Onyx Boox Note Air5 C Review: A Powerful E-Paper Tablet?
At first glance, the Onyx Boox Note Air5 C looks familiar—its design echoes previous models. But beneath the surface, this epaper tablet brings Android 15, a redesigned stylus, and expandable storage. However, its weight and software quirks raise questions about its value. Let’s break down the pros, cons, and whether it’s worth your $530 investment.
Design & Display: Solid Build, Muted Colors
The Air5 C feels premium with its metal chassis and 10.3-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 display. The screen offers 300ppi in black and white but drops to 150ppi in color, making hues appear muted. While the frontlight adjusts from warm to cool, brightness at lower levels feels dim compared to competitors like the reMarkable Paper Pro.
Stylus and Page-Turn Buttons
The Boox Pen 3 is a standout, featuring three replaceable nibs stored in a cap on the pen itself. However, the cap is loose and pops off easily. Page-turn buttons on the side are customizable but awkwardly placed near the stylus magnet, which struggles to hold the pen securely.
Software & Performance: Android 15, But Not Without Hiccups
Running Android 15 with three years of updates, the Air5 C outperforms older models. The Snapdragon 690 processor handles most tasks smoothly, but lag emerges when using the on-screen keyboard or the optional keyboard folio. Ghosting issues also appear in image-heavy documents.
Storage and Connectivity
With 64GB of storage (expandable to 1TB) and dual-band Wi-Fi, the Air5 C is versatile for note-taking and document management. Bluetooth 5.1 and USB-C support add to its connectivity options.
Pros & Cons: Weighing the Value
- Pros:
- Android 15 with 3 years of software support
- Excellent writing experience with the Boox Pen 3
- Expandable storage up to 1TB
- Physical page-turn buttons
- Cons:
- Heavy at 440g (without case)
- Muted color display
- Weak stylus magnet
- Keyboard folio causes lag
Should You Buy It? Alternatives to Consider
If color isn’t essential, the lighter Boox Go 10.3 ($410) or the monochrome Kindle Scribe ($350) offer better value. For a color display, the reMarkable Paper Pro ($579) delivers superior saturation but lacks Android’s app flexibility. The Air5 C shines for Android users needing expandable storage and a premium stylus.
Final Verdict
The Onyx Boox Note Air5 C is a capable epaper tablet with Android 15 and a refined stylus. However, its weight, muted colors, and software hiccups make it a tough sell compared to lighter, cheaper alternatives. Verdict: 4/5 for features, but 3/5 for value.
FAQs
- Is the Onyx Boox Note Air5 C worth the price?
It depends on your needs. The Android 15 OS and stylus are strong points, but the $530 price tag and weight may push you toward the Boox Go 10.3 or reMarkable Paper Pro.
- Does the Air5 C support color notes?
Yes, but the E Ink Kaleido 3 display produces muted colors. For vibrant color, consider the reMarkable Paper Pro.
- Can I expand the storage?
Yes, up to 1TB via microSD card.
- How long does the battery last?
Boox claims 8-10 hours of active use, though heavy stylus use may drain it faster.
- Is the keyboard folio worth buying?
Not if you prioritize typing speed. The lag and ghosting issues make it frustrating for most users.
