OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
ALTERNATIVES

Onyx Boox Nova Air Review | 68 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£280
  • Avg. price in US: ~$350
  • Screen size: 7.8 inches
  • Battery life: ?
  • Supported bookstore ecosystem: Android Open Ecosystem

Onyx Boox Nova Air 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%

7.9

Technical Score

10.0%

7.4

User score

Very good
7.9

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%

8.3

Display

22.0%

9.3

Reading

18.0%

8.0

Battery

14.0%

5.9

Hardware

12.0%

8.7

Connectivity

9.0%

5.0

Design

Very good
7.4

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%

7.8

User reviews

30.0%

6.5

Popularity

User score:
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
(247)
United Kingdom
amazon
4.0
(236)

(Reviews last updated: Apr 2026)

Very 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 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.

    Technical Specifications of eReader Onyx Boox Nova Air

    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%

    8.3

    Display

    22.0%

    9.3

    Reading

    18.0%

    8.0

    Battery

    14.0%

    5.9

    Hardware

    12.0%

    8.7

    Connectivity

    9.0%

    5.0

    Design

    7.9
    Onyx Boox Nova Air has a technical score of 7.91 points, which is higher than that of 80.3% 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%

    7.8

    User reviews

    30.0%

    6.5

    Popularity

    User score:
    United States
    Amazon_logo.png
    3.9
    (247)
    United Kingdom
    amazon
    4.0
    (236)

    (Reviews last updated: Apr 2026)

    7.4
    Onyx Boox Nova Air has a user score of 7.42 points, which is lower than that of 75.4% 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.
    6.5
    Onyx Boox Nova Air has a popularity of 6.5 points, which is higher than 58.2% 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%

    9.0

    Price

    8.2
    Onyx Boox Nova Air has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.2 points, which is higher than 81.2% 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

    7.8 inches
    Onyx Boox Nova Air has a screen size of 7.8 inches which is larger than 64.8% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 9% 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 Nova Air 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

    300 ppi
    Onyx Boox Nova Air has a pixel density of 300 ppi which is higher than 51.6% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 48.4% 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 Nova Air 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

    18
    Onyx Boox Nova Air supports 18 file types which is more than 63% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 3% of eReaders.
    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 Nova Air 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 Nova Air 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 Nova Air 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 Nova Air 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

    2000 mAh
    Onyx Boox Nova Air has a battery capacity of 2000 mAh which is higher than 62.5% 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

    1 hours
    Onyx Boox Nova Air takes 1 hours to charge which is quicker than 91.4% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 8.7% 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 Nova Air 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

    32 GB
    Onyx Boox Nova Air offers 32 GB of internal storage which is more than 57.6% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 23.7% 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

    3 GB
    Onyx Boox Nova Air offers 3 GB of RAM which is more than 80.7% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 5% 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 1.8 GHz
    Onyx Boox Nova Air has a CPU base clock speed of 8 x 1.8 GHz, which is faster than that of 80.2% of eReaders and the same as that of 1.7% 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 10
    Onyx Boox Nova Air runs Android 10, which is more advanced than that of 94.3% of eReaders and the same as that of 1.6% of eReaders.
    Android 10
    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 Nova Air 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 Nova Air 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 Nova Air 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 Nova Air 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 Nova Air connects over Bluetooth. 60.2% of eReaders have Bluetooth.
    Bluetooth can pair wireless accessories.
    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 Nova Air 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

    235 g
    Onyx Boox Nova Air weighs 235 g which is heavier than 59% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 2.5% 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

    6.3 mm
    Onyx Boox Nova Air is 6.3 mm thick which is thinner than 85.8% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 1.7% 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

    194 mm
    Onyx Boox Nova Air is 194 mm tall which is taller than 68% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 3.3% 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

    136.5 mm
    Onyx Boox Nova Air is 136.5 mm wide which is wider than 58.2% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 4.9% 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 Nova Air 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

    • Supports handwriting recognition
      Onyx Boox Nova Air 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 Nova Air supports handwriting recognition, while the average eReader does not.
    • More advanced operating system
      Onyx Boox Nova Air uses Android 10, a more advanced operating system than Kindle OS on the average eReader.
      Android 10
      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 Nova Air 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
      Onyx Boox Nova Air has more RAM than the average eReader (3 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 Nova Air has more RAM than the average eReader (3 GB vs 0.512 GB). The average eReader has 0.512 GB of RAM.3 GB vs 0.512 GB
    • Supports stylus
      Onyx Boox Nova Air supports a stylus, while the average eReader does not.
      Wacom stylus included, 4,096 levels pressure sensitivity and magnetic attachment
      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 Nova Air supports a stylus, while the average eReader does not.
    • 31 more front-light LEDs
      Onyx Boox Nova Air has more front-light LEDs than the average eReader (36 vs 5). The average eReader has 5 front-light LEDs.
      What it is: Shows how many LEDs are used to light the screen evenly from the bezel.
      When it matters: When you want fewer bright spots, shadows, or uneven lighting across the page at night.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Good value: >=17

      Onyx Boox Nova Air 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
      Onyx Boox Nova Air supports higher screen resolution than the average eReader (1404x1872 px vs 1072x1448 px). The average eReader supports 1072x1448 px 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

      Onyx Boox Nova Air 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
      Onyx Boox Nova Air 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.
      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 Nova Air 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
    • Has microphone
      Onyx Boox Nova Air has a microphone, while the average eReader does not.
      What it is: Includes onboard audio input for voice features, calls, or recordings where the software supports them.
      When it matters: When voice notes, speech features, or audio interaction are part of how you plan to use the device.

      Importance: LOW

      Onyx Boox Nova Air has a microphone, while the average eReader does not.
    • 31 more front-light LEDs
      Onyx Boox Nova Air has more front-light LEDs than the average eReader (36 vs 5). The average eReader has 5 front-light LEDs.
    • Higher screen resolution
      Onyx Boox Nova Air supports higher screen resolution than the average eReader (1404x1872 px vs 1072x1448 px). The average eReader supports 1072x1448 px screen resolution.
    • 13.2% higher pixel density
      Onyx Boox Nova Air has a higher pixel density than the average eReader (300 ppi vs 265 ppi). The average eReader has a pixel density of 265 ppi.
    • 0.8 inches larger screen size
      Onyx Boox Nova Air has a larger screen than the average eReader (7.8 inches vs 7 inches). The average eReader screen size is 7 inches.
    • Has auto-brightness sensor
      Onyx Boox Nova Air has an auto-brightness sensor, while the average eReader does not.
    • Supports handwriting recognition
      Onyx Boox Nova Air supports handwriting recognition, while the average eReader does not.
    • Supports stylus
      Onyx Boox Nova Air supports a stylus, while the average eReader does not.
    • 3 broader file support
      Onyx Boox Nova Air supports a broader range of file types than the average eReader (18 vs 15).
    • Includes stylus
      Onyx Boox Nova Air includes a stylus, while the average eReader does not.
    • Broader library support
      Onyx Boox Nova Air supports more library lending platforms than the average eReader (OverDrive, Libby, Hoopla vs OverDrive, Libby).
    • 1 hours shorter charging time
      Onyx Boox Nova Air charges faster than the average eReader (1 hours vs 2 hours). The average eReader charges in 2 hours.
    • 30.7% larger battery capacity
      Onyx Boox Nova Air has a larger battery than the average eReader (2,000 mAh vs 1,530 mAh). The average eReader battery has a capacity of 1,530 mAh.
    • More advanced operating system
      Onyx Boox Nova Air uses Android 10, a more advanced operating system than Kindle OS on the average eReader.
    • 2.49 GB more RAM
      Onyx Boox Nova Air has more RAM than the average eReader (3 GB vs 0.512 GB). The average eReader has 0.512 GB of RAM.
    • Faster CPU base clock speed
      Onyx Boox Nova Air 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.
    • 2x more storage
      Onyx Boox Nova Air offers more internal storage than the average eReader (32 GB vs 16 GB). The average eReader provides 16 GB of internal storage.
    • Has microphone
      Onyx Boox Nova Air has a microphone, while the average eReader does not.
    • Supports USB OTG
      Onyx Boox Nova Air supports USB OTG, while the average eReader does not.
    • 2 more speakers
      Onyx Boox Nova Air has more speakers than the average eReader (2 vs 0). The average eReader has 0 speakers.
    • Better Wi-Fi bands
      Onyx Boox Nova Air supports 2.4 GHz+5 GHz Wi-Fi bands, while the average eReader supports 2.4 GHz.
    • 1.8 mm thinner
      Onyx Boox Nova Air is thinner than the average eReader (6.3 mm vs 8.1 mm). The average eReader thickness is 8.1 mm.

    Total
    Overall
    Display
    Reading
    Battery
    Hardware
    Connectivity
    Design
    • Limited DRM support
      Onyx Boox Nova Air supports fewer DRM schemes than the average eReader (Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Readium LCP).
      Relies on third-party Android apps for DRM-protected content.
    • Older Bluetooth version
      Onyx Boox Nova Air supports an older Bluetooth version than the average eReader (5 vs 5.1).
    • 10.3% heavier
      Onyx Boox Nova Air is heavier than the average eReader (235 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.
    • 21 mm taller
      Onyx Boox Nova Air is taller than the average eReader (194 mm vs 173 mm). The average eReader height is 173 mm.
    • 8.9 mm wider
      Onyx Boox Nova Air is wider than the average eReader (136.5 mm vs 127.6 mm). The average eReader width is 127.6 mm.
    • Limited DRM support
      Onyx Boox Nova Air supports fewer DRM schemes than the average eReader (Adobe 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 Nova Air supports fewer DRM schemes than the average eReader (Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Readium LCP).Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Readium LCP
    • 10.3% heavier
      Onyx Boox Nova Air is heavier than the average eReader (235 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 Nova Air 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
      Onyx Boox Nova Air is taller than the average eReader (194 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 Nova Air is taller than the average eReader (194 mm vs 173 mm). The average eReader height is 173 mm.194 mm vs 173 mm
    • Older Bluetooth version
      Onyx Boox Nova Air supports an older Bluetooth version than the average eReader (5 vs 5.1).
      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

      Onyx Boox Nova Air 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).
      Onyx Boox Nova Air is more expensive than the average eReader (£280 vs £170).£280 vs £170
    • 7.9% lower user score
      Onyx Boox Nova Air has a lower user score than the average eReader (7.42 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 Nova Air has a lower user score than the average eReader (7.42 vs 8,000).7.42 vs 8
    • 8.9 mm wider
      Onyx Boox Nova Air is wider than the average eReader (136.5 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 Nova Air 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
    Total
    Overall
    Reading
    Connectivity
    Design

    Graphic comparison of Onyx Boox Nova Air and other eReaders

    Attribute category
    Attribute
    No results found

    Third-party reviews

    United States
    Amazon_logo.png
    3.9
    247 Reviews
    United Kingdom
    amazon
    4.0
    236 Reviews

    (Reviews last updated: Apr 2026)

    What customers 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 customers dislike 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.

    Expert reviews

    S
    sixcolors.com
    11/10/2021
    Boox Nova Air review: A multitasker among unitaskers - Six Colors

    The Onyx Boox Nova Air is a premium 7.8-inch E Ink device that attempts to bridge the gap between a focused e-reader and a versatile Android tablet. The device boasts impressive, sleek hardware—including a 6.3mm profile and 300 PPI display—paired with an open Android ecosystem that allows for app installation, distinguishing it from single-purpose readers. While the hardware is...Read more

    T
    techradar.com
    21/11/2021
    Onyx Boox Nova Air review - TechRadar

    The Onyx Boox Nova Air is a premium 7.8-inch e-ink tablet featuring a slim, 6.3mm, 235g design with an open Android 10 ecosystem for versatile app access. Key pros include the high-resolution 300 PPI E Ink Carta Plus screen and the adjustable Moon Light 2 front light system. The device excels in note-taking, featuring a pressure-sensitive WACOM stylus with a textured screen for a...Read more

    C
    clubic.com
    24/09/2021
    Onyx Boox Nova Air Review: The Rolls Royce of Mid-Sized E-readers

    The Onyx Boox Nova Air is reviewed by Clubic as a premium 7.8-inch e-reader, distinguished by its thin 6.3 mm, 235-gram design and access to the Google Play Store. Key advantages include a high-quality E-Ink screen with adjustable warm lighting, a responsive Android interface, and included note-taking capabilities via a stylus and magnetic case. Despite these pros, limitations...Read more

    (Translated)Show original
    E
    elespanol.com
    03/10/2021
    Boox Nova Air: testing the ultralight Android tablet with an E-ink screen

    The Boox Nova Air, reviewed by El Español, is a 7.8-inch, 235-gram Android 10 e-reader featuring a magnesium alloy design, 300 PPI E Ink Carta screen, and magnetic stylus, acting as a versatile alternative to standard ereaders. Its primary advantages include open Google Play Store access, a responsive note-taking experience, and a warm/cool adjustable front light suitable for all...Read more

    (Translated)Show original

    Video reviews

    Best alternatives

    onyx-boox-go-color-7
    Onyx Boox Go Color 7

    eReaders

    8.9
    No image
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color 3

    eReaders

    8.0
    No image
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color

    eReaders

    7.8
    No image
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color 2

    eReaders

    8.0
    No image
    Pocketbook Inkpad 4

    eReaders

    7.7
    onyx-boox-nova-air-2
    Onyx Boox Nova Air 2

    eReaders

    8.0
    amazon-kindle-colorsoft-signature-edition
    Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition

    eReaders

    7.2
    amazon-kindle-oasis-2017-wifi-cellular-32gb
    Amazon Kindle Oasis 2017 WiFi Cellular 32GB

    eReaders

    6.6
    kobo-sage
    Kobo Sage

    eReaders

    6.9
    onyx-boox-nova-3-color
    Onyx Boox Nova 3 Color

    eReaders

    7.9
    No image
    Onyx Boox Page

    eReaders

    7.5
    pocketbook-era-64gb
    Pocketbook Era 64GB

    eReaders

    7.9

    Compare Onyx Boox Nova Air with other eReaders

    VS
    VS

    Compare