Category: Tablets

  • Affordable Lenovo Idea Tab Plus: A Versatile Tablet with Stylus

    Affordable Lenovo Idea Tab Plus: A Versatile Tablet with Stylus

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Lenovo Idea Tab Plus is designed for students, featuring a stylus, 90 Hz display, and AI tools for enhanced study routines.
    2. The ZUI interface allows for multitasking with multiple app windows and easy access to applications via a taskbar.
    3. The tablet boasts strong multimedia capabilities with an IPS display, Dolby Atmos speakers, and a long-lasting battery of nearly 15 hours.
    4. Performance is adequate for everyday tasks but lacks in gaming and is limited to Wi-Fi 5 speeds; no cellular model is available.
    5. The device has a 256 GB storage capacity, expandable via microSD, and offers four years of updates, which is less than the EU’s five-year requirement for new mobile devices.


    Lenovo is marketing its latest Android tablet, the Lenovo Idea Tab Plus, mainly as a helpful tool for students in their daily routines. This 530-gram tablet features a stylus, a quick 90 Hz display, and various built-in AI tools like Google Gemini and Circle to Search. Its aluminum body is crafted for assisting users with their studies.

    User Interface and Multi-tasking

    The ZUI interface, which runs on Android 15, allows users to multitask by displaying several apps at once in different windows. It also comes with a taskbar-like feature for easy access to commonly used applications.

    During our evaluations, the 12.1-inch tablet demonstrated that it’s not just for academic purposes; it also attracts anyone seeking a useful and budget-friendly creative tablet for daily use.

    Multimedia and Battery Life

    Equipped with an IPS display that reaches brightness levels of up to 762 cd/m² and offers stable viewing angles, the Idea Tab Plus also includes a surprisingly strong set of four speakers with Dolby Atmos support, along with DRM Widevine L1 compatibility. This tablet has all the components necessary for enjoying multimedia content and browsing the web.

    In our Wi-Fi testing, the battery lasted nearly 15 hours, which is better than average when compared to similar devices. The charging speed is impressive too, as the 10,200 mAh battery can be charged at a rate of up to 45 watts. A full recharge takes just 1 hour and 21 minutes. It also provides 256 GB of built-in storage, with the option to expand via a microSD card up to 2 TB.

    Performance Limitations

    While the Mediatek Dimensity 6400 chip isn’t the fastest around, it works well for everyday tasks like studying, streaming, and browsing online. However, gaming performance is lacking, and on local networks, it only operates at Wi-Fi 5 speeds. Note that a power adapter isn’t included in the package.

    It’s unfortunate that Lenovo doesn’t have a cellular model available. The tablet is eligible for updates for four years, but this falls short of the five years required by the EU for mobile devices released after June 20, 2025.

  • Inkbook Solaris Color: New Android E-Reader with WiFi & Audiobooks

    Inkbook Solaris Color: New Android E-Reader with WiFi & Audiobooks

    Key Takeaways

    1. Features a 1,872 x 1,404 E Ink Kaleido display with lower resolution for color content (150 PPI).
    2. Powered by a four-core Cortex-A55 SoC with 2 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 32 GB internal storage.
    3. Runs on Android 11-based Inkbook OS with its own app store and sideloading options.
    4. Offers USB-C connectivity, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a headphone jack for audiobooks.
    5. Available for pre-order in four colors at approximately €164, shipping to select countries only.


    The Inkbook Solaris Color is a latest e-reader that features an E Ink Kaleido display with a resolution of 1,872 x 1,404— at least when it shows content in black and white. As is often the case, the pixel density drops from 300 to 150 PPI when colors are displayed, so it might be wise to stick to the black and white display for classic literature. However, the Inkbook Solaris Color should work quite well for viewing comics.

    Performance and Storage

    This e-reader is powered by a SoC with four Cortex-A55 cores and has access to 2 GB of LPDDR5 RAM. It comes with 32 GB of internal storage, although some of this space is already taken up by the Android 11-based Inkbook OS. It features its own app store, but users may also sideload apps if they wish. Moreover, the backlight can be adjusted not just in brightness but also in color temperature.

    Connectivity and Availability

    Users can access e-books through USB-C, and it also supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. A headphone jack is included, making it possible to connect headphones for listening to audiobooks. The e-reader is currently available for pre-order in four colors (black, yellow, blue, and pink) at a price of approximately €164, which includes a free protective case. The Inkbook Solaris Color ships only to countries in the EU, the UK, Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand, with shipping costs calculated at checkout.

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  • RedMagic Launches Snapdragon 8 Elite Tablet in Golden Saga Color

    RedMagic Launches Snapdragon 8 Elite Tablet in Golden Saga Color

    Key Takeaways

    1. The RedMagic 11 Pro series includes a new color version of the Gaming Tablet 3 Pro, called the Golden Saga, featuring a stylish black and gold design.
    2. The tablet is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which is efficient for gaming and demanding tasks despite not being the latest from Qualcomm.
    3. It has a built-in fan for effective cooling, which helps prevent throttling during gaming sessions.
    4. The 9-inch OLED display offers a 16:10 aspect ratio, 165 Hz refresh rate, and impressive battery life of over 12 hours with 80 W fast charging (adapter not included).
    5. Additional features include powerful stereo speakers, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, and decent camera quality, while global availability of the Golden Saga is still unconfirmed.


    Along with the launch of the RedMagic 11 Pro series, the company has unveiled a new color version of the Gaming Tablet 3 Pro, which is known internationally as the Astra. This new colorway is referred to as the Golden Saga, featuring a stylish design with black and gold highlights.

    Specs and Performance

    Despite the change in color, the tablet’s specifications remain unchanged. It still comes equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which, while not the most cutting-edge chipset from Qualcomm, is certainly adept at handling demanding tasks and gaming experiences.

    Cooling and Display Features

    One of the standout features of the RedMagic Astra is its cooling system, which includes a built-in fan. Our review highlighted that this active cooling mechanism effectively reduces throttling, a significant advantage for gamers. We were also quite impressed with the gaming tablet’s display quality.

    The 9-inch OLED screen on the RedMagic Astra boasts a 16:10 aspect ratio and a refresh rate of 165 Hz. The battery life is also commendable, lasting over 12 hours in our tests. It supports 80 W fast charging; however, the package does not come with a power adapter (the 160 W Anker Prime charger curr. $115.99 on Amazon).

    Additional Features

    Additional features include powerful stereo speakers, a speedy USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, and satisfactory camera quality. While RedMagic has yet to confirm if the Golden Saga will be available globally, the Astra is already accessible in the international market.

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  • Samsung A11: Affordable Tablet with 7-Year Update Guarantee

    Samsung A11: Affordable Tablet with 7-Year Update Guarantee

    Key Takeaways

    1. Samsung leads the industry by offering up to seven years of updates for most devices, surpassing Apple’s vague update policies.
    2. The commitment to long-term updates is more realistic for high-end devices like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra than for budget devices.
    3. There is skepticism about Samsung’s promise of seven years of updates for lower-cost devices like the Galaxy Tab A11 due to lack of official confirmation.
    4. Samsung’s update promises come with conditions, which raises doubts about their reliability, despite the company’s verbal confirmations.
    5. Users can cautiously expect several years of updates for budget-friendly devices, influenced by potential new EU regulations on software support.


    Samsung is seen as the top player in the industry regarding update durations, frequently guaranteeing six or even seven years of updates for most of its devices. This places the South Korean firm ahead of Apple, which also generally provides long update periods but does not make a firm announcement at the time of product launch, leading to possible loopholes.

    Samsung’s Commitment

    When Samsung claims they’ll deliver seven years of updates for budget devices like the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11, they are making a solid promise. Right?

    In general, it’s more feasible to offer long-term updates for high-end devices like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, which retail for over $1,000. It makes sense to allocate part of the profits towards a software team that creates the updates. These updates must be customized for each smartphone because of differing drivers. Simultaneously, SoC makers and Google need to commit to backing the hardware for seven software versions.

    Skepticism Around Budget Devices

    However, for lower-cost devices like the Samsung Galaxy Tab A11, doubt is reasonable. Sure, a massive company like Samsung could easily afford it, but does it actually make sense from a business perspective? Samsung has stated in press releases that the tablet will get seven years of updates, and this was also highlighted in previously leaked marketing materials.

    Yet, there’s no indication of this on their official site. Also, there’s a history that makes us question this claim.

    Although Samsung promotes a long update promise for the Galaxy A17 on its webpage, it comes with conditions, which we have explored in another report. This has led us to be cautious about Samsung’s update promise, even though the company has confirmed the seven-year update plan when asked.

    Cautious Optimism

    Thus, we shouldn’t just accept Samsung’s assurance at face value. Whether the new EU rule will compel manufacturers to provide longer updates might need to be resolved in court. For now, users can reasonably anticipate several years of updates for the budget-friendly Samsung Galaxy Tab A11.

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  • Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 4 Launches New Color After 4 Years

    Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 4 Launches New Color After 4 Years

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Nook GlowLight 4 has a new color option called Ocean Teal, following the previous Pearl Pink edition.
    2. The Ocean Teal edition features the same design and specifications as the original GlowLight 4, including a 6-inch E-Ink display and 32GB of storage.
    3. The price remains unchanged at $149.99.
    4. The e-reader includes physical buttons, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a USB-C connection, with a battery life of up to a month on a single charge.
    5. The Nook GlowLight 4 Ocean Teal Edition is available for pre-order, with a release date of November 20.


    It has been nearly four years since the Nook GlowLight 4 e-reader was launched by Barnes & Noble. While some people might think it’s about time for a new version, the American book store chain seems to disagree. Instead, they have chosen to introduce a new color for their competitor to the Kindle.

    New Color Release

    When the Nook GlowLight 4 first came out in December 2021, it was sold only in Black. In 2022, a limited edition Pearl Pink was introduced, featuring a white front and a pink back. This special variant quickly sold out within months of its launch, but Barnes & Noble brought it back in stock in 2023. Sadly, this color is no longer available for purchase.

    Now, the GlowLight 4 is being offered in a fresh color called Ocean Teal. This shade is somewhat reminiscent of the Metallic Jade found on the Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024), which can be found on Amazon for $449.99. The GlowLight 4 Ocean Teal Edition features the same color all around—front, sides, and back—unlike the previous Pearl Pink edition. Other than the new hue, every other detail remains unchanged, including the same price of $149.99 as the black variant.

    Display and Features

    The Nook GlowLight 4 is equipped with a 6-inch E-Ink display that delivers 300 ppi. Its screen is slightly recessed, in contrast to the GlowLight 4 Plus, which boasts a flush display. Thankfully, it comes with a screen protector that minimizes glare and is resistant to scratches and fingerprints.

    This e-reader includes physical buttons for turning pages, along with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a USB-C connection. The GlowLight 4 has 32GB of internal storage, but lacks a MicroSD card slot. The battery life is advertised to last up to a month on just one charge.

    Availability

    The Nook GlowLight 4 Ocean Teal Edition is now available for pre-order at the price of $149.99, and it is set to be released on November 20.

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  • Oppo Pad 5 Launches: Dimensity 9400+, 144Hz 3K Display for $365

    Oppo Pad 5 Launches: Dimensity 9400+, 144Hz 3K Display for $365

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Oppo Pad 5 features a sleek aluminum design, measuring 0.24 inches in thickness, with a pill-shaped camera bump.
    2. It is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ processor, offering configurations with up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage.
    3. The tablet sports a 12.1-inch IPS display with a resolution of 3000 x 2120 pixels, a 144Hz refresh rate, and 98% DCI-P3 color coverage.
    4. Additional accessories include the Pencil 2 Pro and a keyboard case with a trackpad, aimed at enhancing productivity.
    5. Currently available in China, the Oppo Pad 5 starts at approximately $365 and may have a global release announcement on October 28.


    Alongside the Oppo Find X9 and Find X9 Pro, Oppo has unveiled a new mid-range tablet today. The Oppo Pad 5 features an aluminum body that measures just 0.24 inches in thickness and has a pill-shaped camera bump. While its design might seem ordinary, it seeks to win over customers mainly with an attractive price-performance ratio.

    Powerful Specifications

    To achieve this, Oppo equips the tablet with a MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ processor, available with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. It boasts a 12.1-inch IPS display that has a 7:5 aspect ratio, delivering a sharp resolution of 3000 x 2120 pixels, a fast 144Hz refresh rate, and a maximum brightness of 900 nits. The display also achieves 98% coverage of the DCI-P3 color spectrum.

    Additional Accessories

    For those looking to enhance productivity, Oppo offers the Pencil 2 Pro and a keyboard case with a trackpad, sold separately. The tablet is powered by a substantial 10,420mAh battery, which can be charged via USB-C at a rapid 67 watts. It also supports WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5, along with high-quality audio codecs like Sony LDAC, Qualcomm aptX HD, and LHDC 5.0. The USB-C port is capable of transferring data at up to 5Gbps, and there are 8MP cameras located on both the front and rear.

    The Oppo Pad 5 is presently only available in China, where the entry-level model featuring 8GB of RAM and 128GB storage is priced at about $365. The highest configuration, which includes 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, is priced at $505. Information about a potential global release could be revealed as soon as October 28, when Oppo is set to announce the European launch of the Oppo Find X9 and Find X9 Pro.

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  • Teclast T65 Plus: 13.4″ Tablet with 120Hz, 4G LTE, Android 15

    Teclast T65 Plus: 13.4″ Tablet with 120Hz, 4G LTE, Android 15

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Teclast T65 Plus features a 13.4-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a claimed refresh rate of 120Hz.
    2. It is powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of UFS storage, with expandable storage via microSD.
    3. The tablet supports 4G connectivity, but users must choose between dual SIMs or additional storage due to only two SIM slots.
    4. It includes a 13MP main camera, an 8MP selfie camera, and supports WiFi on both 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, along with Bluetooth 5.2.
    5. The T65 Plus has a 10,000mAh battery with 18W charging via USB-C, built-in GNSS for navigation, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.


    Teclast is adding a new tablet to its collection. The Teclast T65 Plus comes with a 13.4-inch display that uses an IPS technology and has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, which is not the highest out there. It claims a refresh rate of 120Hz, but the MediaTek Helio G99 SoC might hold it back, especially when it comes to playing more intense mobile games. However, this processor is combined with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of UFS storage. It runs on Android 15 out of the box, and you can increase the storage using a microSD card.

    Connectivity and Cameras

    The Teclast T65 Plus allows for 4G mobile connections, but there’s a significant drawback. Since it has only two SIM slots, users must decide between using dual SIMs or adding more storage. Regardless, the tablet includes a 13MP main camera and an 8MP selfie camera. It also supports WiFi on both 2.4 and 5 GHz bands, and users can pair their headphones with Bluetooth 5.2 without any hassle.

    Navigation and Battery

    On top of that, the tablet has a built-in GNSS module that works with GPS, Glonass, Galileo, and Beidou, making it suitable for navigation purposes as well. The T65 Plus is equipped with four speakers and a hefty 10,000mAh battery that charges at up to 18 watts through USB-C. It does come with a 3.5mm headphone jack, but Teclast hasn’t provided a specific release date yet.

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  • Paper 2.0 Tablet: Merging E Ink and LCD with Reflective Display

    Paper 2.0 Tablet: Merging E Ink and LCD with Reflective Display

    Key Takeaways

    1. Eazeye’s Paper 2.0 tablet features unique rLCD technology, allowing it to reflect ambient light instead of relying on backlighting.
    2. The tablet offers excellent battery efficiency and readability in bright sunlight, with a front lighting feature for dark conditions.
    3. It has a 10.3-inch screen with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,440 pixels and runs on Eazeye OS based on Android 14.
    4. Powered by a MediaTek Helio G99 processor, it includes 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of expandable storage, with a 6,000 mAh battery providing up to 67 hours of usage without front lighting.
    5. The Paper 2.0 is available for pre-order at $379, with shipping starting in April 2026, and includes a protective case and stylus.


    Eazeye is launching a unique tablet called Paper 2.0, which is claimed to stand out from many competitors mainly because of its rLCD technology. This type of LCD does not rely on backlighting; instead, it utilizes a reflective panel that bounces back ambient light through the liquid crystal layer.

    Power Efficiency and Readability

    This innovative design not only conserves battery life but also provides excellent readability in bright sunlight. Additionally, the front lighting feature makes it usable in dark conditions. The tablet sports a 10.3-inch screen with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,440 pixels and a refresh rate of 60 Hz. Running on Eazeye OS, which is built on Android 14, it offers support for standard Android applications. However, besides that, Paper 2.0 is an average Android tablet with relatively lower-end hardware.

    Hardware Specifications

    Equipped with the MediaTek Helio G99 processor, the tablet includes two ARM Cortex-A76 cores for performance and six Cortex-A55 cores for efficiency. It is also packed with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of flash storage, which can be expanded using a microSD card. While the tablet measures 8.4 millimeters in thickness, it only has a 6,000 mAh battery. Still, the energy-efficient display is expected to provide a decent runtime of 15 hours when the front lighting is active, or up to 67 hours without it.

    Pre-order Information

    The Eazeye Paper 2.0 rLCD tablet is available for pre-order on Eazeye’s website, with shipping set to start in April 2026. The bundle, which includes the tablet, a protective case, and a stylus, is priced at $379, not including import sales tax, customs charges, and shipping fees.

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  • Apple iPad Pro M5 vs M4: Design, Display, and Performance Differences

    Apple iPad Pro M5 vs M4: Design, Display, and Performance Differences

    Key Takeaways

    1. Display Upgrades: The M5 iPad Pro supports external displays with a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz and features a slightly larger 11.1-inch Ultra Retina XDR display.

    2. Chip Configuration: The M5 chip retains a similar CPU layout to the M4 but introduces a redesigned GPU with dedicated Neural Accelerators for better AI and graphics performance.

    3. Performance Enhancements: The M5 offers up to 3.5 times greater AI performance, improved memory bandwidth of 153 GB/s, and more RAM in its base models (12 GB compared to 8 GB in the M4).

    4. Camera and Connectivity: Camera hardware remains unchanged, but the M5 includes new connectivity options like Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, along with faster cellular data speeds from the new C1X modem.

    5. Battery Life and Charging: Battery life is unchanged, but the M5 now supports official fast charging and retains the USB-C connector with Thunderbolt / USB 4 support.


    Apple has recently upgraded the chip inside its iPad Pro to the new M5 processor, launching it alongside the tablet. At first sight, you might think the M4 iPad Pro from last year and this year’s M5 version are the same, but there are several significant changes beneath the surface beyond just the chip upgrade. Let’s dive into what’s new with the M5 iPad Pro and what still remains the same in Apple’s latest high-end tablet.

    Display Upgrades

    The M5 iPad Pro now supports external displays with a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. In contrast, the M4 iPad Pro had a maximum refresh rate of only 60 Hz for external displays. Additionally, the M5 model sports a slightly larger 11.1-inch (28.22 cm) Ultra Retina XDR Tandem OLED display, compared to the 11.0-inch (27.96 cm) display on the M4. However, the displays on the 13-inch M4 and M5 iPad Pro models are exactly the same. Other than this, the display and build specs of both the M4 and M5 iPad Pro models are unchanged.

    Chip Configuration

    Inside the new iPad Pro, the M5 chip keeps a similar CPU layout to the M4, featuring a 9-core setup (three performance and six efficiency cores) on the 256 GB and 512 GB models, while a 10-core configuration (four performance and six efficiency cores) is available for the 1 TB and 2 TB versions. The M5 also introduces a completely redesigned GPU with dedicated Neural Accelerators in each core, which Apple states offers significantly enhanced AI and graphics performance.

    Performance Enhancements

    Apple asserts that this new architecture can provide up to 3.5 times greater AI performance than the M4, with a quicker 16-core Neural Engine and improved memory bandwidth of 153 GB/s compared to 120 GB/s on the M4. The M5 iPad Pro also comes with more memory in its base model, featuring 12 GB of RAM for the 256 GB and 512 GB versions. Meanwhile, the 1 TB and 2 TB models still have 16 GB of RAM. Both chips utilize the same advanced media engine, but the M5 introduces better encoding and decoding efficiency.

    Camera and Connectivity

    The iPad Pro M5 keeps the front and rear camera hardware identical to the M4, but it brings new advancements in connectivity. The new N1 wireless chip allows for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread, which Apple claims enhances hotspot reliability and general wireless performance. Additionally, cellular models now include Apple’s new C1X modem, which promises data speeds that are up to 50% faster and 30% more efficient in power usage.

    Battery Life and Charging

    Battery life remains the same as its predecessor, but the M5 iPad Pro now supports official fast charging, allowing quicker power replenishment with a compatible high-wattage adapter. Both models retain a USB-C connector with Thunderbolt / USB 4 support.

    Audio and Pricing

    Concerning audio, both the M5 and M4 iPad Pro versions possess the same four-speaker audio system along with four high-quality microphones. The number and types of sensors are also unchanged across both models.

    The pricing for the M4 and M5 iPad Pro models is the same. You can find detailed pricing for the M5 iPad Pro. However, it’s worth noting that the M4 iPad Pro lineup began with a model that had 8 GB of memory and 256 GB of storage, whereas the M5 iPad Pro starts with 12 GB of memory and the same 256 GB of storage.

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  • Onyx Unveils New Boox ePaper Devices on October 21

    Onyx Unveils New Boox ePaper Devices on October 21

    Key Takeaways

    1. Onyx is launching new Boox gadgets specifically for the Chinese market, with a global launch event scheduled for October 21.
    2. The launch event will start at 10 AM (GMT+8) and will feature new ePaper devices.
    3. Clues suggest that at least one device will have a color E-Ink display, indicated by the hashtag ‘#colorepaper’.
    4. The upcoming products are expected to belong to the Boox tablet range, as hinted by the hashtag ‘#einktablet’.
    5. Speculation exists that the new devices may be versions of the recently announced Boox P6 Pro series, which includes a standard model and a color model.


    Onyx has recently introduced two new Boox gadgets tailored for the Chinese market. Now, they have revealed that another event is coming up later this month, leading to rumors it might be the worldwide launch of these new Boox products.

    Upcoming Launch Event

    A video shared on the Boox YouTube channel confirms a product launch event taking place on October 21. In the video description, it states that the event will kick off at 10 AM (GMT+8) and will showcase new Boox ePaper devices.

    Hints About New Devices

    Although Boox is keeping details under wraps, they have dropped a few clues. The video description includes several hashtags, with two particularly catching attention — ‘#colorepaper’ and ‘#einktablet’. The first suggests that at least one of the new devices will feature a color E-Ink display similar to the Boox Go Color 7 Gen II, which is priced at $279.99 on Amazon. The second hashtag implies that the upcoming products will belong to the Boox tablet range.

    Speculations on Device Lineup

    There are theories that the new devices may be the Palma versions of the phone-sized Boox P6 Pro Series that was announced in China just a week ago. This Boox P6 Pro series consists of two models — the standard Boox P6 Pro, which has a black and white Carta 1300 display, and the Boox P6 Pro Color, equipped with a Kaleido 3 color display.

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