In a world dominated by bright, attention-grabbing screens and app overload, a new breed of mobile devices is making a surprisingly powerful return: E-Ink phones. The year 2025 is shaping up to be a breakout moment for these minimalist, distraction-free devices. With their paper-like displays, power-efficient hardware, and long-lasting batteries, E-Ink phones offer a compelling alternative to the traditional smartphone.
Whether you’re seeking to reduce digital fatigue, stay focused, or simply ditch the dopamine-driven scroll, E-Ink phones deliver an experience that emphasizes functionality, simplicity, and privacy. What’s more exciting is that today’s best E-Ink phones aren’t just glorified e-readers. Many support full Android systems, allow app installations, offer color displays, and come packed with productivity tools.
Let’s dive into the top five E-Ink phones of 2025, each standing out for their innovation, usability, and unique design.
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Hisense A9 Pro:
Display and Aesthetics:
The Hisense A9 Pro offers a premium build with a 6.1-inch Carta 1200 E-Ink display and 300 PPI resolution. Its screen is flush-mounted and encased in a glitter-sand textured backing, giving it a refined yet functional feel. The display remains sharp under various lighting conditions.
Performance and Multimedia:
It runs on a Snapdragon 662 processor with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB storage, expandable via microSD. The device runs Android 11 and includes a 13 MP rear and 5 MP front camera. The ES9318 chip enhances sound quality for audiophiles, and it supports high-res audio via Bluetooth and headphone jack.
Battery Life and Additional Features:
It has a 4,000 mAh battery for reliable all-day usage. Face unlock and fingerprint sensors provide security. The A9 Pro features 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.1. Although priced at $640, its blend of functionality and user comfort justifies the investment.
Pros:
- Premium build and high-resolution screen.
- Enhanced audio and expandable storage.
- Smooth performance with Snapdragon 662.
Cons:
- More expensive than competitors.
Buy now at Amazon
Bigme HiBreak Pro:
Display and Refresh Rate:
The Bigme HiBreak Pro is a standout in the E-Ink phone category thanks to its commitment to clarity and responsiveness. The 6.13-inch Carta 1200 E-Ink display offers 300 PPI resolution. Bigme’s SS fast-refresh technology supports up to 21 FPS, making it one of the fastest E-Ink screens available.
Hardware and Operating System:
Running Android 14, the Bigme HiBreak Pro ensures app compatibility and a smooth experience. It’s powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chip with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB of internal storage. This makes multitasking and app switching fluid despite the limitations of E-Ink refresh rates.
Connectivity and Camera:
It includes a 20 MP rear camera and 5 MP front camera, dual SIM 5G support, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS, NFC, and an IR port for remote functions. The 4,500 mAh battery supports 18W USB-C fast charging. Altogether, it delivers a full smartphone experience tailored for users who need focus. Buy now at Amazon
Pros:
- Super-fast E-Ink refresh for multitasking.
- Full Android 14 with broad app support.
- Great connectivity options including IR.
Cons:
- Price may be steep for casual users.
Buy now at Amazon
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Onyx Boox Palma 2:
Display and Reading Experience:
The Onyx Boox Palma 2 reimagines what an E-Ink phone can be by leaning heavily into the e-reader identity while still embracing the multi-functionality of Android smartphones. The 6.13-inch E-Ink Carta Plus display features a 2:1 aspect ratio and boasts a sharp 300 pixels per inch resolution with 16 shades of gray. Its clarity and readability under all lighting conditions are some of the best in the industry.
Performance and System Capabilities:
Despite its modest size, the Palma 2 is impressively powerful. It runs on an octa-core processor clocked at 2 GHz, paired with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage. The Android 13 operating system gives it access to the full Google Play Store, making it compatible with a wide range of reading and productivity apps. A fingerprint reader built into the power button makes unlocking the device quick and secure.
Camera and Connectivity:
The rear 16 MP camera, while not built for high-end photography, is perfectly suited for document scanning, a function enhanced by its built-in OCR support. Connectivity options like dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 ensure reliable performance. Its 3,950 mAh battery ensures days of usage on a single charge. The Palma 2’s compact form factor makes it ideal for portability. Buy now at Amazon
Pros:
- Crisp E-Ink screen with high pixel density.
- Full Android 13 support with Google Play access.
- Compact and lightweight design.
Cons:
- Not ideal for frequent camera use or content creation.
Buy now at Amazon
Mudita Kompakt:
Display and Minimalist Design:
The Mudita Kompakt is for those who want to fully embrace digital detox without sacrificing essential connectivity. This 4.3-inch device sports an E-Ink touchscreen with an 800×480 resolution. The E-Ink panel is designed to reduce eye strain and improve reading comfort, making it ideal for extended sessions.
Performance and Privacy:
Inside, the Mudita Kompakt is powered by a quad-core MediaTek processor and has 3 GB of RAM with 32 GB of onboard storage, expandable via microSD. Its operating system, Mudita OSK, is a customized version of AOSP that includes hardware-level privacy switches for turning off GSM and microphones, aligning with the brand’s emphasis on mindful tech usage.
Battery and Connectivity:
It supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, and NFC. The 8 MP rear camera supports quick scans and casual captures. Charging is available via USB-C at 10W and wirelessly at 2.5W. The 3,300 mAh battery delivers up to 6 days of standby time. The device’s solid build and refined aesthetic add a premium touch to its minimalist focus. Buy now at Amazon
Pros:
- Excellent battery life and compact form.
- Privacy-focused hardware features.
- Clean and distraction-free OS.
Cons:
- Limited performance for multitasking or heavy app use.
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TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G
Display and Design:
The TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G sets a new standard in what an E-Ink smartphone can offer. Designed to appeal to those who crave a distraction-free environment without giving up the modern features of a smartphone, this device bridges both worlds elegantly.
Its display uses TCL’s proprietary NXTPAPER 4.0 technology that lets you toggle between two modes: a high-contrast, black-and-white E-Ink display that is excellent for reading and note-taking, and a vibrant full-color paper-like mode that mimics the feel of a traditional LCD display. The display is a generous 6.8 inches with 100% sRGB color gamut and color accuracy with Delta E of less than one, ensuring that text and images appear crystal clear and easy to read, even in direct sunlight.
Performance and Features:
The phone is powered by a MediaTek processor supported by 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage, allowing users to run a variety of Android apps smoothly. The camera setup includes a 50 MP rear camera and a 32 MP front-facing lens. One of its standout features is the built-in OCR (optical character recognition) tool that makes scanning and digitizing text seamless. Additional features like AI tools and intuitive gesture controls, such as three-finger swipes to open productivity apps, enhance the overall user experience.
Battery Life and Price:
Battery life is where the TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G truly shines. With several days of use on a single charge in full-color mode and up to 27 days in Max Ink Mode on standby, it outperforms most traditional smartphones. Priced affordably at around $199, this phone is making the concept of minimalist smart tech widely accessible. Buy now at Amazon
Pros:
- Dual-mode display for E-Ink and color usage.
- Long battery life with Max Ink Mode.
- Affordable price for premium features.
Cons:
- Not optimized for heavy multimedia use.
Buy now at Amazon
Q&A:
What is an E-Ink phone and how is it different from a regular smartphone?
Answer:
An E-Ink phone uses electronic ink display technology, similar to e-readers like Kindle, instead of a traditional LED or OLED screen. E-Ink displays are easier on the eyes, reduce screen fatigue, and consume significantly less battery power. While they may not be ideal for gaming or video streaming, they excel in readability, longevity, and focus-friendly use.
Are E-Ink phones good for reading and note-taking?
Answer:
Yes, E-Ink phones are excellent for reading and note-taking due to their paper-like displays. Devices like the Onyx Boox Palma 2 and TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G even support stylus input and document scanning, making them ideal for professionals, students, and avid readers.
Do E-Ink smartphones support Android apps and Google Play Store?
Answer:
Many modern E-Ink phones, including the Bigme HiBreak Pro and Onyx Boox Palma 2, run full versions of Android and provide access to the Google Play Store. This allows users to install apps like Kindle, Gmail, Notion, and more—though app performance may vary due to screen refresh limitations.
How long does the battery last on an E-Ink phone?
Answer:
Battery life is a major advantage of E-Ink phones. Depending on usage, most models last several days to a week on a single charge. Some, like the TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G, offer up to 27 days of standby time in Max Ink mode.
Which E-Ink phone is best for privacy?
Answer:
The Mudita Kompakt is specifically designed with privacy in mind. It features hardware-level switches to disable microphones and GSM connectivity, runs on a stripped-down version of Android, and avoids data-heavy features that compromise user focus or security.
Can you watch videos or play games on an E-Ink phone?
Answer:
E-Ink phones are not optimized for multimedia or gaming. While some models like the Bigme HiBreak Pro offer fast refresh rates (up to 21 FPS), the grayscale or slow color rendering makes them better suited for reading, writing, and productivity than entertainment.
