BOOX Note Air 2 Plus Review: E-Reader, E-Ink, And Tablet In One
Duane Beckett
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The BOOX Note Air 2 Plus all-in-one e-ink, tablet, and e-reader, offers some unique features which have the potential to change how these kinds of devices are used:
This device uses Google’s Android 11 operating system, and it is the first BOOX product to offer Google Play directly from the factory which is a significant improvement over earlier versions. This opens up the device to various note-taking apps and the entire Google Play ecosystem.
The big question is, is the BOOX Note Air 2 Plus worth its hefty price tag of $499?
Features Include:
- E-ink Display
- 10 Inch Display
- Google Play Compatibility
- 8-Core CPU With 2 GHz Clock Rate
- Auto-Rotate Screen
- Dictionary Support
Performance
- Like most E-Ink devices, the Note Air 2 Plus has a display with paper-like qualities that make it a joy to read. The display is clear, with proofreading and annotating a comfortable experience.
- You can also save the files as PDFs or PNG files, and upload them to cloud-based productivity apps. We tested this using the Notion note-taking App. It was a speedy process and error-free.
- The Note Air 2 comes equipped with Android 11 OS to host additional apps from the Google Play Store. It means you can download apps such as Kindle and Kobo, and read e-books just like you would on those devices.
- A new addition specifically for this release is an extra layer on top of the stylus that adds just enough friction when using it to simulate both touch and writing on a real sheet of paper.
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Build Quality
- The metal frame of the Note Air 2 stands out from the mostly plastic competitors in this category. This device measures 9.1-inches in height, by 7.7-inches in width, and 0.2-inches in depth.
- The device weighs 14.8 ounces, making it equivalent to last year’s model and weight. The BOOX Note Air 2 Plus balance feels good enough in one hand.
- The device has a smooth surface and a flat front. Surprisingly, its included pen has no power requirement, attaching magnetically to the lower right portion of the device.
- Although the magnetic grip is susceptible to slips and falls because of its weak magnetic connection.
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Is it Worth Checking Out?
On the surface, the BOOX Note Air 2 Plus has the performance and build quality to make it the best all-in-one e-ink and e-reader on the market.
Pros:
- Fast processor
- Warm front light
- Robust build quality
- Good battery life
Cons:
- Expensive
- Learning curve
Despite the positives, the device has two big downsides in our opinion:
- The software has a learning curve. To figure several nuances out, we had to watch videos and in today’s market, that is a problem.
- The $499 price point is too much. We’ve shopped around, and you can get a Kindle Paperwhite 2022 and a Lenovo Yoga Tab P11 Plus for under-$400. Together these cover everything the BOOX Note Air 2 Plus can do, but with a far better user experience.
The above doesn’t mean the BOOX Note Air 2 Plus is bad. It just tries to be too much and doesn’t have a refined user experience.
For those willing to get to grips with the nuances of the device, the Note Air 2 Plus offers a host of unique features that could be perfect for a professional looking for something more than a tablet. Not to mention, the device is fantastic as an e-reader.