I very much, very much, hoped to appreciate the Boox Go 6 e-reader. Many critics were enthusiastic about the Boox Palma, the e-ink alternative to smartphone doomscrolling, due to its easy-to-read screen and convenience. I assumed that this compact tablet-like reading gadget would offer the same advantage. Unfortunately, the Boox Go 6 e-ink reader did not persuade me to become a regular user.

The Boox Go 6’s e-ink display isn’t an issue for me—I appreciate the 6-inch screen, which has a customizable backlight and brightness. Content and visuals on the display appear sharp and clear even without the backlight. However, the screen’s delayed refresh rate driven by a mediocre processor slowed my reading pace more than a conventional, physical book. It required patience, and I don’t enjoy waiting. Regardless of what I attempted to read, the screen needed to catch up to my touch before the e-reader could present the desired material. This delay occurred with ebooks stored on the device, borrowed books through Libby, and various other apps I explored with the thrill of having near full access to the Google Play Store. A highlight of the Go 6 is its ability to run Android, simplifying the process of loading third-party apps and stores. Yet the interaction with the Boox Go 6 can be so vexing that it almost negates the appeal of its open-source software.

Open Reading

The 2021-era Kindle Paperwhite, my other e-reader, also possesses a comfortable display and slender profile. I was hoping to replace it with the Onyx Boox Go 6, which wouldn’t tie me down to the Kindle library and its affiliates. I discovered a method long ago to import DRM-free comics and graphic novels to a Kindle using Calibre, a Windows program, though I still lack access to a few third-party libraries I wish to have at my disposal, such as Google Play Books, a platform I’ve utilized for a long duration on Android, alongside an app I began using for sourcing Romanian ebooks. The Play Store equally allows me to explore my newspapers via their mobile platforms: the San Francisco Chronicle and the New York Times.

The Go 6’s Android platform offers integrated access to the Google Play Store without the need for an additional solution. Setting up a Google account on the gadget is straightforward, granting entry to the Google Play Store to download applications. However, it’s not a typical Android engagement. The Android 11 version running on the Go 6 doesn’t provide the interface you’re accustomed to on a phone. Notably, there are two extra buttons in the navigation bar for refreshing the page and accessing settings—you may find yourself frequently using that refresh button, according to the material you’re reviewing. The notifications dropdown occurs when sliding from the upper left of the screen, while the quick settings are located on the right. It’s straightforward if you’re familiar with Android on a tablet, yet it occasionally felt slow on the Go 6.

While I succeeded in loading the San Francisco Chronicle for reading on the Onyx Boox Go 6, I haven’t managed to sync the New York Times—arguably the subscription I value most to maximize my expense. An authentication issue persists that I have not resolved yet. (The browser times out when I attempt to sign in.) At the minimum, my reading experience with the Chronicle app has been fairly seamless, with the exception of instances where the Go 6 crashed during scrolling. It benefits that mobile news applications of this sort remain basic. Simple black text on a white backdrop. Similarly, the Go 6 struggles further scrolling when switching to dark mode. I attempted browsing Reddit via the Chrome browser on the Go 6 in this mode, but the screen failed to keep pace with each page transition.

The singular redemption of the Go 6’s frequent sluggishness is that it doesn’t “catch up” on notifications for the Android apps installed. When the e-reader is turned off and then reactivated, irrelevant notifications from days or weeks prior do not overwhelm you immediately. Push notifications do arrive from news apps that have this feature, though it is mitigated. I observed it only sends the most recent alert since the screen was last activated.

Loading books on the Boox Go 6 otherwise is quick, but not as simple as dragging and dropping files from one location to another on a computer. Instead, the Go 6 employs BooxDrop, generating a small WiFi direct/FTP arrangement where you can drag and drop files through the web browser. I imported PDFs of magazines from the late ’90s and DRM-free comics purchased from SilverSprocket. I likewise loaded traditional CBR and EPUB files accrued over time. The Go 6 offers a default 32GB of internal memory storage. There is a microSD slot for extra addition, which I found to be the most straightforward approach for onboarding a large collection of ebooks you might already have saved.

Inside the Device

Weighing less than the Kindle Paperwhite by almost two ounces, the Go 6 introduces a 6-inch E Ink HD Carta 1300 display delivering a resolution of 1,448 by 1,072. Bezels are present, allowing a spot to grip while relaxing on one’s back. The supplied protective magnetic cover case from Boox complements its slim profile, making it appealing as a companion alongside my everyday essentials.

Powered by a 2GHz octa-core processor paired with 2GB of RAM, the performance isn’t particularly swift. It’s comparably slower than older Android devices; however, avoiding constant screen and app switching ensures smoother operation. Sticking to a chosen app or book title proved optimal. Attempting multitasking caused a bit of confusion, underscoring the device’s intent to encourage a leisurely pace. Memory difference of 14GB when compared to my Pixel 9 Pro warranted an adjustment in usage approach.

Is the Boox Go 6 Worth Buying?

Available at Target and Wal-Mart for $150, the Onyx Boox Go 6 matches the cost of Amazon’s newest Kindle Paperwhite. As an alternative to the locked-in Kindle Paperwhite, the Go 6 is reasonable for the same expenditure. Running Android doesn’t imply it effortlessly supports Android applications. While the apps unlock more access outside of a typical e-book environment, it might not be ideal for those new to digital reading.

Seeking an OLED-free, platform-neutral reading option for evenings, Go 6 proves to be an acceptable pick. It’s important to moderate expectations, bearing in mind that the e-ink screen differs from a smartphone. Yet, its reward lies in substantial battery duration, with my tests showing up to five continuous days of reading without a charge. This device accommodates a digital collection of books, comics, and magazines on a dedicated platform. Ultimately, Boox Go 6 encourages moving at a slower tempo than the rapid pace of life today, even with some delay in page loading.