The world of E Ink devices is heating up, and Onyx Boox is right at the forefront of the innovation race. Hot on the heels of their recent Boox Note X5 Mini announcement in China, the company is already generating more buzz. This time, it’s for a device that promises to blend the portability of a smartphone with the focused, eye-friendly experience of an e-reader. Meet the soon-to-be-launched Boox P6 Pro, a device that will be available in both classic Black & White and a vibrant color version, shaking up our expectations of what a modern e-reader can be.
While the official curtain won't rise until October 9 in China, Onyx has released a set of sleek official renders, giving us our first clear look at what's in store. This isn't our very first glimpse, however. Sharp-eyed tech enthusiasts might recognize the P6 Pro from its appearance as a prototype at the IFA tech show in Berlin last month. That international showcase is a strong hint that a global release is likely, positioning the P6 Pro as the direct successor to the popular, phone-like Boox Palma.
Always-Connected Reading: The 5G Advantage
One of the most significant upgrades from the IFA prototype to this final Pro model is the connectivity. The versions on display in Berlin featured 4G, but Onyx has decided to future-proof the P6 Pro duo by equipping them with 5G connectivity.
The addition of a SIM card slot is a game-changer for on-the-go users. It means you can download a new book while commuting, sync your reading progress from a park bench, or check your RSS feeds without hunting for a Wi-Fi network. It essentially turns the device into a truly mobile hub for your digital reading and note-taking.
Technically, this hardware also opens the door for making phone calls, much like a standard smartphone. However, Onyx has notably not marketed this as a feature. This suggests the SIM functionality is intended purely for high-speed internet access, keeping the device focused on its core purpose as a productivity and reading tool, not a phone replacement.
For a deeper look at how always-connected E Ink devices are changing our reading habits, this deep dive into the digital reading landscape provides excellent context.
Design and Specs: Familiar Yet Refined
From the official renders, the Boox P6 Pro inherits much of its DNA from the Boox Palma. We see the same distinctive thick bezels—which are actually quite useful for holding the device without accidental screen touches—and a single 16MP rear camera, likely for document scanning.
A subtle but noticeable change is the relocation of the volume rocker, which has now moved to the left-side frame. While full technical specifications are still under wraps, the details we have for the color model are particularly exciting.
The Boox P6 Pro Color won't just be a simple screen swap. It's shaping up to be the premium model in the lineup. It's confirmed to pack a robust 8GB of RAM and a generous 128GB of internal storage. Furthermore, it will support stylus input, making it a potent pocket-sized note-taking machine. The color version will also feature a hybrid SIM tray, accommodating both a physical nano-SIM card and a MicroSD card for even more storage expansion—a flexibility that power users will appreciate.
As these official renders from Onyx's Weibo channel show, the device maintains a sleek, professional aesthetic that will be available in two distinct color options.
Positioning in the Market: A reMarkable Rival?
The most obvious competitor in the compact e-note space is the reMarkable Paper Pro. With its color screen and high-end specs, the Boox P6 Pro Color is poised to be a direct challenger. While Onyx has not announced any pricing, there is strong speculation that it will be positioned more aggressively than the $449 reMarkable Paper Pro.
If Onyx can undercut that price while offering the versatility of a color E Ink screen and 5G connectivity, the Boox P6 Pro Color could become the go-to choice for students, professionals, and avid readers looking for a powerful, all-in-one portable device. For those curious about the current model it's succeeding, the Boox Palma is available on Amazon to give you an idea of the form factor and software experience.
The official announcement for both the Boox P6 Pro and the Boox P6 Pro Color is set for October 9 in China. There's no confirmed date for a global release yet, but the IFA showing and the company's history suggest it's only a matter of time before this powerful, colorful e-reader makes its way into international markets.
Post a Comment