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!