Boox Note X6: A Major Evolution in E-Ink Tablets with Split-Screen Multitasking

Onyx has officially unveiled the Boox Note X6, representing a substantial upgrade to their line of E-Ink note-taking tablets. The new device introduces several improvements over its predecessors, the Note X5 and Note X5 Mini, which were released in 2025. With a focus on enhanced performance and productivity features, the Note X6 aims to solidify Boox's position in the premium E-Ink tablet market.

Design Evolution: Slimmer, Lighter, More Comfortable

The Boox Note X6 maintains the 10.3-inch monochrome display that users have come to expect from the Note series, but introduces a completely redesigned chassis. The tablet is now slimmer at 5.2mm thick, compared to the 5.8mm thickness of the Note X5. Weight has also been reduced from 405g to 365g, making it noticeably lighter during extended use sessions.

Perhaps the most appreciated design change is the introduction of rounded corners, replacing the right-angle corners of the Note X5. This modification significantly improves the device's ergonomics, reducing hand fatigue during prolonged reading or note-taking sessions. The attention to physical comfort suggests that Boox has been listening to user feedback about the previous generation's handling characteristics.

The Boox Note X6 has support for split-screen multitasking.

Performance Boost: Snapdragon 6690 Processor Under the Hood

Powering the Boox Note X6 is the Qualcomm Dragonwing Q6690 processor, marketed as the Snapdragon 6690. According to Onyx, this new chipset delivers a 78% performance improvement over the previous generation's processor. While the company hasn't specified the RAM configuration, this substantial performance leap should translate to faster page turns, quicker app launches, and improved overall responsiveness.

Storage Expansion: 128GB Base with MicroSD Support

One of the most significant upgrades is the internal storage capacity. The Note X6 comes with 128GB of built-in storage, double the capacity of the Note X5. For users who need even more space, the tablet includes a microSD card slot that supports up to 2TB of additional storage. This expansion capability makes the device suitable for storing large collections of documents, books, and other digital materials without constantly managing storage space.

Software Innovations: Android 16 with Productivity Features

The Boox Note X6 ships with a new software version based on Android 16, representing a notable step up from the operating system on previous models. The updated Boox OS introduces several productivity-enhancing features:

1. Split-Screen Multitasking: Users can now run two applications simultaneously, allowing for more efficient workflows. For example, users might reference a document in one window while taking notes in another.

2. AI Summary: The tablet includes AI-powered text summarization capabilities, which can condense longer documents into key points—a valuable feature for students and professionals who need to process large amounts of information quickly.

3. Circle-to-Search: This innovative feature uses AI to analyze text or charts that users circle on the screen, providing explanations or additional context about the selected content.

These software features demonstrate Boox's commitment to leveraging AI to enhance the E-Ink reading and note-taking experience, differentiating their products from more basic E-Ink readers.

Comparison with Previous Generation and Competitors

When compared directly to the Note X5, the X6 offers improvements across the board: a slimmer and lighter design, significantly better performance, double the storage, and a more modern operating system with advanced features.

The Boox Note X6 is only available in China for now.

In the competitive landscape, the Note X6 will face off against devices like the reMarkable Paper Pure, which offers 32GB of storage at a lower price point of $399. However, the Boox device's superior storage capacity, more powerful processor, and advanced software features position it as a more comprehensive solution despite its higher price tag of CNY 3,299 (approximately $487/€418).

Notably, unlike the iFlytek Air 3 series, the Boox Note X6 does not include a camera, meaning users won't be able to scan documents directly with the device. This omission might be a consideration for those who value document scanning capabilities in their E-Ink tablets.

Availability and Pricing

The Boox Note X6 is currently available only in China, where it comes in white and will be starting May 31. Early buyers can benefit from a discount of up to 10% at the point of purchase. While there's no official information about an international release yet, the device's feature set suggests it would appeal to the global market of digital note-takers and E-Ink enthusiasts.

Who Is the Boox Note X6 For?

The Note X6 appears to be targeted at several key user groups:

• Students and Researchers: The large display, note-taking capabilities, and AI summary features make it an excellent tool for academic work.
• Professionals: The split-screen functionality and document annotation tools would benefit business users who need to reference multiple materials simultaneously.
• Digital Bookworms: The E-Ink display is easier on the eyes than LCD screens for extended reading sessions, and the ample storage space can hold thousands of books.
• Productivity Enthusiasts: The combination of hardware upgrades and software features creates a compelling platform for digital productivity.

For users who primarily need a simple e-reader, the Note X6 might be overkill. However, for those who want a versatile digital notebook with advanced features, it represents a significant evolution in the E-Ink tablet category.