In-Depth PocketBook Touch HD 3 Review: Features, Performance, and Comparisons

In regular intervals over the past few years, PocketBook has released new high-end eReaders in the 6-inch segment. 2018 was no exception: the PocketBook Touch HD 3 hit the shelves just before Christmas, following in the footsteps of the excellent Touch HD 2.

The new model introduces some interesting innovations and is probably the best-equipped mainstream 6-incher: water resistance, audiobook support, and blue light-reducing lighting are among the key features.

We’ll take a look at how the new premium model performs in practice and whether it is a worthy successor to the Touch HD 2.

Build Quality and Features

The PocketBook Touch HD 3 follows the design of the InkPad 3, sharing almost identical aesthetics with the Touch Lux 4. Visually, it differs from its predecessor with a much slimmer bezel and a noticeably reduced overall size.

PocketBook Touch HD 3 (left) and Touch HD 2 (right) compared

The eReader now measures just 161.3 x 108 x 8 mm, making it significantly smaller than the Touch HD 2 (175 x 113.5 x 9 mm). As promised in the press release, the Touch HD 3 can easily fit into some pockets. However, you probably shouldn’t sit on your reading device.

This downsizing has also noticeably affected the weight: the Touch HD 3 tips the scales at just an incredibly light 155 grams. This echoes the old 5-inch Sony PRS-350, which was similarly lightweight.

PocketBook Touch HD 3 (left) versus Touch Lux 4 (right)

These innovations become particularly noticeable when comparing the model directly with older PocketBook eReaders. I never found the old design bothersome, and I liked the large concave areas. However, you can’t help but notice how bulky an old Touch HD 2 suddenly feels after using the Touch HD 3 for a while.

Feels great in hand

Great Build Quality with a Flaw

But don’t worry, despite its reduced size and weight, the device feels high-quality. This is thanks to the soft-touch surface and excellent build quality of the eReader.

However, the reading device does draw criticism for its power button. At least on my test device, it has a barely noticeable click point. This means you sometimes aren’t sure whether pressing the button has worked or not. This disadvantage can be avoided with a suitable Sleep-Cover, which automatically activates or deactivates the device.

The power button is an annoyance

Nevertheless, it’s a real nuisance if you’re using the device without a suitable cover, and it bothered me more than once during testing.

The Touch HD 3 was initially announced only in the copper color “Spicy Copper,” but it also launched in a gray variant called “metallic grey.” The front is predominantly black in both versions, with the specific color visible under the buttons, alongside the case edges, and on the back. Although I’m not a fan of bright colors, I found my copper test device quite appealing. If in doubt, the safer gray option is probably still advisable.

Backside

Tech Powerhouse

One thing is clear: PocketBook hasn’t skimped on the Touch HD 3’s features. The eReader boasts an unparalleled array of functions and features among mainstream 6-inch eReaders.

The new Touch HD is equipped with a dual-core processor running at 1 GHz each, supported by 512 MB of RAM. The new SoC translates into slightly faster response times, although the difference from single-core models isn’t substantial at present. PocketBook might be able to eke out a few extra seconds with software updates over time.

The PocketBook Touch HD 3 (left) has a dual-core processor just like its big brother Inkpad 3 (right)

Similarly to the InkPad 3, a motion sensor is now included. This detects the tilt of the Touch HD 3, allowing for automatic screen rotation. If desired, the feature can be disabled.

The internal storage has been doubled to 16 GB (about 13.7 GB available), eliminating storage concerns even for avid readers. However, the previously available memory card expansion was sacrificed for the newly added water resistance. The space should also be sufficient for audiobook users in the short to medium term, but regular use will necessitate clearing out the internal storage eventually.

For comparison: Amazon offers two eReaders with 32 GB storage (at an additional cost) for audiobook fans – the Kindle Paperwhite and Oasis. Other devices without an audiobook focus generally come with 8 GB of storage.

Button layout beneath the screen

Waterproof Audiobook Enjoyment

The PocketBook Touch HD 3 features Nano-coating technology from the company HZO, corresponding to IPX7 protection. This means the eReader can survive in water at a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes without damage. As usual, this applies only to fresh water, so different values apply for other liquids (saltwater, chlorinated water, etc.). In cases of water exposure, the device should be stood upright to allow liquid to drain via the micro-USB port at the bottom.

Another new feature is Bluetooth support, implemented to provide a more comfortable audiobook experience. As announced in October, the PocketBook Cloud will be expanded with audiobook support. The Touch HD 3 is the first eReader to be launched with this new focus. Other models have also received the new audiobook player (see below).

The Tolino Vision 4 HD (right) is also water-resistant but cannot play audiobooks

Alternately, audio output can be used with wired headphones via the included micro-USB to 3.5mm jack adapter, something currently not possible with Kindle devices.

The 1,500 mAh battery should provide weeks of reading pleasure. However, heavily using the Bluetooth audiobook feature may drain the battery noticeably sooner.

Kindle Paperwhite (right) and Touch HD 3 (left) have much in common: water resistance, audiobook support via Bluetooth, Retina display… 

Display and Lighting

The PocketBook Touch HD 3 features a 6-inch E-Ink Carta display with a resolution of 1448×1072 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 300 ppi. This means the eReader has the same text sharpness as other high-end models.

Even though the name lacks the “Lux” subtitle, the Touch HD indeed has built-in lighting, which also includes blue light reduction capabilities (see below). The screen is illuminated by thirteen LEDs (seven cool white, six warm orange) located in the lower housing edge.

Contrast

Although the background of the screen (without lighting) is slightly darker than its predecessor, there’s nothing to criticize about the contrast. Legibility is impeccable. Nonetheless, it’s advisable to use the lighting even during the day to enhance the already good readability.

Easy readingMaximum contrast ratios in current models are more affected by the brightness of the lighting than by the manufacturer. Modern light-emitting foils, like those used in Kindle, Tolino, and PocketBook, generally lead to very similar contrast values at the same brightness levels. If you want the most legible model in daylight, pay attention to maximum brightness (see below).

Color Temperature

As previously mentioned, the PocketBook Touch HD 3 has an adjustable color temperature feature called “Smartlight” for blue light reduction.

The reason for such multi-colored lighting is to reduce blue light output. Blue light from artificial sources has been criticized for years for its potential to disrupt sleep patterns. The negative effects can be especially noticeable right before bed. An in-depth explanation on this subject can be found here.

The color temperatures of the Touch HD 3 range from 7100 Kelvin in the coolest setting (Smartlight off) to 3000 Kelvin in the warmest setting (Smartlight 100%). Thus, the warm light setting is less orange than in the Touch HD 2 and InkPad 3. The color of the light can be continuously adjusted between these values to produce nearly neutral temperatures.

[caption id="attachment_79482" align="alignnone" width="970"] PocketBook Touch HD 3 without Smartlight activated

It’s important to note, however, that color temperature measurements can only provide a benchmark. Based on manufacturing tolerances, the color tones of LEDs can vary by up to 400 Kelvin within the same model series.

The color temperature is adjusted via a well-known slider in the notification menu or with a swipe gesture on the left screen edge. By swiping up or down along the edge, you can regulate the light color.

Smartlight Customization

The Smartlight automation is impressively executed. Although the PocketBook Touch HD 3 lacks a brightness sensor, it offers sophisticated customization options for adjusting the light color based on the time of day using an adjustable line diagram.

Throughout the day, the color temperature changes so subtly that it’s hardly noticeable during reading sessions. In the device options under “Personal settings -> Front lighting -> Extended settings for front lighting,” you can create custom profiles and further refine this automation.

This allows you to adjust both brightness and Smartlight settings over a 24-hour line diagram to suit your preferences. It’s a practical option for personalizing the process, which you won’t find among Tolino competitors.

As with the InkPad 3, the highest Smartlight setting in the Touch HD 3’s default profile is capped at two-thirds. Therefore, the full range of the light’s color spectrum isn’t utilized, and it’s worth looking into this menu as a device owner.

Lighting Quality and Brightness

The uniformity of the lighting doesn’t quite match the high standards set by its two almost flawless predecessors.

The lighting of the Touch HD 3 exhibits a brightness gradient, more noticeable from the top light strip than you might be accustomed to from other devices. However, its intensity depends on the screen brightness and Smartlight setting: The brighter the orange LEDs shine, and the lower the overall display brightness is set, the less pronounced the gradient effect becomes.

Lighting comparison Touch HD 3 (left) vs. Touch HD 2 (right); Smartlight 0%

In other words, the brightness gradient is rarely an issue in everyday use, as readings are generally done with adjusted brightness settings. Only if you generally prefer brighter lighting will the effect become more noticeable. While the lighting quality isn’t bad, it doesn’t produce the same WOW factor as it did with the Touch HD 2.

Lighting comparison Touch HD 3 (left) vs. Touch HD 2 (right); Smartlight 50%

On the positive side, there is reduced shadow formation at the bottom of the screen, which isn’t as noticeable and doesn’t extend upwards as much as its predecessor. The appearance of the narrow shadowy strip closely resembles the Tolino Vision 4 HD.

Lighting comparison Touch HD 3 (left) vs. Touch HD 2 (right); Smartlight 100%

The maximum brightness of the screen without blue light reduction is 90 cd/m², exactly on par with the Kindle Paperwhite 4. With the nightlight fully activated, the lighting reaches a maximum of 75 cd/m².

The minimum screen brightness measures 0.7 cd/m², matching the excellent level of the InkPad 3. This should pose no issues for light-sensitive users.

It’s slightly puzzling that the blue LEDs apparently cannot be completely turned off and remain faintly lit. This is more noticeable at lower brightness levels since lower illumination settings mix the LED color tones. Practically, this means you can’t achieve as vibrant yellow tones at particularly low screen brightness as you can at full brightness.

This behavior might be fixable with a future software update, and it probably won’t be too bothersome for most users. However, it’s mentioned here for the sake of completeness.

Minimum Screen Brightness in cd/m² (lower is better)

• Tolino Shine 3 (warm) 2.7
• Tolino Vision 4 HD (cool) 2.2
• Kobo Aura One 2.1
• Tolino Shine 2 HD 2.0
• Tolino Vision 4 HD (warm) 1.9
• Tolino Shine 3 (cool) 1.8
• Kindle Paperwhite 4 0.9
• PocketBook Inkpad 3 0.7
• PocketBook Touch HD 3 0.7
• PocketBook Touch Lux 4 0.4
• Kindle Oasis 1 0.4
• Kindle Paperwhite 3 0.2

Touchscreen, Ghosting and Interim Conclusion

Unlike its predecessor, the new model does not use an infrared touchscreen. The PocketBook Touch HD 3 features the much more widespread capacitive touchscreen technology, which has maintained excellent precision and responsiveness.

The ghosting behavior of the Touch HD 3 meets the average standard and is neither particularly good nor bad. After flipping pages without a full-screen refresh, faint letter fragments from the previous page can be noticed upon careful inspection. This only marginally affects the contrast. If it becomes bothersome, you can set the page refresh to occur with each page turn, causing a flicker.

Overall, the PocketBook Touch HD 3’s display is good but doesn’t quite reach the nearly perfect performance of the Touch HD 2.

Reading and User Friendliness

Although the look of the case has been fundamentally revamped, the already modern user interface remains unchanged. During the initial setup, you select the language, agree to the license agreements, and are taken directly to the home screen after setting the time and date.

Registration with the built-in shop or any services isn’t mandatory. PocketBook remains the only mainstream provider that imposes no functional broadening restrictions on anonymous device usage. You can even browse the integrated shop without logging in.

If you still wish to use the available services, they can later be conveniently accessed via the notification bar: PocketBook Cloud, Dropbox, ReadRate, or eBook Shop.

It is also very pleasing that the anonymous data transmission to the manufacturer can be disabled. In the path “Settings > Maintenance > Privacy > Diagnostics and Usage,” this data transmission can be turned off.

The software version U632.5.19.504 is described in the following test.

Home Screen

The home screen presents the usual layout. At the top of the screen, the date and time, as well as notification and symbols for WiFi, Bluetooth, lighting, and battery level, are displayed. By tapping the middle section, you can also open the notification bar, which is strongly reminiscent of Android. WiFi, Bluetooth, lighting, task manager, and synchronization can be accessed directly here.

Home Screen

With the addition of the Bluetooth toggle, the settings button, usually located here, has migrated to the bottom of the home screen. Personally, I don’t find this ideal, as I tend to use the synchronization toggle less often (de-)activate than the settings menu. This means you must switch to the home screen to access the device options every time.

The main part of the home screen is taken up by centered cover displays of the most recently read and added eBooks. These can be expanded or browsed with swipe gestures, providing direct access to recently used files from the home page.

Program list

The three menu items, library, shop, and settings, are located at the bottom of the screen. The program list can be expanded as usual and contains the following items:

• Browser
• Dropbox PocketBook
• Settings
• Gallery
• Audiobooks
• Klondike
• Music player
• PocketBook Cloud
• RSS News
• Chess
• Scribble
• Sent-to-PocketBook
• Sudoku
• Calculator
• Dictionary
• eBook Shop

Library

The library function of the PocketBook Touch HD 3 is undoubtedly the best in its class. It offers numerous filtering, customization, and adjustment options. No other manufacturer comes close to this scope, allowing even large eBook collections to be managed directly on the device without losing track.

Cover view

Files can be sorted by date opened, date added, title, or author. They can also be filtered using these criteria:

• All Books
• Authors
• Genres
• Collections
• Favorites
• Folders
• Formats
• Series
• PocketBook Cloud

Alongside the default cover view, there is also a hybrid list-cover view and a pure list view. The search function can be used to find titles more quickly.

A unique feature of the PocketBook library is the scroll direction: Instead of paging left or right, you scroll vertically with your finger, as you would on smartphones and tablets. Alternatively, you can use the virtual page keys in the two lower corners or the hardware keys to move on step-by-step. Although initially unusual, navigation works smoothly after a short familiarization.

Filtering options

The library can also utilize the directory structure, allowing you to simply copy your eBook folders from your PC. Alternatively, you can use Calibre’s keyword system to organize everything. Both sorting methods are supported. No other manufacturer offers this.

Unfortunately, there is currently no way to display audiobooks in the library.

Reading Mode

Within a book, pages can be turned with a tap or swipe on the touchscreen or using the page buttons below the display. The button assignments can be customized, allowing other functions to be assigned to the hardware buttons.

However, the option to customize touch zones is still missing.

Reading menu

The reading menu is opened by tapping the center of the screen or pressing the menu button. Available options are displayed at the bottom:

• Settings (font)
• Rotate
• Note
• Dictionary
• Voice

Text display can be changed with various options: the page and margin space, font size (between 6 and 40 pt), and hyphenation can be adjusted on the first tab.

Font adjustment

The second tab displays font options with available text choices such as normal, bold, and italic. If a desired font is missing, it can be easily installed.

On the third tab, the status bar and page count can be shown or hidden. You can also disable the integrated page numbering and let the software determine the reading position.

Bookmarks and Notes

Frequent readers of reviews will already know what’s coming: criticism of the PocketBook notes feature. Unfortunately, the manufacturer has failed to address this long-standing weakness in the software’s intuitiveness.

With the PocketBook Touch HD 3, there are still two different modes for taking notes. Tapping and holding a word for about 2 seconds activates the “simple” mode. In this mode, you can create notes and highlights, but cannot open or edit them, only delete.

Note</caption] 

Only in the advanced mode, accessible via a button assignment or through the reading menu, does the appropriate context menu appear to view and edit the note. Screenshots can also be created here.

While the note function might not be especially important for most readers, it would still be beneficial to finally unify this divided feature. What PocketBook excels in concerning library management, it needs to catch up on with note-taking.

Dictionary

The dictionary feature is the second software weakness of the PocketBook interface. Although this weakness is less significant than the notes function, it’s still annoying due to its two-click solution: after selecting a word, another tap is required to open the dictionary translation.

While this is also only achieved with two clicks for Tolino, Amazon and Kobo manage faster access with a single tap. This extra click can quickly become annoying with frequent use.

Dictionary</caption]

 

It’s also worth mentioning that depending on the chosen dictionary, grammatical forms may not be recognized. In such cases, a search function is used to look up the root form of the word.

 

The large number of pre-installed dictionaries is welcome, albeit primarily usable from and to English. The following dictionaries are available:

 

• • 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)

 

 

In the device settings, unused dictionaries can be hidden from selection within a book. This is useful when reading multiple multilingual titles and frequently switching dictionaries.

 

PDF Display

 

Besides possessing the most extensive library function, PocketBook’s software shines with the best PDF display capability. Although the small 6-inch display isn’t designed for reading large A4-sized documents, the software’s numerous useful features help alleviate this limitation.

 

[caption id="attachment_79469" align="alignnone" width="970"] Small prints are legible thanks to 300 ppiThe following display modes are available:

• Fit to Width
• Fit to Page
• Columns (2 & 3)
• Reflow
• Zoom (30 to 300 percent)
• Crop Margins (off, auto, manual)

The only remaining lack is contrast enhancement, which sometimes proves useful when dealing with small text sizes due to edge smoothing.

[caption id="attachment_79470" align="alignnone" width="970"] The column mode makes fixed multi-column layouts easily readable

Handling large, image-heavy files worked without stability issues in the test. However, performance isn’t noticeably better than with the predecessor despite the dual-core CPU. Hopefully, PocketBook will extract more efficiency with future updates.

Audiobooks, Music, and Text-To-Speech

As mentioned earlier, the PocketBook Touch HD 3 supports audio output via Bluetooth and the micro-USB port (using the included adapter).

There are several formats and programs available for audio output. The focus is undoubtedly on the audiobook support making its official debut with the Touch HD 3. Although all other PocketBook eReaders could also play audiobooks with MP3 support, there’s now a dedicated audiobook player with new options.

Audiobooks

Audiobooks can easily be copied to internal storage via a USB cable. As mentioned before, the partnership with Umbreit also enables audiobook purchases and cloud synchronization.

The major advantage over Amazon’s Kindle-Audible solution is clear: the Touch HD 3 can play any audiobooks from external sources, which is especially pleasing as it can accommodate free audiobooks.

An audiobook currently playing

The player lists various audiobooks in selected folders. An audiobook can be played from a ZIP file containing the different tracks, minimizing copy time to the eReader, conserving space, and providing a better overview of internal storage.

An opened audiobook has a table of contents, making the various chapters (tracks) selectable. You can easily jump to the desired point using the position slider. Fine markers on the slider also indicate the number and length of chapters.

Chapter overview

Playback speed can be adjusted in 10-percent increments between 50 and 200 percent, as well as pitch adjustments. Bookmarks can also be set for easy access back to saved positions.

Ending the audiobook player saves your position automatically so that reopening later resumes from the same spot. Audiobooks, like music (see below), can be played in the background.

The implementation of the new player worked seamlessly in testing, with the only caveat being that position selection on the slider could be a bit faster for my taste.

Bookmarking

Music

The audio player has not only been renamed “music player” but also completely redesigned. Like the audiobook player, this features multiple tabs for separating music tracks, playlists, and the current playback visual presentation.

Additionally, playback speed is now adjustable between 50 and 200 percent (in 10-percent increments), coupled with an equalizer. Profiles can be saved and conveniently switched between in the equalizer. It would’ve been nice to have standard options preloaded for quick selection (e.g., Pop, Rock, etc.).

Music player

Playlists can now be created directly on the device without relying on externally generated M3U files. The music can also be filtered (title, album, folder, genre, artists) and sorted (title, file name, length, date) in the overview. A search function is also available.

Shuffle playback and repeat mode are available options.

Sound quality has improved in my experience. The familiar PocketBook clicking during the title switch and TTS function was absent in the tests.

Text-To-Speech

The Text-To-Speech feature can be activated within a book using the “voice” menu option. The computer-generated voice reads the book text aloud. Despite not matching real audiobook narrators in quality, it’s still sufficient for reading aid, thanks to the IVONA TTS engine.

The controls are displayed at the bottom of the screen. Various male and female voices for numerous languages can be downloaded directly to the device. Testing with the latest firmware did not allow this, but future updates should address the issue.

TTS menu at the bottom of the screen

Generally, downloading and installation take 2-3 minutes. Optional language packages are free on the PocketBook website, with an English female voice pre-installed.

The currently read word is underlined, making it easy to follow along with the text. Speech speed can be adjusted between 60 and 140 percent in 5-percent increments.

Miscellaneous

The PocketBook Touch HD 3 offers numerous additional functions. Apart from the previously mentioned games (Sudoku, Chess, Klondike), this eReader features a fully functional internet browser and numerous synchronization options.

eBook Purchase and Synchronization

As usual, eBooks can be purchased directly on the PocketBook Touch HD 3. Depending on where the device was purchased, different shops are used. The fundamental functionality remains the same, integrated into PocketBook Cloud.

Available since 2015, this is the third of the major cloud solutions within the German eBook market, alongside Kindle and Tolino. Its usage mirrors the competition: all eBooks purchased in the shop are automatically uploaded to online storage and can be synced with the eReader. Shop and Cloud registrations are required for this.

Finally, the Dropbox synchronization merits mentioning. This allows the Touch HD 3 to sync with a cloud folder, opening up numerous use cases. For example, you can convert news feeds to ePub using Calibre and save them in the Dropbox directory. This then synchronizes with the eReader, allowing you to read the news directly on the Touch HD. This feature also makes purchasing eBooks on your PC straightforward for use on the device.

Another synchronization option is Send-to-PocketBook, enabling emails to be sent directly to the device.

Internet Browser

The web browser is available again, functioning as expected. Loading web pages is usually fast and seamless, allowing for frustration-free brief internet searches. Alternative eBook stores and library rentals can also be used with it.

Internet browser

Included features include pinch-to-zoom, moving the image section with the page-turning buttons, a landscape mode, and favorites. If needed, images and JavaScript can be disabled. Although the browser is generally fast, it doesn’t quite compare with the Android competitors from Tolino in terms of responsiveness and speed.

Conclusion

The PocketBook Touch HD 3 is a tech-packed 6-inch eReader in a new outfit. The device impresses almost entirely and is a worthy successor to the Touch HD 2.

It is particularly gratifying that PocketBook managed to make the case significantly smaller and lighter while retaining physical buttons. Hardware buttons have become a rare feature these days.

Besides that, the eReader scores with outstanding features which are hard to find from competitors in such complete form. The Touch HD 3 combines hardware features like water resistance, motion sensor, and blue light reduction with software that boasts the best library management and PDF display on the market. Audiobook support, the revamped music player, and numerous practical synchronization options complete the package.

The PocketBook Touch HD 3 is well done

However, this premium model must still face criticism: with the addition of water resistance, memory card expansion is lost. PocketBook compensates for this by doubling internal storage to 16 GB, so most users, even with audiobook use, shouldn’t face any issues. The lighting quality doesn’t quite live up to its predecessors, and the usability of the power button could be improved. The long-standing criticisms of the note-taking and dictionary features remain as well.

Despite these flaws, it offers an excellent overall package that can once again compete with the best from Amazon and Tolino. Ultimately, the PocketBook Touch HD 3 earns a test score of 1.3.