The "1-Minute" Review
Verdict
A compact, versatile reading device with an advanced display and practical features.What's good
- Water resistant
- Compact size
- High screen contrast
- Comfortable lighting
- Library book rentals
What's bad
- Small screen size
- Limited RAM
- No color display
- Subscription costs
- No screen rotation
Design
The design focuses on practicality and portability without sacrificing key features. You can appreciate its water resistance, making it safe to use at the beach or in the bath, though not with hot water or bath products.
Its 6-inch size is ideal for portability, perfect for slipping into smaller bags or pockets.
Reviewers say the Clara BW has a debossed rear texture that "adds extra grip," differentiating it from softer-finished competitors.
Its slightly raised screen border, rather than a flat surface, helps protect from scratches but may detract from a modern design feel.
Screen
The Kobo Clara BW features a 6-inch Carta 1300 E Ink display that produces sharp and readable text at any font size. The high resolution of 1448 x 1072 ensures that even at close quarters, text remains clear.
Its advanced front light includes variable color temperature, allowing you to customize from a cool blue to a warm orange tone, effectively reducing eye strain for nighttime reading.
Experts praise its "better contrast and response time" on the Carta 1300 screen compared to past models, making it one of the best in its size category.
Storage
You have 12GB of usable storage, enabling you to carry around 6,000 books in your pocket or a dozen audiobooks, depending on their sizes.
TechRadar emphasized the limitation with "it’s a shame that Kobo hasn’t improved the storage from 16GB."
For those who prefer audiobooks, combining ebooks with a couple of audiobooks means you’ll manage space more carefully without expandable options.
Consider your media ratio wisely before purchasing this model.
Battery Life
The e-reader's battery life offers a noteworthy duration, promising several weeks of use if Wi-Fi is off and the brightness is low, as noted by "TechRadar".
This means you can enjoy long reading sessions without the constant concern of recharging.
Moreover, the quick recharge time is an added perk, letting you get back to reading quicker.
Users noted the lack of trickle charging, meaning the recharge process remains straightforward and fast, typically completed in under an hour.
Software & File Format Support
You'll find the software experience on this e-reader robust and versatile. It supports major file formats like EPUB, PDF, Mobi, and TXT, letting you easily sideload your own collection by dragging and dropping files when connected to a PC or Mac.
The ability to borrow books directly from a public library via OverDrive is a significant advantage over competitors, as noted by "reviewers." This feature allows you to enjoy a vast library of digital content without locking you into a single platform.
While the e-reader supports Kobo's audiobooks via Bluetooth headphones, you cannot side-load audiobooks from other sources, which experts have pointed out is a limitation when compared to the device's otherwise open ecosystem.
Extras
The Kobo Clara BW offers the opportunity to accessorize with a range of protective folio sleep covers. These covers come in multiple colors like Black, Candy Pink, Cayenne Red, and Misty Green. This variety allows you to choose one that matches your personal style.
According to TechRadar, choosing a cover can provide extra grip and protection, making it ideal for travel. The folio design keeps the device safe from scratches and accidental drops, enhancing the durability of your e-reader.
The Bottom Line
This reader offers a crisp reading experience with its advanced E Ink Carta 1300 screen, providing better contrast and response time. "It’s the first big-brand ereader to feature the latest E Ink grayscale screen tech," notes TechRadar. This device is perfect for those desiring portability and easy access to e-books, fitting comfortably in a pocket for on-the-go reading. However, its extra costs for content can be a downside. It's ideal if you value screen quality over color and size.
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Mark Jansen, Digital TrendsThe Clara BW is a victim of the Colour’s success. There would absolutely be room for more than one Clara model in Kobo’s offerings, but when it’s being sold for $140, just $20 less than the Kobo Clara Colour? It’s hard to see who would forgo spending $20 in order to avoid having a stronger processor...
- Andrew Williams, TrustedReviewsThe Kobo Clara BW is all the e-reader you need with all the features you want, bar colour E Ink. However, in this relatively early stage of colour E Ink going mainstream, there’s still a good argument for sticking with just the most mature of e-reader features. That is just what the Kobo Clara BW pr...
- Daniel Allen, Android PoliceThe Kobo Clara BW is essentially the same device as the Clara 2E except for a newer CPU and the latest E Ink Carta 1300 display with enhanced contrast and response time. Still, why fix what isn't broken? The Clara is a reliable 6-inch e-reader.
- Charlotte Maracina, Pocket-lintIf you live far from a bookstore, travel, or like to read on the go, the KoboClara is worth it. The device itself is easily portable and straightforward to use. Although the extra costs can be a pain, the price is worth the value.
- Sharmishta Sarkar, TechRadarFor the last few years we’ve had grayscale ereaders using the E Ink Carta 1200 screen, but the Kobo Clara BW is the first mainstream option to get the next generation of display tech – the E Ink Carta 1300. Better contrast and response times makes this a much improved reading device over any other 6...
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