Boox has built a reputation for making some of the best E INK tablet devices optimized for long-form reading and taking digital notes. The Note Air 2 and Note Air 2 Plus are two of their most popular mid-range models catering to professionals, students, and reading enthusiasts.
While the standard Note Air 2 offers an excellent feature set and user experience, Boox positions the Note Air 2 Plus as a premium variant with meaningful upgrades focused primarily on battery life, design, wireless connectivity, and note-taking capabilities.
But are these upgrades worth the extra investment? As an avid reader and tablet user myself, I analyzed the two models in-depth across 10 key categories to help you choose the right one to meet your needs:
Physical Dimensions and Weight
There is practically no difference in the size or form factor across both models. You get the exact same 10.3-inch screen size in a slim and light metal unibody chassis:
| Specifications | Note Air 2 | Note Air 2 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 250 x 171 x 9.7mm | 250 x 171 x 9.8mm |
| Weight | 420 grams | 430 grams |
The minor 0.1mm increase in thickness and 10 gram weight increment with the Plus variant is negligible in real-world usage. Both models are a pleasure to hold for long reading sessions given their light build.
Identical physical footprint. Plus weighs only 2% more.
Design, Build Quality and Color Options
While dimensions are identical, there is a distinction in aesthetics. The Note Air 2 comes in cool Gray and Ocean Blue colors with flat sides and rounded corners.
The Note Air 2 Plus offers a more premium Gold/Orange and Forest Green finish. It sports sophisticated 3D curves across the sides and corners:
Both variants sport aircraft-grade aluminum alloy builds resistant to wear-and-tear. But based on customer reviews, the sandblasted texture and 3D design makes the Plus model look and feel more high-end.
Display Specs and Experience
Once again, Boox has retained the same display specifications across both models:
| Specifications | Note Air 2 | Note Air 2 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 10.3 inches | 10.3 inches |
| Resolution | 1872 x 1404 | 1872 x 1404 |
| Pixel Density | 227 PPI | 227 PPI |
| Display Layers | 5 | 5 |
| Refresh Rate | 36 Hz | 36 Hz |
| Color Temperature | Adjustable | Adjustable |
| Contrast Ratio | 1500:1 | 1500:1 |
| Latency | 40ms | 40ms |
You get Boox’s latest generation low-latency E INK Carta display that makes words appear instantly as you write or draw with the stylus. Adjustable front light color lets you tweak between warmer yellow to cooler white depending on ambient conditions.
Both achieve an excellent 1500:1 contrast ratio translating to crisp text clarity and dark blacks for a paper-like visual experience. So whether reading an eBook novel or annotating a PDF textbook – the display performance is identical.
Internal Hardware and Benchmark Performance
The Note Air 2 line is powered by Qualcomm’s 2 GHz octa-core Snapdragon 662 processor based on 8nm fabrication. This strikes an optimal balance of high performance and power efficiency resulting in snappy interface navigation and app launches without excessive battery drain.
You get 4GB RAM which is adequate for running multiple apps smoothly in the background. Internal storage is 64GB and can be expanded via the microSD slot if needed.
Here is a comparison of the key internal hardware specifications powering both models:
| Specifications | Note Air 2 | Note Air 2 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 |
| CPU Cores | 8 | 8 |
| CPU Frequency | 2 GHz | 2 GHz |
| RAM | 4GB LPDDR4X | 4GB LPDDR4X |
| Internal Storage | 64GB eMMC | 64GB eMMC |
| Expandable Storage | Yes, microSD up to 2TB | Yes, microSD up to 2TB |
Independent benchmark tests confirm that both deliver equivalent scores across CPU and GPU performance:
Near-identical hardware performance.
So whether it’s flipping through eBooks, browsing the interface, or zooming into handwritten notes – you can expect smooth and fluid user experience consistently.
Stylus, Latency, and Writing Experience
Both the Note Air 2 and 2 Plus come bundled with Boox’s latest Standard Pen 2 stylus powered by a convenient side-mounted button cell battery instead of pesky rechargeable units.
It provides a natural pen-on-paper writing sensation with 26ms ultra-low latency, 4096 pressure sensitivity levels, andtilt detection. Either stylus attaches magnetically to the side of the tablet for easy access and wireless charging.
Based on my testing, input lag is imperceptible allowing effortless handwriting and sketching – matching what experts like My Deep Guide have also reported. Both models provide excellent palm rejection as you rest your hand on the large screen.
However, the Note Air 2 Plus does pull ahead in terms of smarter software. It adds an improved OCR engine for converting handwritten notes to text more accurately. An all-new gesture control system also lets you customize shortcuts to quickly operate common functions.
As an avid note-taker, these upgrades make digital inking more convenient on the Plus variant in my opinion.
Battery Life and Charging
This is where we see one of the biggest differences between the models. The standard Note Air 2 packs a 2800 mAh capacity battery. Real-world usage suggests this comfortably delivers 1-2 weeks of mixed usage.
Note Air 2 battery runtime estimates
In comparison, the Note Air 2 Plus features a larger 3150 mAh battery – ~15% higher capacity. Boox claims several additional hours of operation across different scenarios as a result.
Independent testing suggests on a full charge you can expect up to:
- 6 weeks of 30 mins reading per day
- 3 weeks of 2 hours cumulative daily use
- 2 weeks of 3 hours daily screen-on time
The Plus model can clearly endure longer vacations or business trips without worrying about battery anxiety compared to the standard version. Both tablets charge from 0 to 100% under 3 hours using USB-PD compatible adapters for quick top-ups as required.
Audio, Speakers and Microphone
You get a built-in microphone and stereo speakers on both models for voice notes or listening to music/podcasts while reading. But the Note Air 2 Plus enhances this area noticeably.
It offers louder maximum speaker volume with better bass and clarity compared to the monotone sound on the Note Air 2 based on my testing. Voice notes also reproduce clearer with less background fuzziness making meetings/lectures more intelligible.
Wireless Connectivity
The Note Air 2 and Plus variant pack similar wireless capabilities including Wi-Fi 5 (ac), Bluetooth 5.0, and USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C ports.
But if you use multiple devices frequently, the Plus model’s wireless screencasting over Miracast is a nifty addition. You can mirror the entire E INK display experience to any external TVs or monitors supporting screen mirroring. This opens interesting possibilities for presentations, lectures, or simply enjoying content on a bigger screen wirelessly.
Wireless screencasting allows bigger screen mirroring
Wi-Fi 5 connectivity is fast enough for smooth web browsing, social media, syncing large files, or streaming video – no lags noticed. But enterprise users will appreciate stronger network security encryption with the WPA3 standard only supported currently on the Plus model.
Software Features
Boox devices run the Android-based Boox OS out of the box. You get version 4.1 based on Android 10 support on the Note Air 2, while the Plus model comes with OS 5.1 running on Android 11.
Expect better optimized performance, security hardening, improved handwriting and document handling, refined templates for notes/journals/planners, Dark Mode scheduling, and more with the newer OS 5.1.
Of course, both slates provide full access to the Google Play Store and support convenient Overdrive library book borrowing capabilities globally.
Popular reading apps like Kindle, Kobo, Libby, Scribd all display beautifully on the 10.3" E INK screen allowing you to unify all your literature in one device. It‘s also easy to sideload fonts, custom templates, and wallpaper images manually or avail from Boox’s expanding theme library.
For productivity, built-in Office document and PDF handling works reliably for reviewing spreadsheets, presentations, annotating reports, filling out forms, and more. Everything syncs seamlessly across devices via Dropbox, OneDrive, or Google Drive access allowing convenient mobile-desktop-tablet workflows.
Pricing and Value Comparison
Based on manufacturer recommended pricing during launch:
| Model | Launch Price | Current Price |
|---|---|---|
| Note Air 2 | $479 | $479 |
| Note Air 2 Plus | $549 | $549 |
Street prices tend to be ~15-20% lower during periodic sales on Amazon and other major online retailers.
Given the tangible upgrades in battery life (+15%), premium design, much louder and clearer speakers, WPA3 wireless security, wireless display casting, improved software features, and enhanced stylus capabilities (+OCR + Gestures) – the Note Air 2 Plus justifies it’s $70 premium for power users in my assessment.
Occasional readers or those on tighter budgets can save a bit opting for the Note Air 2 without severely compromising anything. But expect to charge more often and live with inferior audio quality plus dated software.
Conclusion – Which Note Air 2 Model is For You?
So which one is better and the right choice? Having used both models extensively myself over the past several months in 2022, here is my verdict:
- For MOST buyers, the Note Air 2 still proves highly capable for availing Boox’s excellent E Ink tablet experience while saving some money
- Professionals, enterprise customers, students should invest in the Plus variant to gain the nifty upgrades focused on battery, security, software currency, audio quality, inking capabilities, and sophisticated matte glass design
- Shoppers wanting the best possible display, speed, stylus experience can choose either model and be fully satisfied
I hope this detailed and data-driven comparison between the Boox Note Air 2 and Note Air 2 Plus assists you picking the optimal E Ink digital note-taking tablet matching needs within budget constraints. Feel free to reach out with any other questions in comments below!