Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch
Score: 62/100
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 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 It lacks built-in front lighting and runs an outdated Android 2.1 OS, limiting modern functionality.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 | |
— | 720 hoursbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 361.9 g | 155 gbest |
— | 1,300 mAhbest | |
— | 212 ppibest | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 8 mmbest |
— | 0.5 GBbest | |
2 GB | 8 GBbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(1) | ||
Processor | TI OMAP ARM Cortex-A8 | Dual-core 1 GHz |
Display(2) | ||
Resolution (pixels) | 600x800 pixels | 758x1024 pixels |
Frontlight Type | GlowLight (optional) | fixed |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 361.9 g | 155 g |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Wi‑Fi Standard | 802.11 b/g/n | Wi‑Fi 4 |
Software(2) | ||
Supported File Formats (formats) | 3 formats | 25 formats |
Operating System | Android 2.1 | 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 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 However, they point out the device's modest internal storage, outdated Android 2.1 platform, and the absence of built-in front lighting on the standard model as notable drawbacks.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 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.
