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 Air Review | 68 Data compared

Avg. price:~£280Screen size:7.8 inchesPixel density:300 ppiInternal storage:32 GBBattery life:?Supported bookstore ecosystem:Android Open Ecosystem

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

7.8

Overall score

Score
7.8/ 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 83% of models
Score components

90%

7.8

Technical score

10%

7.2

User score

â–²Better than 83% of ereaders
7.8

Technical score

Technical score
7.8/ 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 84% of models
Score components

25%

8.3

Display

22%

9.3

Reading

18%

7.5

Battery

14%

5.9

Hardware

12%

8.7

Connectivity

9%

5.0

Design

â–²Better than 84% of ereaders
7.2

User score

User score
7.2/ 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 75% of models
Score components

70%

7.8

User ratings

30%

6.0

Number of reviews

Based on 483 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 75% 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 Nova Air

Technical score
Technical score
7.8/ 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 84% of models
Score components:

25%

8.3

Display

22%

9.3

Reading

18%

7.5

Battery

14%

5.9

Hardware

12%

8.7

Connectivity

9%

5.0

Design

7.8
User score
User score
7.2/ 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 75% of models
Score components

70%

7.8

User ratings

30%

6.0

Number of reviews

Based on 483 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.
7.2
Popularity
Popularity
6.0/ 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–² Better than 58% of models
Popularity:
Onyx Boox Nova Air has a popularity score of 6 points, which is higher than that of 58.2% of products in this category.
6.0
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%

7.8

Overall score

40%

9.0

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.
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
18
Supported file types
18
â–² Better than 61% of models
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
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
2000 mAh
Battery capacity
2000 mAh
â–² Better than 62% of models
Market range: <1k mAh – >4k mAh
This ereader has a battery capacity of 2000 mAh which is higher than 62% on this spec and equal to 5% 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.
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 can pair wireless accessories.
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
235 g
Weight
235 g
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
Market range: <160 g – >480 g
This ereader weighs 235 g which is heavier than 59% on this spec and equal to 2.5% of eReaders.
Thickness
6.3 mm
Thickness
6.3 mm
â–² Better than 86% of models
Market range: <6 mm – >11 mm
This ereader is 6.3 mm thick which is thinner than 86% on this spec and equal to 1.7% of eReaders.
Height
194 mm
Height
194 mm
â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
Market range: <150 mm – >240 mm
This ereader is 194 mm tall which is taller than 68% on this spec and equal to 3.3% of eReaders.
Width
136.5 mm
Width
136.5 mm
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Market range: <100 mm – >200 mm
This ereader is 136.5 mm wide which is wider than 58.2% on this spec and equal to 4.9% 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 Air vs the average eReader

246810TotalDisplayReadingBatteryHardwareConnectivityDesign
  • 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.
  • 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 and magnetic attachment
  • 31 more front-light LEDs
    N. of front-light LEDs
    36
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    Market range: <0 – >35
    This ereader has more front-light LEDs than the average eReader (36 vs 5). The average eReader has 5 front-light LEDs.
    36 vs 5
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 11.8% better value for money
    Onyx Boox Nova Air has better value for money than the average eReader (8.15 vs 7.3).
    8.15 vs 7.28
  • 31 more front-light LEDs
    N. of front-light LEDs
    36
    ★ Better than 94% of models
    Market range: <0 – >35
    This ereader has more front-light LEDs than the average eReader (36 vs 5). The average eReader has 5 front-light LEDs.
    36 vs 5
  • 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.
    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
  • Auto-brightness sensor
    Auto-brightness sensor
    yes
    â–² Better than 59% of models
    This ereader has an auto-brightness sensor, while the average eReader does not. 41.8% of eReaders have an auto-brightness sensor.
    Ambient light sensor enables automatic brightness adjustments.
  • 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.
  • 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 and magnetic attachment
  • 3 more supported file formats
    Supported file types
    18
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    Market range: <9 – >24
    This ereader supports a broader range of file types than the average eReader (18 vs 15).
    18 vs 15
  • 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
  • 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.
    1 hours vs 2 hours
  • 27.8% larger battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    2000 mAh
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    Market range: <1k mAh – >4k mAh
    This ereader has a larger battery than the average eReader (2000 mAh vs 1565 mAh). The average eReader battery has a capacity of 1565 mAh.
    2,000 mAh vs 1,565 mAh
  • 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.
    Allows connection of external peripherals like keyboards and mice
  • 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)
  • 1.8 mm thinner
    Thickness
    6.3 mm
    â–² Better than 86% of models
    Market range: <6 mm – >11 mm
    This ereader is thinner than the average eReader (6.3 mm vs 8.1 mm). The average eReader thickness is 8.1 mm.
    6.3 mm vs 8.1 mm
  • 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
  • 10.3% heavier
    Weight
    235 g
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <160 g – >480 g
    This ereader is heavier than the average eReader (235 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.
    235 g vs 213 g
  • 21 mm taller
    Height
    194 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    Market range: <150 mm – >240 mm
    This ereader is taller than the average eReader (194 mm vs 173 mm). The average eReader height is 173 mm.
    194 mm vs 173 mm
  • 10.4% lower user score
    User score
    7.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the eReader.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how an eReader feels in daily reading and how reliable it is for screen comfort, battery life, and library management according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Onyx Boox Nova Air
    the average eReader
    Onyx Boox Nova Air has a lower user score than the average eReader (7.25 vs 8.000).
    7.25 vs 8
  • 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
  • 64.7% more expensive
    Onyx Boox Nova Air is more expensive than the average eReader (£280 vs £170).
    £280 vs £170
  • 8.9 mm wider
    Width
    136.5 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    Market range: <100 mm – >200 mm
    This ereader is wider than the average eReader (136.5 mm vs 127.6 mm). The average eReader width is 127.6 mm.
    136.5 mm vs 127.6 mm
  • 10.4% lower user score
    User score
    7.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the eReader.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how an eReader feels in daily reading and how reliable it is for screen comfort, battery life, and library management according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Onyx Boox Nova Air
    the average eReader
    Onyx Boox Nova Air has a lower user score than the average eReader (7.25 vs 8.000).
    7.25 vs 8
  • 64.7% more expensive
    Onyx Boox Nova Air is more expensive than the average eReader (£280 vs £170).
    £280 vs £170
  • 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
  • 10.3% heavier
    Weight
    235 g
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <160 g – >480 g
    This ereader is heavier than the average eReader (235 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.
    235 g vs 213 g
  • 21 mm taller
    Height
    194 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 68% of models
    Market range: <150 mm – >240 mm
    This ereader is taller than the average eReader (194 mm vs 173 mm). The average eReader height is 173 mm.
    194 mm vs 173 mm
  • 8.9 mm wider
    Width
    136.5 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    Market range: <100 mm – >200 mm
    This ereader is wider than the average eReader (136.5 mm vs 127.6 mm). The average eReader width is 127.6 mm.
    136.5 mm vs 127.6 mm

Video reviews

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

9.0
Its Simply Wonderful
≈ estimated
21/02/2022
Review · screen, software and build overview
Verdict
Onyx Boox Nova Air suits ebook readers and note-takers, despite minor issues.
9.0
Teoh on Tech
≈ estimated
04/01/2022
Hands-on review · app store, note-taking and refresh tests
Verdict
Onyx Boox Nova Air is a beautiful, versatile e-reader with a solid build, though e-ink speed limits it as a tablet.
8.0
MakeUseOf
≈ estimated
10/11/2021
Hands-on review · e-reader and note-taking tests
Verdict
Onyx Boox Nova Air is fast, well built and feature-packed, but its complexity suits older students and professionals best.
9.5
My Deep Guide
≈ estimated
30/09/2021
Long hands-on review · writing, screen and battery tests
Verdict
Onyx Boox Nova Air is, for me, the best Nova yet, close to perfect despite small compromises.
9.0
Tech Spurt
≈ estimated
01/09/2021
Hands-on review · apps, formats, stylus and battery
Verdict
Onyx Boox Nova Air is expensive, but it is a feature-packed Android e-reader that is impressive for comics and ebooks.
8.0
Kit Betts-Masters
≈ estimated
15/11/2021
First look · first thoughts and Google Play setup
Verdict
Onyx Boox Nova Air is a capable Android e-reader for Kindle users who want apps, though it tries to do a lot.
9.0
My Deep Guide
≈ estimated
31/08/2021
First look · unboxing and first impressions
Verdict
Onyx Boox Nova Air makes a very promising first impression, with a more modern design and a better pen.
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Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

techradar.com
21/11/2021
Hands-on review · E Ink note-taker
Verdict
The Onyx Boox Nova Air is a slim, sharp 7.8-inch E Ink reader and note-taker for sketching on the go, though it can't handle video or photos well.
sixcolors.com
11/10/2021
Critical review · E Ink tablet
Verdict
The Onyx Boox Nova Air is impressive hardware, but its software and slow E Ink screen make it hard to recommend over a Kindle or iPad mini.
androidpolice.com
21/11/2021
Long-term review · Note-taking e-reader
Verdict
The Onyx Boox Nova Air is a capable e-reader and note-taker whose slow screen keeps you off distracting apps, but its OCR and audio recording fall short.
goodereader.com
02/09/2021
Hands-on review · E Ink drawing tablet
Verdict
The Onyx Boox Nova Air is likely the best 7.8-inch E Ink reader and note-taker, with layers and split-screen, though its screen is too small for PDF editing.
makeuseof.com
09/11/2021
Hands-on review · Android e-reader
Verdict
The Onyx Boox Nova Air is the lightest 7.8-inch Android e-reader, fast and sharp for reading and handwriting, though its navigation takes time to learn.
inverse.com
23/11/2021
Hands-on review · E-reader and tablet
Verdict
The Onyx Boox Nova Air is a capable e-reader, but its Android apps run poorly on E Ink, so it suits readers more than tablet users.
parkablogs.com
Not Dated
Hands-on review · Android E Ink tablet
Verdict
The Onyx Boox Nova Air is a well-built e-reader whose Google Play access adds versatility, though E Ink speed limits it as a tablet.
clubic.com
24/09/2021
Hands-on test · E Ink reader
Verdict
The Onyx Boox Nova Air is a slim, nicely built E Ink reader that suits novels and manga, though it has no microSD slot or gyroscope.
L
liseuses.net
01/09/2021
Summary of the review
Onyx Boox Nova Air
(Translated)Show original
elespanol.com
03/10/2021
Hands-on test · E Ink tablet
Verdict
The Onyx Boox Nova Air is excellent for reading ebooks and writing notes on paper-like E Ink, but it's weak for color content, video and games.
G
gouforit.com
29/12/2023
Summary of the review
Which is the most flexible eBook reader on the market?
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 483 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 Air

  • Premium, slim (6.3mm), and lightweight (235g) magnesium alloy build quality.
  • Open Android 10 system with Google Play Store access for third-party apps like Kindle and Kobo.
  • Excellent 300 PPI E Ink Carta Plus screen with sharp text and adjustable dual-tone front lighting.
  • Responsive and accurate note-taking experience with the included pressure-sensitive Wacom stylus.
  • Support for 17+ file formats and easy wireless file transfers via QR code.
  • Integrated stereo speakers and Bluetooth 5.0 for audiobooks and podcasts.

What we don't like about Onyx Boox Nova Air

  • Battery life is significantly shorter than traditional e-readers like Kindle, especially with Wi-Fi or third-party apps.
  • Third-party Android apps often feel clunky and are not optimized for e-ink refresh rates.
  • Magnetic attachment for the stylus is relatively weak, leading to it falling off easily.
  • Small 7.8-inch screen size is not ideal for reading or annotating full-sized A4 PDFs.
  • Lacks water resistance, limiting its use in environments like pools or beaches.
  • Learning curve for the Android-based UI can be steeper than simple, dedicated e-readers.

Verdict

The Onyx Boox Nova Air is a premium 7.8-inch E Ink e-reader and digital note-taker featuring a sharp 300 PPI Carta Plus display (1872x1404) with an adjustable Moon Light 2 front-lit system. It runs on Android 10 with a Snapdragon 636 octa-core CPU, 3GB of RAM, and 32GB of internal storage, all encased in a slim 6.3mm magnesium alloy body weighing just 235g. Main pros include its highly portable, lightweight design, full access to the Google Play Store for versatile app usage, and a responsive Wacom-layer stylus that supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity without needing a charge. However, notable cons include a smaller 2,000mAh battery compared to its predecessor, the absence of an eraser on the included stylus, and the lack of a headphone jack and water resistance.

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