BOOX Tab Ultra C Pro ePaper Tablet review is it worth the price?

Description

A Versatile Digital Companion for Reading and Creativity

The BOOX Tab Ultra C Pro ePaper Tablet has been a fascinating addition to my tech lineup. Its 10.3-inch Kaleido 3 screen with 4,096 colors immediately caught my attention. I’ve been using it for reading, sketching, and even light work tasks, and it’s been quite an experience. While it offers some genuinely impressive features, there are a few quirks worth considering before making the leap.

Design and Build Quality: Sleek Yet Functional

The slim and lightweight design of this ePaper tablet is a standout feature. At only 0.25 inches thick and weighing approximately 2.18 pounds, the device is incredibly portable. The dark grey-green color gives it a modern and professional vibe. While the build feels sturdy, I did notice a slight flexibility on the sides. Initially, I thought this might indicate poor quality, but it turns out it’s an intentional feature for better grip and thermal expansion – a thoughtful touch for extended use.

The flat cover-lens screen adds to the premium feel, and the USB-C port is a welcome feature for charging and connecting peripherals. The inclusion of a microSD card slot is particularly handy, allowing expansion beyond the already generous 128GB of internal storage.

Display: A Paper-Like Experience with Color Capability

The Carta 1200 glass screen delivers a B/W resolution of 2480 x 1860 (300 PPI) and a color resolution of 1240 x 930 (150 PPI). While it’s not as sharp or vibrant as OLED or LCD screens, the ePaper technology offers a paper-like reading experience that’s incredibly easy on the eyes. The front light with warm and cold adjustments is a lifesaver during late-night reading sessions, and the G-sensor for auto rotation works seamlessly.

However, the color aspect feels a bit underwhelming due to the lower resolution. It’s fine for viewing illustrations or charts but not ideal for anything requiring vivid detail.

Performance: A Mixed Bag

Under the hood, the 2.8GHz Octa-core processor and 6GB of RAM provide smooth performance for most tasks. I’ve used it for reading PDFs, sketching with the BOOX stylus, and jotting down notes, and it handles these activities effortlessly. The 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity on the stylus make it a joy for any creative work.

That said, the device’s refresh rate is intentionally slower. This design choice optimizes the reading experience and conserves battery life, but it does mean some lag when switching between apps or scrolling through documents. It’s a trade-off that might not suit everyone.

Key Benefits

• Lightweight and portable design with thoughtful flexibility for prolonged use.
• Paper-like ePaper display with warm and cold light adjustments for enhanced reading comfort.
• Expandable storage via microSD card slot.
• Stylus with 4,096 pressure levels, perfect for sketching and note-taking.
• Android 12 OS, allowing the use of third-party apps for added functionality.

Limitations

• Color resolution is limited, making it less suitable for detailed or vibrant visual work.
• Refresh rate can feel sluggish, especially if you’re used to faster screens.
• 1MP rear camera is underwhelming for photography, though useful for document scanning.
• Slight learning curve with the interface if you’re new to ePaper devices.

Battery Life: A True Workhorse

The 4,600mAh battery is one of the device’s strongest suits. It easily lasts through multiple reading and writing sessions without needing a recharge. Unlike traditional tablets that can drain quickly, this ePaper device is designed for endurance, which I truly appreciate.

Competing Products

Compared to traditional tablets like the iPad Air or Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, the BOOX ePaper tablet feels like a niche product. While those tablets excel in vibrant displays and multitasking capabilities, they can’t match the eye strain reduction or battery efficiency of the Ultra C Pro.

On the flip side, competitors like the Remarkable 2 offer similar ePaper technology but lack the Android OS and app support, making the Ultra C Pro more versatile. However, the Remarkable 2’s pen latency feels slightly better, which might appeal to heavy note-takers or artists.

True Value

For its price, the device offers a unique blend of reading comfort, creativity tools, and expandability. While it’s not a replacement for a traditional tablet or laptop, it fills a niche role beautifully. Features like the stylus support, microSD slot, and dual speakers make it a well-rounded package. However, if you’re looking for speed or vibrant visuals, this might not be your first choice. Still, the combination of thoughtful design and ePaper technology makes it a worthy investment for those who value their reading and writing experience above all.

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