You're already familiar with the Kobo Libra Colour and its large 7-inch color screen, so you'll notice some similarities with the new Onyx Boox Go Color 7. In this review, we will explore the Onyx Boox Go Color 7 e-reader in detail.
First and foremost, many thanks to Onyx for providing me with a sample of this e-reader, complete with a protective cover, allowing me to present it thoroughly and conduct this comprehensive review.
Note that, since this device operates on the Android system, you can install numerous applications.
Therefore, my primary focus in this review was on the general functionality of the Onyx Boox Go Color 7 e-reader and its screen, both for reading and to conduct this test.
Video review
Presentation and Packaging of the E-Reader
Onyx has launched its "Go" series of e-readers which includes two models:
- The Go Color 7
- The Go 10.3
As their names suggest, there are differences in screen size and electronic ink technology. I decided to focus on the 7-inch color version, which I find less expensive and more interesting.
The Boox Go series is designed for portability, offering lightweight devices with electronic ink screens that can be taken anywhere.
The e-reader comes in a sleek black package that protects it well. It is sold with a USB-C connection cable (for charging the e-reader—no AC adapter included—and transferring ebooks).
A quick start guide is also included, but it is not essential since the e-reader guides you through the setup menus upon first use.
In my review of the larger Onyx Boox Note Air3 C, I found that the device was a bit heavy for daily use on public transport. The Onyx Boox Go Color 7 addresses this issue, as it weighs the same as its competitors in the 7-inch e-reader segment, such as the Kobo Libra Colour.
The design of the e-reader is very refined, featuring a minimalist style that exudes quality. It even looks quite luxurious. When held, the device is comfortable and unlikely to slip from your hands, thanks to its textured back.
Of course, I still recommend investing in a protective cover to keep your e-reader safe for a long time.
I also appreciate the presence of two physical buttons next to the screen, which allow you to turn pages in an ebook without using the touchscreen (which is backlit).
Unsurprisingly, the Onyx Boox Go Color 7 uses the latest generation of color electronic ink screen (Kaleido 3). The device also runs on Android 12, with Google's services, such as Google Play, allowing you to install new apps (for reading, work, or entertainment).
With an excellent first impression, we can move straight to reviewing the color electronic ink screen.
Onyx Boox Go Color 7: A 7-Inch Color Electronic Ink Screen
We are becoming quite accustomed to the new Kaleido 3 color screen technology, which provides a much more comfortable reading experience compared to traditional smartphone and tablet screens.
This e-reader features a 7-inch electronic ink display. Electronic ink offers an experience similar to reading printed materials and can be used without backlighting. However, the screen also includes lighting that allows you to adjust both brightness and color temperature to reduce blue light effects.
As expected, the Onyx Boox Go Color 7 comes with the usual pros and cons of color electronic ink.
First, the color rendering is a significant improvement over black-and-white e-readers. You finally get to see book covers in color and can enjoy illustrations, making it feasible to read comics and other richly visual digital content.
The downside is that the colors are still somewhat muted compared to LED or LCD screens. However, this also means that the screen is much easier on the eyes.
The screen also has slightly lower contrast than black-and-white electronic ink screens. So, if color doesn't interest you at all, you might want to save some money by opting for a black-and-white e-reader.
An interesting feature of this e-reader is the tool that allows you to adjust the screen’s color rendering (intensity) and display clarity. You can set it for very fast performance with fewer details (ideal for reading novels) or, conversely, for maximum detail with slower display speeds (suitable for color content).
Overall, the screen is excellent, with sharp character display for novels and promising display options for PDFs, comics, and mangas.
Interface and Android 12 Operating System
The Onyx Boox Go Color 7 e-reader utilizes the Android 12 operating system, with Google Play installed. This means you can add various applications directly from the Play Store.
It’s also possible to load APK files and manually install applications.
For this review, I focused exclusively on the reading functionality — the primary purpose of this site. Therefore, I do not provide opinions on other compatible or incompatible Android applications.
Onyx has developed a simple interface for this e-reader, grouping essential features into different screens accessible from the home screen, at the bottom:
- Library: Contains the ebooks loaded onto the e-reader.
- Store: For purchasing and downloading books (note: it is somewhat limited compared to other brands' bookstores).
- Storage: Allows you to quickly see the remaining storage space. This Onyx model offers 64 GB of storage, with approximately 50 GB available, and it is possible to extend storage using an SD card.
- Apps: Includes all the applications you install. Notably, an internet browser is available and works very well.
- Settings: For configuring the e-reader.
There are several noteworthy points about the Onyx Boox Go Color 7:
There’s a small button in the form of a movable bubble that provides quick access to various shortcuts (which can be customized).
The Onyx Boox Go Color 7 thus features modern software similar to what you would find on an Android smartphone, with a control panel and notifications.
Unlike e-readers from brands like Kindle, Kobo, or Pocketbook, this Onyx model offers an extremely comprehensive software suite, far from the optimized, intuitive, and ready-to-use reading experiences provided by its competitors.
Reading Books on the Onyx Boox Go Color 7
The Onyx Boox Go Color 7 features a 7-inch screen, offering a good balance between display surface and reduced bulk.
Personally, the 7-inch format is my favorite for reading ebooks. It allows me to read comfortably while keeping the e-reader easy to transport and slip into a bag.
The screen displays ebooks very well, and you can finely adjust the brightness.
The e-reader comes with a functional ebook reader app, but I find the selection of fonts to be a bit limited. It’s possible to add fonts by transferring them to the device (connecting it to a computer using the provided USB cable), though I haven’t tested this solution.
Customization options for the text are also present, allowing you to adjust character size, line spacing, margins, and more.
Clearly, it offers everything needed to read in very good conditions, and I appreciated the comprehensive settings for margins and line spacing, which can be finely tuned according to reading preferences.
Note that to achieve optimal and fast display speed, you need to adjust the settings in the "E Ink" control panel of the e-reader. By default, it's set to slow display but with more detail, which I don't find necessary for reading text.
The Onyx Boox Go Color 7 effectively serves its purpose for reading ebooks. The reading software supports a wide range of ebook file formats, and you can add them to your library with a simple copy-paste from a computer.
If you want to download ebooks directly from the internet, it’s also possible using the built-in web browser (and you'll find a list of sites with free ebooks on this page).
Reading Comics, PDF, and Manga
The Onyx Boox Go Color 7, with its color screen, offers a modern electronic ink display that enables enjoyable reading of comics and PDF files (which are very well-supported).
Without delving into the technical specifics of color electronic ink screens, it’s safe to say that reading comics on this e-reader is facilitated by:
- The ability to display colors (albeit somewhat muted)
- Fine brightness adjustments
- The responsiveness of the e-reader, allowing quick and easy zooming
- The various PDF documents I tested were also displayed perfectly by the e-reader, and CBR and CBZ files were read without any issues.
Therefore, not much proves challenging for this device, especially since the color display allows for proper rendering of graphics.
The only essential question concerns the screen size: 7 inches may be a bit tight for comics, particularly those in the European or American styles. I think if you are looking for an e-reader specifically for such uses, you should consider a 10-inch model like the Onyx Boox Note Air3 C, which I have reviewed on the site.
For mangas, 7 inches is the minimum, and you will also be able to enjoy the illustrations and color covers of your favorite titles. Personally, I have always read my mangas on a 7-inch format, and this e-reader is no exception.
Technical specifications of the Onyx Boox Go Color 7
Here are the technical specifications of the Onyx Boox Go Color 7:
- 4 GB of RAM
- 64 GB of storage for documents and apps
- 7-inch Kaleido 3 color e-ink display with lighting
- Touchscreen
- MicroSD card slot
- Water-resistant (splash-proof)
- Weighs 195 grams (about the same as a standard e-reader)
- Android 12 operating system with Google Play
Onyx Boox Go Color 7 Final Review: A Good and Versatile Color E-Reader
The Onyx Boox Go Color 7 is a solid choice for readers seeking a versatile e-reader.
With its pre-installed software, you can read ebooks, mangas, and even browse the internet using the built-in browser. The presence of Google Play also enables access to Android applications, which can be useful for enjoying other types of content.
Those looking for a highly customizable (and fast!) e-reader will find this appealing, especially regarding screen settings — offering more options than, for example, Kobo.
However, there are a drawback:
The price is also higher than that of the competition (likely due to Android and its premium design), costing $249, which is slightly more expensive than the Kobo Libra Colour.
In conclusion, I give this e-reader a score of 4/5: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros:
- Customizable color electronic ink screen
- Android, which offers more possibilities
- Very smooth and fast performance
- Sleek and luxurious design
- Excellent compatibility with ebook formats
Cons:
- Price is somewhat high
You can purchase this device on Amazon.com.
