The BOOX Note Air 2 and Supernote are two of the most popular digital note-taking devices on the market. Each has their own strengths and weaknesses and they are slightly different devices.
While the Note Air 2 excels in communication, collaboration, and planning and organizing, thanks to its versatility and app options, the Supernote A5X shines in thinking, reading, and learning, and is particularly suited for writers looking to innovate and create.
When comparing the BOOX Note Air 2 vs Supernote, I found your choice ultimately depends on what is most important: simplicity or advanced features?
Related: Kindle Scribe Vs Remarkable 2 – Is the Kindle scribe really a better e-paper tablet?
In this comparison, I’ll delve into the details of both devices and highlight their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision between the BOOX Note Air 2 vs Supernote.
Related: 15 Best e-ink Tablets for Reading, Note Taking, and Annotation
What are the main differences between the BOOX Note Air 2 and SuperNote?
It really depends on if you need very advanced features (BOOX Note air2) or a simple digital e-paper tablet that acts as a notebook (Supernote). Let’s look at the key differences:
Related: Boox note air 2 vs Boox note air 2 plus
- Why one might choose the Supernote A5X/A6X: If you are looking for a device that is aesthetically pleasing and has a soft, comfortable writing feel that enhances your writing and annotation productivity, and you don’t need advanced system features or access to Google store apps, then the Supernote A5X is the right choice for you.
- Why many are choosing the BOOX NOTE Air2: The Boox note air is actually much more powerful; especially if you are creating digital art, graphic design, or drafting architecture. It’s certainly a more advanced device with more capabilities all-around – it feels more like a tablet than a notebook.
- More advanced features vs minimalist experience: If you’re looking for a e-ink paper tablet with more advanced features, offering a snappier software performance, the BOOX Note Air2 is ideal. It operates on the Android platform and has access to the Google store, providing you with numerous options for customization and productivity. Supernote is more stylish, simple, and minimalist.
- Writes just like pen on paper
- Additional apps that help with productivity for creatives and professionals
- Specialized for e-reading, annotating, note taking, drafting, and more
- Sketching is a strongpoint of this dev
Difference between the two Supernote models (A5x & A6x): The Supernote A6X is ideal for those who need a larger screen for tasks such as PDF document review and sketching, while the A5X is better for those who need a more portable device for quick notes and on-the-go reading. The choice between the two depends on the individual’s specific needs and usage.
Related: 7 Best Remarkable Alternatives (E-ink Paper Tablets) – reMarkable and their alternatives rival the Note air 2 and Supernote.
BOOX Note Air 2 vs SuperNote – Hands on Comparison
I’ll start by discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each device, and provide a unique view of which device may be better suited for different types of users.
Important: The Boox Note Air 2 is more suitable for tech-savvy individuals who desire a paper-like writing experience, while the Supernote A5X is better suited for those who place a higher importance on ease-of-use and writing productivity.
Related: Kindle Scribe Vs Remarkable 2 – Which is better?
Both come with impressive pens for writing on the screen, but the Note Air has better color accuracy while the Supernote A5X has better contrast ratio and visibility in direct sunlight.
My take after using it? If you want a more powerful e-ink device with writing capabilities, the Onyx Boox Note Air 2 Plus is recommended. If not – the Supernote is a sleek, modern, stylish way to go.
Related: 10 Best Tablets for Reading PDF files [Buyers Guide]
Advantages of Boox Note Air 2:
- Writing feel: feels like writing on paper with a scratchy sound, compared to the A5X
- Android platform and store: more features and applications available than the A5X
- Software performance: snappier than the A5X
- Frontlight: allows for reading and writing in low-light conditions
Related: Best Tablets for Web Browsing & Reading
- Writes just like pen on paper
- Additional apps that help with productivity for creatives and professionals
- Specialized for e-reading, annotating, note taking, drafting, and more
- Sketching is a strongpoint of this dev
Advantages of Supernote A5X:
- Ease of use: simpler and easier to use than the Boox
- File (system) access: easier to access and backup files than the Boox
- Notes TOC: has a table of content feature in its notes app
- Support: better support and response from the manufacturer than the Boox
The Boox may be better suited for tech-savvy users who are looking to complete more complex projects, while the A5X is undoubtedly better suited for those who prioritize ease-of-use and writing productivity.
Related: Remarkable 2 review: Is it worth it?
Drawbacks of the BOOX Note Air 2
The BOOX Note Air 2 lacks the same level of ease-of-use as the A5X due to its more complex features and increased number of options.
Related: Best Amazon Fire HD Tablets for Reading
Drawbacks of Boox Note Air 2:
- Complex features and options
- adequate, but not premium support from manufacturer
- Complicated file access
- Lack of Notes TOC (table of contents) feature.
Drawbacks of Supernote A5X:
- Limited features compared to Boox Note Air 2
- No front light for low-light use
- Potential for lower performance
- User-friendly software.
Related: MobiScribe wave vs Supernote: Which is better?
Design and Build
The Supernote A5X has a box-like design that feels nice in the hand and has a real notebook feel to it, with some digital features added for enhanced functionality. The design is consistent with little difference between the A5X and A6x models.
On the other hand, the BOOX Note Air 2 has a typical tablet design, with an E-Ink screen that gives it a less of a notebook feel. The build quality of the BOOX Note Air 2 is good, but it lacks the premium feel of the Supernote A5X.
Related: Fire HD vs Kindle Paperwhite: Which is Better for Reading?
Display & Screen
The Boox Note Air 2 has a 7.8 inch E-ink screen with a resolution of 1404 x 1872 and 227dpi.
This screen provides sharp and clear text images and is ideal for reading and annotating PDF documents. The frontlight ensures that the screen is easily readable in any lighting conditions.
Related: Kindle Scribe vs BOOX Note Air2: Which E-ink tablet is Right for You?
The E-ink technology used in the Boox Note Air 2 provides a comfortable reading experience and reduces eye strain, making it ideal for long reading sessions.
The Supernote also has a 7.8 inch E-ink screen with a resolution of 1404 x 1872 and 227dpi. This screen provides a large canvas for sketching and calligraphy practice. The high resolution of the screen makes it ideal for reading and reviewing PDF documents, as well as sketching.
Hardware & performance
The ONYX BOOX Note Air 2 Plus is considered more powerful than the Supernote due to its advanced hardware specifications. The Note Air 2 Plus is equipped with an 8-core 2GHz processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of internal memory, making it ideal for professionals who need a device that can handle demanding tasks.
Related: MobiScribe Wave Review – Is this e-paper tablet worth it?
The Note Air 2 Plus runs on Android 11, which provides access to a wide range of applications and services. On the other hand, the Supernote is more casual and is designed for those who want to use it primarily for note-taking and drawing, with a more basic hardware setup of a PX30 Quad-core Cortex-A35 processor, 2GB RAM, and 32GB storage.
More on the hardware:
The Supernote has a box-like design and feels nice in the hand. It is available in two different sizes, A5X (178 x 245 mm, 375 g) and A6 X (138 x 188 mm, 255 g), both with a 10.3-inch and 7.8-inch E Ink display, respectively, and a PX30 Quad-core Cortex-A35 processor.
The device comes with 2 GB RAM and 32 GB storage, and has a battery capacity of 3800 mAh for the A5X and 2900 mAh for the A6 X. The device runs on the Chauvet middleware based on Android, and includes a pen and folio, USB C to A cable, and a quick guide in the box.
The ONYX BOOX Note Air 2 Plus has a thin metal case and a 10.3-inch E Ink Carta display with touch control, 1404*1872 resolution, 227 ppi, and 16 shades of gray. The device is powered by an 8-core 2 GHz processor and 4 GB RAM, and has 64 GB internal memory.
It has a USB Type-C with OTG support, Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11 b/g/n/ac, and Bluetooth 5.0. The device runs on Android 11 and has a polymer Li-on 3700 mAh battery. The body of the device is made of lightweight and durable aluminum-magnesium alloy, and it comes with a stylus, USB cable, and a 1-year warranty. These are all very important when considering a device for the long term.
Comparison Table: BOOX NOte Air 2 vs SuperNote a5x
The comparison table provides a clear overview of the key features and benefits of both the Boox Note Air 2 and the Supernote A5X:
| Feature | Boox Note Air 2 | Supernote A5X |
| Writing Feel | Feels like writing on paper | Soft yet nice writing feel – has different pen tips (ie. ceramic) |
| Android Platform | More features and apps available | Limited features |
| Software Performance | Snappier than A5X | Potential for lower performance |
| Frontlight | Allows for reading and writing in low-light conditions | No frontlight |
| Ease of Use | Complex features and options | Simple and easy to use |
| File Access | Complicated file access | Easy to access and backup files |
| Notes TOC | Lack of Notes TOC feature | Has a table of content feature in notes app |
| Support | Poor support from manufacturer | Better support and response from manufacturer |
| Ideal User | Tech-savvy individuals who desire paper-like writing experience | Those who prioritize ease-of-use and writing productivity |
Also – Both devices offer good reading and note-taking experiences, with low writing latency, the ability to create and edit word files/PDFs, and no accidental page turning. Handwriting conversion is also a priority for the reader, as well as split-screen mode for reading PDFs and taking notes in landscape mode.
BOOX Note Air 2 vs Supernote: Key differences based on features between the two devices
However, there are some key differences between the two devices. The Supernote A5X & A6X is more user-friendly, with an intuitive and clean interface, and has better note-taking organization features, such as keywords, titles, and stars.
On the other hand, the Boox Note Air 2 has an edge in handwriting recognition and file transfer, and is slightly cheaper. The reader may want to consider their priorities and weigh the pros and cons of each device before making a decision.
Different models of each device – explained
Below I’ll cover each model of both devices in further depth.
Different Supernote models – A5x, a6x? what’s the difference
| Feature | Supernote A6X | Supernote A5X |
| Screen size | 7.8-inch | 10.3-inch |
| Ideal use | PDF document review, sketching, calligraphy practice | Note taking, sketching, reading e-books |
| Portability | Compact size, lightweight design | Lightweight design |
| Who its best for | Individuals who need a large screen for reading, reviewing, and annotating PDF documents, sketching and practicing calligraphy | Students, professionals, individuals who enjoy reading and drawing |
The Supernote A6X is the ideal choice for those who need a large screen for reading, reviewing, and annotating PDF documents, sketching and practicing calligraphy. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around, making it perfect for on-the-go use.
On the other hand, the Supernote A5X is a great option for individuals who need a device for taking notes, sketching, and reading e-books. Its larger screen size makes it ideal for those who require more space for their work and its lightweight design makes it easy to carry with you. Whether you are a student, a professional, or someone who enjoys reading and drawing, the Supernote A5X is a great choice.
Different BOOX Note Air2 models, what’s the difference?
The differences between the Boox Nova Air2 and the Boox Nova Air are minimal. Both devices have 7.8″ screens with 227dpi resolution, octa-core processors, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, frontlight, speakers, microphone, USB-C port, and WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity.
The main difference is that the Nova Air2 runs Android 11 while the Nova Air runs Android 10 – The Nova Air2 also boasts a slightly improved CPU and displays clearer text images.
The Boox Note 5 and Boox Note Air 2 (Plus) have similar battery life, but the Note 5 is lighter and more flexible with a plastic backplane and a fingerprint reader. The Note Air 2 (Plus) has a glass backplane, a G-sensor, and a slightly larger battery.
Note: The Note 5 is more expensive than the Note Air 2 (Plus) from where I’ve seen it.
Our thoughts when reviewing each device
As a team, we had the opportunity to review both the Boox Note Air 2 and the Supernote. Our goal was to compare and evaluate each device based on its features, design, and build quality. We tested each device hands-on, exploring its capabilities and limitations.
…both devices have their pros and cons, and it ultimately depends on exactly what you’re using the e-paper tablet for (also – Have you considered the reMarkable 2 or another alternative?).
If you’re looking for a compact and powerful device for reading, annotating, and sketching, the Boox Note Air 2 is a great choice. If you need more screen space and the ability to print 1:1 on A4 paper, the Supernote is a good option
The Supernote impressed us with its larger screen size, making it ideal for those who need more space for their work. It’s also lightweight and easy to carry, making it perfect for those who are always on the go. The device also has a decent processor, but not as powerful as the Boox Note Air 2.
