Pocketbook Inkpad Color Review | 68 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£260
  • Avg. price in US: ~$330
  • Screen size: 7.8 inches
  • Battery life: ?
  • Supported bookstore ecosystem: ?

Pocketbook Inkpad Color review. Compare 68 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among ereaders and if it is worth buying.

7.8

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%

7.8

Technical Score

10.0%

7.5

User score

Very good
7.8

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%

8.4

Display

22.0%

8.2

Reading

18.0%

8.8

Battery

14.0%

5.4

Hardware

12.0%

8.0

Connectivity

9.0%

7.0

Design

Very good
7.5

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%

7.6

User reviews

30.0%

7.4

Popularity

User score:
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
(327)
United Kingdom
amazon
3.9
(321)

(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 PocketBook InkPad Color 3 is a high-performance 7.8-inch e-reader featuring an E Ink Kaleido 3 display that provides 300 PPI for black-and-white text and an improved 150 PPI for 4,096 colors. Driven by a 1.8 GHz quad-core processor and 1 GB of RAM, it includes 32 GB of internal storage, a 2,900 mAh battery lasting up to a month, and full IPX8 waterproofing for safe reading near water. Main pros include its extensive support for 25 book formats, physical page-turn buttons, integrated speakers for audiobooks, and SMARTlight technology for adjustable brightness and color temperature. However, notable cons include a slightly slow user interface compared to flagship competitors, the lack of a dedicated app store for third-party reading apps, and muted color saturation typical of current e-ink technology.

    Technical Specifications of eReader Pocketbook Inkpad Color

    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%

    8.4

    Display

    22.0%

    8.2

    Reading

    18.0%

    8.8

    Battery

    14.0%

    5.4

    Hardware

    12.0%

    8.0

    Connectivity

    9.0%

    7.0

    Design

    7.8
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color has a technical score of 7.82 points, which is higher than that of 78.7% 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%

    7.6

    User reviews

    30.0%

    7.4

    Popularity

    User score:
    United States
    Amazon_logo.png
    3.8
    (327)
    United Kingdom
    amazon
    3.9
    (321)

    (Reviews last updated: Apr 2026)

    7.5
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color has a user score of 7.54 points, which is lower than that of 71.3% 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.
    7.4
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color has a popularity of 7.4 points, which is higher than 63.9% 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%

    7.8

    Overall score

    40.0%

    9.2

    Price

    8.2
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color 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

    Pocketbook
    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
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color 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
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color 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
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color 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
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color 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

    ?
    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
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color 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
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color 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
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color 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
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color 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

    2,900 mAh
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color has a battery capacity of 2900 mAh which is higher than 75.8% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 1.7% 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

    ?
    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
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color 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

    16 GB
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color offers 16 GB of internal storage which is more than 46.6% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 10.2% 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

    1 GB
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color offers 1 GB of RAM which is more than 52.9% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 17.7% 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

    2 x 1 GHz
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color has a CPU base clock speed of 2 x 1 GHz, which is faster than that of 50.4% of eReaders and the same as that of 12.4% 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

    PocketBook OS
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color runs PocketBook OS, which is less advanced than that of 82.8% of eReaders and the same as that of 17.2% of eReaders.
    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

    yes
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color has 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
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color 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 4 (802.11n)
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color supports Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), which is newer than that of 10.7% of eReaders and the same as that of 46.7% 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
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi bands, which is broader than that of 6.6% of eReaders and the same as that of 50% 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
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color connects over Bluetooth. 60.2% of eReaders have Bluetooth.
    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

    5.1
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color supports Bluetooth 5.1 which is newer than 88.1% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 7.6% 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

    225 g
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color weighs 225 g which is heavier than 54.9% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 0.8% 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

    8 mm
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color is 8 mm thick which is thinner than 53.3% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 8.3% 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

    195 mm
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color is 195 mm tall which is taller than 73% of eReaders on this spec and equal to 0.8% 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
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color 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
    Pocketbook Inkpad Color does not have water resistance against splashes. 25% of eReaders have water resistance against splashes.
    Show more

    Pocketbook Inkpad Color vs the average eReader

    • Has color display
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color has a color display, while the average eReader does not.
      What it is: Shows color instead of grayscale only, usually through a color E Ink panel with more muted tones than LCD or OLED screens.
      When it matters: When you read comics, illustrated books, magazines, or documents that rely on color-coded charts and highlights.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Pocketbook Inkpad Color has a color display, while the average eReader does not.
    • Includes memory card slot
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color includes a memory card slot, while the average eReader does not.
      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

      Pocketbook Inkpad Color includes a memory card slot, while the average eReader does not.
    • 89.5% larger battery capacity
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color has a larger battery than the average eReader (2,900 mAh vs 1,530 mAh). The average eReader battery has a capacity of 1,530 mAh.
      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

      Pocketbook Inkpad Color has a larger battery than the average eReader (2,900 mAh vs 1,530 mAh). The average eReader battery has a capacity of 1,530 mAh.2,900 mAh vs 1,530 mAh
    • Has page-turn buttons
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color has page-turn buttons, while the average eReader does not.
      What it is: Adds dedicated physical controls for moving forward or backward without tapping the screen.
      When it matters: When you read one-handed, wear gloves, or want fewer fingerprints on the display.

      Importance: HIGH

      Pocketbook Inkpad Color has page-turn buttons, while the average eReader does not.
    • Higher screen resolution
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color 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

      Pocketbook Inkpad Color 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
    • 19 more front-light LEDs
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color has more front-light LEDs than the average eReader (24 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

      Pocketbook Inkpad Color has more front-light LEDs than the average eReader (24 vs 5). The average eReader has 5 front-light LEDs.24 vs 5
    • 13.2% higher pixel density
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color has a higher pixel density than the average eReader (300 ppi vs 265 ppi). The average eReader has a pixel density of 265 ppi.
      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

      Pocketbook Inkpad Color 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
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color has a larger screen than the average eReader (7.8 inches vs 7 inches). The average eReader screen size is 7 inches.
      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

      Pocketbook Inkpad Color 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
    • Has color display
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color has a color display, while the average eReader does not.
    • Higher screen resolution
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color supports higher screen resolution than the average eReader (1404x1872 px vs 1072x1448 px). The average eReader supports 1072x1448 px screen resolution.
    • 19 more front-light LEDs
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color has more front-light LEDs than the average eReader (24 vs 5). The average eReader has 5 front-light LEDs.
    • 13.2% higher pixel density
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color 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
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color 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
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color has an auto-brightness sensor, while the average eReader does not.
    • Supports auto-rotate
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color supports auto-rotate, while the average eReader does not.
    • 89.5% larger battery capacity
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color has a larger battery than the average eReader (2,900 mAh vs 1,530 mAh). The average eReader battery has a capacity of 1,530 mAh.
    • Includes memory card slot
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color includes a memory card slot, while the average eReader does not.
    • Faster CPU base clock speed
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color has a faster CPU base clock speed than the average eReader (2x1 GHz vs 1x1 GHz). The average eReader has a CPU base clock speed of 1x1 GHz.
    • 0.49 GB more RAM
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color has more RAM than the average eReader (1 GB vs 0.512 GB). The average eReader has 0.512 GB of RAM.
    • Has page-turn buttons
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color has page-turn buttons, while the average eReader does not.
    • No color temperature adjustment
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color does not support color temperature adjustment, while the average eReader does.
    • Less advanced E-Ink technology
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color uses Kaleido Plus E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.
      Kaleido Plus E Ink's color filter technology
    • Limited DRM support
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color supports fewer DRM schemes than the average eReader (Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Readium LCP).
    • No parental controls
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color does not have parental controls, while the average eReader does.
      No specific parental controls or dedicated child lock features mentioned in official specifications or user discussions. Basic device password might be possible, but functionality is unconfirmed
    • Less advanced operating system
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color uses PocketBook OS, a less advanced operating system than Kindle OS on the average eReader.
    • 22 mm taller
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color is taller than the average eReader (195 mm vs 173 mm). The average eReader height is 173 mm.
    • 5.6% heavier
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color is heavier than the average eReader (225 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.
    • 8.9 mm wider
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color is wider than the average eReader (136.5 mm vs 127.6 mm). The average eReader width is 127.6 mm.
    • Limited DRM support
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color supports fewer DRM schemes than the average eReader (Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Readium LCP).
      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

      Pocketbook Inkpad Color supports fewer DRM schemes than the average eReader (Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Readium LCP).Adobe DRM vs Adobe DRM, Readium LCP
    • No color temperature adjustment
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color does not support color temperature adjustment, while the average eReader does.
      What it is: Lets the front light shift between cooler and warmer tones instead of using one fixed white light.
      When it matters: When you read late at night and want a warmer page tone that feels gentler on your eyes.

      Importance: MEDIUM

      Pocketbook Inkpad Color does not support color temperature adjustment, while the average eReader does.
    • Less advanced operating system
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color uses PocketBook OS, a less advanced operating system than Kindle OS on the average eReader.
      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

      Pocketbook Inkpad Color uses PocketBook OS, a less advanced operating system than Kindle OS on the average eReader.PocketBook OS vs Kindle OS
    • No parental controls
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color does not have parental controls, while the average eReader does.
      No specific parental controls or dedicated child lock features mentioned in official specifications or user discussions. Basic device password might be possible, but functionality is unconfirmed
      What it is: Offers restrictions for purchases, browsing, content access, or child profiles.
      When it matters: When the reader will be used by children and you want tighter control over what they can open or buy.

      Importance: LOW

      Pocketbook Inkpad Color does not have parental controls, while the average eReader does.only full device passcode vs yes
    • 22 mm taller
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color is taller than the average eReader (195 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

      Pocketbook Inkpad Color is taller than the average eReader (195 mm vs 173 mm). The average eReader height is 173 mm.195 mm vs 173 mm
    • Less advanced E-Ink technology
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color uses Kaleido Plus E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.
      Kaleido Plus E Ink's color filter technology
      What it is: States which E Ink generation or panel family the device uses, such as Carta or Kaleido.
      When it matters: When you compare newer and older readers for contrast, refresh behavior, or color performance.

      Importance: HIGH

      Pocketbook Inkpad Color uses Kaleido Plus E-Ink technology, while the average eReader uses Carta Plus.Kaleido Plus vs Carta Plus
    • 5.6% heavier
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color is heavier than the average eReader (225 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

      Pocketbook Inkpad Color is heavier than the average eReader (225 g vs 213 g). The average eReader weighs 213 g.225 g vs 213 g
    • 6.1% lower user score
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color has a lower user score than the average eReader (7.54 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.
      Pocketbook Inkpad Color has a lower user score than the average eReader (7.54 vs 8,000).7.54 vs 8

    Graphic comparison of Pocketbook Inkpad Color and other eReaders

    Attribute category
    Attribute
    No results found

    Third-party reviews

    United States
    United Kingdom

    (Reviews last updated: Apr 2026)

    What customers like about Pocketbook Inkpad Color?

    • Sunlight-readable E Ink Kaleido screen ideal for comics and graphic novels
    • Highly lightweight and ergonomic design with physical page-turn buttons
    • Supports a vast range of file formats (25+) without conversion
    • Excellent battery life often lasting several weeks on a single charge
    • Includes helpful built-in features like Text-to-Speech and Bluetooth for audiobooks
    • Waterproof (IPX8 rating) on newer models like the Color 2 and Color 3

    What customers dislike about Pocketbook Inkpad Color?

    • Noticeably slow page turns and UI response compared to tablets or some competitors
    • Color saturation can appear muted or 'washed out' compared to LCD screens
    • Lower pixel density (PPI) in color mode leads to grainier images than black-and-white text
    • Built-in bookstore has limited English-language content for US users
    • Frequent ghosting and full-page refreshes can be distracting during navigation
    • Lack of adjustable front light color temperature on the original model

    Expert reviews

    T
    techradar.com
    06/09/2022

    The PocketBook InkPad Color is a 7.8-inch e-reader utilizing E Ink Kaleido Plus technology, offering 300ppi for text and 100ppi for 4,096 muted colors on a glare-free screen. Key pros include extensive file format support, 16GB storage with microSD expansion, and excellent outdoor visibility, while cons include a slow, clunky user interface and lack of a warm light option. Due to...Read more

    U
    uk.pcmag.com
    13/04/2021

    The PocketBook InkPad Color is a 7.8-inch E Ink Kaleido Plus e-reader designed for viewing color comics, technical PDFs, and illustrations without the eye strain of a standard tablet, featuring a 7.9-ounce plastic frame. While offering versatile format support and a sunlight-readable display, the device suffers from slow page-turn speeds on color pages, noticeable touch lag, and a...Read more

    P
    pcmag.com
    13/04/2021

    The 7.8-inch PocketBook InkPad Color features an E Ink Kaleido Plus screen that offers high readability in sunlight, a lightweight design, and support for numerous non-DRM file formats. However, the device is hindered by slow page-turn speeds, a reduced 100ppi resolution when displaying color, and the absence of a blue-light filter. Due to the lack of native support for major US...Read more

    A
    au.pcmag.com
    14/04/2021
    R
    reviewed.com
    14/06/2022

    The PocketBook InkPad Color, a 7.8-inch e-reader, aims to deliver a unique, lightweight experience with a 4,096-color screen capable of displaying book covers and color content, alongside convenient physical navigation buttons. However, the review highlights significant drawbacks, noting the color display is washed out, grainy, and possesses low pixel density, making text and images...Read more

    N
    newatlas.com
    26/03/2021

    The New Atlas review highlights the 7.8-inch PocketBook InkPad Color as a pioneering large-format e-reader, boasting a lightweight 225g design, excellent battery life, and superior outdoor readability with vibrant colors, especially when using the 24-LED light system to make images pop. However, the device presents a significant con in that color performance is underwhelming indoors...Read more

    N
    netzwelt.de
    08/05/2022

    The Netzwelt review of the 7.8-inch PocketBook InkPad Color highlights its position as an early adopter of E Ink Kaleido Plus technology, offering a 300 PPI black-and-white display alongside a 100 PPI color layer capable of 4,096 colors. Key advantages include exceptional format flexibility (including CBZ/CBR), microSD storage expansion, physical page-turn buttons, and robust...Read more

    C
    computerbild.de
    07/03/2021

    The Computer Bild review highlights the 7.8-inch PocketBook InkPad Color as a pioneering device that successfully brings color to E Ink, featuring 300 PPI resolution for black-and-white text and a versatile 29-format support, including CBZ/CBR for comics. While the device excels with its light 225-gram weight, physical page-turn buttons, and high readability in direct sunlight, the...Read more

    C
    chip.de
    01/03/2021

    The Chip.de review highlights the 7.8-inch PocketBook InkPad Color as a pioneering large-format e-reader featuring a Kaleido Plus display suitable for comics and illustrated content, providing a paper-like, comfortable reading experience. Key pros include the open software ecosystem, versatile format support, physical page-turn buttons, and built-in Bluetooth for audio. However, the...Read more

    J
    julianmarquina.es
    20/05/2021

    The PocketBook InkPad Color is highlighted as a pioneering 7.8-inch e-reader featuring Kaleido Plus technology, offering 4,096 colors that make it ideal for reading comics, magazines, and educational materials. Its pros include a lightweight, ergonomic design with physical page-turn buttons, alongside an open ecosystem supporting multiple formats (CBR/CBZ) and expandable storage....Read more

    M
    microsiervos.com
    10/09/2021

    The Microsiervos review of the 7.8-inch PocketBook InkPad Color highlights its 300 PPI B&W sharpness and 100 PPI Kaleido Plus color display, which offers versatile format support (ePub, PDF, CBR, CBZ). While praised for being lightweight with physical buttons and supporting audio via Bluetooth, the device exhibits a "grainy" color effect and sluggish performance with heavy,...Read more

    C
    ceotech.it
    26/08/2021

    The Ceotech review highlights the PocketBook InkPad Color as a standout 7.8-inch e-reader featuring an E Ink Kaleido Plus display capable of showing 4,096 colors at 100 PPI, while maintaining a sharp 300 PPI for black-and-white text. It offers extensive format support, including CBR and CBZ, alongside a lightweight design, physical page-turn buttons, and expandable storage. However,...Read more

    Q
    qualescegliere.it
    22/11/2024

    The PocketBook InkPad Color is a 7.8-inch e-reader utilizing E Ink Kaleido Plus technology to display 4,096 colors, designed for color content like comics, manga, and magazines. It features a 300 PPI display for crisp text, physical page-turn buttons, and a lightweight 225g design. Notable advantages include excellent sunlight readability, support for over 25 file formats, and an...Read more

    R
    riccardo.im
    01 Ottobre 2020

    The PocketBook Color is a 6-inch e-reader utilizing Kaleido technology to display 4,096 colors, designed for viewing book covers, illustrations, and charts without the eye strain of a tablet. Pros include high readability in direct sunlight, physical page-turn buttons, and support for a wide range of formats like EPUB and CBR, making it versatile for comics and children's books....Read more

    C
    consumentenbond.nl
    18/03/2026

    The PocketBook InkPad Color features a 7.8-inch E Ink Kaleido Plus screen displaying 4,096 colors, optimized for comics, magazines, and children’s books with an IPX8 waterproof rating. While offering crisp 300 PPI for black-and-white text, the device suffers from slow performance, significant touch lag, and a lower 100 PPI resolution for color content. The unit lacks adjustable warm...Read more

    I
    icreatemagazine.nl
    31/05/2024

    According to iCreate Magazine, the 7.8-inch PocketBook InkPad Color 3 utilizes Kaleido 3 technology, positioning it as a premium, glare-free e-reader tailored for comics and manga, offering vastly improved color resolution over previous generations. Key advantages include IPX8 waterproofing, physical page-turn buttons, extensive format support (CBR/CBZ), and adjustable SMARTlight...Read more

    Video reviews

    Compare Pocketbook Inkpad Color with other eReaders

    VS
    VS

    Compare