What really lets this ereader down is its usability.
Adding weight (or Enhancement as Onyx calls it) does absolutely nothing.
So while the slim profile is lovely to look at, its not ergonomic for single-hand use.
Subtle Boox branding on the rear of the Onyx Boox Go Color 7
What I really love about the buttons is the ability to customize them on a per-app basis.
Despite having the page-turn buttons, you might use tap-to-turn via the screen if you prefer.
However, I found that this functionality doesnt auto-rotate when using NeoReader (the native library app).
It does work for third-party reading apps likeKindleor Kobo, however.
Theres even a microSD tray that can add more storage to the already-available 64GB.
The top edge houses a small power button.
Subtle Boox branding on the rear of the Onyx Boox Go Color 7
In comparison, the Kobo Libra Colour is sharper and the colors look better on the same screen tech.
That said, some of these individual options are hidden away, which isnt ideal.
I also downloaded a Mahjong game app for a bit of distraction.
The page-turn buttons are close together on the Onyx Boox Go Color 7(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Theres a customizable Floating Toolbar in the library app that I really like.
It gives me quick access to some shortcuts, particularly the font styling and menu options for each book.
Again, another software issue.
A speaker and a microSD card add value to the Go Color 7(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Checking the breadcrumbs on the gear for the files also show no pathways.
I even tried an app called File Manager+ to find the files, but to no avail.
To change things up on the Go Series of Boox tablets, Onyx has added an AI Assistant app.
The smooth rear of the Onyx Boox Page (left) shows fingerprint smudges more than the textured rear of the Go Color 7 (right)(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
And I do meannothing as you slide to enhance text, there is no visible change at all.
This isnt a problem with the Boox Page, it works just fine there, even for sideloaded fonts.
However, unlike the text Enhancements, the color customizations work.
That said, its good enough to play something like Solitaire or Mahjong, or browse the internet.
Performance score: 4 / 5
Should I buy the Onyx Boox Go Color 7?
Its also compact and quite light, making it ideal for carrying around.
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Thats a lot of versatility.
I had a mix of ebooks and comics, plus a few audiobooks and music files on the gear.
Read we test
[First reviewed August 2024]
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Colors on the Kobo Libra Colour (right) have a touch more saturation than the Go Color 7 (left) and a lot of grain/texture is visible on the Onyx too
A closer look at the difference in color saturation and page texture between the Onyx Boox Go Color 7 (left) and the Kobo Libra Colour (right)
The Onyx Boox Page (right) has a brighter screen light at the same setting than the Onyx Boox Go Color 7 (left)
The image doesn’t do it justice, but the text on the Kobo Libra Colour (left) is sharper than the Onyx Boox Go Color 7 (left) when using the exact same font
The black Onyx Boox Go Color 7 (left) beside the slightly larger, white Kobo Libra Colour (right)
Smudges and fingerprints are visible on the smooth broad bezel near the page-turn buttons
