BOOX Tablet Go Color 7 Review: The Colorful eReader That’s Almost Perfect
Welcome back, Geeknite readers! Today, we’re diving into the colorful world of e-readers with a detailed review of the BOOX Tablet Go Color 7. This Android-powered, color e-ink device promises to revolutionize your reading experience, but does it deliver? Based on real user experiences and thorough testing, let’s explore what makes this device special—and where it might fall short.
Design and Build Quality: Compact Color Revolution
The BOOX Tablet Go Color 7 brings color e-ink technology to a compact 7-inch form factor. As one Spanish user, José Antonio, perfectly described it: “Perfect characteristics if you’re looking for something more special than a basic Kindle ebook.” The device feels premium in hand, though some users note the sharp corners don’t make it as comfortable to hold as traditional rounded e-readers.
Color Display Innovation
The star of the show is undoubtedly the color e-ink display. While the colors aren’t as vibrant as an LCD tablet (and they shouldn’t be—this is e-ink after all), they add a new dimension to reading, especially for comics and illustrated books. One user specifically praised the comic mode, which allows you to crop pages and read panels full-screen—a thoughtful touch for comic enthusiasts.
Display: The Good, The Bad, and The Colorful
The 7-inch color e-ink display is both the device’s greatest strength and its biggest challenge. Let’s be honest about what you’re getting:
The Reality of Color E-Ink
The colors are there, but they’re subtle—think watercolors rather than oil paintings. For comics and illustrated books, this adds a pleasant dimension without being overwhelming. However, several users noted that the display tends to be quite dark, requiring you to keep the brightness at maximum most of the time.
Brightness and Eye Strain Concerns
Here’s where user experiences vary significantly. While some found the reading experience comfortable, others reported more eye strain compared to traditional e-readers. One German user specifically mentioned that “the display makes the eyes terribly tired” compared to Kindle Paperwhite and other devices. The dark mode still illuminates the entire screen when viewed from the side, which defeats the purpose of reading without disturbing a sleeping partner.
Performance and Battery Life: The Android Advantage (and Weakness)
Here’s where the BOOX Tablet Go Color 7 truly differentiates itself from basic e-readers. Running Android means you can install virtually any reading app—Kindle, Google Play Books, Dropbox, Google Drive, you name it. As José Antonio noted: “The ability to use Android apps is a hit.”
The Performance Reality
The device handles basic operations smoothly, though don’t expect tablet-level responsiveness. Page turns are generally smooth, and the interface is functional. Oscar mentioned that “as a reader it’s good and looks fine,” though he also noted some small bugs and poor Spanish translations in the menus.
Battery Life: The Major Compromise
Here’s the elephant in the room: battery life. Multiple users complained about “underground battery life of at most 1-2 days.” This is significantly worse than traditional e-readers that can last weeks. The color display and Android system are power-hungry, and running the brightness at maximum (which you’ll likely need to) drains it even faster.
Features and Connectivity: Android Flexibility Meets E-Reader Practicality
The BOOX Tablet Go Color 7 shines in versatility:
- Full Android Experience: Install any reading app you want—Kindle, Kobo, library apps, note-taking apps
- Cloud Integration: Seamless Dropbox and Google Drive integration for document management
- Multiple Format Support: Read anything from EPUBs to PDFs to comics
- Note-Taking Capability: Though you’ll need to buy the stylus separately (a point of frustration for some users)
- File Transfer: Easy document transfer via BooxDrop
The Setup Learning Curve
Multiple users mentioned that “configuration needs a few days of adaptation.” This isn’t your plug-and-play Kindle—expect to spend time tweaking settings and getting familiar with the Android interface.
Real User Experiences: The Good, Bad, and Surprising
Let’s talk about what actual users discovered:
Quality Control Issues
Some units came with defects. One user received a device with “two frontlight pinholes,” while another complained about missing the stylus despite expecting it to be included. These quality control issues are concerning at this price point.
The Geek Factor
As Oscar perfectly summarized: “Good device if you are a bit of a geek.” This isn’t for everyone. If you want simple, reliable reading, stick with a basic Kindle. But if you enjoy tinkering, customizing, and having Android flexibility, this device offers unique possibilities.
Regional Considerations
The Spanish interface has translation issues, and some users noted that apps don’t fully utilize the 7-inch screen, showing no more text than a 6-inch device—a frustrating limitation.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Android Flexibility: Install any reading app you want
- Color E-Ink Display: Great for comics and illustrated content
- Cloud Integration: Excellent Dropbox and Google Drive support
- Format Versatility: Handles virtually any document type
- Comic Mode: Innovative panel-by-panel reading experience
- Customization: Extensive options for personalization
Cons
- Poor Battery Life: 1-2 days vs weeks for traditional e-readers
- Dark Display: Requires maximum brightness most of the time
- Eye Strain: More tiring than traditional e-ink displays for some users
- Quality Control: Some units have defects out of the box
- Learning Curve: Requires time and patience to set up properly
- Incomplete Screen Utilization: Apps don’t fully use the 7-inch display
- Price: Expensive for what you get compared to dedicated e-readers
Final Recommendation
The BOOX Tablet Go Color 7 is a fascinating device that sits in a unique niche. It’s perfect if you:
- Want Android app flexibility on an e-ink device
- Read lots of comics or illustrated books
- Enjoy tinkering and customization
- Need cloud integration for work documents
- Don’t mind charging every day or two
However, consider alternatives if you:
- Want simple, reliable reading without fuss
- Prioritize long battery life
- Read primarily in low light conditions
- Are sensitive to eye strain
- Want the best bang for your buck
As one German user wisely concluded after returning the device: “For this high price, you expect an egg-laying woolly milk cow.” The BOOX Tablet Go Color 7 isn’t that mythical perfect device—it’s a specialized tool with specific strengths and notable compromises.
Ready to embrace the colorful Android e-reader experience? The BOOX Tablet Go Color 7 awaits, but manage your expectations accordingly.
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- Kobo Clara Review: The Compact eReader with Big Surprises
Happy reading! 📚✨