The Best Color E-Ink Tablet? Boox Note Air 4C REVIEW

Summary

The Boox Note Air 4C is an impressive e-ink tablet that builds on its predecessor with notable improvements, including a brighter and more uniform front light, better color accuracy, and lighter weight. It runs Android 13, supports Google Play Store, and offers enhanced PDF annotation and note-taking features. While it still has some limitations, like ghosting and pen quality, the 4C excels in versatility, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a high-performance, color e-ink device. However, the upgrades may not warrant an immediate switch for current Note Air 3C users unless they are unhappy with specific features.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Boox Note Air 4C brings incremental improvements over the 3C, including a brighter, more uniform front light and better color accuracy.
• 😀 The device features a 10.3-inch color e-ink screen with Kaleido 3 technology, offering vibrant, though muted, colors suitable for reading and basic media.
• 😀 Performance is enhanced with 6GB of RAM and a Snapdragon 690 processor, resulting in a 20% improvement in speed over the previous model, though the difference is not dramatically noticeable in everyday use.
• 😀 The new tablet-like launcher in the Note Air 4C offers a more intuitive user interface, similar to other Android devices, making it easier to navigate.
• 😀 The Note Air 4C runs on Android 13, bringing a more modern system with recent security patches and greater flexibility for various apps.
• 😀 Battery life has improved to 25 hours at moderate brightness, with a faster drain when the front light is on full brightness.
• 😀 The device is lightweight, with an aluminum build, making it comfortable to hold for extended reading or writing sessions.
• 😀 The device has a Wacom pen with low latency for note-taking, with improvements in pressure and tilt sensitivity, making it ideal for sketching and annotation.
• 😀 Ghosting is still an issue with high-dynamic content, such as images or fast-moving graphics, though BSR technology helps improve refresh rates.
• 😀 Despite improvements, the Note Air 4C isn’t a dramatic upgrade from the 3C. Users who are happy with the 3C's performance might not find a compelling reason to upgrade.
• 😀 The Boox Note Air 4C is considered one of the most versatile color e-ink tablets currently available, excelling in both reading and note-taking functions.

Q & A

What are the main design differences between the Boox Note Air 4C and its predecessor?

The Boox Note Air 4C features subtle design changes compared to the previous model. These include a slight alteration in color, a different texture on the back cover, and a lower placement of the logo. The overall build remains similar, offering a sturdy aluminum frame with a comfortable, rounded grip area for extended use.

Is the Boox Note Air 4C significantly lighter than the Note Air 3C?

Yes, the Boox Note Air 4C is approximately 20g lighter than the Note Air 3C, which is noticeable when holding the device for extended periods. While the weight difference may seem small, it has a tangible impact on long-term comfort.

What is the main advantage of the Note Air 4C’s front light compared to the previous model?

The Boox Note Air 4C features a brighter and more uniform front light compared to the Note Air 3C, which enhances the overall reading experience. The increased brightness also improves visibility in various lighting conditions, making the display clearer and more readable.

How does the Boox Note Air 4C perform in terms of battery life?

The battery life of the Boox Note Air 4C is significantly better than the Note Air 3C, especially with optimized front light settings. At 30 nits of brightness, the 4C lasts around 25 hours of reading, which is a respectable runtime. However, battery life can be shorter with intensive tasks, such as video playback or using high refresh rates.

What improvements have been made in the display technology of the Note Air 4C?

The Boox Note Air 4C retains the same 10.3-inch color E Ink screen with Kaleido 3 technology but offers several enhancements. The display is now brighter, more uniform, and features slightly more vivid colors. However, the colors are still muted compared to traditional LCD screens, and the screen can appear darker in low light.

Does the Boox Note Air 4C support Android apps, and if so, how is app performance?

Yes, the Boox Note Air 4C supports Android apps via the integrated Google Play Store or sideloading. It runs Android 13 with a Snapdragon 690 processor and 6GB of RAM, providing a 20% performance increase over the previous model. Despite improvements, the E Ink screen can limit app performance, especially with dynamic content, but the device supports most apps well thanks to the Boox Super Refresh (BSR) technology.

What is Boox Super Refresh (BSR) technology, and how does it help with app performance?

Boox Super Refresh (BSR) technology helps improve the refresh rate of the E Ink display, allowing it to handle dynamic content more effectively. It reduces ghosting and provides a smoother experience when running apps. However, BSR can slightly reduce image quality, and users can manually adjust the refresh modes to suit different apps.

What are the key improvements in the user interface (UI) of the Note Air 4C?

The Boox Note Air 4C features a switch to a tablet-like UI, which is more familiar to Android users. This change makes the device more intuitive and flexible compared to the older e-ink-focused launcher of the Note Air 3C. The new UI improves the overall experience, making navigation easier and more similar to other Android devices.

Does the Boox Note Air 4C offer any notable features for note-taking and PDF annotation?

Yes, the Boox Note Air 4C excels in note-taking and PDF annotation. It supports various pen types, layers, shapes, templates, and handwriting conversion. A new feature allows users to add outlines to create a table of contents for a notebook, improving organization. It also supports pressure and tilt sensitivity for sketching, making it a powerful tool for digital artists and note-takers alike.

How does the Boox Note Air 4C compare to other color E Ink devices in terms of display quality?

The Boox Note Air 4C has one of the best color E Ink displays in its segment, offering superior brightness, color saturation, and contrast compared to other Kaleido 3 devices like the Remarkable Paper Pro and Onyx Note Air 3C. However, it still doesn't match the vibrancy of LCDs, and the colors are more pastel-like. The screen also has a slight graininess when viewed up close, but it's hard to notice at a typical reading distance.