The Boox Tab Ultra C Pro is the maximalist pick — color display, Android app store, keyboard dock, cameras — but reviewers consistently question whether the price premium is earned. PCMag (3.5/5) and TechRadar (3/5) both feel that the Note Air 4 C delivers 90% of the value for 60% of the price. Best for power users who genuinely need the extra horsepower and the laptop-hybrid form factor; most people should step down to the Note Air 4 C.
Full review
Design and Build Quality
The Boox Tab Ultra C Pro features a metal chassis that delivers a robust and premium feel, according to PCMag's Sarah Lord, who noted the device's substantial weight at 450g. The build quality is described as strong and durable, though the weight becomes quite noticeable when using the included folio, making it a rather heavy beast to carry around. TechRadar's reviewer was less impressed with the design, suggesting that the device's color screen is its only redeeming feature, indicating that the physical construction may not be as compelling as the display technology. The device's dimensions and weight make it less portable than some competitors, particularly when compared to lighter tablets like the Remarkable Paper Pro, which some users found more comfortable for extended note-taking sessions.
Screen Performance and Display
The Tab Ultra C Pro utilizes a 10.3-inch HD E Ink Carta 1200 screen with a resolution of 1872 x 1404 pixels, offering 300 PPI for black and white content and 100 PPI for color content, as detailed in the YouTube review transcript. This screen supports the Koo Tree color panel technology, which provides excellent clarity and performance, though it comes with increased battery consumption. RTINGS tested the device and found that it achieved 8.3ms input lag at 120Hz, which is considered excellent for a color e-ink display. The screen's refresh rate is enhanced through BSR (Books Speed Refresh) technology, which improves responsiveness and reduces ghosting, particularly in color content. However, users have reported that the color display can appear muted compared to traditional LCD screens, with some noting that the color reproduction is not as vibrant as expected, which may impact the reading experience for detailed illustrations.
Performance and Hardware
The device is powered by a Snapdragon 855 processor, a significant upgrade from previous models, with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, of which 108GB is available to users. The storage can be expanded via microSD card up to 2TB, as noted in the YouTube review. The battery capacity has been reduced to 4,600mAh compared to the Tab Ultra C, which may impact all-day usage, especially with the enhanced color display technology. The device also includes a camera and various connectivity options, though specific performance metrics were not provided in the source material. The YouTube reviewer emphasized that this is essentially a 'Tab Ultra C on steroids' with the upgraded SoC, but noted that the overall performance remains consistent with the brand's expectations. The device's performance is generally described as powerful and smooth, though some users have reported issues with responsiveness and ghosting, particularly when using the device for extended periods.
Software and User Experience
The Tab Ultra C Pro runs on Android 12, providing access to Google Play Store and various Android applications, which is a significant advantage over competitors like the Remarkable Paper Pro that operate on a closed system. Users have noted that the software can be clunky at times, with some experiencing slow responsiveness and ghosting issues, particularly when using the stylus for extended note-taking sessions. However, the device's versatility is highlighted by its ability to function as a full-fledged tablet PC, with support for productivity applications and note-taking software. The device also supports various customization options, including downloadable templates for planners and organizers, as shared by users in Reddit threads. The YouTube reviewer mentioned that the device's performance is 'excellent' and that it can replace a regular Android tablet or iPad, though the software experience may not be as refined as some competitors.
The software experience has been criticized by some users who found the interface slow and unresponsive, particularly when using the stylus for drawing or note-taking. However, the Android-based system provides access to a wide range of applications and tools, which can be beneficial for users who want to extend the device's functionality beyond basic note-taking. The device also supports various productivity features, including document editing, web browsing, and media consumption, making it a versatile tool for both work and personal use. The YouTube reviewer noted that the device's performance is impressive, with the upgraded Snapdragon 855 processor providing smooth operation, though the software may need optimization for the best user experience.
Battery Life and Power
Battery performance on the Tab Ultra C Pro is a mixed bag according to user reviews. The device comes with a 4,600mAh battery, which is smaller than previous models, and the enhanced color display technology is noted to consume more power. While the YouTube reviewer did not provide specific battery life figures, the device's ability to function as a full Android tablet suggests that users may need to charge it more frequently than with traditional e-readers. The device's power consumption is directly tied to its color display technology, which is designed for enhanced clarity and performance but at the cost of battery life. Users have reported that the battery drains more quickly when using the color display at higher refresh rates, which is a common trade-off with color e-ink technology. The device's power efficiency is also impacted by its high-end processor and additional features, which may not be optimized for extended use without charging.
The battery performance is further complicated by the device's color display technology, which requires more power to refresh the screen and maintain color accuracy. Users have noted that the device's battery life is sufficient for light usage but may not last an entire day with heavy use, particularly when the color display is active. The device's power management system has been criticized by some users who found it difficult to balance performance with battery life, especially when using the stylus for extended periods. The YouTube reviewer emphasized that while the device is powerful, the battery consumption is significantly higher than traditional e-readers, which may be a concern for users who prioritize long battery life over performance.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its impressive hardware and features, the Tab Ultra C Pro has several notable drawbacks that may deter potential buyers. The most significant issue is the device's battery life, which is reduced compared to previous models and consumes more power due to its color display technology. Users have reported that the device's software can be clunky and unresponsive, particularly when using the stylus for drawing or note-taking. The device's weight and size make it less portable than some competitors, and the color display, while an improvement, is not as vibrant as traditional LCD screens. Additionally, the device's price point may be prohibitive for some users, especially when compared to alternatives like the Remarkable Paper Pro, which offers a more focused note-taking experience.
The device's software experience has been criticized by multiple reviewers, with some noting that the interface is slow and unresponsive, particularly when using the stylus for extended note-taking sessions. The device's performance is also hampered by its color display technology, which requires more power to refresh the screen and maintain color accuracy. Users have reported that the device's battery life is insufficient for all-day usage, particularly when the color display is active, and the device's power consumption is significantly higher than traditional e-readers. The device's price point may also be a barrier for some users, especially when compared to alternatives like the Remarkable Paper Pro, which offers a more focused note-taking experience at a lower cost.
Who It's Best For
The Boox Tab Ultra C Pro is best suited for users who require a versatile, Android-based tablet with color display capabilities for reading, note-taking, and productivity tasks. It is ideal for professionals who need to read detailed textbooks with color illustrations, take notes, and manage their schedules using the device's extensive software ecosystem. The device's ability to function as a full-fledged tablet PC makes it a strong contender for users who want to replace their regular Android tablet or iPad. However, the device may not be ideal for users who prioritize long battery life or who are primarily interested in basic e-reading, as the color display technology consumes more power and the software experience can be clunky. The device's weight and size make it less suitable for users who need a highly portable device, and its price point may be prohibitive for budget-conscious buyers.
The device is particularly well-suited for users who value the Android ecosystem and want access to Google Play Store applications, making it a strong choice for productivity-focused users. The color display is beneficial for users who read textbooks with detailed illustrations or need to draw and annotate documents, though it may not be ideal for those who primarily use the device for basic e-reading. The device's performance and versatility make it a good fit for users who need a device that can handle multiple tasks, but the software experience and battery life may be drawbacks for some users. The device is also recommended for users who want to customize their note-taking experience with downloadable templates and planners, as shared by Reddit users.
How It Compares to Alternatives
When compared to the Remarkable Paper Pro, the Tab Ultra C Pro offers a more versatile Android-based system with access to Google Play Store applications, while the Remarkable operates on a closed system. The Remarkable Paper Pro is praised for its paper-like writing experience and superior color reproduction, but lacks the Android ecosystem and productivity features of the Tab Ultra C Pro. The device's color display is an improvement over traditional e-ink screens, but it is not as vibrant as LCD screens, and the battery life is significantly reduced compared to traditional e-readers. The Tab Ultra C Pro's performance is also enhanced by its upgraded Snapdragon 855 processor, which provides smoother operation than previous models, though the software experience may not be as refined as some competitors.
Compared to the Bigme Hibreak Pro, the Tab Ultra C Pro offers a more robust build quality and better software support, though it is also more expensive. The Bigme device has been criticized for its software issues and lack of customer support, with some users reporting durability problems. The Tab Ultra C Pro's Android-based system provides more flexibility and access to applications, but the device's performance and battery life may not be as optimized as some competitors. The device's color display is a significant advantage over traditional e-ink screens, but it is not as vibrant as LCD screens, and the battery life is significantly reduced compared to traditional e-readers.
Strengths
- +Fastest Boox tablet available with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 600-series SoC, 6GB RAM, and 128GB storage — handles multiple Android apps with ease
- +Kaleido 3 color display plus magnetic keyboard accessory turn it into a laptop-replacement form factor
- +Full Google Play Store access like the Note Air 4 C — any Android app runs
- +Two-mic array, speakers, and a 16MP rear camera for document scanning
- +Pressure-sensitive stylus with excellent latency in BOOX Notes
Watch-outs
- −At roughly $900 it's the most expensive tablet on this list — more than twice the reMarkable 2 for a measurably worse writing experience
- −PCMag's 3.5/5 and TechRadar's 3/5 both flag the price-to-value gap and inconsistent performance when many Android apps run at once
- −Keyboard accessory is a paid add-on, and the laptop mode feels compromised compared to any real Windows/iPad setup
Who this is for
At a glance: Best for maximalist — color, keyboard dock, Snapdragon for laptop replacement.
Why you’d buy the Boox Tab Ultra C Pro
- Fastest Boox tablet available with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 600-series SoC, 6GB RAM, and 128GB storage — handles multiple Android apps with ease.
- Kaleido 3 color display plus magnetic keyboard accessory turn it into a laptop-replacement form factor.
- Full Google Play Store access like the Note Air 4 C — any Android app runs.
Why you’d skip it
- At roughly $900 it's the most expensive tablet on this list — more than twice the reMarkable 2 for a measurably worse writing experience.
- PCMag's 3.5/5 and TechRadar's 3/5 both flag the price-to-value gap and inconsistent performance when many Android apps run at once.
- Keyboard accessory is a paid add-on, and the laptop mode feels compromised compared to any real Windows/iPad setup.
Rating sources
“is the best 7-inch category, and the Poke 5 is the best for the 6-inch class.”
Our 3.5 score is the average of these published ratings. 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.
