Onyx Boox Go 10.3 Gen II review calls it a quirky but capable digital notepad
Onyx Boox released the Go 10.3 Gen II digital notepad in 2024, featuring a 10.3-inch monochrome E Ink Carta 1200 display and an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G processor. Reviewers said the device offers print-like text clarity and a lightweight design, making it a capable tool for reading and note-taking despite its lack of a front light in the non-Lumi model.
The Onyx Boox Go 10.3 Gen II features a 10.3-inch monochrome E Ink Carta 1200 display with a resolution of 2480 by 1860 pixels and 300 pixels per inch, delivering what reviewers described as “print-like text clarity” and “laser-print-like text” indistinguishable from paper, according to AppleInsider and Notebookcheck. The device is powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G processor paired with 4 GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 64 GB of internal storage, with no option for microSD expansion, as detailed in official specifications and multiple reviews.
The tablet measures approximately 235 by 183 by 4.5 to 4.6 millimeters and weighs between 360 and 375 grams, positioning it as a slim and lightweight 10.3-inch device, sources confirmed.
Connectivity options include dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz), Bluetooth 5.1, USB-C, built-in microphones, and stereo speakers for audio playback and recording, according to Onyx Boox’s official site and technical reviews.
The Go 10.3 Gen II is available in two variants: the Lumi model, which adds a front light with adjustable warm and cool color temperature, and a non-Lumi version that lacks integrated lighting and relies on ambient light. The Lumi variant is priced at $449 on Boox’s official website and Amazon US, while the non-Lumi Gen II is offered around $399 to $420, according to pricing information from Boox and Amazon listings cited in reviews. European pricing for the 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage model is listed at approximately 419.99 euros.
Reviewers noted that the E Ink display provides low glare and flicker-free reading, which can reduce eye strain and migraines for users sensitive to LCD or OLED screens, as reported by Notebookcheck and AppleInsider. The device supports a wide range of document and image formats, including PDF, EPUB, MOBI, DOCX, DJVU, CBR, and more, along with audio formats WAV and MP3 for music and podcast playback, according to Onyx’s official documentation.
The Gen II comes bundled with an Inksense Pen 2 Plus active stylus featuring 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity. Reviewers from PCMag and Good e-Reader highlighted the stylus’s natural, pencil-like feel and low latency enabled by electromagnetic resonance technology integrated into the display. The pen supports multiple nib types, adjustable stroke widths, shape correction, scribble-to-erase functionality, optical character recognition (OCR), and audio recording within notes. Users can write directly inside eBooks and PDFs, freehand draw, and create multi-page notebooks, positioning the device as a productivity-focused digital notepad, according to multiple reviews.
The device runs Android 15, an upgrade from Android 13 in the previous generation, providing access to the Google Play Store and allowing installation of third-party apps such as Kindle, Kobo, and various note-taking and productivity tools. However, reviewers noted that smooth video playback and fast animations are limited by the ePaper refresh rate, making the device better suited for static content and light multimedia. Onyx’s firmware includes its own reading and note-taking suite, cloud synchronization options, and system-wide tools to optimize third-party apps for ePaper displays, as detailed by sources including Good e-Reader and AppleInsider.
Battery life is supported by a 3,700 mAh battery, which Onyx and reviewers said can last several weeks under light use or one to two weeks with regular use, benefiting from the low power consumption of the E Ink display. Performance from the Snapdragon 750G and 4 GB RAM was described as adequate for reading, note-taking, and typical Android apps, though some reviewers, including TrustedReviews and Notebookcheck, called it limited compared to mainstream LCD tablets and noted slower refresh rates inherent to ePaper technology.
Ergonomically, the Go 10.3 Gen II is regarded as easy to hold for extended reading sessions due to its lightweight and slim profile, with a solid build and a bundled folio case enhancing grip and protection. The Lumi variant is slightly thicker and heavier by about 0.2 millimeters compared to the non-lit model, as reported in video and written reviews. Critics pointed out trade-offs including the lack of color, slower refresh rates, and limited multitasking speed, but acknowledged the device’s comfort for users prioritizing eye comfort over raw performance.
The Go 10.3 Gen II is positioned as a versatile alternative to competing 10-inch e-ink tablets such as the reMarkable 2. Reviewers emphasized its broader Android flexibility compared to more focused devices, with PCMag and Good e-Reader describing it as a robust digital notepad with strong note-taking capabilities and extensive format support. AppleInsider characterized the device as “both better and somehow worse than the last one,” praising the Android 15 upgrade and front light while noting compromises that contribute to its “quirky but capable” nature.
The Go 10.3 Gen II follows Onyx Boox’s strategy of blending high-resolution ePaper technology with Android’s open ecosystem to target productivity-oriented users who require a large page area for academic PDFs, comics, and productivity documents. Earlier models, such as the original Go 10.3, were priced around $380, indicating that the Gen II and Lumi refreshes command a higher price partly due to the added front light and updated operating system.
