E-ink readers/eReaders (阅读器) are devices made with special paper-like (e-ink) screens, specifically designed for reading content digitally for a long period of time. They are much easier on the eye and perform better under bright lights than an LCD tablet such as an iPad.
<aside> 💡 If you’re unfamiliar with e-ink devices, take a look at this brilliant video by Good e-Reader https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMEMZDN6iDU
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Amazon’s eReader range Kindle/Paperwhite/Oasis are amongst the most popular eReaders in the international market, along with other well-known brands like Kobo.
In recent years, China has released many Android eReaders that are specially made for the fast-growing Chinese digital reading market of published novels (出版小说), webnovels (网络小说) and manhua (漫画). Among these, Boox (文石) is the most widely available brand outside of China.
All eReaders, both western and Chinese branded ones, allow for sideloading of ebooks and documents onto the device, as well as purchasing books directly from a dedicated store.
<aside> ☀️ Sideloading ebooks means loading an ebook file (in formats such as epub/mobi) onto the eReader that has been purchased from a different store besides the one available on the device. Most eReaders will support a variety of popular document formats such as epub, pdf and docx.
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Devices like the Amazon Paperwhite and Kobo Clara HD are easily available for purchase in most countries and are relatively decently priced. The build quality of these devices is excellent.
It’s extremely easy to get help and find information on these devices as there are plenty of videos, blog posts, and comparison information on them. You might even be able to check them in person at a local electronic store.
All eReaders by Amazon and Kobo, run a custom closed operating system. Purchasing eBooks are locked to their respective stores only. Sideloading eBooks and documents onto the device is possible, either directly or using softwares like Calibre to convert the file into the right format. Running Android app on these devices isn’t possible without greatly modifying the device illegally.
Both Amazon and Kobo devices support multiple languages, including Chinese (traditional and simplified). Additional dictionaries, including a Chinese→English dictionary, can be downloaded directly under the dictionary section of the devices.
If you plan on reading only eBooks in formats such as epub or purchase most of your eBooks via Amazon or Kobo, then one of the devices from Amazon or Kobo will be perfect. But do note that for webnovels and content you won’t find on these businesses’ stores, getting them onto your device would be tricky.
Before buying an eReader from one of these brands, look into the availability of Chinese books in your region on the respective platform. Buying eBooks from the Chinese Amazon store is no longer available as they closed the service down in 2023.
<aside> 📖 Moon’s Recommendation I’ve had three Amazon Kindle devices over the last 10 years, the latest being the new 2021 Kindle Paperwhite. If you want to purchase an Amazon Kindle, I highly recommend the Paperwhite version as they’re durable, well-built, and inexpensive. Their devices are always on sale via the Amazon store during big sale periods such as Prime Day, Black Friday and Christmas.
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View of the Kindle Store (UK) from 2022 Paperwhite when searching for Chinese Edition eBooks
Unfortunately, as of now, there are no Android eReaders by any Western brands. Not many are available outside of China, and the range is limited in certain countries. They are also quite expensive, especially for the international market due to additional delivery, export and import tax fees.
Having said that, they are the best for Chinese content as many Android eReaders allow for third-party installation of Android apps, either via the inbuilt app store on the device, Google Play Store or directly installing from an APK.
Boox devices are the most easily available Android eReaders outside of China. They come with many of the popular Chinese reading apps out of the box and many others can be downloaded via the in-built app store. Google Play Store can also be turned on, should you need to download additional apps from the Play Store.
Boox devices also support sideloading of a large variety of document types. Chinese and English interfaces are available on all Boox devices.
If you want to use your favourite Chinese reading app (such as 微信读书，晋江中文网，起点读书) or Chinese reading apps for learners (such as Pleco, Readibu, DuChinese) on a paper-like screen, a Boox device will be your best option.
As these devices are quite expensive, if you don’t plan on utilising the freedom an Android operating system will provide you with, then purchasing one of these devices may not be a good choice.