Review: Boox Note Air 4C Color e-Ink Notebook and e-Reader

Electronic ink notebooks have become a popular solution for note-taking and reading, especially in the ePaper notepad category. Recently, Amazon introduced the Kindle Scribe, ReMarkable released its PaperPro version, and Onyx launched new models in its Boox series. I reviewed the Note Air 4C, a color e-ink notebook with an Android OS and e-reader capabilities.

Screen and Design: Note Air 4C - Color E-Ink

For those unfamiliar, e-ink technology differs significantly from that of smartphones and tablets. The screen mimics the look of a regular sheet of paper, uses minimal battery, and retains images until refreshed. These displays perform well in direct sunlight, with no limitations on viewing angles, making them ideal for e-readers, providing a near-book-like reading experience.

The Air 4C is Onyx’s second-generation model featuring a color e-ink display. Unlike traditional monochromatic e-ink, this model uses E Ink Kaleido 3 technology, which claims to deliver soft colors and a high refresh rate with Super Refresh technology. While I didn’t find the refresh rate particularly high, it was sufficient for this type of device. The screen also includes backlighting, allowing reading in dim environments—though this impacts battery life. The light is strong enough for daylight use, and a blue light reduction mode provides a yellow tint, more comfortable for night reading.

The 10.3-inch screen offers ample space for reading and writing, while the device remains relatively easy to hold at 420 grams. The design initially appears somewhat bulky due to its thick bezels, particularly on the left side, but Onyx explains this facilitates a more comfortable grip, which proved true in practice.

Interface and Hardware: Note Air 4C - Download Apps from Google Play

The Note Air 4C runs on Android 13, layered with the BOOX interface. This system not only provides a Hebrew interface and keyboard but also allows access to Google Play, meaning you can download external apps like Ivrit or Steimatzky for local books, read emails, or browse online.

The interface supports horizontal and vertical orientations, with quick access to the device’s internal library (though it doesn’t include books from external apps). Boox also offers access to its book library.

A quick-access feature leads to the “Notes” app, which was one of my primary uses for the Air 4C, as it’s ideal for writing meeting notes and summaries. The device includes a basic stylus without an eraser, so you have to tap the menu to erase text instead of simply flipping the stylus. However, you can scribble over text to erase it, which works effectively and reduces the impact of the missing eraser.

Writing quality is smooth and even mimics the sound of pencil on paper. The top toolbar provides quick access to five types of pens, making it easy to switch colors or pen styles without navigating through menus.

Note that the stylus tip needs periodic replacement, with five tips costing around NIS 100.

Onyx has also integrated some AI capabilities within the Notes app, allowing you to draw shapes like circles or squares, which the app converts into neat drawings. You can also circle handwritten words to convert them to printed text (though this isn’t supported for Hebrew).

Hardware, Case, and Battery: Improved Memory and Fingerprint Sensor

The Air 4C upgrades from 4GB to 6GB of RAM, with storage remaining at 64GB. The device’s performance isn’t exceptionally fast but is adequate. A fingerprint sensor embedded in the power button makes securing the device more convenient, with the sensor responding well. The battery has a capacity of 3700mAh, similar to the previous model.

I tested the device with Onyx’s magnetic book-style case (215 shekels), which is recommended if you want screen protection when carrying it in a bag. The case also secures the stylus and can prop up the device horizontally on a table, providing a convenient option for document or book reading without holding the device.

Price: NIS 2,100, available on the company's website (non-affiliate link)

Bottom Line: The Boox Note Air 4C delivers an excellent experience for users seeking an e-ink notebook. With a color screen and backlight, it supports reading in challenging lighting conditions. Access to the Google Play Store enables a range of applications, including local book stores and browser access. The device’s writing app offers multiple features for users looking to take digital notes. The included stylus performed surprisingly well.

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