PocketBook InkPad 3 Pro Review: Enhanced Features with Water Protection and Bluetooth

In testing, the PocketBook InkPad 3 immediately stood out as an exceptional device. No other 8-inch e-reader blends such comprehensive functionality with first-rate technical implementation as skillfully. The one minor shortcoming—the absence of water protection—has now been resolved with the PocketBook InkPad 3 Pro.

The new Pro model builds upon the “regular” InkPad 3 with subtle but significant enhancements. Both devices are currently available side by side (as of October 2019). Here, we explore which users might find it worthwhile to invest in the more expensive InkPad 3 Pro.

Note: The test device was supplied by PocketBook, brand new and sealed in its original packaging, without any obligations.

Craftsmanship and Features

The PocketBook InkPad 3 Pro follows the design aesthetic of the brand’s latest e-reader generation: slim bezels all around and buttons positioned beneath the display. In shape and appearance, the InkPad 3 Pro is identical to its regular counterpart.

PocketBook InkPad 3 Pro (left) and InkPad 3 comparison

While the Pro version weighs 15 grams more (225 g), it is just as sizeable and slim as the standard model (195 x 136.5 x 8 mm). This small weight increase is likely the result of internal modifications. In everyday use, the difference is barely noticeable.

At 225 grams, the InkPad 3 Pro doesn’t feel heavy at all, although it isn’t quite as lightweight as the InkPad 3’s relatively modest 210 grams among 8-inch devices. Nevertheless, the Pro sits just as comfortably in the hand.

Just as flat as the regular InkPad

“Pro” for Water Protection and Bluetooth

As previously mentioned, the main advantage of the PocketBook InkPad 3 Pro is its new water resistance. A Nano coating, certified to the IPX8 standard, shields the electronics from damaging (fresh) water at depths up to 2 meters for as long as 60 minutes. The InkPad 3 Pro thus joins the smaller Touch HD 3 in offering protection against water.

However, adding this feature comes at the expense of expandable storage via memory card. Memory card slots do not accommodate Nano coatings, so the slot has been omitted. As compensation, PocketBook has doubled the internal memory to 16 GB (13.7 GB usable), providing ample room for audiobook enthusiasts, although those who use many audiobooks may occasionally need to clear space. For reading eBooks alone, this capacity will be more than adequate for most.

Familiar button arrangement beneath the screen

Regarding audiobooks: The InkPad 3 Pro comes equipped with Bluetooth, allowing for wireless playback of MP3 files on compatible devices. This is a noteworthy difference from the Kindle Oasis 3. While the Amazon device also supports audiobooks via Bluetooth, playback is limited exclusively to Audible content purchased and downloaded from Amazon.

The PocketBook InkPad 3 Pro allows playback of standard MP3 files, so you can listen to audiobooks and music from a wide range of sources. This level of flexibility matches what the device offers for eBooks as well (thanks to support for the open ePub format, as opposed to Amazon’s proprietary AZW/KFX).

It may sound like a small detail, but it proves significant in everyday use: On vacation in Italy with the Kindle Oasis 3, I was forced to bring my phone to the beach to play music—something I would have preferred to avoid—since MP3 files can’t be played on Amazon’s e-reader. With the InkPad 3, this hassle wouldn’t have existed; I could simply transfer my music. The InkPad offers more freedom here, staying true to its overall philosophy.

Very Good Equipment

Aside from these two key enhancements, I can reiterate what was already mentioned in the InkPad 3 review: The device’s build quality and choice of materials are superb. The matte, soft-touch finish feels great to hold. Unlike the standard InkPad, the surface is not rubberized, giving it a somewhat softer and, in my opinion, more comfortable feel. The slight downside is that fingerprints tend to show a bit more due to the deep black color.

The control buttons beneath the screen, now common thanks to competitors like the Tolino Vision 5, Epos 2, and Kindle Oasis 3, offer clear tactile feedback and are easy to operate without looking. In contrast to competitors, the InkPad 3 Pro features not just two page-turn buttons but a total of four, all of which can be freely programmed.

Back view

PocketBook once again relies on its established Dual-Core CPU (2x 1 GHz) and 1 GB of RAM. While this hardware doesn’t dramatically alter daily use, it provides performance reserves, which is especially helpful when multitasking (for instance, listening to music while reading).

The 1,900 mAh battery, larger than those in many competing devices (which typically offer just 1,200 mAh), ensures lengthy battery life. This is reflected in noticeably longer usage time per charge.

Audio output is also available via the included Micro-USB adapter, as well as over Bluetooth. With the built-in position sensor, the screen orientation automatically adjusts to however you hold the device (this feature can be turned off if desired).

Robust Case Included

As a bonus, PocketBook supplies a robust case (sleeve) with the Pro model. The e-reader fits snugly inside, delivering solid protection during sports, travel, or in a handbag. The exterior is slightly textured with a light sheen, while the interior is lined with microfiber and features only a faint, unobtrusive scent.

PocketBook InkPad 3 Pro Sleeve

Note: My case arrived with a white residue on the edges. At first, I thought it was a defect or sign of damage, but it turned out to be a minor manufacturing residue, easily removed with a fingernail.

Display and Lighting

The PocketBook InkPad 3 Pro features a 7.8-inch E-Ink Carta display with a resolution of 1872×1404 pixels. This provides a pixel density of 300 ppi, delivering “Retina” quality.

Highly readable display

In other words, text sharpness and contrast are just as outstanding as on the InkPad 3. Compared to other devices and brands, no differences can be seen with the naked eye in this respect.

Accordingly, the InkPad 3 Pro delivers impeccable readability.

Lighting Quality and Night Light

As with all high-end PocketBook models, the InkPad 3 Pro includes blue light reduction, enabling users to gradually customize the color temperature as desired.

Coolest light color

The built-in LED light spectrum ranges from cool white (bluish) through neutral white to warm orange-yellow tones. The color temperature on this model is more yellowish and less reddish than on the InkPad 3. Measured, the LEDs deliver 7,300 Kelvin on the coolest and 2,600 Kelvin on the warmest setting.

These differences likely stem from manufacturing factors and should not be seen as representative of the entire product series. In practical terms, the light colors are very similar between the two models.

The lighting quality is essentially on par with the standard InkPad. Light distribution is very uniform. Although photos may show a subtle vertical gradient (brighter at the top, dimmer at the bottom), in use this is hardly noticeable and is probably unavoidable with such a large display.

Very good illumination quality with minimal brightness gradient

PocketBook also provides the best night light options with the InkPad 3 Pro. The Smartlight feature can be flexibly adjusted using a 24-hour timeline graph.

An automatic lighting function is also present; however, it adjusts the brightness using preset times rather than a sensor. If the preset automation does not suit your preferences, both overall brightness and light color can be adjusted manually at any time.

Night light at about 50 percent

Brightness

Brightness levels are very similar to those of the InkPad 3.

At peak settings, the InkPad 3 Pro’s display reaches a maximum of 85 cd/m² in cool white mode, and up to 73 cd/m² in warm white mode.

At its dimmest, the lowest setting is as faint as on the standard InkPad, shining at just 0.7 cd/m².

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 Inkpad 3 Pro 0.7
• PocketBook Touch HD 3 0.7
• Kindle Oasis 3 0.6
• PocketBook Touch Lux 4 0.4
• Kindle Oasis 1 0.4
• Kindle Paperwhite 3 0.2

In summary: While the maximum brightness could be higher (as seen in Amazon’s devices), it’s the minimum brightness that counts when it comes to avoiding eye fatigue while reading at night. The PocketBook InkPad 3 Pro achieves a sufficiently low value here, making it ideal even for readers who are sensitive to bright screens.

Night light at 100 percent

Touchscreen and Ghosting

The capacitive touchscreen functions as expected, reacting quickly, accurately, and sensitively in all areas.

A slight ghosting effect is present; following a page turn, faint shadows from the previous text may be visible if you look closely. However, this is less prominent than on the Kindle Oasis 3 and does not impact the reading experience. Other devices show this can be improved further. It is recommended to set the screen to refresh automatically every five pages.

Interim Display Conclusion

The InkPad 3 Pro’s display holds no surprises—its functionality matches that of its sibling model exactly. Readability is outstanding, lighting is even, and the touchscreen is precise. While ghosting could be even less noticeable, it never proves distracting.

Overall, the InkPad 3 Pro offers one of the finest 8-inch displays currently available.

Reading and User-Friendliness

For an in-depth look at the complete range of reading functions, please see the tests of the InkPad 3 and Touch HD 3. Most of those findings also apply to the PocketBook InkPad 3 Pro, as they share the same interface.

Nonetheless, I would like to highlight two significant new features that have been added to PocketBook’s software since the previous device reviews.

Deactivatable Touchscreen

The first upgrade relates to the option to deactivate the touchscreen. While an eBook is open, you can double-tap the menu button to switch off touch input; operation is then possible only via the device’s physical buttons.

The touchscreen can be deactivated

At first glance, this might seem unnecessary, since touchscreens are widely considered one of the most significant advances in e-reader technology.

That is largely true, yet for e-readers—which are often held for hours—a comfortable hand position is important. In this scenario, a touchscreen can sometimes become bothersome if you want to rest your fingers on the display. This new feature allows you to do just that, with no accidental input.

While this may appear a minor feature, it adds noteworthy day-to-day comfort. You may even wonder why such an option was not always available.

Improved Notetaking

The second enhancement addresses a much-discussed issue with note-taking functionality. PocketBook’s note system was previously seen as unintuitive. With firmware version 5.20.1010, this has finally been improved.

New note-taking feature

Now, instead of two separate note modes, there is one unified mode, making it simple to create, view, and edit notes. The marking mode—which had been removed earlier—has also returned, allowing you to draw and highlight right on the page using your finger.

The input field now supports multiple lines and is much clearer. All notes are displayed as icons down the left edge of the screen. If you make a lot of notes, it’s a good idea to increase the text margin, as these (semi-transparent) icons do slightly overlap the text.

Marking mode

Overall, it’s clear that PocketBook’s software, particularly on the InkPad 3 Pro, is feature-rich and has made real progress in note-taking functionality.

Thanks to outstanding customization, it remains the best e-reader software for those who value individuality.

Conclusion

With the InkPad 3 Pro, PocketBook has expanded its lineup with a device few anticipated. While the Pro model may surprise some, since the improvements over the standard InkPad are relatively modest,

this is not a disadvantage—because the InkPad 3 is already among the leading large-format e-readers on the market: its build quality, feature set, display lighting, and night reading mode are all outstanding. The same is true of the InkPad 3 Pro.

The introduction of water resistance is a highly practical addition, especially for certain situations. For readers who enjoy their books in the bath, by the pool, or around water in general, the InkPad 3 Pro is a superb selection. The key benefit here is not just the ability to withstand submersion up to 2 meters, but the reassurance that you don’t have to worry if you operate your e-reader with wet hands or if drops from wet hair land on the display.

Personally, I could easily forgo Bluetooth capabilities, but as wireless headphones gain popularity, including this option certainly makes sense going forward.

The PocketBook InkPad 3 Pro has very few weaknesses and earns a strong purchase recommendation

Still, the InkPad 3 Pro is not the most affordable choice: With a retail recommendation of 270 euros, the price premium over the standard model is significant. The regular version is available for just 230 euros. However, it’s worth noting that an 8-inch competitor, the Tolino Epos 2, is even pricier at 300 euros (and does not feature audiobook support, although it does include a Mobius display).

In the end, the verdict aligns with that of the regular InkPad: In all key areas, the Pro e-reader remains highly convincing, and is very much recommended for anyone who values water resistance in their reading device.