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Kobo Vox review

4.7/10 AVG.
RATING
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Kobo Vox
Kobo Vox
Kobo Vox
Kobo Vox
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4.7/10
Informr score
The Kobo Vox currently has an Informr score of 4.7 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 13 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

Some people would have you think that the Kobo Vox is the device of choice if you are looking for an Android tablet that’s good for a little bit of mobile browsing and for a little bit of e-book reading on the go. The Vox is available as part of a larger group of Android tablets that are being positioned as feature-rich e-book readers. How well—or how poorly—does it perform in this regard?

The Vox is, by all accounts, a product that might have been so much better if it hadn’t been rushed to market. It stood up against the likes of the Nook Tablet and Amazon Kindle Fire when it was released and was generally able to hold its own. But with the use of beta software and pretty much the exact same hardware features, it was difficult for this device to set itself apart. And how can it, really?

It comes with a 7-inch 1024x600 pixel resolution touchscreen display, 8GB of flash memory, and 512MB of RAM. It runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread on a slow processor and the rest of its spec sheet is also rather lackluster. It’s like the Amazon Kindle Fire, only worse because it doesn’t have Amazon’s content ecosystem to back it up. So does this product have anything that can somehow be considered as a redeeming quality?

Not really. In a world of mediocre e-book reading tablets with Android, the Vox fits right in. That is to say, while it isn’t great, it’s not that bad either.

Need To Know: Kobo Vox

1. 7-inch form factor hits the sweet spot in readability and portability. (The Good)

2. 8GB of internal storage is just right. (The Good)

3. Slow processor and limited amount of RAM results in sometimes sluggish performance. (The Bad)

4. The operating system likely won’t get any upgrades from Android 2.3 Gingerbread to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. (The Bad)


7"
Screen Size
Screen Size
7"
Yes
Backlight
Backlight
Yes
8 GB
Storage
Storage
8 GB
No
3G
3G
No
420 hours
Reading Time


What the Critics Are Saying...


Pocket Gamer
Pocket Gamer

There's so much more to discuss about The Banner Saga, such as its memorable soundtrack, it's nuanced character classes, and its sparing but effective use of voice acting (in suitably scandinavian accents) - but all you really need to know is that it's a truly top class game.It's not quite a perfect...

- Jon Mundy, Pocket Gamer
Cnet
Cnet

I actually think the Vox will get a bit better over time. Kobo clearly rushed it out to have something to counter the Kindle Fire and Nook Tablet and it's taken some hard knocks from reviewers (that's what usually happens when you put out a device with beta software on it). It's gradually making th...

- David Carnoy, Cnet
Pocket-lint
Pocket-lint

The compromise you have to make with the Kobo Vox is clear: it is good value for money and you get a tablet that has been reasonably well built and offers a wide variety of features. But you get neither the best tablet experience nor the best reading device. As a tablet it lacks the Google certifica...

- Chris Hall, Pocket-lint
Expert Reviews
Expert Reviews

Kobo has certainly got the pricing of the Vox right and the benefits of a colour screen are certainly attractive. Sadly, the implementation really lets it down, particularly the sluggish performance. We'd rather buy a Kobo eReader Touch and stick with black-and-white content for this price, or save...

- David Ludlow, Expert Reviews
The Register
The Register

It’s here now, and it’s largely competent, with great storage and a decent look and feel. But the sluggish processor is the machine’s biggest problem and is a world away from the effortless-to-use touchscreens we’re used to. Page turning is fine but you may find yourself wait...

- David Phelan, The Register


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Quick view

Screen Size
7"

The Kobo Vox's screen size is 7 inches with x pixels resolution.

Backlight
Yes

There is a built-in backlight for reading in the dark.

Storage
8 GB

Internal memory is 8 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

3G
No

This model has no 3G wireless capabilities.

Reading Time
420 hours

The e-reader is powered by a Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol), 4000 mAh battery. Battery life is rated for up to 5 hours Wi-Fi surfing according to Kobo's.

Kobo Vox Specs

Overview
Release Date November 11, 2011
Regions Available USA
Networks
SIM Card Size No
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Freescale i.MX51 800 MHz
Internal Storage 8 GB
RAM 512 MB
ROM No
TTY/TDD No
SAR Unknown
Languages English
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Data Cable, Manual
Power & battery
Battery Type Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Battery Capacity 4000 mAh
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Battery Charge Time 4 hours
Reading Time Up to 420 hours
Standby Time No
Physical Characteristics
Material Unknown
Colors Hot Pink, Lime Green, Ice Blue, Jet Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 19.2 x 12.9 x 1.3 cm (7.6 x 5.1 x 0.5 in)
Weight 11445 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 7 inches
Backlit Illumination Yes
Zoom / Magnification Yes
Screen Orientation Lock No
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Anti Glare No
Additional Display Features -
Input / Navigation
Touchscreen Yes
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key Yes
Page Turn Key No
Physical keyboard No
Text-to-Speech No
Screen Reader No
Keypad/Screen Lock Yes
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
Web / Email / Messaging
Web Browser Yes
Connectivity
USB Yes
USB OTG Support No
Infrared No
Bluetooth No
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Wi-Fi Encryption No
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC
PC Synchronization No
Audio / Video
Audio Playback Yes
Audio Formats MP3, MP4, AAC, WAV, M4A, OGG
Video Playback Yes
Video Playback Formats 3GP / 3GPP, MPEG-4
Streaming Video Yes
External Speakers Yes
Headset Jack 3.5mm
Vibration Alert No
Content Formats Supported
Content Formats Supported No
More
Additional Information
Related Links Manual (PDF)
Kobo Vox Reviews
Where to buy Kobo Vox
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