BOOX Tab Ultra C Pro Review Best ePaper Tablet for Digital Reading and Notes

Description

A Unique ePaper Tablet Experience

Testing the BOOX Tablet Tab Ultra C Pro ePaper Tablet PC 10.3 Digital Paper 6G 128G with Rear Camera was an adventure for someone like me who loves gadgets that blend traditional functionality with modern tech. From the moment I unboxed it, the device gave off an impression of sophistication with its 10.3-inch Kaleido 3 display and neatly integrated color e-ink technology. It’s not your average tablet, and that’s something I definitely appreciated.

While reading on this screen, I noticed how much more natural it felt compared to the LCDs I’m used to. The 4,096 colors and 300 PPI resolution in black and white create a crisp, almost paper-like look. For someone like me, who spends hours reading and highlighting documents, the BOOX stylus touch feature with 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity made annotating feel smooth and precise.

Performance and Everyday Usability

One thing that surprised me was the performance of this 2.8GHz Octa-core processor paired with 6GB of RAM. It handled multitasking reasonably well, from flipping through PDFs and EPUBs to using third-party productivity apps. While I wouldn’t say it’s lightning-fast by any means, the deliberate design of the e-ink screen isn’t aiming for speed. Instead, it prioritizes comfort and battery efficiency, which I found impressive.

The device’s Android 12 OS allows for app flexibility, and I was able to install my favorite note-taking and calendar apps. However, the slightly slower refresh rate of the e-ink display can make certain apps like web browsers or streaming services feel less fluid. That said, the battery life—lasting for weeks on a single charge—more than compensated for this trade-off.

Key Benefits

• Eye-friendly display that reduces strain during long reading or writing sessions.
• Impressive stylus compatibility with high-pressure sensitivity for precise note-taking.
• Versatile format support, from PDFs to audio files, making it ideal for professionals or students.
• Long-lasting battery life, which is a huge plus for anyone constantly on the move.

Design and Build Quality

The design of this tablet leans heavily into functionality. It’s incredibly slim at just 6.6 mm, and the 450g weight struck a great balance between portability and sturdiness. I did notice a slight flexibility in the frame when holding it from the edges, but apparently, this is an intentional feature to enhance thermal expansion during prolonged use and improve grip. It certainly didn’t feel fragile, and the materials meet quality standards for durability.

The addition of a 16MP rear camera with LED flash is rare for devices in this category, though I admit, I wasn’t snapping photos of landscapes with it. I found it more useful for scanning documents, which it handled brilliantly.

Areas for Improvement

• Refresh rate limitations can make animations and app transitions feel sluggish.
• The color e-ink display, while innovative, doesn’t quite pop the way traditional LCDs do.
• Audio quality from the built-in dual speakers is only passable and not ideal for music or video playback.

Connectivity and Features

One of the features that stood out was its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 compatibility, ensuring smooth connectivity for syncing with other devices. The USB-C port, which supports OTG, is another great touch, allowing me to connect peripherals like an external keyboard. The microSD card slot also came in handy for expanding storage beyond the built-in 128GB ROM.

I also liked the inclusion of a G-sensor for auto-rotation, which made switching between portrait and landscape modes seamless. The front light with CTM (warm and cold) allowed me to tailor the screen brightness perfectly, depending on whether I was reading during the day or late at night.

Competing Products

Compared to similar devices like the Remarkable 2 or the Kindle Scribe, this tablet holds its ground with features like a color e-ink display and an Android ecosystem. While the Remarkable 2 excels in simplicity and ultra-smooth writing, it lacks the app flexibility that this device offers. Conversely, the Kindle Scribe feels more polished for reading but doesn’t come close to the stylus precision or file compatibility found here.

If you’re someone who values a paper-like reading experience with the ability to annotate, this tablet edges out competitors. However, for those looking for fast refresh rates or vibrant displays, alternatives like the iPad Air might be a better fit.

Value for Money

For what this device offers, the overall price-to-quality ratio is solid. With its long-lasting battery, exceptional e-ink display, and robust format support, it’s hard to argue against its value for those who need a device that prioritizes reading and writing comfort. Yes, it might not replace a traditional tablet for media consumption or heavy multitasking, but for its intended purpose, it’s worth considering.

In my experience, the BOOX Tablet Tab Ultra C Pro is a fantastic tool for productivity enthusiasts, avid readers, and professionals juggling large amounts of documentation. Despite a few quirks, it’s a unique device that stands out in a crowded market.