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

Pocketbook Basic New Review | 68 Data compared

Avg. price:~ÂŁ90Screen size:6 inchesPixel density:167 ppiInternal storage:2 GBBattery life:?Supported bookstore ecosystem:Android Open Ecosystem

Pocketbook Basic New Review: Compare 68 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the eReaders category and whether it is worth buying.

4.7

Overall score

Score
4.7/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 91% of models
Score components

90%

4.7

Technical score

10%

?

User score

â–ĽWorse than 91% of ereaders
4.7

Technical score

Technical score
4.7/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 87% of models
Score components

25%

3.0

Display

22%

6.7

Reading

18%

6.3

Battery

14%

3.7

Hardware

12%

1.4

Connectivity

9%

6.8

Design

â–ĽWorse than 87% of ereaders
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 52% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image

Best prices

    N/A~ ÂŁ90

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 Pocketbook Basic New

Technical score
Technical score
4.7/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 87% of models
Score components:

25%

3.0

Display

22%

6.7

Reading

18%

6.3

Battery

14%

3.7

Hardware

12%

1.4

Connectivity

9%

6.8

Design

4.7
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 52% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Pocketbook Basic New has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than that of 72.1% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
6.3/ 10
âś•
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–Ľ
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–Ľ Worse than 91% of models
Score components:

60%

4.7

Overall score

40%

10

Price

6.3
Brand name
Pocketbook
Screen size
6 inches
Screen size
6 inches
â–Ľ Worse than 57% of models
Market range: <5 inches – >10 inches
This ereader has a screen size of 6 inches which is smaller than 57.4% on this spec and equal to 40.2% of eReaders.
Screen resolution
600x800 px
Screen resolution
600x800 px
â–Ľ Worse than 84% of models
This ereader uses a screen resolution of 600x800 px, which is less sharp than that of 83.6% of eReaders and the same as that of 15.6% of eReaders.
Pixel density
167 ppi
Pixel density
167 ppi
â–Ľ Worse than 78% of models
Market range: <150 ppi – >300 ppi
This ereader has a pixel density of 167 ppi which is lower than 77.9% on this spec and equal to 10.7% of eReaders.
E-paper display
yes
E-paper display
yes
â–˛ 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
19
Supported file types
19
â–˛ Better than 65% of models
Market range: <9 – >24
This ereader supports 19 file types which is more than 65.3% on this spec and equal to 7.6% of eReaders.
PDF reflow support
yes
PDF reflow support
yes
â–˛ Better than 45% of models
This ereader offers PDF reflow. 45.5% of eReaders support PDF reflow.
Annotation support
yes
Annotation support
yes
â–˛ Better than 2% of models
This ereader offers annotation support. 1.6% of eReaders offer annotation support.
Dictionary
yes
Dictionary
yes
â–˛ Better than 1% of models
This ereader includes a built-in dictionary. 0.8% of eReaders include a built-in dictionary.
Text-to-speech
no
Text-to-speech
no
â–Ľ Worse than 65% of models
This ereader does not offer text-to-speech. 64.8% of eReaders include text-to-speech.
Show more
Battery life
?
Battery capacity
1,000 mAh
Battery capacity
1,000 mAh
â–Ľ Worse than 85% of models
Market range: <1k mAh – >4k mAh
This ereader has a battery capacity of 1,000 mAh which is lower than 85.1% on this spec and equal to 9.9% of eReaders.
Charging time
2 hours
Charging time
2 hours
â–˛ Better than 49% of models
Market range: <1 hours – >6 hours
This ereader takes 2 hours to charge which is quicker than 49.1% on this spec and equal to 40% of eReaders.
when using a 5V, 1A charger
Wireless charging
no
Wireless charging
no
â–Ľ Worse than 7% of models
This ereader does not offer wireless charging. 7.4% of eReaders offer wireless charging.
Internal storage
2 GB
Internal storage
2 GB
â–Ľ Worse than 81% of models
Market range: <2 GB – >62 GB
This ereader offers 2 GB of internal storage which is less than 81.2% on this spec and equal to 17.2% of eReaders.
RAM capacity
0.128 GB
RAM capacity
0.128 GB
â–Ľ Worse than 88% of models
Market range: <0 GB – >5 GB
This ereader offers 0.128 GB of RAM which is less than 87.7% on this spec and equal to 11.5% of eReaders.
CPU base clock speed
1x 0.8 GHz
CPU base clock speed
1x 0.8 GHz
â–Ľ Worse than 76% of models
This ereader has a CPU base clock speed of 1x0.8 GHz, which is slower than that of 76% of eReaders and the same as that of 14.9% of eReaders.
Operating system
PocketBook OS
Operating system
PocketBook OS
â–Ľ Worse than 83% of models
This ereader runs PocketBook OS, which is less advanced than that of 82.8% of eReaders and the same as that of 17.2% of eReaders.
Linux 3.35
Memory card slot
yes
Memory card slot
yes
â–˛ Better than 57% of models
This ereader has a memory card slot. 57.4% of eReaders have a memory card slot.
Show more
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
â–Ľ Worse than 94% of models
This ereader does not connect over Wi-Fi. 94.3% of eReaders have Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi version
WiFi not supported
Wi-Fi version
WiFi not supported
â–Ľ Worse than 94% of models
This ereader supports Wi-Fi WiFi not supported, which is older than that of 94.3% of eReaders and the same as that of 5.7% of eReaders.
Wi-Fi bands supported
no Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi bands supported
no Wi-Fi
â–Ľ Worse than 94% of models
This ereader supports no Wi-Fi Wi-Fi bands, which is narrower than that of 94.3% of eReaders and the same as that of 5.7% of eReaders.
Bluetooth
no
Bluetooth
no
â–Ľ Worse than 61% of models
This ereader does not connect over Bluetooth. 60.7% of eReaders have Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
Weight
180 g
Weight
180 g
â–˛ Better than 71% of models
Market range: <160 g – >480 g
This ereader weighs 180 g which is lighter than 71.3% on this spec and equal to 2.5% of eReaders.
Thickness
9.7 mm
Thickness
9.7 mm
â–Ľ Worse than 79% of models
Market range: <6 mm – >11 mm
This ereader is 9.7 mm thick which is thicker than 78.5% on this spec and equal to 3.3% of eReaders.
Height
176.4 mm
Height
176.4 mm
â–Ľ Worse than 59% of models
Market range: <150 mm – >240 mm
This ereader is 176.4 mm tall which is taller than 59% on this spec and equal to 0.8% of eReaders.
Width
122.6 mm
Width
122.6 mm
â–˛ Better than 61% of models
Market range: <100 mm – >200 mm
This ereader is 122.6 mm wide which is narrower than 60.7% on this spec and equal to 0.8% of eReaders.
Water resistance (splashproof)
no
Water resistance (splashproof)
no
â–Ľ Worse than 25% of models
This ereader does not have water resistance against splashes. 25% of eReaders have water resistance against splashes.
Show more

Pocketbook Basic New vs the average eReader

246810TotalDisplayReadingBatteryHardwareConnectivityDesign
  • Memory card slot
    Memory card slot
    yes
    â–˛ Better than 57% of models
    This ereader includes a memory card slot, while the average eReader does not. 43.1% of eReaders include a memory card slot.
  • Page-turn buttons
    Page-turn buttons
    yes
    â–˛ Better than 56% of models
    This ereader has page-turn buttons, while the average eReader does not. 44.7% of eReaders have page-turn buttons.
  • 4 more supported file formats
    Supported file types
    19
    â–˛ Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <9 – >24
    This ereader supports a broader range of file types than the average eReader (19 vs 15).
    19 vs 15
  • 15.5% lighter
    Weight
    180 g
    â–˛ Better than 71% of models
    Market range: <160 g – >480 g
    This ereader is lighter than the average eReader (180 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.
    180 g vs 213 g
  • 88.9% cheaper
    Pocketbook Basic New is cheaper than the average eReader (ÂŁ90 vs ÂŁ170).
    ÂŁ90 vs ÂŁ170
  • 88.9% cheaper
    Pocketbook Basic New is cheaper than the average eReader (ÂŁ90 vs ÂŁ170).
    ÂŁ90 vs ÂŁ170
  • 4 more supported file formats
    Supported file types
    19
    â–˛ Better than 65% of models
    Market range: <9 – >24
    This ereader supports a broader range of file types than the average eReader (19 vs 15).
    19 vs 15
  • Memory card slot
    Memory card slot
    yes
    â–˛ Better than 57% of models
    This ereader includes a memory card slot, while the average eReader does not. 43.1% of eReaders include a memory card slot.
  • Page-turn buttons
    Page-turn buttons
    yes
    â–˛ Better than 56% of models
    This ereader has page-turn buttons, while the average eReader does not. 44.7% of eReaders have page-turn buttons.
  • 15.5% lighter
    Weight
    180 g
    â–˛ Better than 71% of models
    Market range: <160 g – >480 g
    This ereader is lighter than the average eReader (180 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.
    180 g vs 213 g
  • Less advanced E-Ink technology
    E-Ink technology
    Vizplex
    â–Ľ Worse than 88% of models
    This ereader uses Vizplex E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.
    Vizplex vs Carta Plus
  • No front light
    Front light
    no
    â–Ľ Worse than 75% of models
    This ereader does not include front light, while the average eReader does. 74% of eReaders include front light.
  • Lower screen resolution
    Screen resolution
    600x800 px
    â–Ľ Worse than 84% of models
    This ereader supports lower screen resolution than the average eReader (600x800 px vs 1072x1448 px). The average eReader supports 1072x1448 px screen resolution.
    600x800 px vs 1072x1448 px
  • 37% lower pixel density
    Pixel density
    167 ppi
    â–Ľ Worse than 78% of models
    Market range: <150 ppi – >300 ppi
    This ereader has a lower pixel density than the average eReader (167 ppi vs 265 ppi). The average eReader has a pixel density of 265 ppi.
    167 ppi vs 265 ppi
  • No USB Type-C
    USB Type-C
    no
    â–Ľ Worse than 52% of models
    This ereader does not have USB Type-C, while the average eReader does. 51.2% of eReaders have USB Type-C.
  • No Bluetooth audio
    Bluetooth audio support
    no
    â–Ľ Worse than 58% of models
    This ereader does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average eReader does. 57.4% of eReaders support Bluetooth audio.
  • No Bluetooth
    Bluetooth
    no
    â–Ľ Worse than 61% of models
    This ereader does not have Bluetooth, while the average eReader does. 60.2% of eReaders have Bluetooth.
  • No cloud sync
    Cloud sync support
    no
    â–Ľ Worse than 81% of models
    This ereader does not support cloud sync, while the average eReader does. 80% of eReaders support cloud sync.
  • 5.44x less popular
    Pocketbook Basic New is less popular than the average eReader (1 vs 5.4).
    1 vs 5.44
  • 16.4% worse value for money
    Pocketbook Basic New has worse value for money than the average eReader (6.26 vs 7.3).
    6.26 vs 7.28
  • Less advanced E-Ink technology
    E-Ink technology
    Vizplex
    â–Ľ Worse than 88% of models
    This ereader uses Vizplex E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.
    Vizplex vs Carta Plus
  • No front light
    Front light
    no
    â–Ľ Worse than 75% of models
    This ereader does not include front light, while the average eReader does. 74% of eReaders include front light.
  • Lower screen resolution
    Screen resolution
    600x800 px
    â–Ľ Worse than 84% of models
    This ereader supports lower screen resolution than the average eReader (600x800 px vs 1072x1448 px). The average eReader supports 1072x1448 px screen resolution.
    600x800 px vs 1072x1448 px
  • 37% lower pixel density
    Pixel density
    167 ppi
    â–Ľ Worse than 78% of models
    Market range: <150 ppi – >300 ppi
    This ereader has a lower pixel density than the average eReader (167 ppi vs 265 ppi). The average eReader has a pixel density of 265 ppi.
    167 ppi vs 265 ppi
  • No color temperature adjustment
    Color temperature adjustment
    no
    â–Ľ 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.
  • 1 inches smaller screen size
    Screen size
    6 inches
    â–Ľ Worse than 57% of models
    Market range: <5 inches – >10 inches
    This ereader has a smaller screen than the average eReader (6 inches vs 7 inches). The average eReader screen size is 7 inches.
    6 inches vs 7 inches
  • No touchscreen
    Touchscreen
    no
    â–Ľ Worse than 93% of models
    This ereader does not have a touchscreen, while the average eReader does. 91.9% of eReaders have a touchscreen.
  • 5 fewer front-light LEDs
    N. of front-light LEDs
    0
    â–Ľ Worse than 63% of models
    Market range: <0 – >35
    This ereader has fewer front-light LEDs than the average eReader (0 vs 5). The average eReader has 5 front-light LEDs.
    0 vs 5
  • No cloud sync
    Cloud sync support
    no
    â–Ľ Worse than 81% of models
    This ereader does not support cloud sync, while the average eReader does. 80% of eReaders support cloud sync.
  • Limited DRM support
    DRM schemes supported
    Adobe DRM
    â–˛ Better than 45% of models
    This ereader supports fewer DRM schemes than the average eReader (Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Social DRM).
    Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Social DRM
  • No audiobook playback
    Audiobook playback
    no
    â–Ľ Worse than 73% of models
    This ereader does not support audiobook playback, while the average eReader does. 72.5% of eReaders support audiobook playback.
  • No text-to-speech
    Text-to-speech
    no
    â–Ľ Worse than 65% of models
    This ereader does not support text-to-speech, while the average eReader does. 64.2% of eReaders support text-to-speech.
  • Limited library support
    Library lending platforms supported
    Libby
    â–Ľ Worse than 95% of models
    This ereader supports fewer library lending platforms than the average eReader (Libby vs OverDrive, Libby).
    Libby vs OverDrive, Libby
  • No parental controls
    Parental controls
    no
    â–Ľ Worse than 64% of models
    This ereader does not have parental controls, while the average eReader does.
  • 36.1% smaller battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    1,000 mAh
    â–Ľ Worse than 85% of models
    Market range: <1k mAh – >4k mAh
    This ereader has a smaller battery than the average eReader (1000 mAh vs 1565 mAh). The average eReader battery has a capacity of 1565 mAh.
    1,000 mAh vs 1,565 mAh
  • Less advanced operating system
    Operating system
    PocketBook OS
    â–Ľ Worse than 83% of models
    This ereader uses PocketBook OS, a less advanced operating system than Kindle OS on the average eReader.
    Linux 3.35
    PocketBook OS vs Kindle OS
  • 87.5% less storage
    Internal storage
    2 GB
    â–Ľ Worse than 81% of models
    Market range: <2 GB – >62 GB
    This ereader offers less internal storage than the average eReader (2 GB vs 16 GB). The average eReader provides 16 GB of internal storage.
    2 GB vs 16 GB
  • 0.38 GB less RAM
    RAM capacity
    0.128 GB
    â–Ľ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <0 GB – >5 GB
    This ereader has less RAM than the average eReader (0.1 GB vs 0.5 GB). The average eReader has 0.512 GB of RAM.
    0.128 GB vs 0.512 GB
  • Slower CPU base clock speed
    CPU base clock speed
    1 x 0.8 GHz
    â–Ľ Worse than 76% of models
    This ereader has a slower CPU base clock speed than the average eReader (1x0.8 GHz vs 1x1 GHz). The average eReader has a CPU base clock speed of 1x1 GHz.
    1x0.8 GHz vs 1x1 GHz
  • No USB Type-C
    USB Type-C
    no
    â–Ľ Worse than 52% of models
    This ereader does not have USB Type-C, while the average eReader does. 51.2% of eReaders have USB Type-C.
  • No Bluetooth
    Bluetooth
    no
    â–Ľ Worse than 61% of models
    This ereader does not have Bluetooth, while the average eReader does. 60.2% of eReaders have Bluetooth.
  • No Bluetooth audio
    Bluetooth audio support
    no
    â–Ľ Worse than 58% of models
    This ereader does not support Bluetooth audio, while the average eReader does. 57.4% of eReaders support Bluetooth audio.
  • No OTA updates
    OTA updates supported
    no
    â–Ľ Worse than 82% of models
    This ereader does not support OTA updates, while the average eReader does. 81.7% of eReaders support OTA updates.
  • No Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi connectivity
    no
    â–Ľ Worse than 94% of models
    This ereader does not support Wi-Fi, while the average eReader does. 93.5% of eReaders support Wi-Fi.
  • Older Wi-Fi version
    Wi-Fi version
    WiFi not supported
    â–Ľ Worse than 94% of models
    This ereader supports an older Wi-Fi version than the average eReader (WiFi not supported vs Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)).
    WiFi not supported vs Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • Limited Wi-Fi bands
    Wi-Fi bands supported
    no Wi-Fi
    â–Ľ Worse than 94% of models
    This ereader supports no Wi-Fi Wi-Fi bands, while the average eReader supports 2.4 GHz.
    no Wi-Fi vs 2.4 GHz
  • 1.6 mm thicker
    Thickness
    9.7 mm
    â–Ľ Worse than 79% of models
    Market range: <6 mm – >11 mm
    This ereader is thicker than the average eReader (9.7 mm vs 8.1 mm). The average eReader thickness is 8.1 mm.
    9.7 mm vs 8.1 mm
  • 9 older
    Release date
    2012
    â–Ľ Worse than 73% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This ereader is older than the average eReader (2012 vs 2021). The average eReader was released in 2021.
    2,012 vs 2,021

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

N
netzwelt.de
23/10/2026
Summary of the review
PocketBook Basic New Review
(Translated)Show original
papierlos-lesen.de
27/09/2012
Comparison test · Button-only reader
Verdict
The PocketBook Basic New is a simple, button-only reader with big buttons and free books, but pale serif text and no Wi-Fi hold it back.
e-leseratte.de
06/11/2012
Long-term test · Button-only reader
Verdict
The PocketBook Basic New is a comfortable button-only reader for long reading sessions, though it drops user profiles and the RSS reader from older PocketBooks.
L
lesnumeriques.com
03/09/2012
Summary of the review
IFA: PocketBook expands its entry-level ereader range
(Translated)Show original
ebookreaderitalia.com
14/12/2012
Hands-on review · Entry-level reader
Verdict
The PocketBook Basic New is a solid entry-level reader with clear buttons and a built-in dictionary, but it has no Wi-Fi and skips CBZ and CBR comics.

Third-party reviews

What we like about Pocketbook Basic New

  • Wide file support including EPUB, PDF, and MOBI without needing conversion
  • Lightweight and compact design, often compared to the weight of a smartphone
  • Excellent battery life, typically lasting up to a month on a single charge
  • Physical page-turn buttons providing an intuitive and comfortable reading experience
  • Affordable entry-level price point compared to competitors
  • Sideload-friendly with microSD card support for easy library expansion
  • Anti-glare E Ink screen that remains readable in direct sunlight

What we don't like about Pocketbook Basic New

  • Lacks a touchscreen, requiring navigation via physical buttons and a D-pad
  • Typing on the device is considered tedious and difficult due to the lack of a keyboard or touch
  • Hardware can feel slow or underpowered when performing tasks other than basic reading
  • Built-in dictionary quality is often rated poorly by users
  • Limited built-in bookstore compared to the extensive ecosystems of Kindle or Kobo
  • The frontlight (in models that have it) can have a cold, bluish tone rather than a warm light
  • Lacks advanced features like waterproof rating or built-in speakers found in higher-end models

Verdict

The PocketBook Basic New (also known as the Basic 613) is an entry-level e-reader featuring a 6-inch E Ink Vizplex display with an 800 x 600 resolution and 166 DPI, powered by an 800 MHz processor and 128 MB of RAM. Its primary characteristics include a lightweight 180g chassis, 2 GB of internal storage (expandable up to 32 GB via microSD), and wide format support for 15 book types including EPUB, PDF, and DJVU without conversion. Main pros are its long battery life of up to one month, physical D-pad and page-turn buttons that are ideal for one-handed use, and pre-installed dictionaries for offline translation. However, significant cons include the lack of a touchscreen, no built-in frontlight for reading in the dark, and the absence of Wi-Fi, which requires all content to be sideloaded via a micro-USB cable.

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