Kobo Aura H2O Freezing Test: Can It Survive Being Frozen in Ice? [Video]
Currently, a video is circulating the internet showing a PocketBook Aqua being frozen in a container of water and thawed out after 16 hours. After this icy treatment, the device could be turned on without any issues. The Aqua is PocketBook’s waterproof eReader model with IP57 certification and was the first device with a factory waterproof case.
When I saw the video, I naturally became curious to see if the second waterproof eBook reader on the market is just as robust and can withstand arctic temperatures. I’m referring to the Kobo Aura H2O. This premium model with lighting boasts IP67 certification, making it waterproof and dustproof as well.
Since there was no corresponding video or relevant reports, I took it upon myself to recreate the experiment.
I wasn’t the only one eager to see if the Aura H2O could survive the arctic escapade
Experiment in Video Format
Without further ado, here is the related video. The Kobo Aura H2O gets frozen and then thawed the next day. But does it still function?
The Freezing Process with Different Conditions
The Aura H2O is not only more expensive than the PocketBook Aqua but also offers more features, such as built-in lighting, a higher resolution E-Ink Carta Display, and built-in memory card expansion. The robustness of the screen is particularly interesting in this context.
Moreover, the Kobo eBook reader has an infrared touchscreen, with sensors located around the display in the frame, which presents (at least mentally) a potential weak spot compared to a capacitive touchscreen without additional components near the edge.
Note: The Tolino Vision 2 is likely not suitable for such an experiment. While the Tolino eReader is water-protected, this protection is provided by a nano-sealing of the sensitive electronics. The device’s casing is not sealed against water ingress. If you were to freeze the eReader in a water bath, the water could expand inside during the freezing process, damaging crucial components.
Kobo Aura H2O frozen solid after 16 hours in the freezer
The procedure for freezing the Kobo Aura H2O was essentially the same as in the other mentioned experiment. I placed the eBook reader in a plastic container on two sponges (secured with tape) to keep it centered in the container, then completely covered it with water. After that, the water-filled plastic container went into the freezer.
The Aura H2O stayed there for about 16 hours at -18 degrees, causing the water to freeze into a thick block of ice that fully enveloped the eBook reader.
The eReader remained in standby mode the entire time
It’s important to note that the eReader was not turned off but only put into standby mode. This means the device was technically active the entire time. A big question mark hovered over the possible battery drain, as batteries typically deplete faster in the cold.
A Rugged eReader for All Conditions
As mentioned, the eBook reader was freed from the freezer after 16 hours. It then took a few more hours for the ice block around the device to melt.
Since the Kobo Aura H2O, like almost all current models, has an E-Ink display with a glass base, it’s crucial to proceed carefully during warming to prevent glass cracking due to rapid temperature changes. The eBook reader was thus left at room temperature in the plastic container for several hours.
Slowly but surely, the ice receded
Once all the ice had melted, the H2O had a chance to warm up in the fresh air for a bit. After another 30 minutes, it was time for the moment of truth. I activated the eReader without any further preparation and … it sprang to life without a hitch.
The Aura H2O transitioned directly from standby to the home screen, meaning the battery was not completely drained despite the low temperatures. However, the power consumption was very high: within just 16 hours, the charge dropped by around 17 percent in sleep mode. Other than that, there were no irregularities. The screen, touchscreen, and lighting all functioned flawlessly (and continue to do so, just like the charging function and memory card expansion), allowing you to use the device for relaxed reading even after its icy adventure.
A (reading) friend in many situations
This little experiment demonstrates that Kobo’s premium model handles such extreme scenarios well, so you don’t need to worry if your eReader gets snowed in on the balcony or left in the car at very low temperatures.
To be honest, the potential practical use didn’t interest me as much (this extreme hardly ever happens anyway); it was simply the fun of it that mattered. How often do you freeze your reading device?
