The "1-Minute" Review
Verdict
A compact, color e-reader with Android features but lacks multimedia capabilities due to sluggishness.What's good
- Color E-Ink display
- Android app support
- Portable size
- Solid build quality
- Good note-taking features
What's bad
- High price
- Colors can appear dull
- No water resistance
- Limited expansion options
- Not ideal for video use
Design
The design features a premium metal chassis that reviewers praised for its solid build and portability. You'll appreciate its comfortable weight during long reading sessions. Yet, some might find it slightly heavier due to its large battery and metal construction, as noted by TechRadar.
You'll find simple controls with a single power button on top and a USB-C port, microphone, and speakers at the bottom. Experts noted that the magnets securely hold the stylus and cover, offering convenience on the go.
Screen
The display on this device offers a sharp reading experience thanks to its front light, which lets you tweak brightness and warmth for different conditions. This makes night-time reading and long sessions much easier on the eyes.
Reviewers shared that the screen provides good visibility in most lighting, yet noted, "The limitations of the technology still make some colors appear washed out," according to TechRadar. This won't matter for books, but it could be significant for color comics or highlights.
Despite these limitations, the black-and-white reading experience remains a standout feature, delivering text that is both sharp and easy to read across various conditions.
Storage
With 64GB storage, you'll comfortably store thousands of ebooks and digital content. The absence of expandable options, though, means you'll need to manage your library effectively and possibly favor lightweight files like ebooks over bulkier audiobooks or PDFs.
Reviewers from PCMag noted that while 64GB should suffice for standard ebooks, it may feel restrictive if you lean towards color comics or detailed graphics.
This storage limitation mirrors a common challenge in the eReader market, where space management becomes crucial without support for microSD cards or similar solutions.
Battery Life
You can enjoy long-lasting battery life on charge from the 5,000mAh battery, which "can last several days or even weeks with typical use," as experts observed.
You'll find the device's standby drain almost non-existent, meaning minimal energy loss when not in use.
Expect the battery to drain faster with intensive applications like video watching, but for e-reading, it will hardly be a concern.
USB-C charging makes it easy to top up, using common chargers with a full charge achievable in a few hours.
Software & File Format Support
The device operates on Android 11, providing access to the Google Play Store, which allows you to download apps such as Kindle or Kobo, effectively opening up multiple bookstores. TechRadar highlights its ability to download a variety of apps for enhanced functionality.
Users can also upload their files through BooxDrop or link cloud accounts like Google Drive, making it easy to transfer ebooks or documents. Despite its advanced features, PCMag remarks that the eReader's performance can be sluggish, particularly when handling non-text formats.
This potential for broader content access is beneficial for those not locked into a single ecosystem, ensuring you always find what you want to read or listen to.
Extras
The Onyx Boox Tab Mini C comes well-equipped with a magnetic protective case and Pen Plus stylus. These additions transform the device into a versatile digital notebook.
The stylus offers clear, pressure-sensitive writing that's ideal for note-taking and sketching, even if some felt a "glass-like" writing experience, according to Gadgeteer.
Reviewers highlighted that while the magnet holds the pen securely, it's still wise to consider a sleepcover sold separately to keep accessories safe, as sourcing alternative cases or accessories could be challenging.
The Bottom Line
This device offers a 7.8-inch color E Ink display that's perfect for reading e-books, taking notes, and highlighting texts in various colors. It's compact and portable, making it suitable for those who travel frequently. 'Its performance as a digital notepad is impressive, with excellent precision when using the stylus,' notes PCMag. But, keep in mind, video playback and app performance may disappoint due to the limited refresh rate and color resolution. Best suited for readers and note-takers rather than multimedia enthusiasts.
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Kenneth Woodham, The GadgeteerI really like the Boox Tab Mini C. It’s so close to perfect for me. It suits my workflow very well. I think Boox did a bang-up job on the hardware too. The look and feel of the device itself is nice. There’s plenty of storage capacity for my needs and the CPU is peppy enough to do what I want it to...
- Sharmishta Sarkar, TechRadarThere have been plenty of note-taking ereaders released recently, but most of them are 10-inch tablets. And that’s what makes the Onyx Boox Tab Mini C stand apart from the crowd – it’s a 7.8-inch color ereader with full writing, drawing and sketching capabilities. The screen is sharp with good contr...
- Will Greenwald, PC MagazineThe 7.8-inch Onyx Boox Tab Mini C's color screen and Android operating system are seldom seen on ebook readers, helping it stand out from the pack.
- Stephen Radochia, Android PoliceThe Onyx Boox Tab Mini C features a 7.8-inch color E ink display. Its Wacom layer allows for more accurate pen input than other E ink tablets, and its 5,000mAh battery can last a week or more on a single charge. Bluetooth connectivity makes it ideal for podcasts or audiobooks, even if it's limited b...
- Ewdison Then, Yanko DesignThe Onyx BOOX Tab Mini C is a coming-of-age for E INK tablets, combining the best features in a more ergonomic and convenient size.
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