Onyx BOOX Go 10.3 (Gen II) Brings Android 15 and Front-Lit Display to E Ink Tablet Market

Onyx has launched the BOOX Go 10.3 (Gen II), an updated version of its popular E Ink tablet that brings several meaningful improvements to the device. The new model, which starts at $420 and is available today from Boox.com and Amazon, maintains the same 10.3-inch E Ink Carta display as its predecessor but adds Android 15 support and optional front-lighting capabilities.

The BOOX Go 10.3 (Gen II) features a 10.3-inch, 2480 x 1860 E Ink Carta display with 300 pixels per inch, providing sharp text and crisp images for reading and note-taking. The display supports writing and drawing with a pressure-sensitive pen, making it suitable for students, professionals, and anyone who needs to annotate documents or take handwritten notes.

One of the most significant upgrades in the new model is the operating system. While the previous generation shipped with Android 12, the Gen II version comes with Android 15, giving users access to the latest Android features, security updates, and app compatibility. This upgrade is particularly important for a device that ships with the Google Play Store pre-installed, as it ensures users can run the latest Android apps optimized for E Ink displays.

Another notable addition is the optional front-lit display. Users can choose between two models: a standard version without front-lighting for $420, or the BOOX Go 10.3 (Gen II) Lumi model with front-lighting for $450. The front-lit version supports both brightness and color temperature adjustments, allowing users to read comfortably in various lighting conditions. The front-lit model weighs 364 grams (12.8 ounces) and measures 4.8mm thick, while the non-lit version is slightly lighter at 360 grams (12.7 ounces) and 4.6mm thick.

Both models share the same core specifications, including a 3700 mAh battery that should provide ample battery life for extended reading sessions. The device includes a USB Type-C OTG port for power and data transfer, dual-band WiFi for reliable connectivity, and Bluetooth 5.1 for connecting wireless accessories like headphones or keyboards. A G-sensor enables automatic screen rotation, adapting the display orientation based on how the device is held.

Audio capabilities set the BOOX Go 10.3 apart from many other E Ink devices. The tablet includes a microphone and stereo speakers, enabling text-to-speech functionality for taking notes, listening to audio content, or running Android apps that utilize audio input and output. This feature expands the device's utility beyond just reading and writing, making it more versatile for various use cases.

The BOOX Go 10.3 (Gen II) ships with a custom user interface optimized for E Ink displays, balancing the full Android experience with the unique characteristics of E Ink technology. The inclusion of the Google Play Store pre-installed means users can install and run Android apps directly on the device, though performance may vary depending on the app's optimization for E Ink displays.

For comparison, the previous generation model currently sells for $410, making the base Gen II model only $10 more expensive while adding significant upgrades like Android 15 and the optional front-lighting. This pricing strategy makes the new model an attractive upgrade for existing users and a compelling option for new buyers considering an E Ink tablet.

The BOOX Go 10.3 (Gen II) enters a competitive E Ink tablet market where devices like the Kindle Scribe, Kobo Elipsa, and various reMarkable tablets offer similar functionality. However, the combination of a larger 10.3-inch display, Android 15 operating system, and optional front-lighting gives the BOOX Go a unique position in the market, particularly for users who want the flexibility of a full Android experience on an E Ink device.

Availability is immediate through Boox.com and Amazon, with both the standard and Lumi versions shipping today. Given the device's specifications and the significant upgrades over the previous generation, the BOOX Go 10.3 (Gen II) represents a solid option for anyone in the market for a premium E Ink tablet with Android capabilities.