In short: Producers sometimes use e-ink shows for e-readers and digital signage, however sometimes, they discover their method into general-purpose units due to their low-power demand. Hisense’s up to date A9 could be viable for patrons wishing to keep away from carrying an e-reader and a smartphone concurrently, however it has severe drawbacks in comparison with most trendy telephones.
A brand new model of Hisense’s e-ink smartphone not too long ago appeared with barely up to date specs. The system would possibly go well with customers in search of a flexible and versatile e-reader however who do not essentially want essentially the most superior telephone. The corporate initially launched the A9 in 2022 with choices for 4 GB or 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of inner storage. The brand new model will increase the obtainable reminiscence to eight GB and doubles the storage to 256 GB with assist for growth by means of microSD playing cards.
The system’s most seen disadvantage is its monochrome display screen. It makes use of an E INK Carta 1200 – the identical show as Kobo’s Elipsa 2E e-reader – with an 824 x 1,648 decision at 300 pixels per inch. Different vital compromises embrace the shortage of 5G assist and the severely out of date Android 11 working system.
Though the included working system places the A9 far behind most up-to-date Android smartphones, it’s nonetheless extra versatile than most e-readers. Whereas Kindle or Kobo e-readers solely assist a restricted vary of apps and codecs, entry to the complete Android OS permits A9 homeowners to open any format by means of various apps and net browsers. Boox affords a variety of comparable Android-powered e-readers with Android 11 and 12 assist, together with the Tab Extremely and the pocket-sized Palma, however none double as smartphones.
IT House notes that the up to date Hisense A9 is obtainable in China for 3,199 yuan (roughly $439). Nonetheless, an internet Hisense e-reader retailer will ship the system globally for $659.
Telephones, tablets, screens, and different general-purpose merchandise with e-ink screens are a distinct segment market attributable to their low refresh charges and inferior colours. Nonetheless, the panels are glare-free, making them superb for displaying textual content. Moreover, they solely devour vitality when updating the display screen, considerably growing battery life.
Dasung not too long ago launched a ten.3-inch 60Hz moveable e-ink monitor. The 1,872 x 1,404 decision display screen retails for $273 and contains expertise to scale back ghosting. It additionally permits customers to regulate lighting to lower eye pressure.
