Boox Note Max Review: A Massive E-Ink Device with Bold Choices

The Boox Note Max is the biggest e-ink device I’ve ever tested, boasting a massive 13.3-inch display that demands attention. But does bigger mean better? Well, let’s just say some of its hardware choices are questionable.

In this in-depth review, we’ll explore its design, build quality, performance, and overall usability to determine if it’s worth the $650 price tag. By the end of this review, you’ll know exactly who this device is for and whether it’s the right investment for your needs. Let’s dive in!

Design & Build Quality

The first impression? Sleek, solid, and well-built. At just 4.6mm thick, the Note Max feels premium yet sturdy. There’s no flexing, creaking, or bending, which is always a good sign. However, that ultra-thin design comes at a cost—battery life, but more on that later.

The back of the device has a plastic construction with a subtle, sparkly finish that resists fingerprints, maintaining its clean look. A silver metal strip runs across the back, likely adding structural support for the massive screen. The sides and power button are made of metal, while the front features a matte-textured plastic that mimics the feel of paper—a thoughtful addition for an e-ink device.

Ports and Buttons Layout:

• Top: Power button + microphone

• Left: Speakers and dock for the optional keyboard case

• Bottom: USB-C charging port

• Right: Hidden magnet for the stylus

Speaking of the stylus, the magnetic attachment is strong. Even after a shake test, it held on tightly—so no worries about it detaching in your bag.

Overall, the Note Max’s design is a solid mix of elegance and durability, making it a premium-feeling device without being fragile.

Tech Specs

Under the hood, the Note Max is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855—a 7nm, 2.8GHz octa-core processor with an Adreno 640 GPU. While this chipset is over seven years old, it still performs well, having powered flagship phones like the Samsung Galaxy S10.

Key Specifications:

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 855

• RAM: 6GB

• Storage: 128GB (with ~108GB usable, no microSD expansion)

• Sensors & Connectivity: Gyroscope, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, side speakers, and a microphone

• Battery: 3,700 mAh Li-ion

Missing features? There’s no camera, fingerprint reader, or microSD slot, but for an e-ink device, these omissions are hardly dealbreakers. The biggest concern is the battery life, as 3,700mAh seems small for a 13-inch display. We’ll discuss real-world performance later.

Display

The Boox Note Max features a 13.3-inch Carta 1300 e-ink display with a 2400 x 3200 resolution at 300 PPI. The result? Incredibly sharp text and images.

What’s Unique About This Display?

• No Color, No Front Light: This may seem like a tradeoff, but it enhances contrast and clarity.

• No Extra Layers: Since there’s no front light or color filter, the e-ink microcapsules sit closer to the surface, providing crystal-clear text without shadows or glare.

To illustrate this, a comparison with the Kindle Colorsoft (which has a Kaleido 3 color filter) shows that the Note Max offers noticeably better contrast.

How Does It Handle PDFs and Documents?

The 13.3-inch screen is perfect for A4-sized documents, reducing the need for zooming or scrolling. Whether you’re reading research papers, contracts, or sheet music, the clarity and large format make for a fantastic reading experience.

Is the Lack of a Front Light an Issue?

It depends. You’ll need an external light source, but even a dim bedside lamp makes text readable. In bright daylight or direct sunlight, the screen performs exceptionally well due to minimal glare.

Refresh Modes and Performance

Like other Boox devices, the Note Max allows you to adjust the refresh mode based on content:

• Normal Mode: Best for reading and UI navigation

• Regal Mode: Enhances image quality but introduces flicker

• A2 Mode: Fastest refresh, suitable for video playback or web browsing

One particularly useful feature is App Refresh Mode, which lets you assign different refresh settings per app—removing the hassle of manually switching modes.

Reading Experience

Reading on the Note Max is effortless. Thanks to 300 PPI pixel density, text is sharp and clean, making it ideal for e-books, PDFs, and even complex document layouts. The high contrast ensures excellent readability, whether you’re using Kindle, Kobo, or third-party reading apps.

The large screen also makes annotations and note-taking much more practical, especially for professionals working with detailed documents. More on that in our writing experience section.

Is It Worth the $650 Price Tag?

The Boox Note Max offers a stunning, large e-ink display, solid build quality, and a capable processor, but it does come with some trade-offs—no front light, no expandable storage, and concerns about battery life. However, if you primarily read and annotate large documents or want an alternative to paper without sacrificing screen real estate, this device is hard to beat.

So, who is this for?

• Yes, if you need a large-format e-ink device for work, study, or professional use.

• No, if you need front lighting, expandable storage, or a compact, portable device.

Ultimately, the Boox Note Max is a powerful e-ink device with some bold design choices, making it a fantastic option for the right user. If you can live with the trade-offs, it’s a worthwhile investment.