- Price
- $499.99
- Released
- Oct 2025
- Maker
- Onyx BOOX
- Facts checked
Image: Onyx BOOX — official product image, used for identification
BOOX Note Air5 C at a glance: 8.3/10 (Great). A color e-ink tablet that runs Android apps. Price: $499.99. Best for: Users who want an open Android e-ink tablet that runs third-party apps alongside color note-taking. Biggest drawback: Expensive.
Verdict
The Note Air5 C is the e-ink tablet for people who don’t want to give up their apps: it runs Android 15 with three years of updates, takes microSD cards, and has physical page-turn buttons — on top of what TechRadar calls one of the best writing experiences it has tested. Colors look muted and it’s heavy.
Get it if
You want Kindle, Kobo, Readwise and your note app all on one paper-like screen.
Skip it if
You want a distraction-free device — an open Android tablet invites distractions back.
Overview
BOOX’s official page lists a 10.3-inch Kaleido 3 color screen (300 ppi black-and-white, 150 ppi color), an octa-core chip with 6 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage plus a microSD slot, a 3,700 mAh battery and Android 15, in a 5.8 mm body. Note: the same page gives both 430 g and 440 g for its weight.
It went on sale in October 2025 at $499.99 for the tablet, or $529.99 for the US bundle with folio and spare nibs.
TechRadar rates it an excellent color e-paper tablet but notes it is heavy, the stylus magnet is weak, and it doesn’t feel very new compared with other BOOX models.
Key specs
- 10.3" Kaleido 3 (4,096 colors) glass screen with flat cover-lens
- B/W: 2480 x 1860 (300 ppi); Color: 1240 x 930 (150 ppi)
- Octa-core + BSR; 6GB RAM
- 64GB, with microSD card slot
- 3,700mAh Li-ion Polymer
- Android 15
From Onyx BOOX (official).
Full specs
| Display | 10.3" Kaleido 3 (4,096 colors) glass screen with flat cover-lens |
|---|---|
| Resolution | B/W: 2480 x 1860 (300 ppi); Color: 1240 x 930 (150 ppi) |
| Processor & memory | Octa-core + BSR; 6GB RAM |
| Storage | 64GB, with microSD card slot |
| Battery | 3,700mAh Li-ion Polymer |
| OS | Android 15 |
| Weight | Approx. 430 g (15.2 oz) per spec section (comparison table on the same page says approx. 440 g) |
| Dimensions | 225 x 192 x 5.8 mm |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi + BT 5.1 |
| Front light | Front Light with CTM (Warm and Cold) |
Specs as listed by Onyx BOOX (official) (device only; $529.99 bundle). Prices change; check before you buy.
What reviewers say
TechRadar rates it an excellent color e-paper tablet with one of the best writing experiences it has tested, but says it is heavy and doesn't feel new versus other BOOX models.
Rated value score 4/5.
Score breakdown
Five criteria, each 0–10, weighted into the overall score (see weights).
Questions people ask
Is BOOX Note Air5 C worth it in 2026?
We rate BOOX Note Air5 C 8.3/10 (Great). The Note Air5 C is the e-ink tablet for people who don’t want to give up their apps: it runs Android 15 with three years of updates, takes microSD cards, and has physical page-turn buttons — on top of what TechRadar calls one of the best writing experiences it has tested. Colors look muted and it’s heavy.
How much does BOOX Note Air5 C cost?
$499.99 (device only; $529.99 bundle), checked Oct 31, 2026.
When was BOOX Note Air5 C released?
BOOX Note Air5 C was released in Oct 2025.
What are the best alternatives to BOOX Note Air5 C?
reMarkable Paper Pro (7.5/10, $629); Kindle Scribe (2025) (7.4/10, $499.99 (launch)).
Is there a BOOX Note Air5 C discount or coupon?
We found no official discount, coupon or verified deal for BOOX Note Air5 C on Oct 31, 2026.
Sources
- Official page: boox.com shop.boox.com · accessed Oct 30, 2026
- Review — TechRadar, Sharmishta Sarkar, 26 Feb 2026 techradar.com · accessed Oct 30, 2026
