Onyx Boox Poke3

Onyx Boox Poke3: At a Glance

Not that long ago, there were a number of different suppliers offering open Android eReaders. These days, the field has thinned out a bit, which means there are fewer options—but with the Onyx Boox Poke3, the quality hasn’t taken a hit despite the reduced competition.

Solid Display Configuration

Specifically, the eBook reader features a 6-inch screen with a resolution of 1448×1072 pixels. That results in a razor-sharp 300 ppi. The display uses E-Ink Carta technology. 

As is standard, navigation is handled via a capacitive touchscreen, and the front of the device is flat. The built-in lighting can also be adjusted to reduce blue light, so you don’t have to compromise in that area either.

Android with Fast Hardware

The device runs on Android 10. This relatively modern Android version lets you install almost all apps. The only real limitations are due to the E-Ink screen itself—not all apps handle the lack of full screen refreshes, slower display response, or monochrome output gracefully. However, switching up the E-Ink display mode can often help, albeit at the expense of display quality. This isn’t an issue unique to Onyx; it’s a general challenge for Android on E-Ink devices.

It’s not just the Android version that’s important for users—device speed is just as crucial. Since you aren’t limited to the manufacturer’s default reading interface like you are with Amazon, Tolino, PocketBook, or Kobo, you’ll want a fast processor. The Onyx Boox Poke3 comes equipped with an octa-core CPU and 2GB of RAM, ensuring that the user interface remains responsive at all times.

Solid Package with Weaknesses in Translation

Other features include WiFi, Bluetooth, and a built-in microphone—the latter is something you’ll typically only find on Onyx Android eReaders. Other manufacturers usually don’t bother including a mic. While many of the larger Onyx Boox models come with a built-in speaker, you’ll have to do without that on the Boox Poke3.

The 1,500 mAh battery is adequately sized, but nothing remarkable. In terms of run time, it’ll likely fall a bit short compared to mainstream models from other brands, which sometimes have the same battery capacity but don’t deal with Android’s higher power consumption.

One of the biggest drawbacks of Onyx Boox models applies here as well: Germany isn’t their main market. That shows in the user interface, where the German translation isn’t as polished as you’ll find on the Kindle & co.

The lack of competition in the Android segment is also reflected in the price: The Onyx Boox Poke3 costs around 180 euros, which is a pretty steep price for a 6-inch reader with these specs. For comparison: you can sometimes find the Tolino Shine 3 for under half that price.

Onyx Boox Poke3: Technical Specifications

All information provided without guarantee.