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Onyx Android 13 Released Oct 2024

Onyx Boox Note Air 4 C

8.3 / 10
Compass Score
Based on 16 critic reviews
How we score →
Android 13 Operating system
10.3" Screen size
— Main camera
Snapdragon 750G Octa-core Processor
64 GB Storage
3,700 mAh Battery

Verdict

A versatile e-ink device that favors reading and note-taking, but lacks significant upgrades from its predecessor.

+
What's good
+ Color e-ink screen
+ Android app access
+ Note-taking features
+ Flexibility and customization
+ Supports multiple services
−
What's not
− Poor battery life
− Fragile build
− Lacks ingress protection
− Muted color quality
− Minimal updates from last model
By category

Key specs

What critics say

Critic consensus

Compass Score
16 reviews
weighted by credibility
PC Magazine
PC Magazine
9

“The Onyx Boox Note Air 4 C ebook reader has a color E Ink display, premium build quality, and a bundled stylus that together deliver an impressive reading and note-taking experience.”

XDA Developers
XDA Developers
8.5

“The Boox Note Air4 C is pretty well-defined for what it should be. If you're looking to do general purpose things, by a general purpose tablet. There are plenty of those, such as the OnePlus Pad 2 if you want to stick with Android.”

Android Authority
Android Authority
8

“The BOOX Note Air 4C is a powerful and flexible E-Ink tablet that blends the open ecosystem of Android 13 with a vibrant color display and useful stylus support. It’s ideal for avid readers, digital note-takers, and anyone who wants more than a basic e-reader, without diving into the distractions of a full-blown tablet.”

ZDNet
ZDNet

“The Boox Note Air4 C is great for professionals and creatives. It's not a productivity tablet or one to replace a laptop, but it is perfect for note-takers who like handwriting, journalers, reading enthusiasts, and even designers.”

In Depth

Design

The design of the Onyx Boox Note Air 4 C is impressively slim at 5.8mm, giving it a modern, sleek appearance. This thinness not only makes it look good but also allows you to carry it with ease, slipping it into a bag or holding it comfortably in one hand.

Reviewers have pointed out that it is stylishly thin and feels smooth and solid when handled. The minimalistic design includes only essential buttons like the power button that also serves as a fingerprint scanner, streamlining the user experience.

However, its lack of ingress protection means you should handle it with care around liquids and dust. Android Central emphasizes its durability concerns by stating, “you have to be super careful when handling the Note Air 4 C near liquids and grainy solid particles.” Therefore, investing in a protective case is a wise decision if you plan to travel with it frequently.

Display(s)

The device displays text and images clearly with its 10.3-inch color e-ink screen, boasting 2480 x 1860 resolution for black and white, and 1240 x 930 for color.

“Color images can look passable on the Note Air 4C, but only just”,” noted experts, pointing out that they look slightly muted compared to LCD or OLED screens. This may impact your enjoyment of media-rich content.

The frontlight, adjustable in warmth, lets you read indoors or outdoors comfortably. The matte finish reduces glare, making it easier to see even in bright sunlight.

Performance

The Onyx Boox Note Air 4 C balances functionality with performance for those in need of an e-ink screen. With an upgraded octa-core processor and 6GB of RAM, it delivers noticeably improved performance, perfect for multitasking in an e-reader environment.

“The device runs on Android 13 and lets you install apps from the Google Play Store,” said reviewers, making it versatile for light to moderate tasks. Its variable refresh rate helps to enhance your reading and browsing experience, although it falls short in handling video and fast-moving games.

For moderate users seeking productivity and reading capabilities in a single device, it provides responsive performance with minimal lag.

Software & Storage

Operating on Android 13, the device offers a user-friendly interface for seamless interaction. This setup allows you to download any reading app or any other app available on the Play Store, making the device adaptable.

Reviewers note, “Onyx Boox offers so many useful reading and writing functions that it’s hard to list out everything.” This openness provides countless possibilities for customization and functionality.

With guaranteed updates for at least three years, you can rest assured the tablet remains up-to-date and functional for longer periods.

Cameras

The Onyx Boox Note Air 4 C is designed for e-reading and note-taking, not photography. You’ll notice the absence of any camera highlight in its feature set, underscoring its focus on a paper-like writing and reading experience, backed by color E Ink technology.

“The lack of camera capabilities aligns with its role as a digital notebook and reader,” experts point out. This makes it ideal for users who prioritize reading and writing over photography.

Battery

The Onyx Boox Note Air 4C offers an impressive battery life when used primarily for reading, stretching for several days to a week. This is beneficial for those who dread frequent charging, giving you the freedom to enjoy your content without constantly seeking an outlet.

However, the tablet’s versatility means that if you engage with all its features, such as using the frontlight at maximum and enjoying its vivid colors, you’ll charge it daily, much like a regular tablet. As noted by one reviewer, “The Boox Note Air4 C could last several weeks on a single charge” if used with minimal features. This balance between longevity and functionality provides users with a flexible option depending on their usage patterns.

Audio

While the tablet’s speakers are not top-tier, they deliver satisfactory sound for casual use. Experts express that the speakers “do not have the best sound quality”, but emphasize they are loud enough for basic tasks.

Whether enjoying music or streaming videos, you’ll appreciate the Bluetooth feature that lets you use headphones for a more private and immersive sound experience. Especially when in shared spaces, this ensures you don’t disturb those around you.

For calls, the built-in microphone works well for casual conversations, making it a versatile device for both entertainment and communication.

The Bottom Line

This tablet handles the basics well with a color e-ink screen for reading and a paper-like writing experience that pleases those who enjoy note-taking. While it runs Android 13 and allows app downloads, the experience can differ by app.

Reviewers note its easy access to apps from Google’s store, extending its use beyond reading to simple productivity tasks. Durability is a concern, so handling it with care is crucial to avoid damage.

“For students and professionals, it’s perfect for relying less on backlit devices,” say experts.

Common questions

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