Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 3 8GB
Score: 64/100
Kobo Libra Colour
Score: 76/100Rankings
The Kobo Libra Colour is a 7-inch colour E-Ink e-reader with a larger screen, 32 GB storage, physical page-turn buttons, and optional stylus support. Battery life is shorter than monochrome rivals and storage cannot be expanded. It appeals to manga enthusiasts and note-takers who want colour and a bigger display.
The Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 3 is a 6-inch front-lit e-ink reader with a comfortable ergonomic build and month-long battery endurance. Its limited storage, lack of expansion, and modest PDF support constrain power users. It is ideal for casual readers within the B&N ecosystem who need low-light capability.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
6 inches | 7 inchesbest | |
— | 960 hoursbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 175 gbest | 199.5 g |
— | 2,050 mAhbest | |
212 ppi | 300 ppibest | |
| ↓ lower better | 10.7 mm | 8.3 mmbest |
0.256 GBbest | — | |
2 GB | 32 GBbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(1) | ||
Processor | 800 MHz | Dual-core 2GHz |
Display(4) | ||
Screen Size (inches) | 6 inches | 7 inches |
Resolution (pixels) | 1024x758 pixels | 1264x1680 pixels |
Pixel Density (ppi) | 212 ppi | 300 ppi |
Frontlight Type | GlowLight | LED |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 175 g | 199.5 g |
Thickness (mm) | 10.7 mm | 8.3 mm |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | 802.11n | 802.11ac |
Software(2) | ||
Supported File Formats (formats) | 2 formats | 16 formats |
Operating System | Android 2.3 Gingerbread | Linux |
Storage(1) | ||
Internal Storage (GB) | 2 GB | 32 GB |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praised the Nook GlowLight for its lightweight, ergonomic build and the bright, clear GlowLight front-lit display that rivals the Kindle Paperwhite 2 and Kobo Aura. However, they pointed out the relatively high launch price, the absence of expandable storage, and weak PDF handling as notable drawbacks.
Everyday users consistently highlight the device's portability, easy one-handed operation, long battery life, and effective GlowLight for low-light reading. Recurring complaints focus on limited internal storage, lack of a microSD slot, subpar PDF support, the rubber back feel, and occasional ghosting on the E Ink screen.
“Helpful, even GlowLight for dark reading”
Professional reviewers applaud the Libra Colour for its lighter chassis, upgraded 2 GHz CPU and the vibrant Kaleido 3 screen that makes comics and PDFs come alive. They also caution that the color features and optional stylus increase power consumption and that the fixed 32 GB storage cannot be expanded.
Everyday users love the portable 7-inch form factor, the ample 32 GB library capacity and the vivid colors for manga and cover art, while repeatedly noting the strong battery life after prolonged use. Common complaints revolve around the separate stylus purchase, lack of expandable storage and occasional lag when handling high-resolution images.
