Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch
Score: 62/100
Kobo Clara BW
Score: 76/100Rankings
The Kobo Clara BW is a compact 6-inch e-reader with a crisp 300 PPI Carta display, ComfortLight PRO, and IPX8 waterproofing, offering broad format compatibility. Its small non-expandable storage and absence of tactile page-turn buttons are trade-offs. Best suited for readers who value portability and a glare-free screen.
The Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch is a 6-inch e-reader featuring an infrared touchscreen, expandable microSD slot, and up to two months of battery life. It lacks built-in front lighting and runs an outdated Android 2.1 OS, limiting modern functionality. It appeals to travelers and budget-focused readers who prioritize long battery life.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
6 inchesbest | 6 inchesbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 361.9 g | 174 gbest |
— | 1,500 mAhbest | |
— | 300 ppibest | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 9.2 mmbest |
— | 0.5 GBbest | |
2 GB | 16 GBbest | |
3 formats | 15 formatsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(1) | ||
Processor | TI OMAP ARM Cortex-A8 | MediaTek MT8113L ARM A53 1 GHz |
Display(2) | ||
Resolution (pixels) | 600x800 pixels | 1448x1072 pixels |
Frontlight Type | GlowLight (optional) | ComfortLight PRO |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 361.9 g | 174 g |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 ac/b/g/n |
Software(1) | ||
Supported File Formats (formats) | 3 formats | 15 formats |
Storage(1) | ||
Internal Storage (GB) | 2 GB | 16 GB |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Nook Simple Touch for its feather-light build, intuitive infrared touchscreen, and impressive battery endurance that lives up to the advertised claims. However, they point out the device's modest internal storage, outdated Android 2.1 platform, and the absence of built-in front lighting on the standard model as notable drawbacks.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the device's portability, long battery life, and the convenience of free in-store Wi-Fi, noting that it feels comfortable to hold for extended periods. Recurring complaints focus on the limited usable internal storage and the infrared touchscreen's need for precise interaction, with many users relying on a microSD card to expand capacity.
Professional reviewers commend the Clara BW for its sharp, high-contrast 300 PPI E Ink screen, lightweight build, and seamless OverDrive and Bluetooth audiobook integration, noting it delivers a solid black-and-white reading experience. However, they point out the lack of physical page-turn buttons, modest battery life under heavy use, and slightly lower brightness compared to earlier models.
Everyday users praise the device's compact, lightweight feel, glare-free screen readability in bright light, long battery life, and waterproof capability, describing it as an easy entry point for new e-readers. Recurring complaints focus on the missing tactile page-turn buttons, reduced battery endurance with intensive lighting or audio, and the small size being less comfortable for larger hands.
