Tired of waiting for snazzy compact e-reader or tablet that flaunts a full-color E Ink display? Well, your wait is over, friend! Allow me to introduce the Onyx Boox Tab Mini C, your new Android app-running companion with vivid 7.8-inch touchscreen display. Finally, you can say goodbye to monotony of black and white E Ink. In this post we will be doing detailed Onyx Boox Tab Mini C Review.
The Highs and Lows of the Onyx Boox Tab Mini C
Okay, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty. Onyx Boox Tab Mini C sounds like a dream come true, but after giving it a whirl, I’ve got to be real with you – there are some significant hiccups that are tough to ignore. Just a heads-up, this isn’t exactly full-blown tablet, despite its Android flair. Buckle up, because I’m about to give you the whole scoop.
The Look and Feel
Design That Packs a Punch
Picture this: the Onyx Boox Tab Mini C is like a distant relative of the Kindle Paperwhite, but with a dash of tablet charm. It’s sleek, lightweight, boasts that lovely E Ink magic. Sized at around 7.6 x 5.4 x 0.33 inches, it’s got a smooth plastic exterior that weighs a mere 10.9 ounces (that’s about 310 grams). Holding it for ages won’t be a pain.
Colors Galore, but Not Quite Sharp
Hold on, there’s more – a full-color display! Amazon’s Kindles are still catching up in this department. But, I’ll be honest, due to the screen’s nature, colors aren’t exactly razor-sharp or vibrant. They’re decent, but sometimes tad lackluster.
Under the Hood
Tech Talk: What’s Inside
Beneath the hood, you’ve got the Qualcomm Advanced Octa-core CPU, running like a champ on Android 11. Throw in 4GB of RAM,generous 64GB of storage (the real star here), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C charging, stereo speakers, and a microphone – it’s a full package. They even sweeten the deal with a Boox Magnetic Pen Plus stylus that sticks to the tablet like magic. If you nab it from Onyx’s site, you get magnetic protective case too.
Waterproof? Nope. Memory Card Slot? Nope.
Oh, one thing to remember – unlike some of its Kindle pals, the Onyx Boox Tab Mini C isn’t waterproof. And guess what? There’s no memory card slot, so your storage can’t stretch its legs.
The Display Dilemma
Sharp Text, Dull Pics
Let’s talk display. It’s made of 7.8-inch touchscreen with a front light, boasting 1,404 x 1,872 pixels (that’s 300 pixels per inch) for text that’s sharp as a tack. When it’s all about color, you’ve got 4,096 colors at your fingertips, but the resolution takes hit – 702 x 936 pixels (150 pixels per inch).
Color Hiccups and Glare-busting
Colors are labeled Kaleodop 3 ePaper Colors. But, here’s the kicker – pics and graphics can look a bit pixelated. Yes, you can ogle photos and videos, but honestly, the slowness and iffy colors might make you cringe.
Performance and Apps
Apps Galore, But There’s a Catch
Here’s where it gets juicy – the tablet comes preloaded with its own note-taking, browsing, calendar, music, gallery, and e-reading apps. Hold on for sec – most of these are missing some crucial bits and their usability is kinda iffy.
Third-Party Party
Guess what? This tablet can tap into the Google Play Store, so you can party with third-party Android apps. Once you jazz it up with apps like Kindle, Microsoft OneNote, Google Chrome, and more, the Onyx Boox Tab Mini C transforms into quite the multitasking star.
Limits of a Sluggish Processor
But hold up – apps that flaunt flashy graphics or videos? Not this tablet’s forte. The slow processor and the so-so color E Ink display gang up to make these apps sputter. So, no, it’s not tablet replacement by a long shot.
The Magic of Touchscreen and Stylus
Stylus Shenanigans
Considering the Onyx Boox Tab Mini C for note-taking, doodling, or artwork? You’re onto something. The stylus, or Magnetic Pen Plus, is your virtual creative buddy. About the size of a regular pen, it sticks to the tablet and plays nice with apps without any fuss.
Creative Freedom with Precision
Depending on the app, you’ve got varying control over your doodles or notes. After trying out a bunch of third-party apps, this stylus is pretty darn accurate. Annotating PDFs with handwritten notes? You’re golden. Virtual color-highlighting? You got it.
Brace for Performance Hiccups
Not the Speediest Keyboard
When it comes to the virtual keyboard, it’s a bit sluggish. And navigating between letters, numbers, and characters can be a bit of a juggle. Factor in the compact size, and touch typing like a pro is pretty tough.
Flickering Frenzy
Switching between screens or apps? Brace yourself for some flickering. Reading text? A pleasure. Web surfing? Once you ditch the default browser for Google Chrome, it’s smoother sailing.
Battery Bites and Verdict
Battery Brilliance
Depending on your use, the battery can go for days or even weeks. Longer than your regular tablet, but not quite as enduring as a monochrome E Ink e-reader.
Price vs. Performance
Now, let’s talk price. At $450 / £450, the Onyx Boox Tab Mini C is a bit steep. It shines as an e-reader, but falls short as a tablet despite its Android 11 power.
Great in Its Niche
For ardent readers who aren’t counting pennies and want an Amazon Kindle alternative with a colorful E Ink display, the Onyx Boox Tab Mini C is worth a gander. Just make sure your plans align with its strengths, or you might find its quirks a tad frustrating.
