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PocketBook Color Note specifications and in-depth review

PocketBook Color Note

Manufacturer: PocketBook

The PocketBook Color Note is a large-format e-reader built around a 10.3-inch self-lit e-paper touch display with a resolution of 1404 x 1872 pixels and a pixel density of 227 ppi. It supports anti-reflection coating and HDR mode, making it suited for extended reading sessions. Running as an open-source, multi-user system, it also includes text-to-speech, dictionary support, and compatibility with 24 file formats.

On the hardware side, the device is powered by a quad-core processor running at 4 x 1.5 GHz, paired with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, with an external memory slot available for expansion. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 5, along with Bluetooth 5.2. The 4000 mAh rechargeable battery charges via USB Type-C, and the device weighs 390 g with dimensions of 246 x 173.5 x 6.4 mm.

Pros
  • The 10.3-inch self-lit e-paper touch screen with anti-reflection coating makes it comfortable to read in a wide range of lighting conditions
  • Support for 24 file formats gives broad flexibility when it comes to loading and reading different document and book types
  • With 4GB of RAM and a quad-core processor at 4 x 1.5 GHz, the device is well-equipped for smooth navigation and multitasking within an e-reader context
  • 32GB of internal storage combined with an external memory slot allows for a generous and expandable content library
  • Built-in text-to-speech, offline voice recognition, and voice commands add useful hands-free and accessibility options
  • Multi-user support and a wide range of privacy controls, including app tracking blocking and camera/microphone privacy options, make it suitable for shared or privacy-conscious use
Cons
  • The 390 g weight is relatively substantial for a handheld reading device, which may cause discomfort during extended one-handed use
  • There is no weather sealing, so the device is vulnerable to splashes or accidental exposure to moisture
  • Fast charging and wireless charging are both absent, meaning recharging relies solely on a wired USB Type-C connection at standard speeds
  • The lack of a 3.5 mm headset jack limits audio output options when using text-to-speech or other audio features
  • With only 16 screen shades, the display has limited tonal range compared to higher-shade e-paper panels
  • The absence of branded damage-resistant glass leaves the screen more susceptible to scratches and surface damage
Who is this for?

The PocketBook Color Note is well-suited to avid readers and note-takers who want a large 10.3-inch e-paper screen for extended reading sessions, document annotation, or studying across a wide variety of file formats. Its self-lit display with anti-reflection coating makes it a practical choice for use in variable lighting environments, while the combination of 32GB internal storage, an external memory slot, and support for 24 file formats appeals to users who maintain large and diverse digital libraries. The multi-user capability and broad privacy controls also make it a reasonable fit for shared household or light professional use where content management and access separation are valued.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who need a lightweight, easily portable reading device may find the 390 g weight and large physical footprint uncomfortable for prolonged one-handed use or travel. Those who frequently read near water or in outdoor environments will be limited by the absence of any weather sealing, as the device offers no protection against splashes or moisture exposure. Additionally, users who rely on wired or wireless audio accessories will find the lack of a 3.5 mm headset jack restrictive, and anyone expecting quick turnaround on recharging will be disappointed by the absence of both fast charging and wireless charging support.

Design:

weight 390 g
volume 273.1584 cm³
width 173.5 mm
is weather-sealed (splashproof) ✕
thickness 6.4 mm
height 246 mm

The PocketBook Color Note has a height of 246 mm and a width of 173.5 mm, giving it a sizeable footprint suited to its large-screen format, while a thickness of just 6.4 mm keeps the overall profile relatively slim. It weighs 390 g and has a volume of 273.1584 cm³. The device does not feature weather sealing, so it offers no splashproof protection.

Display:

screen size 10.3"
is self-lit ✓
pixel density 227 ppi
Has an e-paper display ✓
has a touch screen ✓
has anti-reflection coating ✓
resolution 1404 x 1872 px
number of screen shades 16
has branded damage-resistant glass ✕

The PocketBook Color Note features a 10.3″ e-paper touch screen with a resolution of 1404 x 1872 pixels and a pixel density of 227 ppi, delivering reasonably sharp text and imagery across its large display area. The screen is self-lit and includes an anti-reflection coating, making it comfortable to use in varied lighting conditions. It renders content across 16 screen shades, and while it supports touch input, it does not use branded damage-resistant glass.

Performance:

internal storage 32GB
has an external memory slot ✓
RAM 4GB
CPU speed 4 x 1.5 GHz

The PocketBook Color Note is driven by a quad-core processor clocked at 4 x 1.5 GHz and backed by 4GB of RAM, providing a reasonable performance foundation for an e-reader of this class. It comes with 32GB of internal storage and also includes an external memory slot, allowing users to expand available space as needed.

Connectivity:

has a cellular module ✕
supports Wi-Fi ✓
Wi-Fi version Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Has Bluetooth ✓
Bluetooth version 5.2
has a search browser ✓
has NFC ✕
is DLNA-certified ✕
has an HDMI output ✕

The PocketBook Color Note supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) and Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) for wireless network access, and includes a built-in browser for web searching. Bluetooth 5.2 is also on board, enabling wireless peripheral and audio connectivity. The device does not include a cellular module, NFC, DLNA certification, or an HDMI output, keeping its wireless feature set focused on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Battery:

battery power 4000 mAh
Has USB Type-C ✓
has a removable battery ✕
Supports fast charging ✕
has wireless charging ✕
has a rechargeable battery ✓
has a battery level indicator ✓

The PocketBook Color Note is equipped with a 4000 mAh rechargeable battery that charges via USB Type-C, and it includes a battery level indicator so users can monitor remaining charge at a glance. The battery is not removable, and the device does not support fast charging or wireless charging.

Features:

release date October 2024
has a built-in speaker ✓
has dictionary ✓
supported file types 24
supports text-to-speech ✓
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack ✕
has GPS ✕
has stereo speakers ✕
has an accelerometer ✓
has a compass ✕
Has a radio ✕
has a front camera ✕
has a built-in HDR mode ✓
has a child lock ✕

The PocketBook Color Note includes a built-in mono speaker and supports both text-to-speech and a built-in dictionary, making it a capable tool for audio-assisted reading. It is compatible with 24 file formats and features a built-in HDR mode along with an accelerometer. On the audio side, there are no stereo speakers and no 3.5 mm headset jack. The device also lacks GPS, a compass, a radio, a front camera, and a child lock.

Miscellaneous:

has media picker ✕
has notification permissions ✕
has Mail Privacy Protection ✕
Tracks the current position of a mobile device ✓
blocks cross-site tracking ✕
can block app tracking ✓
has Quick Start ✕
has dynamic theming ✓
is a multi-user system ✓
Has customizable notifications ✓
has clipboard warnings ✓
has on-device machine learning ✓
has location privacy options ✓
has camera/microphone privacy options ✓
Supports widgets ✓
has theme customization ✓
has focus modes ✕
has dark mode ✓
supports split screen ✓
has full-page screenshots ✓
supports slow-motion video recording ✓
Has sharing intents ✓
has Live Text ✓
has voice commands ✓
has an extra dim mode ✓
has Wi-Fi password sharing ✕
has battery health check ✕
Can play games while they download ✓
Has offline voice recognition ✓
can offload apps ✕
has PiP ✓
can create panoramas in-camera ✓
Is free and open source ✓

The PocketBook Color Note offers a broad set of software and privacy features, including on-device machine learning, location privacy options, and camera/microphone privacy controls, alongside the ability to block app tracking and display clipboard warnings. It supports multi-user operation, customizable notifications, dynamic theming, theme customization, dark mode, and an extra dim mode, while widgets and split-screen multitasking add further flexibility to the interface. Additional capabilities include voice commands with offline voice recognition, Live Text, sharing intents, full-page screenshots, picture-in-picture, in-camera panoramas, slow-motion video recording, and the ability to play content while downloading. Device position tracking is supported, and the software is free and open source. On the other hand, it does not include a media picker, notification permission controls, Mail Privacy Protection, cross-site tracking blocking, Quick Start, focus modes, Wi-Fi password sharing, battery health check, or the ability to offload apps.

Final Verdict

The PocketBook Color Note positions itself as a feature-rich e-reader aimed at users who prioritize a large, self-lit e-paper display with broad file format support and expandable storage. Its quad-core processor, 4GB of RAM, multi-user support, and extensive privacy and software capabilities give it a depth that goes beyond a basic reading device. That said, its considerable weight, the absence of weather sealing, and the lack of fast or wireless charging mean it is best suited to stationary or low-mobility reading environments rather than on-the-go use. For readers who value a spacious screen, versatile content compatibility, and a well-rounded software feature set, the PocketBook Color Note makes a solid and capable choice within the e-reader category.