Tolino Page 2 Review: Affordable eReader with Built-in Lighting and High-Resolution Display

For many years, the Kindle was the only affordable option for those entering the world of digital reading. However, the Tolino alliance eventually joined the market and introduced the Tolino Page 1 as a direct competitor. At the time, this entry-level model not only matched the Kindle in terms of display quality but even surpassed Amazon’s device thanks to its E-Ink Carta technology.

The competition intensifies with the arrival of the Tolino Page 2, which launches under similar circumstances. Like the Kindle, the new Page features built-in lighting, but it also offers a higher resolution.

With the Page 2, the era of unlit e-readers is slowly but surely coming to an end. Below, we’ll consider whether this Tolino model is worth purchasing.

Note: The device reviewed here was purchased through regular retail channels.

Tolino Page 2 (left) and Page 1 comparison

Design and Features

Visually, the Tolino Page 2 closely resembles the Shine 3. The characteristic Tolino design, which the Page inherited from the very first Shine, has now been phased out. Instead, the device adopts a design language similar to Amazon and Kobo, which unfortunately makes this e-reader a bit less distinctive.

This becomes especially clear when compared to the Tolino Shine 3. You really have to take a second look to tell these two devices apart. However, once you hold the Tolino Page 2 in your hand, the difference becomes much more apparent.

The hard plastic case of the Tolino Page 2 is very well made but feels a bit cheap

The new model feels somewhat cheaper to the touch, primarily due to the rough hard plastic housing, the slightly thicker build, and the more deeply recessed display. Don’t get me wrong—this doesn’t mean the Page 2 feels inferior, as the build quality is excellent. However, especially in a direct comparison, the Kindle both looks and feels better.

There is, however, one benefit to the rough surface on the front: fingerprints and smudges are almost never visible.

The screen is relatively deeply recessed

Even though it features a capacitive touchscreen, the screen is set relatively deep into the casing. In my opinion, the back of the device has been improved compared to the Shine 3: the textured embossing in the plastic is less pronounced and not as deep, so dust and crumbs aren’t as easily trapped. Still, the Page 2 is not completely free from these issues.

Backside

Weighing 179 grams, the Tolino Page 2 is only slightly heavier than its predecessor (170 grams) and remains comfortable to hold even during long reading sessions. Its dimensions (159.5 x 112.5 x 9.1 mm) have shrunk in every direction compared to the Page 1 (175 x 116 x 9.7 mm), making the device more compact overall.

The only button is located on the underside and is used to turn the device on and off. It has a crisp, firm pressure point and is slightly recessed into the housing. This makes it a little more challenging to operate at first, but you soon get used to it. Next to it is a Micro-USB port, which, unlike its predecessor, is no longer hidden behind a rather fiddly cover.

The internal storage has doubled to 8 GB, and access to the built-in eBook store is provided via Wi-Fi.

Tolino Page 2 (left) and Kindle (2019; right) comparison

Display and Lighting

Like the case, the display has also undergone several major changes: while the Tolino Page 2 still features a 6-inch screen, it now offers a resolution of 1024×758 pixels, increasing the pixel density from 167 ppi to 212 ppi. This means noticeably sharper text and symbols, effectively closing the gap to the “Retina” displays of the Shine 2 and Vision 5.

As a result, readability is excellent, as E-Ink Carta remains in use, delivering high contrast levels.

In comparison to its predecessor, you’ll notice that the unlit background of the Page 1 appears brighter and somewhat more attractive. To be fair, the Page 1 stood out in this respect, outperforming even the top models of its generation.

The lighting improves readability even in daylight

Lighting Quality and Brightness

The second significant innovation is the integrated lighting. While the first Page had no built-in light, the Page 2 now features display illumination via five LEDs placed in the lower frame.

The LEDs offer surprisingly even illumination of the display, which is impressive given the relatively low price. Although a slight gradient may appear in photos, to the naked eye the Tolino Page 2 looks very evenly lit.

Only along the bottom edge, where the LEDs are located, is there any visible shadowing reminiscent of the Tolino Vision 4 HD. Since these shadowy areas remain well below the text and do not intrude into the reading area, they are not distracting.

Cool color temperature but even lighting

With a color temperature of 6900 Kelvin, the lighting falls on the cooler side, with a slightly greenish tint subjectively. This green component is unnoticeable in bright daylight, but can become visible in darker environments.

You will have to do without blue light reduction, as this feature is reserved for the next higher price tier with the Tolino Shine 3.

The maximum brightness reaches a strong 126 cd/m² (in increased brightness mode), enhancing readability even in daylight conditions.

The lowest light setting is acceptable at 3.1 cd/m², though that may be a bit high for particularly light-sensitive users. Personally, I did not find the brightness dazzling even in the dark, though other e-readers can be set noticeably dimmer.

Touchscreen, Ghosting, and Screen Conclusion

As previously mentioned, the Page 2 no longer uses infrared touchscreen technology, having switched to capacitive technology—which is now standard among e-readers. Responsiveness and accuracy are outstanding.

A ghosting effect can be observed upon closer inspection but, in my view, it is not distracting. The frequency of full-page refreshes can be set in the reading options (from every page up to every 10th or 100th page, adjustable in increments of 10 or 20).

Good screen at a good price

Overall, the Tolino Page’s display makes a strong impression. Readability is excellent thanks to E-Ink Carta, and the illumination is as even as you might expect from higher-priced models. Only the sometimes visible ghosting and the slightly high minimum brightness detract from an otherwise very good overall impression.

Reading and User-Friendliness

For detailed information about the user interface, please refer to the Tolino Shine 3 review. The Page 2 uses Tolino’s familiar interface, which is virtually identical to that of the Shine 3. Both 6-inch models offer very similar features and even share the same pre-installed manual with firmware version 13.1.1.

Tolino Page 2 (left) and Tolino Shine 3 (right) not only look very similar but are also similar in terms of operation

It is worth noting that using the device is as straightforward as ever. The interface is well structured and largely self-explanatory. Options for adjusting fonts, taking notes, and using the dictionary are all available on the Tolino Page 2. Even users who are not tech-savvy should be able to use the device comfortably after a brief adjustment period.

Familiar start screen, shown here before final setup of the built-in store (lower half of the display)

However, compared to the Vision 5 and Epos 2, you must do without the zoom mode, which enlarges text and icon size in the menus. This option is only available on devices with a screen diagonal of at least 7 inches.

Night mode for inverting screen colors is available as a beta version on the Page 2. However, the current version still exhibits the same issues found on the Vision 5.

Conclusion

It took quite some time for Tolino’s partners to serve the entry-level e-reader market with the first Page. Now, with the Page 2, a worthy successor has arrived—retaining all the strengths of its predecessor while adding noticeable improvements.

The Tolino Page 2 delivers better readability thanks to its built-in lighting and higher pixel density—features that, just a few e-reader generations ago, were reserved for the mid-range segment.

The practical execution impresses as well, so despite the low price you need not worry about inadequate lighting quality. On the contrary, the uniformity of the screen illumination could even be described as praiseworthy, even compared to higher-priced models. Only the minimum brightness and some ghosting count as minor drawbacks.

The Page 2 offers a good entry point into digital reading

The case also has room for improvement. While the build quality is flawless, I find the rough hard plastic less appealing. In terms of tactile feel, other e-readers, such as the similarly priced Kindle or even the Page 1, are more pleasant.

If you can overlook these minor issues, the Tolino Page 2 is a solid entry-level option that is likely to win over even skeptics of digital reading. Whether as a gift or for your own use as an alternative to the more expensive Shine 3 or the Amazon Kindle, the Page 2 already proves itself quite convincingly. The Page 2 thus earns a good test score of 1.8.