus.
    Wacom sensor layer supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity
  • Broader library support
    Library lending platforms supported
    OverDrive, Libby, Hoopla, cloudLibrary
    â–² Better than 77% of models
    This ereader supports more library lending platforms than the average eReader (OverDrive, Libby, Hoopla, cloudLibrary vs OverDrive, Libby).
    Access comes through installable library apps.
    OverDrive, Libby, Hoopla, cloudLibrary vs OverDrive, Libby
  • Stylus included
    Stylus included
    yes
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This ereader includes a stylus, while the average eReader does not. 29.3% of eReaders include a stylus.
    BOOX Pen Plus included.
  • 91.7% larger battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    3,000 mAh
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    Market range: <1k mAh – >4k mAh
    This ereader has a larger battery than the average eReader (3000 mAh vs 1565 mAh). The average eReader battery has a capacity of 1565 mAh.
    3,000 mAh vs 1,565 mAh
  • 4x more storage
    Internal storage
    64 GB
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <2 GB – >62 GB
    This ereader 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
  • 3.49 GB more RAM
    RAM capacity
    4 GB
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    Market range: <0 GB – >5 GB
    This ereader has more RAM than the average eReader (4 GB vs 0.5 GB). The average eReader has 0.512 GB of RAM.
    4 GB vs 0.512 GB
  • Faster CPU base clock speed
    CPU base clock speed
    8 x 2 GHz
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    This ereader 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
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Android 11
    â–² Better than 76% of models
    This ereader uses Android 11, a more advanced operating system than Kindle OS on the average eReader.
    Android 11 vs Kindle OS
  • Fingerprint scanner
    Fingerprint scanner
    yes
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    This ereader has a fingerprint scanner, while the average eReader does not. 8.1% of eReaders have a fingerprint scanner.
  • Microphone included
    Microphone
    yes
    â–² Better than 74% of models
    This ereader has a microphone, while the average eReader does not. 26.7% of eReaders have a microphone.
  • Supports USB OTG
    USB OTG support
    yes
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    This ereader supports USB OTG, while the average eReader does not. 33.9% of eReaders support USB OTG.
    OTG can connect USB drives or simple peripherals through the device port.
  • 2 more speakers
    Speakers
    2
    â–² Better than 79% of models
    Market range: <0 – >5
    This ereader has more speakers than the average eReader (2 vs 0). The average eReader has 0 speakers.
    Built-in speaker count reflects onboard audio hardware.
    2 vs 0
  • Better Wi-Fi bands
    Wi-Fi bands supported
    2.4 GHz+5 GHz
    â–² Better than 57% of models
    This ereader supports 2.4 GHz+5 GHz Wi-Fi bands, while the average eReader supports 2.4 GHz.
    2.4 GHz+5 GHz vs 2.4 GHz
  • Newer Wi-Fi version
    Wi-Fi version
    Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
    â–² Better than 58% of models
    This ereader supports a newer Wi-Fi version than the average eReader (Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)).
    Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) vs Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • 2.3 mm thinner
    Thickness
    5.8 mm
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <6 mm – >11 mm
    This ereader is thinner than the average eReader (5.8 mm vs 8.1 mm). The average eReader thickness is 8.1 mm.
    5.8 mm vs 8.1 mm
  • Limited DRM support
    DRM schemes supported
    Does not support DRM
    â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
    This ereader supports fewer DRM schemes than the average eReader (Does not support DRM vs Adobe DRM, Social DRM).
    Relies on third-party Android apps for DRM-protected content.
    Does not support DRM vs Adobe DRM, Social DRM
  • Less advanced E-Ink technology
    E-Ink technology
    Carta
    â–¼ Worse than 38% of models
    This ereader uses Carta E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.
    Mobius Carta
    Carta vs Carta Plus
  • 80.8% heavier
    Weight
    385 g
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    Market range: <160 g – >480 g
    This ereader 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
    Height
    249 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <150 mm – >240 mm
    This ereader 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
    Pixel density
    227 ppi
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    Market range: <150 ppi – >300 ppi
    This ereader 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
  • 23.3% lower user score
    User score
    6.5/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Onyx Boox Note 5
    the average eReader
    Onyx Boox Note 5 has a lower user score than the average eReader (6.49 vs 8.000).
    6.49 vs 8
  • 2.94x more expensive
    Onyx Boox Note 5 is more expensive than the average eReader (£500 vs £170).
    £500 vs £170
  • 48.9 mm wider
    Width
    176.5 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    Market range: <100 mm – >200 mm
    This ereader 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
  • 23.3% lower user score
    User score
    6.5/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Onyx Boox Note 5
    the average eReader
    Onyx Boox Note 5 has a lower user score than the average eReader (6.49 vs 8.000).
    6.49 vs 8
  • 2.94x more expensive
    Onyx Boox Note 5 is more expensive than the average eReader (£500 vs £170).
    £500 vs £170
  • 39.9% less popular
    Onyx Boox Note 5 is less popular than the average eReader (3.89 vs 5.4).
    3.89 vs 5.44
  • Less advanced E-Ink technology
    E-Ink technology
    Carta
    â–¼ Worse than 38% of models
    This ereader uses Carta E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.
    Mobius Carta
    Carta vs Carta Plus
  • 14.3% lower pixel density
    Pixel density
    227 ppi
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    Market range: <150 ppi – >300 ppi
    This ereader 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
  • Limited DRM support
    DRM schemes supported
    Does not support DRM
    â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
    This ereader supports fewer DRM schemes than the average eReader (Does not support DRM vs Adobe DRM, Social DRM).
    Relies on third-party Android apps for DRM-protected content.
    Does not support DRM vs Adobe DRM, Social DRM
  • Versions older Bluetooth
    Bluetooth version
    5.0
    â–² Better than 58% of models
    Market range: <1 – >6
    This ereader supports an older Bluetooth version than the average eReader (5 vs 5.1).
    5.0 vs 5.1
  • 80.8% heavier
    Weight
    385 g
    â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
    Market range: <160 g – >480 g
    This ereader 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
    Height
    249 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 91% of models
    Market range: <150 mm – >240 mm
    This ereader is taller than the average eReader (249 mm vs 173 mm). The average eReader height is 173 mm.
    249 mm vs 173 mm
  • 48.9 mm wider
    Width
    176.5 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
    Market range: <100 mm – >200 mm
    This ereader 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

Video reviews

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

5.0
My Deep Guide
≈ estimated
24/02/2022
Long-form in-depth review · full testing and comparison
Verdict
Onyx Boox Note 5 is solid on its own, but the Note Air 2 beats it on every point and costs less.
7.0
My Deep Guide
≈ estimated
01/02/2022
First look · unboxing and first impressions
Verdict
Onyx Boox Note 5 looks and feels great, but its price and missing features need testing before they can be justified.
Shop video
Shop video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

goodereader.com
14/01/2022
Hands-on review · Digital note-taker
Verdict
The Onyx Boox Note 5 is a 10.3-inch note-taker suited to drawing and PDF reading, with Google Play apps, though its floating menu crowds the screen.
G
goodereader.com
21/11/2021
Summary of the review
First look at the Onyx Boox Note 5 e-note

Third-party reviews

Based on 24 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: October 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we 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 we don't like 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.

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.

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