Onyx Boox Tab Ultra
Verdict
An adaptable tablet offering an eye-friendly reading experience with Android familiarity, but at a higher cost without mainstream tablet speed.
Key specs
Critic consensus
“E-ink and the restrictions inherent to it helps curb distractions. By limiting what kind of apps can be used, I didn’t find myself throwing all of my messaging apps, or my email onto this tablet. I could, but instead, I found that this device worked better for just being a focused place where I could create, or consume content without being distracted. Is that worth the $600 price tag? For me, not quite, but it’s not hard to imagine a niche this fits into. And really, the Boox Tab Ultra is versatile enough to fit into a lot of different niches. From the stylus to the onboard camera for document scanning, there’s a whole world of different ways one could use this device effectively.”
“The BOOX Tab Ultra is a unique and powerful tablet with a thin build and an E Ink display. However, it's priced too high for most people, especially when you can spend a bit more for an iPad Pro.”
“The Boox Tab Ultra is an Android tablet unlike anything else on the market. With a premium design and lovely e-ink screen, there's a lot to like.”
“Going far beyond what’s usually expected from an e-ink device, the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra is a full-on Android tablet that combines the benefits of e-ink technology with the wealth of apps on the Google Play Store.”
In Depth
Design
The Onyx Boox Tab Ultra sports a high-quality aluminum chassis, providing a premium feel and reinforced durability. This build makes the device sturdy when carried daily.
Its 10.3-inch screen is surrounded by a wide left bezel, designed for a firm grip without obstructing the display. Trusted Reviews describes the design as super sleek, contributing to a generous and comfortable hold.
Notably light at just 480g, it feels balanced for leisurely reading or writing sessions. The device’s minimalistic appearance, devoid of clutter, appeals to those who prefer simple aesthetics.
Display(s)
The E Ink screen mimics paper, making reading and note-taking a breeze. You’ll appreciate its soothing effect, sparing your eyes from the harsh glare of traditional screens. It makes reading in any lighting condition enjoyable, as noted by experts.
It supports different lighting modes, like warm and cold lights, to suit your preferences while reading or writing. With a high contrast display, text remains clear and easy to read, enhancing the overall experience.
Yet, switching between apps can be slow, which might test your patience if you’re used to faster LCD displays. This device truly excels as a dedicated reading and note-taking tool.
Performance
The Onyx Boox Tab Ultra offers an unexpected level of performance for an E Ink device. It runs Android 11, providing access to the Google Play Store and allowing you to download and use apps like Kindle and Google Docs.
Reviewers praise its ability to handle productivity tasks effectively, noting the inclusion of the Qualcomm octa-core processor. This makes it a viable option for writing, using the stylus for note-taking, and performing other productivity tasks like document scanning.
According to reviewers, the tablet is “surprisingly usable”, but some app transitions and typing might lag due to the E Ink screen refresh time. While it handles multitasking well compared to other E Ink devices, don’t expect it to outpace a conventional tablet.
Software & Storage
The Boox Tab Ultra’s Android interface offers an open ecosystem with the Google Play Store. You’ll experience a user-friendly setup where you can install productivity apps like Google Docs and Kindle.
While navigating the interface, you may notice some delay due to the E Ink screen’s nature, but accessing essential apps remains smooth.
This setup makes the device versatile for tasks beyond reading, enhancing your overall experience while allowing personalization.
Cameras
The Onyx Boox Tab Ultra features a 16MP camera on the back, mostly intended for document scanning rather than photography. While the camera’s resolution helps capture detailed images, using it in dimmer settings can lead to unclear results, as observed during tests. One reviewer from TechRadar mentions that the E Ink display challenges the camera’s utility, noting “it’s not the type of sensor you’d use for taking holiday snaps, but rather for scanning documents.” That said, optical character recognition helps convert text from images into editable formats, provided lighting conditions suffice.
Battery
The Tablet comes with a 6,300mAh battery renowned for its impressive stamina, lasting up to a week with routine reading and sketching. Reviewers at Android Central highlighted the battery’s capability to power long reading sessions without the hassle of daily charging.
Fully charging from empty takes about two and a half hours, ensuring minimal downtime between uses. This efficiency lets you focus more on your tasks and less on powering up, aligning well with its promise of light and enduring performance amidst a busy schedule.
Ideal for those tired of frequent charging, the battery provides peace of mind during travel or extended use.
Audio
Reviewers express mixed feelings about the audio quality of the Tab Ultra. Android Central reports that watching YouTube or Netflix isn’t great and advises against it. Although it supports media playback, the E Ink display’s limitations affect the experience.
The Gadgeteer notes that while the speakers are suitable for listening to audiobooks, music, or podcasts, it’s not meant for high-pitched music needs. The lack of a volume rocker complicates audio control, an oversight that users might find frustrating.
While functional, using wireless earphones or headphones would enhance your audio experience by sidestepping the device’s innate limitations. In the end, Onyx Boox Tab Ultra serves well for simple media but struggles with more demanding audio tasks.
The Bottom Line
This tablet combines an e-reader’s gentle-on-the-eyes display with the Android OS, giving access to multiple apps beyond just reading. It includes a stylus for easy note-taking and drawing, which feels smooth and responsive, although there’s a slight delay in transitions which might not suit high-paced tasks. The addition of a keyboard improves typing comfort, but the device is best for reading and productivity, rather than media use. A reviewer on Android Central noted,”It’s an e-reader and a companion note-taking device, and it does those things extremely well.” While the device is impressive for note-taking and reading, the higher price compared to rivals might make those new to E Ink cautious.
What people actually want to know
When was the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra released?
The Onyx Boox Tab Ultra was released on November 16, 2022.
How long does the battery last on the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra?
The Onyx Boox Tab Ultra has a 6,300 mAh battery.
Does the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra support wireless charging?
No, the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra does not support wireless charging.
Does the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra have a headphone jack?
No, the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra does not have a headphone jack. You'll need wireless headphones or a USB-C adapter.
Does the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra have NFC?
No, the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra does not have NFC. Contactless payments and tap-to-pair will not be available.
Where can I get support for the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra?
Visit Onyx's official support page for warranty info, repairs, and troubleshooting.
Questions & answers
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