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Bigme has been moving fast, regularly releasing interesting new devices at a remarkable pace. We’ve already tested a few of their products, and now I’ve got the latest one on my desk – the Bigme B7, labeled “Creator of Color Eink AINote.” But don’t be fooled into thinking this is just another e-reader. In reality, it sits somewhere between a tablet and an e-ink device. At this rate, I wouldn’t be surprised if they launch a fridge with a color E Ink display next – just so even your fridge could read your notes.
This device is more than just an e-reader – it’s a true multitool for anyone looking for more than simply flipping pages. The battery lasts a long time, the screen is easy on the eyes, and the touchscreen stylus offers impressive precision. Compared to my reliable old PocketBook 632, the Bigme B7 feels like a reader that hit the gym and came back with a whole set of upgraded features. So let’s take a closer look at what’s under the hood – and whether it’s worth trading in the classic for this modern hybrid.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Specifications
- Screen: 7″ E-Ink Kaleido 3, resolution: 1264×1680 (300 ppi for B&W), 632×840 (150 ppi for colour)
- Processor: 2.3 GHz octa-core
- Operating system: Android 14
- RAM: 8 GB
- Permanent memory: 128 GB (there is a microSD slot up to 1 TB)
- Battery: 3000 mAh
- Camera: 5 megapixel with LED flash
- Cellular: 4G LTE + phone call support (nano-SIM)
- Wireless interfaces: Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz), Bluetooth 5
- Interfaces: USB-C, microphone and speaker, physical page turn buttons
- Touch stylus: wireless charging, 4096 pressure levels
- Dimensions: 156.6 x 138.6 x 5.8 mm, weight: 215 g
- Optional: adjustable front light with warm/cold light control, OCR scanning support via camera, two physical buttons, Google Play and mobile app support.
Package contents
The first impression of the Bigme B7 starts before you even power it on. The packaging is minimalistic and sturdy, with a matte finish that gives it a premium feel. There’s nothing flashy, but it’s clear that attention was paid to the unboxing experience. It immediately feels like you’re holding something made with the user in mind – not just another generic e-reader. It’s a small detail, but one that sets the tone right from the start.
Inside the box, you’ll find the B7 itself, along with a case packaged separately – and this was a pleasant surprise. I’m used to having to buy cases separately and then hunting down one that actually fits. Here, it’s included by default, and it’s well-made: soft-touch material, a magnetic flap that automatically puts the screen to sleep when closed – small touches that show attention to detail. Also in the box: a USB-C charging cable, some paper documentation (which, to be honest, I didn’t read), and a stylus. The stylus is solid – not just a throw-in for appearances. It has a functional button, magnetically attaches to the device, and glides smoothly across the screen. It’s clearly designed to be used, not ignored.
All of this gives the impression that Bigme genuinely wants you to just take the device out of the box and start using it – no extra purchases, no accessory hunting, no unnecessary hassle. Everything you need is already included. And that’s honestly a rarity these days, especially when even basic items like a charging brick often have to be bought separately.
Read also:Kobo Clara Colour Review: Life is Beautiful in Color
Screen
I’ll admit it right away: I’m picky when it comes to screens. That’s why I was a bit skeptical about the Bigme B7 at first – color E Ink? Isn’t that usually dim, grainy, and sluggish? But this device genuinely surprised me. The screen isn’t just “color” – it uses Kaleido 3, the latest generation of E Ink with an upgraded color filter layer. This isn’t the washed-out look of early models. Here, you get 4,096 shades of color, and they actually look vibrant – especially in PDFs, textbooks, or comics. What’s more impressive is that it still delivers the classic E Ink reading experience: no glare, no eye strain, and none of that harsh blue light at night that keeps you awake.
In black-and-white mode, the resolution is 300 ppi – comparable to high-quality print. In color mode, it drops to 150 ppi, and honestly, I expected worse. But everything remains comfortably readable, and even small fonts come through clearly. One major advantage is the absence of flicker. The B7 uses a front-lit display, meaning the light shines onto the screen from above – like a desk lamp – instead of beaming directly into your eyes. Whether you’re reading during the day or late at night, it’s noticeably easier on the eyes. Plus, you can adjust the warmth of the lighting, which, for me, is the digital equivalent of a blanket and tea on a rainy evening.
And it’s fast – at least by E Ink standards. The Bigme B7 offers multiple refresh modes: a slower one for relaxed reading, a faster one for browsing websites, and a “turbo mode” that can even handle video playback. No, it won’t replace a proper YouTube experience, but yes – you can scroll through TikToks without it turning into a slideshow. The stylus performance is just as impressive: responsive and accurate, with no noticeable lag. It feels like writing with a fine marker on smooth paper. Also worth noting – there’s no lingering “ghosting” effect from previous pages. Everything updates cleanly, keeping the experience smooth and frustration-free.
It’s a small detail, but an important one: the screen is covered with glass – but it’s not glossy. There are no distracting reflections, and it doesn’t double as a mirror. That’s exactly what I was hoping for. Like most e-readers, it’s not waterproof, so I don’t leave the house without a case. That said, this is easily one of the best E Ink displays I’ve used. Compared to devices like the PocketBook Era Color or the Onyx Boox Tab Mini C, the Bigme B7 is definitely smaller and lighter, but not lacking in functionality. For me, it hits a near-perfect balance between color capability, portability, and that quiet, paper-like reading experience I still crave.
Read also:Bigme B751C review: Finally, Affordable E-Reader With Color E Ink And Android
Software and hardware
The Bigme B7 runs on Android 14 – not some outdated OS, but one of the most advanced platforms you’ll find on an e-reader today. This isn’t common, so you get not just a polished interface and improved security, but full access to modern Android apps. The user interface isn’t just a simple skin; it’s a well-crafted ecosystem blending a bit of AI, a touch of smart design, and moments where you think, “Wow, it really can do that.”
- OCR functionality lets you recognize text directly from the camera or photos. If you’ve ever painstakingly copied notes by hand, this feature is a game changer – you can now snap a picture and capture every word without missing a thing.
- The device also supports drawing and handwriting input with 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, offering a digital experience akin to an artist working with a brush.
- There are multiple screen refresh modes, including a “fast” option for when you want a bit more dynamism. Because even with e-ink, sometimes you want a little adrenaline, right?
- The device supports multi-window mode and multitasking, allowing you to read a book while simultaneously taking notes or searching for information – like working in an office, but without nosy coworkers nearby.
The interface is thoughtfully designed specifically for E Ink: large fonts, clear icons, and smooth animations that don’t overload the system. Switching between black-and-white and color modes is seamless, which is especially convenient when reading vibrant PDFs or comics.
The Bigme B7 is far from just “another e-reader.” Think of it as an e-reader that hit the gym. It’s powered by an 8-core MediaTek processor clocked up to 2.4 GHz, paired with 8 GB of RAM and a hefty 128 GB of internal storage. And if that’s not enough, there’s a microSD slot supporting up to 1 TB. What really sets it apart is the full, unmodified Android 14 operating system, complete with Google Play and full access permissions – no restrictions. Want to install the Kindle app? Go ahead. Prefer PocketBook, Telegram, Gmail, or even Instagram? No problem. You can even watch YouTube videos, but let’s be honest: watching video on an E Ink screen is like trying to watch TikTok through a curtain. It’s possible, but it feels odd. That said, thanks to Bigme’s specialized screen refresh modes, even video playback feels surprisingly smooth – I tried it myself, and it’s oddly satisfying.
One of my personal favorite features is the stylus. It charges wirelessly – no batteries to worry about – which is a big plus. It supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and writes smoothly, like a marker gliding over smooth paper. But it doesn’t just capture handwriting; it also recognizes it through OCR, turning my messy scribbles into readable text – sometimes even cleaner than what I’d type on a keyboard. It’s great for notes, lists, signatures, and sketches.
By the way, the built-in app lets you organize your notes neatly – it’s like having a digital notebook without any torn pages.
One feature I honestly didn’t expect to find in an e-reader is the built-in 4G LTE module with a nano-SIM slot. Yes, you can insert a regular SIM card and even make calls! Just imagine the looks on people’s faces when you’re making phone calls from an e-reader. It also supports dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz) and Bluetooth 5.0 – I connected both headphones and a mouse, and everything worked just like on a regular tablet.
In addition, the device features a front light with adjustable color temperature, a USB-C port, a microphone, a speaker, and even a 5-megapixel camera with an LED flash. The camera isn’t meant for selfies, of course, but it does an excellent job scanning documents – just point, snap, and the file converts instantly to PDF or Word. It’s like having a mini office on the go, but lighter, smaller, and without coworkers.
In my view, the Bigme B7 is more than just an e-reader. It sits somewhere between a tablet and an organizer – ideal for those who value eye comfort, peace of mind, and long battery life, but don’t want to give up the convenience of Android. Honestly, it’s one of those devices you pick up thinking, “I’ll just read a bit,” and before you know it, you’re carrying it with you everywhere.
Read also: Bigme B1051 Review: Tablet with Colour E ink Display, Stylus and Keyboard
Camera and communication
The Bigme B7 stands out from other e-readers thanks to an unexpected set of communication features. The one that surprised me the most is its 5 MP main camera with a flash – not for selfies, of course, but designed for quickly scanning documents, notes, or formulas. It’s great that the camera includes autofocus and a flash, so even in low light, the text remains readable. Just point, snap, and the built-in OCR instantly recognizes the text. Exporting to PDF or DOCX works smoothly as well. For me, this is a real game changer – I no longer need to carry around a separate scanner or rely on my phone.
The Bigme B7 doesn’t have a front-facing camera, so video calls aren’t possible on this device. While Android supports apps like Zoom and Google Meet, live video transmission isn’t feasible without a front camera.
Another interesting feature is 4G LTE support via a nano-SIM slot. Just insert a SIM card, and you can use mobile internet anywhere without relying on Wi-Fi. For me, this is a major advantage since I often travel to places where Wi-Fi is either unavailable or slow. Browsing articles, reading PDFs, syncing notes, or even accessing a work portal to publish an article – all run smoothly. Additionally, the Bigme B7 supports voice calls. Yes, making phone calls from an e-reader might seem a bit unusual or even amusing, but it’s there if you need it.
And of course, there’s dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz) and Bluetooth 5.0 – so you can connect wireless headphones, keyboards, or a mouse, and transfer files just like on a regular tablet. The USB-C port supports OTG, allowing you to connect external drives or card readers, all aimed at maximum convenience. Overall, the Bigme B7 isn’t just an e-reader; it’s a fully functional mobile device packed with features that quickly become essential in daily use.
Read also: Review of the PocketBook Era reader: A new era of reading?
Battery life
Battery life is one of the most discussed aspects of the Bigme B7, and understandably so. It has a 3000 mAh battery, which might sound modest compared to modern smartphones and tablets that seem to last forever. But keep in mind – this is a device with an E Ink screen, which is incredibly power-efficient. It works like a frugal student who barely uses any energy unless the page is refreshed. In other words, the screen holds the image steady without consuming power and only uses energy when the display updates.
As a result, the Bigme B7 can last for weeks on a single charge, especially if you turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and the front light. Imagine reading for 1–2 hours a day, taking a few notes with the stylus, and occasionally checking cloud documents – the battery easily holds up for about a week or even longer. If you enable all features – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, use apps, read comics, and even watch light videos (yes, it’s possible, though you have to accept some quality trade-offs) – you can still expect around 2–3 days of use. That’s impressive, especially compared to typical Android tablets with LCD screens.
Another significant advantage is the sleep mode. Close the cover or set the device aside, and it immediately “falls asleep,” consuming almost no power. Waking it up is instant – like a morning coffee, but without any bitterness. This mode is ideal for students, journalists, or anyone who likes to read and take notes on the go without worrying about charging every night.
Another convenient feature is that the Bigme B7 charges via USB-C with fast charging support. It takes about an hour and a half to go from 0 to 100%, so if you’re traveling and forgot to charge the device, it’s not a big deal – a quick coffee break and it’s ready to go again.
Compared to competitors, the PocketBook Era Color does last longer – mainly because it doesn’t run Android and has fewer background processes. But the Bigme B7 offers much more freedom; it’s like comparing a horse to a sports car – though the horse runs well too. Among Android E Ink tablets like the Onyx Boox Tab Mini C and Moaan InkPalm, the B7 holds its charge impressively, especially considering it supports 4G and has a color screen. Most other devices with similar functionality tend to drain within a day, but the B7 is a real marathon runner.
And let’s not forget about 4G and calling capabilities: if you keep the SIM card active all the time and use the phone functions regularly, the battery won’t just drain – it’ll quietly cry in the corner. Still, even in this mode, the Bigme B7 manages to last through the day, which is quite an achievement for a device that’s essentially a “book phone.”
Read also: Onyx Boox Darwin 8 e-reader review: Practical and recognisable
User experience
The Bigme B7 is a hybrid device that sits somewhere between an e-reader, an Android tablet, and a digital notebook – capable of doing a bit of everything, and then some. Honestly, I was a bit skeptical at first; when a device tries to be both a reader and a tablet, it can end up as a compromise that doesn’t fully satisfy either role. But the B7 strikes a solid balance and genuinely handles all these functions well.
The performance of the Bigme B7 surprised me – it’s as if they found a secret recipe for energy efficiency on an E Ink device. Compared to my PocketBook 632, which sometimes feels like it just woke up from a week-long nap, the B7 is fast: menus respond smoothly, books and PDFs open quickly, the browser doesn’t turn into a slideshow, and app switching happens with barely any delay. This responsiveness is thanks to several screen refresh modes you can customize depending on your task – whether you’re reading, viewing photos, or even watching videos (yes, as I mentioned earlier, YouTube works here, though it feels more like a black-and-white color arthouse film with some visual glitches).
As for drawbacks, they mostly align with typical E Ink device limitations. Even in fast refresh mode, you might occasionally notice “ghosting” – faint afterimages left on the screen when switching menus or quickly flipping pages. Another downside is the lack of water resistance, unlike some rugged PocketBook models.
The initial software has some bugs too – issues with Wi-Fi connectivity, screen rotation quirks, and occasional odd interface elements – but these are regularly addressed through updates. The stylus isn’t a Wacom EMR pen, so it’s not suited for professional-level art, but it works well enough for handwriting and note-taking. Finally, it’s worth noting that because the device runs on standard Android, it’s not recommended for handling highly confidential information, as its security doesn’t match that of specialized business tablets.
Conclusions
I used the Bigme B7 almost like a full-fledged tablet and kept thinking that this might be one of the most surprising yet functional e-readers I’ve ever handled. It’s definitely not for everyone – if you’re just looking for a simple reader, it might be overkill. But if you need a tool for working with texts, documents, notes, and PDFs – with features like editing, recognition, handwriting, and even online work – it quickly becomes indispensable.
What really impressed me was the speed – because I’ve always thought of E Ink devices as a compromise. But here, everything actually works smoothly. You can open multiple apps, switch between them, write with the stylus, even launch YouTube (though not really for watching videos – more for listening). It’s almost like a tablet, but with a screen that doesn’t strain your eyes. And it has LTE, which is rare even among Android tablets. There’s a quiet satisfaction to using it: it doesn’t shout about power, it just gets the job done – and you start to rely on it.
Yes, the Bigme B7 has its drawbacks – the price, occasional ghosting, and somewhat rough software in places. But overall, it’s a device designed for a very personal approach to working with text. It’s about handwriting, thoughtful reading, and storing your thoughts not on a glowing screen, but on “paper” that’s easy on the eyes. If digital notes are an integral part of your life rather than just a feature, this reader could become your new favorite tool. At least for me, it’s definitely going to stay for the long haul.
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1 dingetje: binnen een dag haalt de bigme 7 ALLE contcten van ALLE telefoons in het wifinetwerk binnen zonder toestemming. Het is dus spyware. Niet kopen dus.
Vanuit technisch oogpunt heb je complete onzin geschreven. Het is onmogelijk om toegang te krijgen tot contacten op andere apparaten, zelfs niet als ze met hetzelfde wifi-netwerk zijn verbonden. Android-telefoons en iPhones geven geen toegang tot contacten zonder de uitdrukkelijke toestemming van de eigenaar. Waarom heb je deze opmerking verzonnen? Hoe ben je precies tot de conclusie gekomen dat een e-book (dit is belachelijk) contacten van andere apparaten verzamelt zonder jouw medeweten?