The Boox Note Air5 C is a versatile color e-ink tablet with Android 15

The Boox Note Air5 C is a 10.3-inch color e-ink tablet running Android 15, offering a hybrid experience between a traditional e-reader and a full-featured Android tablet. The device features a Kaleido 3 color display, an octa-core processor, 6GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage, with expandable memory via a microSD slot. Its software allows for extensive customization of the display refresh rate, including specific modes for reading, web browsing, and video playback. The tablet supports full Google Play Store integration, enabling users to install third-party applications like news readers or sheet music software. The device is bundled with a passive stylus that provides pressure sensitivity and tilt detection, mimicking a pen-on-paper feel. The magnetic folio cover features a dedicated slot for the stylus and can be folded into various stand configurations. While the device offers significant flexibility, it is a premium-priced product, and the manufacturer has faced community criticism regarding potential non-compliance with the Linux kernel GPL license.

Tech4K StaffVideo report

The Boox Note Air5 C is a 10.3-inch color e-ink tablet running Android 15, offering a hybrid experience between a traditional e-reader and a full-featured Android tablet. The device features a Kaleido 3 color display, an octa-core processor, 6GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage, with expandable memory via a microSD slot. Its software allows for extensive customization of the display refresh rate, including specific modes for reading, web browsing, and video playback. The tablet supports full Google Play Store integration, enabling users to install third-party applications like news readers or sheet music software. The device is bundled with a passive stylus that provides pressure sensitivity and tilt detection, mimicking a pen-on-paper feel. The magnetic folio cover features a dedicated slot for the stylus and can be folded into various stand configurations. While the device offers significant flexibility, it is a premium-priced product, and the manufacturer has faced community criticism regarding potential non-compliance with the Linux kernel GPL license.

The Boox Note Air5 C features a 10.3-inch Kaleido 3 color e-ink display with 300 ppi color and 150 ppi black-and-white resolution. The tablet runs Android 15 and includes full access to the Google Play Store for third-party application installation.

Users can customize display performance through various refresh modes, including a new 'smooth' mode for fluid scrolling. The device includes a passive stylus with pressure sensitivity and tilt detection that does not require charging.

The magnetic folio cover includes a secure storage slot for the stylus and allows for multiple stand orientations. The tablet is powered by an octa-core processor, 6GB of RAM, and 64GB of internal storage, with a 3,700mAh battery.

Chapter guide

Unboxing and initial impressionsThe video introduces the Boox Note Air5 C and its included accessories, such as the stylus and USB-C cable.Folio cover featuresA demonstration of the magnetic folio cover, its stand configurations, and its ability to store the stylus.Hardware specificationsAn overview of the device's physical dimensions, weight, and hardware components.Display customizationExploration of the Boox InkWise software, which allows users to adjust refresh modes, contrast, and color settings.Software and productivityDemonstration of using the device for reading news, accessing library apps, and managing sheet music.Speaker and video performanceTesting the device's built-in speakers and evaluating video playback quality on the e-ink screen.Stylus and writing experienceA test of the stylus's writing feel, pressure sensitivity, and the device's AI text recognition capabilities.Pricing and final thoughtsSummary of the device's cost, hardware specs, and a discussion regarding open-source license compliance.

Worth noting

  • The manufacturer, Onyx, has been accused by the community of violating the Linux kernel GPL license by failing to provide source code for kernel modifications.
  • The video is sponsored by LTT, which promotes its own 'Forever Sock' product line.

Watch the original video ↗