Boox Go 6 (Gen II) review: A flexible Android ereader with stylus support, but some compromises
Engadget reviews the $200 Boox Go 6 (Gen II), an Android-based E Ink reader with stylus support and access to Google Play, highlighting its design, battery life and tradeoffs.
The new model features a suitcase-inspired back cover with smooth ridges and comes in four colors: off-white Shell, pale yellow Custard, deep purple Plum and light gray Stone. It is compatible with Boox’s InkSense Plus stylus, which is sold separately for $46 or in a bundle that saves about $13. The stylus lets users mark up books, take notes and draw directly on the screen.
Aside from an increase in RAM from 2GB to 3GB, the Go 6 (Gen II) is largely unchanged from its predecessor, Engadget reported. It still runs Android 11, an operating system version that Google stopped providing security updates for about two years ago. While most apps remain compatible for now, Engadget described the choice as questionable in 2026. The device includes 32GB of storage and a microSD card slot for expansion.
The 6-inch, 300PPI display delivers crisp text and bright output, and the reader weighs approximately 160 grams, making it lighter than many smartphones and easy to hold in bed or on a couch. It also has an adjustable front light with brightness and color-temperature controls to reduce eye strain. The reviewer found the device’s compact size comparable to entry-level Kindles and the Kobo Clara BW, fitting easily into small bags and jeans pockets.
One notable limitation is the absence of an IP rating for water and dust resistance, meaning users should be cautious when taking it to a beach or pool. The reviewer also observed noticeable ghosting when switching between apps and menus, though Boox provides several refresh modes and a quick-access gesture to fine-tune settings within the EinkWise menu.
The 1,500mAh battery delivered several days of use under moderate reading habits. Engadget noted that after eight days since a full charge, the device still had 24 percent battery remaining, but said this is still shorter than the weeks-long battery life of comparable Kindle and Kobo models—the tradeoff of using Android.
Transferring books to the device can be done wirelessly through the BooxDrop tool, cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive, or a USB-C cable. The built-in Boox store offers only a small selection of public domain works, so users will likely need to buy or rent books through other apps.