Barnes & Noble Nook GlowLight 3 8GB
Score: 64/100
PocketBook Basic Lux 4
Score: 69/100Rankings
The PocketBook Basic Lux 4 is an entry-level 6-inch e-reader with a crisp 212 PPI frontlit display and excellent battery endurance. Trade-offs include a fixed frontlight, limited Wi-Fi band, and lack of Bluetooth. Ideal for budget-conscious readers who value portability and broad format support.
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 inchesbest | 6 inchesbest | |
— | 720 hoursbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 175 g | 155 gbest |
— | 1,300 mAhbest | |
212 ppibest | 212 ppibest | |
| ↓ lower better | 10.7 mm | 8 mmbest |
0.256 GB | 0.5 GBbest | |
2 GB | 8 GBbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(2) | ||
Processor | 800 MHz | Dual-core 1 GHz |
RAM (GB) | 0.256 GB | 0.5 GB |
Display(2) | ||
Resolution (pixels) | 1024x758 pixels | 758x1024 pixels |
Frontlight Type | GlowLight | fixed |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 175 g | 155 g |
Thickness (mm) | 10.7 mm | 8 mm |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | 802.11n | Wi‑Fi 4 |
Software(2) | ||
Supported File Formats (formats) | 2 formats | 25 formats |
Operating System | Android 2.3 Gingerbread | Linux 3.10.65 |
Storage(1) | ||
Internal Storage (GB) | 2 GB | 8 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 characterize the Basic Lux 4 as a basic yet functional e-reader that delivers crisp 212 PPI text, excellent eye comfort and ultra-lightweight portability at a very affordable price. They commend its sharp recessed screen, tactile page-turn buttons and value-for-money proposition, while noting minor drawbacks such as fixed front-light brightness, occasional screen flicker, ghosting in dark mode and the absence of warm-light or Bluetooth.
Everyday users consistently praise the device's feather-light build, long-lasting battery, front-lit readability and the flexibility of supporting 25 file formats plus microSD expansion. Common complaints revolve around screen flickering, ghosting in dark mode, the small 6-inch display, limited 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and the lack of adjustable warm light, with some noting the modest RAM can make apps feel sluggish.
