Comprehensive Review of PocketBook InkPad X: A 10.3-Inch E-Reader Evaluation

PocketBook has undoubtedly been instrumental in shaping the large e-reader segment. Few manufacturers offer e-readers larger than 6 inches, yet PocketBook has introduced a range of user-friendly innovations with each new model generation.

With the PocketBook InkPad 3 and InkPad 3 Pro, the company found the “sweet spot,” releasing 7.8-inch models in two nearly perfect variants.

The PocketBook InkPad X continues this trajectory, raising the bar even further: as the name suggests (X as the Roman numeral for 10), this new model comes equipped with a 10-inch display (technically 10.3 inches). Whether you classify it as an e-reader or a tablet depends on your individual needs. In essence, however, a device of this size leans more toward a tablet than a traditional e-reader, which generally tops out at around 8 inches.

Let’s see in the review below how the large screen performs in everyday use, and what other features this reading device has to offer.

Note: The test device was provided sealed and in its original packaging by PocketBook without any conditions.

Processing, Features, and Handling

Unlike other PocketBook models, the InkPad X is packaged not in colorful printed boxing, but in a black box featuring a silver PocketBook logo. This already hints that this is no ordinary e-reader.

PocketBook InkPad X

This impression is confirmed upon opening the box and handling the device. The PocketBook InkPad X is immense, but thanks to its slim bezels and thin frame, it never feels unwieldy. Weighing in at 308 grams (officially 300 grams), it feels surprisingly light for its size, contrary to what I initially expected.

For comparison, the first InkPad with an 8-inch display weighed 350 grams.

As expected from PocketBook, there are again buttons beneath the display.

Overall, the handling of the PocketBook InkPad X is unexpectedly comfortable. I have tried other large-format e-readers (for example, Icarus Excel/Onyx Boox M96) that felt considerably bulkier despite their smaller 9.7-inch screens. The slim build and light weight are clear advantages for a device of this magnitude.

That being said, you can’t forget: even the well-designed housing of the InkPad X cannot completely conceal its size. The device feels notably different compared to the InkPad 3 (7.8 inches) or Touch HD 3 (6 inches). For relaxed reading on the couch, I personally prefer one of the smaller models. As a result, I see this device’s main area of use in reading scientific or technical literature with plenty of images or tables, especially PDF format, or for people who like seeing two pages side-by-side in landscape mode. In these areas, the InkPad X truly excels (see chapter Reading and Usability).

PocketBook e-readers compared in size: InkPad X (left), InkPad 3 Pro (middle), Touch HD 3 (right)

Excellent Craftsmanship

The exceptional craftsmanship of the InkPad X is just as immediately noticeable as its impressive size. The device feels extraordinarily robust in hand. Despite its dimensions, it resists twisting very well. There are no creaks or cracking sounds when applying pressure to the casing. In fact, I’d say it’s even a step above the InkPad 3 series in this respect.

The InkPad X also passes close visual inspection with ease. The seams are consistently narrow, and all edges are smoothly finished. The e-reader appears almost as if made from a single piece.

The body is made of plastic. Around the display, it is smooth and black, while the area below the screen and the control buttons features an anthracite tone, matching the border that frames the device.

The back side is grippy, but also attracts dust and lint.

The grooved black back is made from a soft-touch material that provides a secure grip.

Just below the screen, next to the PocketBook logo, are the hardware buttons in PocketBook’s familiar configuration (Home, Forward & Backward, Menu), with the Menu button doubling as the on/off switch when held. There is no separate power button on the device’s underside, a feature common to most other PocketBook models.

As always, you can configure the buttons with various functions in the device settings, giving you the same level of customization you expect from PocketBook.

Sturdy Envelope Cover, A Recommended Purchase

Much like the InkPad 3 Pro, PocketBook offers an envelope cover for the InkPad X. With this type of cover, the device is slipped into it like a letter into an envelope and must be completely removed for use.

The material of the cover is identical to that of the InkPad 3 Pro. The most visible difference (apart from the size) is the flap with a magnetic closure at the top.

The InkPad X cover has a flap to secure the device.

The inside features a microfiber surface to help protect the device. The cover also offers a sleep function: insert the e-reader into the cover top first and it automatically enters sleep mode (and wakes up again when removed). This saves battery and adds convenience.

InkPad X (Cover) in Everyday Use

I can recommend the 20 Euro cover as a worthwhile purchase. For the first two weeks, I always kept the e-reader in its cover and encountered no issues. Using the device was straightforward, and the protection—judging by my two-week experience—seems more than sufficient.

For a more thorough test, I used the InkPad X without the cover for another two weeks. During this period, a minor abrasion appeared on the touchscreen. How this happened remains a mystery, as I continued to handle the device with care. It may have simply been bad luck.

The device is inserted “upside down” into the cover — making it easier to remove.

It’s evident, however, that a larger display simply provides more surface area for scratches and wear than smaller e-readers. Such blemishes would be aggravating on a budget device, but even more on a model costing over 400 euros.

Although the device uses a flexible E-Ink Mobius display (see below, section “Display and Lighting“), making it highly resistant to breakage, one should still exercise care.

For this reason, I highly recommend that prospective buyers purchase the cover alongside the InkPad X. PocketBook offers a bundle for just one euro more than the device alone (420 euros with the cover, compared to 419 euros without).

Features at a High Level

The PocketBook InkPad X is impressive not only for its build quality but also for offering hardware features appropriate to its price point.

Internal storage is a generous 32 GB, providing ample room for audiobooks and audio plays. These can be played via Bluetooth or USB-C (with a 3.5-mm jack adapter included). PocketBook foregoes a built-in speaker as found in some Chinese e-readers of similar size.

The CPU is once again a dual-core processor running at up to 1.0 GHz, supported by 1 GB of RAM. Both specs contribute to smooth PDF use, allowing even image-heavy files to be displayed without crashes.

As mentioned, a USB-C port is featured here, setting a forward-looking standard for other models in the company and promoting adoption of the USB-C interface.

High-quality features

Also notable: the battery is relatively large at 2,000 mAh. Other manufacturers often use smaller batteries (1,200 mAh) to cut costs and weight, but that is not the case here, which underlines the InkPad X’s role as a productivity device. Speaking of which, a gyroscope for automatic screen rotation is also included.

However, there are two areas where the InkPad X falls short: there’s no support for expandable memory—though this is forgivable given the large internal storage. Water resistance is also missing. Given that a 10-inch device is unlikely to accompany you into the bath, this omission is certainly bearable. Adding water protection would only drive the price even higher.

Finally, it’s worth highlighting the built-in lighting—a feature not always found on devices of this size. Let’s take a closer look at the display and its lighting.

Display and Lighting

The 10.3-inch display on the PocketBook InkPad X uses E-Ink Carta Mobius technology. This technology provides not only the crisp contrast familiar from other e-readers, but also explains the device’s low weight and slim form.

Unlike displays made with glass substrates, E-Ink Mobius is based on plastic, resulting in reduced weight and greater durability. Thanks to the flexible plastic base, the screen is less prone to impact damage, such as from drops. This doesn’t make the screen indestructible, but it greatly lowers the risk of breakage.

Excellent readability thanks to E-Ink Carta Mobius and high resolution.

With a pixel density of 227 ppi, the InkPad X falls short of most premium 6- and 8-inch devices, but still delivers a sharp image. Resolution is 1872×1404 pixels. Thanks to the physical size and clarity, DIN A4-format PDF files can be displayed almost at original size and remain easy to read.

There’s also integrated lighting with a night mode. The screen is illuminated by 14 cool-white and 13 warm-white LEDs.

Lighting Quality and Night Light

For me, the biggest surprise with the InkPad X was that it includes lighting with a night light function. Generally, the larger the display, the harder it is to achieve even illumination—so I was surprised by PocketBook’s inclusion here.

And here’s my second surprise in testing: the InkPad X’s lighting is remarkably good. This is not just a box-ticked feature—noticeable effort went into its implementation.

Including night light

Obviously, such a large display can’t be entirely free of brightness gradients. Given the substantial screen size and the use of a light guide film, it’s probably technically unavoidable. However, in practice, the effect is barely noticeable.

Even without a night light, the InkPad X is evenly illuminated

The large area helps minimize any minor inconsistencies. On a display this size, irregularities are distributed more widely and thus appear less pronounced. In everyday use, the lighting’s uniformity gives little cause for critique.

Night light at dark

Brightness

The InkPad X reaches a maximum brightness slightly below the InkPad 3 series, peaking at about 50 cd/m² for cold light and 44 cd/m² for the night light setting.

The lowest screen brightness is 0.4 cd/m² at the Lux-4 level.

This ensures that the PocketBook InkPad X is bright enough for comfortable reading and can also be dimmed sufficiently to avoid bothering sensitive eyes.

As the table shows, maximum brightness could indeed be higher. Still, higher values could make uneven lighting more obvious, particularly on a larger screen. This moderate maximum likely helps create the most uniform lighting achievable.

Touchscreen and Ghosting

The capacitive touchscreen is fast and precise, as expected. Should issues arise, you can calibrate the screen automatically in the device settings.

Ghosting—the faint afterimage of previous content, sometimes found with E-Ink—is present at typical levels on the InkPad X. After turning a page, some very subtle traces may remain if the screen wasn’t fully refreshed, but these are barely visible and never distracting. If needed, you can adjust the refresh rate in the settings.

Automatic Lighting and Night Light

Like PocketBook’s smaller models, the InkPad X features an automatic lighting function including night mode. You can use a time schedule to set the brightness and Smart Light intensity according to the time of day.

With automation enabled, both values are adjusted automatically per schedule and clock. This generally works very well, though the e-reader does not instantly respond to changes in ambient light, as it would with a light sensor (like the Kindle Oasis). This method, however, is less prone to errors and offers better individual customization.

Interim Conclusion on the Screen

The display makes an outstanding overall impression. The only slight drawback might be the maximum brightness—but reading is always comfortable regardless of time or lighting, so this is a minor quibble.

More important is the excellent lighting uniformity, which far surpasses my initial expectations for a screen of this size. Contrast and ghosting are equally faultless.

For me, the superior screen quality is this device’s biggest surprise.

Reading and Usability

For a detailed overview of all reading mode features, I refer you to the InkPad 3 and Touch HD 3 reviews. Most aspects carry over to the PocketBook InkPad X, as it runs the same firmware 5.x interface.

So I will only briefly summarize the most important points and focus mainly on the large screen’s handling of PDFs as well as “standard” ePub ebook reading.

Familiar, enlarged user interface

Reading Standard eBooks

Given its price and display size, I see the PocketBook InkPad X’s primary use as being for professional reading and handling PDF files.

While reading “regular” eBooks is certainly enjoyable on the InkPad X, you can achieve an equally excellent reading experience at a much lower cost with an InkPad 3 (Pro). For many consumers, the extra expense may be hard to justify.

Largest regular font setting comparison

However, there is a key audience who will find the InkPad X a great option for everyday reading. Readers with significant visual impairments gain two benefits with the large-format e-reader: first, the user interface itself appears larger (which could also be a disadvantage, see below), making normally tiny menu items much more visible. Second, the expansive screen allows text to be significantly enlarged while still fitting several words per line.

Large font comparison

On smaller screens, increasing the font size often means only a small amount of text fits per page, requiring very frequent page turns—something that can quickly become inconvenient, even for patient readers.

With the PocketBook InkPad X, you can set the font much larger without sacrificing a natural reading flow. In addition, you have access to built-in text-to-speech as a reading aid.

Landscape mode for ePubs is a pleasant extra. With the correct font size, eBooks can display in a two-page view, coming closer to a “real book” feel. Personally, I view this as a nice extra or bonus, offering InkPad X owners a comfortable reading experience and more visually appealing text layouts. In my opinion, smaller devices are more ergonomic at equal font sizes, but this is subjective.

ePub with small font size in landscape format

Reading PDF Files

Now, to my favorite feature of the PocketBook InkPad X: reading PDFs. The large 10.3-inch screen makes it the ideal device for handling large-format documents.

DIN A4 PDF without margin trimming

A DIN A4 sheet has a diagonal of about 14.3 inches, or 36.4 cm. Subtract the usual margins, and you get a text area with a diagonal of 11.6 inches (29.5 cm). Thanks to robust PDF tools—including manual and automatic margin trimming—DIN A4 documents can be displayed nearly at their original size on the InkPad X.

DIN A4 document with margin trimming

Scientific publications are often formatted in two or even three columns, resulting in small text even at actual size. For this, too, the InkPad X is very well suited.

One option is to rotate the e-reader into landscape mode. At 21 cm tall, the screen allows you to view DIN A4 pages in landscape either at original size or even larger, if you trim margins. The only added step is scrolling down—but this is so smooth as to be almost negligible.

In landscape mode, DIN A4 documents are easily readable.

One small quirk: in landscape mode, the navigation buttons are swapped from what feels intuitive. Adjustment is only required briefly, but a software update remedying this would be welcome.

The next option is column mode, which divides the page into halves or thirds and lets you navigate column by column. This works very well overall, though depending on document height and margin trimming, you might periodically need to find your place. With a brief learning curve, it soon becomes second nature.

All told, column mode is a major benefit to readability. Combined with landscape mode, it enables significant text enlargement.

Great column mode allows for better readability and controlled content scroll.

The following PDF viewing modes are available:

• Fit width
• Fit page
• Columns (2 & 3)
• Reflow
• Zoom (from 30% to 300%)
• Margin trimming (off, automatic, manual)

The only feature missing is a contrast adjustment option, which would help in cases of small fonts rendered with anti-aliasing.

PDF options

Generous RAM allows the device to handle large, graphics-heavy files without stability issues. The lower pixel density may also help processing speed compared to smaller PocketBook models.

While the InkPad 3 series already provides solid PDF options, truly comfortable reading of large-format DIN A4 files is only possible on a 10.3-inch device like the InkPad X. Although column mode is practical and effective, I personally found landscape viewing with maximum width the most relaxing. Simply scroll with your finger or use the physical buttons—it couldn’t be easier.

In landscape mode, the InkPad X can even be held comfortably with one hand, and the navigation buttons are ideally placed. At present, there is no easier-to-use E-Ink device for large-format PDF files.

High practicality for DIN A4 documents, thanks to various display options.

However, it should be clear that even with these strengths, PDF display cannot match the smoothness of a modern tablet.

The main advantages of the PocketBook InkPad X are its eye-friendly E-Ink screen and longer battery life. For tasks like opening documents while researching or writing—common in academic work—the E-Ink display is very practical, drawing power only during page turns or when using the front light.

There are also fewer distractions by design on an e-reader. At the same time, this device lets you quickly access the internet via the built-in browser—useful for checking references or downloading files without having to reach for another device.

Note-Taking in PDF Files

Highlighting and making notes in PDF files are also essential functions. The InkPad X performs well in this regard. You can mark up text manually or use the standard highlighting and note-taking features with the on-screen QWERTZ keyboard.

Manually created, handwritten highlights are statically placed in the PDF, allowing you to keep scrolling and zooming without displacing your notes.

Notes can also be taken in PDF files

In this context, using a capacitive stylus is strongly recommended. It allows for far more precise handwritten notes and highlights than using your finger.

One thing to be aware of: handwritten notes and sketches cannot be exported (the export simply notes “pencil”); only standard notes typed with the QWERTZ keyboard are fully exportable.

Known Extensive Feature Set

PocketBook fans know that the software suite offers an extensive range of features. Here are the most important, summarized briefly. For a complete list, please see the earlier reviews.

Library and Reading Functions

First is the outstanding library feature set, which provides numerous options for storing, sorting, and filtering books. Truly, no other e-reader provides such a comprehensive library system. This applies here as well, since the same interface (simply enlarged) is used as on the smaller models.

Library function

One drawback: simply enlarging the interface does not make efficient use of the extra space; menus just appear larger. This is helpful for users with impaired vision, but less efficient for others. Ideally, a future update will introduce two interface modes: one with the current large-format design, another with more icons and book covers, making better use of screen size. This would be especially helpful in the library view.

Text appearance options are unchanged, offering various settings for adjusting the reading display.

Text appearance options

Notes and Dictionary

With firmware 5.20, the InkPad X brings improved note-taking options, offering a notes mode with multiple possibilities. The on-screen QWERTZ keyboard has been enlarged along with the display, making notes easier to enter than ever.

Dictionary lookup is available for the following language pairs:

• Webster’s 1913 Dictionary
• English-German (unnamed)
• KD (Cs-En)
• KD (Da-En)
• KD (De-En)
• KD (En-Cs)
• KD (En-Da)
• KD (En-De)
• KD (En-Es)
• KD (En-Fi)
• KD (En-Fr)
• KD (En-Hu)
• KD (En-It)
• KD (En-Lt)
• KD (En-Lv)
• KD (En-Nl)
• KD (En-No)
• KD (En-Pl)
• KD (En-Ro)
• KD (En-Sk)
• KD (En-Sl)
• KD (En-Sv)
• KD (Es-En)
• KD (Fr-En)
• KD (It-En)
• KD (No-En)

The one minor issue, as always, is that looking up a word requires two clicks.

Dictionary function

Audiobooks, Music, and Text-to-Speech

With Bluetooth and USB-C support, audiobooks can be played through the intuitive audiobook app. The clear advantage over Amazon’s solution (Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite, and Kindle Oasis) is that you’re not locked to a single provider (Audible). However, Audible-exclusive titles remain unavailable, requiring you to look elsewhere. The ability to use free audiobooks or choose other sources more than makes up for this minor limitation.

Audiobook player

There is a separate music player as well, similarly designed, for playing regular MP3 files.

The text-to-speech feature is usable within eBooks, automatically reading the visible text with a computer-generated voice. It’s not as sophisticated as a professional audiobook reader, but works reliably well.

Connectivity Options, Browser, and Games

There are multiple ways to get content onto the device. You can buy eBooks from the integrated store, extensively revamped in early 2020.

Alternatively, transfer files to internal memory via USB, or employ Dropbox or Send-to-PocketBook (email upload) to move documents. No other manufacturer matches this versatility.

The device also features a web browser for accessing other eBook stores or digital libraries. Rendering of web pages is consistently stable. An RSS reader is also part of the package.

Games are included as well: Chess, Sudoku, and Klondike come pre-installed, as does a drawing app.

Conclusion

Testing e-readers continues to give me joy even after many years, especially when it involves a distinctive device like the PocketBook InkPad X.

In one respect, PocketBook has, with its recognizable design, slim construction, and familiar interface, succeeded in making this size class significantly more practical for daily use.

Yet, the size of the device sets it fundamentally apart from standard, mainstream models, so you are always conscious of its scale in daily use. That’s not a negative, though—the display’s size is the clear centerpiece here.

After several weeks using this large-screen device, I see three primary audiences for the PocketBook InkPad X:

1. Comic and manga fans who find 8-inch models too small;
2. Readers of technical or scientific literature, often in PDF or DIN A4 format;
3. Those with considerable visual impairment, or anyone who prefers to read with significantly enlarged text.

For all three user groups, the InkPad X is almost the perfect device, with little competition in its class. Sure, there are some Chinese Android-based e-readers that, in some respects, may offer additional options. However, these often lack user-friendliness for the general public and require greater technical knowledge. They aren’t necessarily less expensive, and for warranty and support, PocketBook’s local presence is, in my view, the safer bet.

Despite the high price, the value for money is right.

Especially at this price level, hassle-free warranty service becomes a compelling reason to buy, in my view. That brings us to the big issue: at approximately 420 euros, the InkPad X is expensive. There’s no sugarcoating that. This is at the upper end of the price range for even premium mainstream e-readers.

Nonetheless, the price-to-performance ratio is justified. The PocketBook InkPad X has almost no weaknesses: build quality is top-notch, weight is low, handling is among the best for this size, and both the display and lighting are outstanding. Combined with excellent PDF functionality and an extensive feature set, you’re getting a genuine all-in-one package.

In summary, there are only two criticisms: First, the user interface isn’t fully optimized for the screen size. The larger display could show much more—icons, book covers, and so on—if the interface were scaled with the device. Of course, this is also a matter of taste; users with limited vision will likely welcome the current approach. Second, the maximum screen brightness is somewhat low, though this hardly impacts real-life usability.

All in all, the PocketBook InkPad X truly deserves a purchase recommendation and an excellent final grade of 1.4. It is not only the best large-format e-reader I’ve tested to date, it’s also one of the best e-reading devices overall.