The e-reader market continues to evolve, and Onyx Boox is once again pushing boundaries with its newly refreshed Go 7 Color (Gen II). While this isn’t a radical redesign, it’s a meaningful upgrade for those who expect more from their e-reader—color, customization, handwriting support, and tablet-like flexibility.
Whether you’re a student, creative professional, or a passionate reader who wants as close to real paper as it gets, this model brings you vibrant color for joyful experiences, or crisp black-and-white for focus and calm.
Table of Contents
Compact Design, Built for Movement
Carry Less, Experience More. At just 195 grams, the Go 7 Color Gen II is light as a breeze and fits snugly in your hand thanks to a textured back. Its 7-inch form factor makes it the ideal companion for commuting, lounging in cafés, or relaxing in nature. It’s one of the most travel-friendly color e-readers available.
And it adapts to your movements, too. Thanks to its G-sensor, the screen automatically rotates—just turn or tilt it, and it switches between portrait and landscape. No extra taps needed.
Vibrant Kaleido 3 Color Screen: A Big Step Forward
One of the standout upgrades in Gen II is the enhanced Kaleido 3 color e-ink screen, delivering deeper, more saturated colors. Whether you’re reading a full-color comic, reviewing a presentation, or browsing the web, the experience is noticeably richer than its predecessor.
You can toggle between display modes like HD (for sharp detail), A2 (for speed), or BSR (Boox Super Refresh) depending on what you’re doing. Want to read with the best lighting? The front lights are fully adjustable. Choose cool light during the day, warm light at night, or Dark Mode for restful, tranquil reading.
In bright sunshine? You can turn off the front lights entirely and still read comfortably thanks to the anti-glare screen.
Custom Reading Experience That’s All Yours
The Go 7 Color (Gen II) isn’t just functional—it’s deeply personalizable.
Read with the Perfect Theme: You can choose from a variety of built-in reading themes or fully customize your own. Adjust font, size, spacing, and margins to make the experience truly yours. This is perfect for people who are sensitive to layout, dyslexic readers, or simply those who like to tweak their pages.
And for those who prefer to listen, Let Your Stories Be Told: The built-in Text-to-Speech (TTS) feature transforms your books into audio. You can use the built-in speaker or connect your favorite Bluetooth headphones. It’s a great way to enjoy a chapter on the move or unwind with an audiobook in bed.
Stylus Support: For When Inspiration Strikes
Included with the Gen II is the Boox Pen Plus stylus, turning this into a versatile note-taking tablet. It’s perfect for:
- Jotting ideas in the margins
- Marking up PDFs
- Quick sketches or annotations
While it doesn’t have full Wacom functionality like the Note Air or Tab Ultra, it’s more than enough for everyday writing and planning. You even get extra nibs in the box, because Boox knows they’re easy to misplace.
Performance and Multitasking
The octa-core processor under the hood delivers snappy performance, especially with the improved refresh modes. Page turns are fluid, apps launch quickly, and ghosting is reduced.
Unlike most e-readers, the Boox Go 7 Color runs Android 11 with full Google Play Store access, so you can install:
- Kindle
- Kobo
- Libby (library books)
- Notion, OneNote
- Web browsers, manga readers
This makes it one of the most flexible e-ink devices on the market.
Storage, Battery, and Build
You get 64GB of internal storage, 4GB RAM, and USB-C charging. The battery easily lasts 7–14 days, depending on your use and screen mode.
The magnetic case (sold separately) is lightweight, snappy to attach, and thoughtfully designed. Even with the case on, the tablet stays slim and comfortable.
Gen II vs Gen I: Worth the Upgrade?
| Feature | Go 7 Color (Gen II) | Go 7 Color (Gen I) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Kaleido 3, higher contrast | Kaleido 3, standard |
| Processor | Octa-core, faster | Octa-core, older |
| Stylus Support | Included (Boox Pen Plus) | Optional |
| Refresh System | Boox Super Refresh (BSR) | Standard |
| Software | Android 11, updated notes | Android 11 |
| TTS & G-Sensor | Yes, built-in speaker | Yes, partial |
| Best For | Power users, multitaskers | Casual reading |
If you already own the first Go 7 Color, this update isn’t revolutionary, but it is a refinement. Stylus inclusion, smoother performance, and the richer screen make it the best version yet—especially if you’re using the device for more than just novels.
Read other Boox serials review.
Final Verdict: A Niche Champion
The Boox Go 7 Color (Gen II) is not for everyone—but that’s what makes it special.
For the 2% of readers who:
- Want color without distractions
- Need to take notes
- Use multiple reading platforms
- Appreciate device customization
…it’s one of the best compact e-readers in 2025. It feels premium, performs like a champ, and gives you full control over how you read, write, and listen.