The Onyx Boox Note Air5 C is a solid evolution of its predecessor, featuring a sleek metal design at 440g, which ewritable found heavy for an e-ink tablet. TechRadar called it a 'casual evolution' that improves on previous specs but doesn't offer enough upgrades to warrant switching if you already own the Note Air 4C. The tablet supports an optional keyboard case, though it's not bundled with the device. It comes with a stylus and magnetic case, making it ready for reading and note-taking right out of the box. This tablet is best suited for users who value portability and e-ink reading, but those seeking a full keyboard experience may find the lack of included accessories limiting.
Full review
Color display with 4,096 colors
The Boox Note Air5 C features a 10.3-inch Kaleido 3 color e-paper display capable of showing 4,096 colors, according to the goodereader review. This represents a significant upgrade over traditional black-and-white e-ink screens, offering a more vibrant reading experience while maintaining the eye-friendly properties of e-paper technology. The display resolution is 1240 x 930 pixels for color content at 150 PPI, with a black-and-white resolution of 2480 x 1860 at 300 PPI. The screen is protected by a layer of glass with a flat cover lens, which contributes to the device's durability but also adds to its weight. The color capabilities allow for more nuanced reading experiences, particularly when viewing documents with charts, diagrams, or color-coded notes, though some reviewers noted the muted tones can be less appealing to those accustomed to full-color displays.
The color e-paper technology in the Note Air5 C is designed to be readable in various lighting conditions, with a front-lit screen that supports both warm and cool lighting settings. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who read or take notes in low-light environments. However, the display's color gamut is not as rich as that of traditional LCD or OLED screens, which may be a limitation for users who require vibrant color reproduction for their work. The screen's performance in bright sunlight was not specifically tested, but the display's ability to maintain readability in different lighting conditions is a key selling point for this device.
Android 15 with Google Play access
The Note Air5 C runs on Android 15, which is a significant advantage over other e-ink devices that are locked into proprietary ecosystems. This allows users to access the full Google Play Store, enabling them to install any third-party application they desire. The software environment is optimized by Boox OS, a customized launcher that enhances the e-paper experience while maintaining the flexibility of Android. According to the makeuseof review, this makes the device versatile for both reading and note-taking, with the ability to use apps like OneNote, Google Keep Notes, and various other productivity tools. The Android 15 operating system also provides access to the latest security updates and performance improvements, which are crucial for maintaining a secure and efficient device over time.
The inclusion of Google Play Services on the Note Air5 C is particularly notable, as it allows users to sync their notes and data across multiple devices seamlessly. The device also supports the installation of productivity applications that are typically found on smartphones and tablets, such as calendar apps, music players, and file browsers. This flexibility means that users can customize their device to suit their specific needs, whether they are students, professionals, or avid readers who want to take advantage of the latest software innovations. The ability to install and run these applications without restrictions makes the Note Air5 C a compelling option for those who want the functionality of a tablet but the reading comfort of an e-ink device.
Hardware specifications and build quality
The Note Air5 C is built with a metallic shell and glass screen, giving it a robust and premium feel. It weighs 440 grams, which is considered quite heavy for an e-ink tablet, according to the ewritable.net review. The device measures 225 x 192 x 5.8 mm and features a 3,700 mAh battery. The hardware is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G octa-core processor with 6GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card up to 2TB. The device includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, dual speakers, a G-sensor for auto rotation, and a single microphone. The USB-C port is located on the left-hand edge, and the device includes physical buttons on the right edge for page-turning and volume control, as well as POGO pins on the rear panel for connecting the optional keyboard folio.
The build quality of the Note Air5 C is described as solid and durable, with no visible imperfections. The metallic shell and glass screen give the device a premium feel, though the weight can be a consideration for extended use. The device's design is similar to its predecessors, with a slight reduction in width and height, but the overall form factor remains largely unchanged. The pen attachment is magnetic, which allows for easy access and secure storage. The device's design also includes a series of pogo pins on the back, which are intended for the new Boox keyboard folio. The keyboard folio is an optional accessory that costs an additional $100, but it significantly enhances the device's functionality for users who want to type notes and documents more efficiently.
Note-taking and writing experience
The Note Air5 C comes with the BOOX Pen3 stylus, which has 4,096 levels of pressure, tilt sensitivity, and ultra-low latency. The pen is not available separately, and there is no product listing for it, according to the goodereader review. The note-taking experience is optimized through the Boox Notes app, which is the primary application for handwriting and note-taking. Users can take advantage of a variety of tools including shapes, lines, and different pen types with adjustable line widths and colors. The app also supports templates for daily schedules and workout trackers, which can be customized to suit individual preferences.
The writing experience on the Note Air5 C is generally positive, with the pen responding quickly to user input. However, some users have reported occasional issues with the stylus not being recognized, particularly in the bottom right corner of the screen. The device's note-taking capabilities are further enhanced by its ability to sync notes to external services such as OneNote and Google Drive. The Note Air5 C also supports split-screen mode, which allows users to read content on one side while taking notes on the other. This feature is particularly useful for reading books or articles while making annotations, and it can significantly improve productivity for users who frequently take notes during their reading sessions.
Battery life and performance
The Note Air5 C is powered by a 3,700 mAh battery, which provides substantial runtime for an e-ink device with a color display and Android software. While the battery life is not as long as that of a traditional Kindle, it is sufficient for most users' needs. The device's performance is generally smooth, thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G octa-core processor and 6GB of RAM. The Android 15 operating system ensures that the device remains up-to-date with the latest performance improvements and security features. The device's ability to run multiple applications simultaneously without significant lag is a testament to its hardware capabilities. However, the device's performance may be impacted by the complexity of the applications installed, particularly those that require significant processing power.
The battery life of the Note Air5 C is described as solid, though not exceptional, for a device with a color display and Android software. Users who primarily use the device for reading and light note-taking will find that the battery lasts for several days, but those who use it for more intensive tasks may need to recharge more frequently. The device's performance is optimized for e-paper applications, and the Android 15 operating system provides a stable and responsive environment. The device's ability to handle multiple applications simultaneously is a significant advantage, especially for users who need to access various productivity tools while taking notes or reading. The device's performance is also enhanced by the Boox OS, which is designed to optimize the e-paper experience while maintaining the flexibility of Android.
Software ecosystem and customization options
The software ecosystem of the Note Air5 C is built around Boox OS, a customized launcher that optimizes the e-paper experience while maintaining the flexibility of Android. The interface is designed to be user-friendly, with a navigation bar at the bottom and UI elements that change depending on what application is open. The home screen provides shortcuts to the library, note-taking app, file browser, and settings. Users can also add widgets to the home screen, which can include calendar, weather, and clock information. The Control Centre is a main drop-down menu that allows users to set up Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth connections, access E INK Control Centre, rotate the screen, screencast, mute notifications, turn the touchscreen on or off, split-screen view, screen recording, Boox Drop, Screenshot, Do Not Disturb mode, and screen refresh. This level of customization allows users to tailor their device to their specific needs and preferences.
The Note Air5 C's software environment supports a wide range of third-party applications, which can be installed directly from the Google Play Store. This includes productivity tools, reading applications, and entertainment software. The device also supports the installation of various file formats, including PDFs, EPUBs, and other e-book formats. The ability to run these applications without restrictions makes the Note Air5 C a versatile device that can serve multiple functions. The device's software also includes a beta version of an AI Assistant, which is one function that has not been fully explored by reviewers. The Boox OS is regularly updated to refine reading, writing, and overall performance, with firmware updates pushed every few months.
Comparison to Kindle and reMarkable
The Note Air5 C sits between a Kindle and a reMarkable in terms of functionality and use cases. Unlike the Kindle, which is primarily focused on reading, and the reMarkable, which is designed for note-taking and handwriting, the Note Air5 C combines the best features of both devices. It offers a distraction-free reading experience with the benefits of e-paper technology, while also providing the flexibility of Android to use third-party applications. This makes it a compelling option for users who want a device that can serve multiple purposes without being limited to a single ecosystem. The device's ability to run Android 15 also means that users can access the latest software innovations and productivity tools, which is not possible with either the Kindle or reMarkable.
Compared to the reMarkable, the Note Air5 C offers a color display, which is a significant advantage for users who need to view charts, diagrams, or color-coded notes. The reMarkable is locked into its proprietary ecosystem, while the Note Air5 C allows users to install any third-party application they desire. The Note Air5 C also provides a more robust hardware platform, with a larger screen, more storage, and a more powerful processor. However, the reMarkable's focus on handwriting and note-taking is still unmatched, and it remains the preferred choice for users who primarily use their device for writing and drawing. The Note Air5 C is better suited for users who want a device that can handle both reading and note-taking, with the added flexibility of Android.
Strengths
- +Kaleido 3 color e-paper display showing 4,096 colors
- +Runs Android 15 with full Google Play Store access
- +Includes the BOOX Pen3 stylus with 4,096 pressure levels and tilt sensitivity
Watch-outs
- −No keyboard case included in the box
- −At 440g it is heavy for an e-ink tablet, per ewritable
- −Price may be steep for some buyers
How it compares
The Boox Note Air5 C offers a sleek aluminum design and lightweight build that the Kindle Scribe doesn't match, but it lacks an included keyboard case unlike the Kobo Elipsa 2E. Compared to the Supernote Manta, it provides Android flexibility and app support but is less portable and lacks the flexible screen technology.
Rating sources
“a solid color epaper tablet that, sadly, doesn't feel 'new'”
“90% 👍 Recommended 94% Tablet Rating 89% Firmware Rating 87% Brand Rating”
Our 4.0 score is the average of the 4 scored reviews above; 3 more reviewed it without printing a score and are not in the average. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
