The latest Kindle Paperwhite from 2024 and the new Boox Go 7 BW both use the same 7″ E Ink Carta 1300 screen with 300 ppi, so comparing the two is inevitable, but there are a lot of differences between the two brands.
Kindles are designed to do one thing really well, but they aren’t very customizable and they have a very limited amount of functions (reading ebooks and listening to audiobooks—that’s about it).
Onyx’s devices are a lot more open and user customizable, and with the underlying Android operating system they can be used for a lot more than just reading ebooks and listening to audiobooks.
Generally speaking, the Kindle Paperwhite is a bit faster and smoother to operate, and the user interface is simpler and more intuitive. The Boox adds a number of extra software and hardware features, and it also doubles as a notebook thanks to the added stylus support (you can also write notes using keyboards).
Here’s a list of the main advantages that each device has over the other:
Kindle Paperwhite Advantages
- Less expensive.
- Easy to use, simple interface.
- Generally faster to operate, with less visible afterimage effects.
- Longer battery life.
- Waterproof, IPX8 rated.
- Frontlight color more natural, with less text wash out.
- More durable design (see this impressive Kindle Colorsoft teardown, which uses the same design).
- Full Dark Mode support.
- Onboard ebook store more convenient to use.
- Works better than Kindle Android app, and it offers more features like boldness slider and custom fonts.
- Easily sync between Kindles and Kindle apps.
- Don’t have to mess with DRM removal or inferior Android apps that don’t run smoothly on E Ink.
- Signature Editions adds wireless charging, auto-brightness.
- Wider selection of covers and accessories.
Boox Go 7 BW Advantages
- Highly customizable Android OS with a million different settings.
- Supports installing Android apps, including the Kindle app.
- Adds page buttons.
- Supports Bluetooth keyboards and page-turners.
- Nicer overall design that’s thinner and lighter.
- Stylus support (USI 2.0 styluses) and notebook app.
- External speaker and mic.
- MicroSD card slot.
- 64GB onboard storage space.
- Regular text-to-speech supported that also highlights text as it reads.
- USB-OTG support.
- More formats supported, and better PDF support with more features.
- Not restricted to a single ebook source.
- No ad-ridden homescreen or off-screen.
- The gesture-based navigation is easier and quicker to use.
Price Comparison
There’s a pretty significant price difference between the two. The Boox Go 7 sells for $249 and it’s available in white or black. The Kindle Paperwhite starts at $159 for the ad-supported version, and it goes up to $199 for the upgraded ad-free Signature Edition model, which adds wireless charging, an auto-brightness sensor, a metallic finish on the back, and more storage space. The Paperwhite is available in three colors: black, jade (green), and raspberry (pink).
Boox Go 7 BW vs Kindle Paperwhite Video Review
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Good comparison video!
That’s nice of you to say. The camera’s focus could have been better…
The Boox line is enjoyable and useful ,for all the advantages described, including Android capability and format/ebook choices.
I wish the Boox models provided water resistance/Waterproofing/IPX8. I lost functionality of an earlier Boox model with very brief water damage. I would pay a bit more, for this extra device safety function.
It is a bit odd how Onyx hasn’t gotten onboard with the whole waterproofing thing. A few of their models they advertised as water resistant, but reading the fine print wasn’t very reassuring.
Where are the auto brightness sensors on the Paperwhite and the Scribe? I’ve looked carefully at the Scribe and don’t see anything nor does auto brightness seem to work. Does. It work on the Paperwhite?
It’s located on the top center of the bezel on the Paperwhite and Colorsoft, and it’s on the handle side of the Scribe if you look closely. Auto-brightness actually works pretty well but you have to use it a little while for it to learn your preferences.
Thank you for this article! Very helpful and informative. The people not wanting a Kindle device should know that Boox devices exist. I’m in Australia and didn’t know about it until a couple months ago.
Great video too!