First impressions – a sleek, pocket‑friendly design
On the surface the Boox Go 6 (Gen II) feels like a well‑finished piece of hardware. The chassis adopts a subtle, suitcase‑inspired texture with a series of smooth ridges on the back, and it is offered in four pastel‑tinted finishes – off‑white (Shell), buttery yellow (Custard), deep purple (Plum) and light grey (Stone). Weighing roughly 160 g, it slides easily into a small bag or even a front trouser pocket, making it one of the most portable e‑readers on the market.
Android under the hood – freedom at a price
Unlike the Kindle Oasis or Kobo Clara 2E, the Go 6 runs a customised version of Android 11. This means you can install any app from the Google Play Store – from Bookshop.org and Moon+ Reader to Dropbox or Google Drive. The trade‑off is that Android 11 stopped receiving security patches in 2024, so the device is technically two‑year‑old software. Engadget’s Cheyenne MacDonald noted that “the choice raises an eyebrow in 2026,” and UK buyers should weigh the convenience of app freedom against potential future compatibility issues.
Specs that matter for the UK reader
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Display | 6‑inch Carta E‑Ink, 300 PPI, front‑light with warm‑cool colour temperature |
| RAM / Storage | 3 GB RAM, 32 GB internal, microSD slot (up to 1 TB) |
| Battery | 1 500 mAh, typically 6‑8 days of mixed reading and app use |
| OS | Android 11 (custom Boox skin) |
| Connectivity | Wi‑Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, USB‑C for charging and file transfer |
| Extras | InkSense Plus stylus (optional), no IP rating |
At a launch price of $200 (≈£160) the Go 6 sits between the Kindle Paperwhite (£139) and the Kobo Libra 2 (£179). The optional InkSense Plus stylus costs $46 (≈£38) and can be bundled for a modest discount.
Reading experience – crisp screen, but ghosting persists
The 6‑inch E‑Ink panel delivers sharp text at 300 PPI, and the front‑light is fully adjustable both in brightness and colour temperature, which helps reduce eye strain during late‑night sessions. However, the reviewer observed noticeable ghosting when switching between apps. Boox mitigates this with a suite of refresh‑mode settings – you can force a full refresh after a set number of page turns (the author settled on a refresh every 30 taps) or disable it entirely for smoother scrolling. The built‑in EinkWise shortcut lets you tweak contrast, anti‑flicker and colour balance per app, a useful feature for power users.
Battery life – decent but not class‑leading
Because the device runs a full Android stack, its power draw is higher than that of Kindle or Kobo devices, which can often last weeks on a single charge. MacDonald logged eight days of use with the battery at 24 % after a few hours of daily reading and occasional app usage. Turning off Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth, freezing background apps and keeping the front‑light low can stretch the charge, but expect to recharge roughly twice a week if you use the device for more than just reading.
Stylus support – handy for notes, not a replacement for a digital notebook
The Go 6 (Gen II) is the first in Boox’s Go line to support a stylus, but only the InkSense Plus is compatible. In the native Neo Reader app, the pen feels responsive with virtually no lag, and the UI offers quick toggles for underline, highlight and erase. Annotations are stored within the document’s “Contents” section, making it easy to revisit notes.
Third‑party apps rely on Boox’s FreeMark overlay. While you can scribble in any reader, the marks disappear once you close the file; a screenshot of the annotated page is saved instead. This works, but it lacks the seamless integration of the native app and feels more like a workaround.
Content acquisition – a mixed bag
Boox provides its own small store, mainly populated with public‑domain titles, so most users will need to source books from other apps. The device supports popular Android e‑reading apps such as Moon+ Reader, Kobo, Kindle (via the Android app), and Bookshop.org. Files can be transferred via USB‑C, the proprietary BooxDrop Wi‑Fi sharing tool, or cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive. The flexibility is a strong point for readers who juggle multiple libraries, but it also means a longer setup process compared to the plug‑and‑play experience of Kindle or Kobo.
Durability – a caution for outdoor use
One notable omission is any IP rating. The Go 6 is not water‑ or dust‑proof, so taking it to the beach, on a camping trip, or even using it by the pool carries risk. Competitors such as the Kobo Clara 2E offer an IPX8 rating, making them safer choices for readers who want an e‑reader that can survive the elements.
Who should consider the Go 6 (Gen II)?
- Power users who want Android’s app ecosystem on an e‑ink device and are comfortable tweaking settings.
- Students or professionals who need occasional annotation on PDFs or e‑books without buying a dedicated digital notebook.
- Existing Boox fans looking to upgrade from the first‑gen Go 6 (the hardware changes are modest – mainly RAM and stylus support).
If you are happy with the simplicity of a Kindle or Kobo, or you need a device that can survive a splash, the Go 6 may feel like an unnecessary compromise. Its older OS, limited battery endurance and lack of water resistance are trade‑offs for the freedom to run any Android reading app.
Bottom line
The Boox Go 6 (Gen II) proves that an Android‑based e‑reader can be both sleek and functional, offering a 6‑inch, high‑resolution E‑Ink screen, adjustable front‑light and optional stylus for note‑taking. At around £160 it competes well on price, but the reliance on Android 11 and the need for manual optimisation may deter casual readers. For UK users who value app flexibility and are willing to tinker, it’s a compelling alternative to the mainstream Kindle and Kobo line‑up – just remember to keep it away from water and expect to charge it more often than you would a dedicated e‑ink reader.
