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 Nova 3 Color Review | 68 Data compared

Avg. price:~£350Screen size:7.8 inchesPixel density:300 ppiInternal storage:32 GBBattery life:?Supported bookstore ecosystem:Android Open Ecosystem

Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color 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 85% of models
Score components

90%

8.0

Technical score

10%

6.3

User score

â–²Better than 85% 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
★ Better than 90% of models
Score components

25%

8.3

Display

22%

9.6

Reading

18%

8.8

Battery

14%

5.9

Hardware

12%

8.6

Connectivity

9%

4.6

Design

★Better than 90% of ereaders
6.3

User score

User score
6.3/ 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 95% of models
Score components

70%

6.8

User ratings

30%

5.0

Number of reviews

Based on 85 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 95% of ereaders
  • onyx-boox-nova-3-color
  • onyx-boox-nova-3-color
  • onyx-boox-nova-3-color
  • onyx-boox-nova-3-color
  • onyx-boox-nova-3-color
  • onyx-boox-nova-3-color
  • onyx-boox-nova-3-color
onyx-boox-nova-3-color
onyx-boox-nova-3-color
onyx-boox-nova-3-color
onyx-boox-nova-3-color
onyx-boox-nova-3-color
onyx-boox-nova-3-color
onyx-boox-nova-3-color

Best prices

*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Best rankings

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

Technical Specifications of eReader Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color

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
★ Better than 90% of models
Score components:

25%

8.3

Display

22%

9.6

Reading

18%

8.8

Battery

14%

5.9

Hardware

12%

8.6

Connectivity

9%

4.6

Design

8.0
User score
User score
6.3/ 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 95% of models
Score components

70%

6.8

User ratings

30%

5.0

Number of reviews

Based on 85 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.
6.3
Popularity
Popularity
5.0/ 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 58% of models
Popularity:
Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color has a popularity score of 5 points, which is lower than that of 58.2% of products in this category.
5.0
Value for money
Value for money
8.1/ 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 83% of models
Score components:

60%

7.9

Overall score

40%

8.7

Price

8.1
Brand name
Onyx
Screen size
7.8 inches
Screen size
7.8 inches
â–² Better than 65% of models
Market range: <5 inches – >10 inches
This ereader has a screen size of 7.8 inches which is larger than 64.8% on this spec and equal to 9% 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
300 ppi
Pixel density
300 ppi
â–² Better than 52% of models
Market range: <150 ppi – >300 ppi
This ereader has a pixel density of 300 ppi which is higher than 51.6% on this spec and equal to 48.4% of eReaders.
100 ppi in color.
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
3,150 mAh
Battery capacity
3,150 mAh
â–² Better than 84% of models
Market range: <1k mAh – >4k mAh
This ereader has a battery capacity of 3,150 mAh which is higher than 84.3% on this spec and equal to 0.8% of eReaders.
Charging time
1 hour
Charging time
1 hours
★ Better than 92% of models
Market range: <1 hours – >6 hours
This ereader takes 1 hour to charge which is quicker than 91.8% on this spec and equal to 8.2% of eReaders.
Supports Quick Charge 4
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
32 GB
Internal storage
32 GB
â–² Better than 59% of models
Market range: <2 GB – >62 GB
This ereader offers 32 GB of internal storage which is more than 59% on this spec and equal to 23% of eReaders.
RAM capacity
3 GB
RAM capacity
3 GB
â–² Better than 81% of models
Market range: <0 GB – >5 GB
This ereader offers 3 GB of RAM which is more than 81.2% on this spec and equal to 4.9% of eReaders.
CPU base clock speed
8x 1.8 GHz
CPU base clock speed
8x 1.8 GHz
â–² Better than 80% of models
This ereader has a CPU base clock speed of 8x1.8 GHz, which is faster than that of 80.2% of eReaders and the same as that of 1.7% of eReaders.
Operating system
Android 10
Operating system
Android 10
★ Better than 94% of models
This ereader runs Android 10, which is more advanced than that of 94.3% of eReaders and the same as that of 1.6% 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
265 g
Weight
265 g
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
Market range: <160 g – >480 g
This ereader weighs 265 g which is heavier than 68% on this spec and equal to 0.8% of eReaders.
Thickness
7.7 mm
Thickness
7.7 mm
â–² Better than 72% of models
Market range: <6 mm – >11 mm
This ereader is 7.7 mm thick which is thinner than 71.9% on this spec and equal to 2.5% of eReaders.
Height
197.3 mm
Height
197.3 mm
â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
Market range: <150 mm – >240 mm
This ereader is 197.3 mm tall which is taller than 74.6% on this spec and equal to 0.8% of eReaders.
Width
137 mm
Width
137 mm
â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
Market range: <100 mm – >200 mm
This ereader is 137 mm wide which is wider than 63.9% on this spec and equal to 4.1% 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 Nova 3 Color vs the average eReader

246810TotalDisplayReadingBatteryHardwareConnectivityDesign
  • 2.01x larger battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    3,150 mAh
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <1k mAh – >4k mAh
    This ereader has a larger battery than the average eReader (3150 mAh vs 1565 mAh). The average eReader battery has a capacity of 1565 mAh.
    3,150 mAh vs 1,565 mAh
  • Color display
    Color display
    yes
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    This ereader has a color display, while the average eReader does not. 13.8% of eReaders have a color display.
  • 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
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Android 10
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    This ereader uses Android 10, a more advanced operating system than Kindle OS on the average eReader.
    Android 10 vs Kindle OS
  • 2.49 GB more RAM
    RAM capacity
    3 GB
    â–² Better than 81% of models
    Market range: <0 GB – >5 GB
    This ereader has more RAM than the average eReader (3 GB vs 0.5 GB). The average eReader has 0.512 GB of RAM.
    3 GB vs 0.512 GB
  • 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 stylus included, 4,096 levels pressure sensitivity
  • 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
  • 11.3% better value for money
    Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color has better value for money than the average eReader (8.11 vs 7.3).
    8.11 vs 7.28
  • Color display
    Color display
    yes
    â–² Better than 87% of models
    This ereader has a color display, while the average eReader does not. 13.8% of eReaders have a color display.
  • 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
  • 13.2% higher pixel density
    Pixel density
    300 ppi
    â–² Better than 52% of models
    Market range: <150 ppi – >300 ppi
    This ereader has a higher pixel density than the average eReader (300 ppi vs 265 ppi). The average eReader has a pixel density of 265 ppi.
    100 ppi in color.
    300 ppi vs 265 ppi
  • 0.8 inches larger screen size
    Screen size
    7.8 inches
    â–² Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <5 inches – >10 inches
    This ereader has a larger screen than the average eReader (7.8 inches vs 7 inches). The average eReader screen size is 7 inches.
    7.8 inches vs 7 inches
  • 12 more front-light LEDs
    N. of front-light LEDs
    17
    â–² Better than 67% of models
    Market range: <0 – >35
    This ereader has more front-light LEDs than the average eReader (17 vs 5). The average eReader has 5 front-light LEDs.
    17 vs 5
  • 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 stylus included, 4,096 levels pressure sensitivity
  • 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.
    Stylus included in the box.
  • Broader library support
    Library lending platforms supported
    OverDrive, Libby, Hoopla
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    This ereader supports more library lending platforms than the average eReader (OverDrive, Libby, Hoopla vs OverDrive, Libby).
    Access comes through installable library apps.
    OverDrive, Libby, Hoopla vs OverDrive, Libby
  • 2.01x larger battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    3,150 mAh
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    Market range: <1k mAh – >4k mAh
    This ereader has a larger battery than the average eReader (3150 mAh vs 1565 mAh). The average eReader battery has a capacity of 1565 mAh.
    3,150 mAh vs 1,565 mAh
  • 1 hours shorter charging time
    Charging time
    1 hours
    ★ Better than 92% of models
    Market range: <1 hours – >6 hours
    This ereader charges faster than the average eReader (1 hours vs 2 hours). The average eReader charges in 2 hours.
    Supports Quick Charge 4
    1 hours vs 2 hours
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Android 10
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    This ereader uses Android 10, a more advanced operating system than Kindle OS on the average eReader.
    Android 10 vs Kindle OS
  • 2.49 GB more RAM
    RAM capacity
    3 GB
    â–² Better than 81% of models
    Market range: <0 GB – >5 GB
    This ereader has more RAM than the average eReader (3 GB vs 0.5 GB). The average eReader has 0.512 GB of RAM.
    3 GB vs 0.512 GB
  • Faster CPU base clock speed
    CPU base clock speed
    8 x 1.8 GHz
    â–² Better than 80% of models
    This ereader has a faster CPU base clock speed than the average eReader (8x1.8 GHz vs 1x1 GHz). The average eReader has a CPU base clock speed of 1x1 GHz.
    8x1.8 GHz vs 1x1 GHz
  • 2x more storage
    Internal storage
    32 GB
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    Market range: <2 GB – >62 GB
    This ereader offers more internal storage than the average eReader (32 GB vs 16 GB). The average eReader provides 16 GB of internal storage.
    32 GB vs 16 GB
  • 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.
    Supports connection of flash drives up to 512GB and SSD hard drives up to 1TB
  • 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)
  • 1 more speakers
    Speakers
    1
    â–² 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
  • 0.4 mm thinner
    Thickness
    7.7 mm
    â–² Better than 72% of models
    Market range: <6 mm – >11 mm
    This ereader is thinner than the average eReader (7.7 mm vs 8.1 mm). The average eReader thickness is 8.1 mm.
    7.7 mm vs 8.1 mm
  • No color temperature adjustment
    Color temperature adjustment
    no
    â–¼ 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.
  • Limited DRM support
    DRM schemes supported
    Adobe DRM
    â–² Better than 45% of models
    This ereader supports fewer DRM schemes than the average eReader (Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Social DRM).
    Relies on third-party Android apps for DRM-protected content.
    Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Social DRM
  • 24.4% heavier
    Weight
    265 g
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    Market range: <160 g – >480 g
    This ereader is heavier than the average eReader (265 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.
    265 g vs 213 g
  • 27.8% lower user score
    User score
    6.3/ 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 Nova 3 Color
    the average eReader
    Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color has a lower user score than the average eReader (6.26 vs 8.000).
    6.26 vs 8
  • 24.3 mm taller
    Height
    197.3 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
    Market range: <150 mm – >240 mm
    This ereader is taller than the average eReader (197.3 mm vs 173 mm). The average eReader height is 173 mm.
    197.3 mm vs 173 mm
  • 2.06x more expensive
    Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color is more expensive than the average eReader (£350 vs £170).
    £350 vs £170
  • 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
  • 9.4 mm wider
    Width
    137 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    Market range: <100 mm – >200 mm
    This ereader is wider than the average eReader (137 mm vs 127.6 mm). The average eReader width is 127.6 mm.
    137 mm vs 127.6 mm
  • 27.8% lower user score
    User score
    6.3/ 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 Nova 3 Color
    the average eReader
    Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color has a lower user score than the average eReader (6.26 vs 8.000).
    6.26 vs 8
  • 2.06x more expensive
    Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color is more expensive than the average eReader (£350 vs £170).
    £350 vs £170
  • No color temperature adjustment
    Color temperature adjustment
    no
    â–¼ 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.
  • Less advanced E-Ink technology
    E-Ink technology
    Kaleido Plus
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    This ereader uses Kaleido Plus E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.
    Kaleido Plus E Ink's color filter technology
    Kaleido Plus vs Carta Plus
  • Limited DRM support
    DRM schemes supported
    Adobe DRM
    â–² Better than 45% of models
    This ereader supports fewer DRM schemes than the average eReader (Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Social DRM).
    Relies on third-party Android apps for DRM-protected content.
    Adobe 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
  • 24.4% heavier
    Weight
    265 g
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    Market range: <160 g – >480 g
    This ereader is heavier than the average eReader (265 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.
    265 g vs 213 g
  • 24.3 mm taller
    Height
    197.3 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 75% of models
    Market range: <150 mm – >240 mm
    This ereader is taller than the average eReader (197.3 mm vs 173 mm). The average eReader height is 173 mm.
    197.3 mm vs 173 mm
  • 9.4 mm wider
    Width
    137 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    Market range: <100 mm – >200 mm
    This ereader is wider than the average eReader (137 mm vs 127.6 mm). The average eReader width is 127.6 mm.
    137 mm vs 127.6 mm

Video reviews

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

6.0
Teoh on Tech
≈ estimated
12/03/2022
Hands-on review · color, reading, apps and file transfer
Verdict
Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color is a first-generation product with a dated design; Google Play is a strong point, but color and ghosting hold it back.
6.0
Mark Spurrell
≈ estimated
03/08/2021
Hands-on review · software, Play Store and value
Verdict
Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color is a niche color e-reader, and its price makes the larger Note Air the better overall buy.
8.0
MakeUseOf
≈ estimated
30/04/2021
Hands-on review · reading, note-taking, and gaming tests
Verdict
Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color is a very good color e-reader if you can live with its glitches and weak color saturation.
7.0
The eBook Reader
≈ estimated
03/04/2021
Hands-on review · comics, text reading, and web browsing
Verdict
Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color works well for comics and magazines, but it is a downgrade for regular text reading.
7.0
MrMobile [Michael Fisher]
≈ estimated
19/03/2021
Hands-on review · 17 days of use, reading and writing
Verdict
Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color is impressive and a niche fit, but it falls a little short of its price.
7.0
MobileTechReview
≈ estimated
13/03/2021
Hands-on review · pen, color, battery and software tests
Verdict
Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color is not perfect and its colors are muted, but it is a welcome step forward for color e-ink.
7.0
Tech Spurt
≈ estimated
09/03/2021
Early hands-on review · comics, display, and battery life
Verdict
Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color has plenty going for comics, but ghosting and the steep price hold it back.
7.0
The eBook Reader
≈ estimated
31/03/2021
Comparison · colour screen vs black-and-white Nova
Verdict
Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color is best for comics and magazines, but its text is noticeably less crisp and ghosts more than the black-and-white Nova.
4.0
MorningCoach
≈ estimated
19/03/2021
First impressions · first hour with the device
Verdict
Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color is okay but nothing special: ghosting and stylus quality hold it back, and a Kobo is easier.
8.0
My Deep Guide
≈ estimated
11/03/2021
First look · unboxing and first impressions
Verdict
Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color makes a very positive first impression, a clear step up, with a full review still to come.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

M
mydeepguide.com
25/03/2021
Summary of the review
BOOX NOVA 3 COLOR REVIEW - mydeepguide.com
pcmag.com
12/05/2021
Full review · Color e-reader
Verdict
The Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color is the best color E Ink reader for comics, magazines and drawing, but its dim screen, ghosting and slow chip hold it back.
tedium.co
04/06/2021
Device comparison · Color e-paper
Verdict
The Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color works for reading and light drawing, but ghosting, dull photos and fiddly refresh settings hold it back.
androidcentral.com
18/08/2021
Hands-on review · Android e-reader
Verdict
The Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color handles ebooks, audiobooks and note-taking well, and runs Play Store apps, but ghosting and lag hold it back.
androidpolice.com
25/09/2021
Long-term review · Color e-reader
Verdict
The Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color suits enthusiasts, with NeoReader formatting for ePubs and weeks of battery, but Android apps need extra screen refreshes.
U
uk.pcmag.com
12/05/2021
Summary of the review
Onyx Boox Nova3 Color - Review 2021
techradar.com
29/08/2021
Hands-on review · Color E Ink
Verdict
The Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color suits comics, notes and Android apps, but its low color resolution and dim screen make it a poor choice for book readers.
foosel.net
27/01/2023
Long-term review · Color E Ink
Verdict
The Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color suits long books with a few colorful pages, but its muted colors fall short of a tablet's.
G
goodereader.com
13/03/2021
Summary of the review
Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color e-reader and e-note Review
blog.the-ebook-reader.com
07/04/2021
Video review · First-gen color E Ink
Verdict
The Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color is the best color E Ink reader, thanks to its open Android system, but ghosting and weak contrast hold it back.
parkablogs.com
Not Dated
Hands-on review · First color E Ink
Verdict
The Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color is a first-generation color reader that suits notes and Android apps, but washed-out color and ghosting limit it.
clubic.com
23/05/2021
Hands-on test · Stylus e-reader
Verdict
The Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color works for illustrated books and color notes, but its grayish screen and dense software are the drawbacks.
dday.it
27/08/2021
Hands-on test · Color e-reader
Verdict
The Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color suits patient readers who want color pages and handwritten notes, but its slow screen and missing Play Store are its main limits.

Third-party reviews

Based on 85 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 Nova 3 Color

  • Runs full Android 10, allowing access to the Google Play Store and third-party apps like Kindle, Use code with caution.Copied to clipboardjsonKoboUse code with caution.Copied to clipboardjson, and Marvel Unlimited.
  • Uses E Ink Kaleido Plus technology, which is easier on the eyes for color content like comics and magazines compared to LCD screens.
  • Includes a Wacom-sensitive stylus that provides a responsive handwriting and note-taking experience.
  • Excellent battery life, especially when used primarily for reading with minimal front light.
  • Portable and lightweight design with solid build quality.
  • Strong file format support, handling EPUBs, PDFs, and CBRs with ease through the native NeoReader app.

What we don't like about Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color

  • The screen is noticeably darker and has lower contrast than standard monochrome e-readers due to the color filter layer.
  • Color content is limited to a low resolution of 100 PPI, resulting in muted and sometimes 'washed out' colors.
  • Significant ghosting issues, particularly with color content, requiring frequent full-screen refreshes.
  • Lack of a warm front light; only a cool/bluish light is available, which can be harsh for night reading.
  • High price point compared to both standard e-readers and entry-level LCD tablets.
  • Laggy performance with the stylus in third-party Android apps compared to the highly optimized native apps.

Verdict

The Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color is a versatile 7.8-inch e-reader featuring an E Ink Kaleido Plus screen that displays 4,096 colors at 100 ppi and crisp black-and-white text at 300 ppi. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 octa-core processor, 3GB of RAM, and 32GB of internal storage, it runs on Android 10, allowing full access to the Google Play Store for various reading and productivity apps. Main pros include its responsive Wacom stylus support for high-precision note-taking, sunlight-readable display, and dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity for audiobooks. However, significant cons include relatively muted color saturation compared to LCD tablets, a dim screen that often requires the front light, and occasional ghosting during content refreshes.

Compare Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color with other eReaders

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color and other eReaders

No results found