Tolino Epos 2 battery life and customization?

Undr · 08-29-2025, 10:25 AM

I have been trying to find some Epos 2 user reviews, but I haven't had much luck so far. I have an opportunity to buy one for dirt chear, but I've been reading about Kobo Forma problems (battery draining especially) and I'd like to know if any of them can be found on Tolino as well.

How long does the battery last if it's used without light or on the lowest brightness?

I'd only use it at home for studying languages, so it being on the powerbank wouldn't be a problem, but I'd still appreciate some authonomy.

Does the Kobo Forma sleep case work with Epos 2?

Lastly, I'd install Koreader, but from what I've seen, it's not as easy as with the previous models and there are some bugs/problems. Have those problems been resolved?

xor_ · 09-02-2025, 01:08 PM

I've tested various Tolinos and and a Kobo Forma in recent weeks, Epos 2 and 3, Tolino Vision Color, and Tolino Vision 6. And in my experience, the Epos 2 and the Kobo Forma came out the winners.

I like the 8 inch display, and I found the battery life in both to be pretty good. I was initially a bit skeptical about battery life, since these devices are rather old, but was pleasantly surprised. I think the device with the real battery problem is the Epos 3 / Kobo Sage.

I stayed pretty much within Koreader, and didn't spend much time testing the Tolino reader side of things.

Installing Koreader is not difficult, and I have not encountered any real problems. Basically, you want to activate developer options, and then install through adb: an eInk-friendly launcher, an app like ButtonSavior that allows you to navigate between apps, and koreader, the non-64 Android version.

You activate developer options by entering a specific sequence of characters in the search box. This depends on the firmware version. I think the one for the 16.x firmwares is: 112358132fb

DNSB · 09-02-2025, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xor_

I like the 8 inch display, and I found the battery life in both to be pretty good. I was initially a bit skeptical about battery life, since these devices are rather old, but was pleasantly surprised. I think the device with the real battery problem is the Epos 3 / Kobo Sage.

The Epos 3 & the Kobo Sage use an AllWinner B300 quad core CPU. That chipset has earned a bad reputation for power management. They have about half the battery life of any other Kobo-designed ereaders with the latest firmware.

Undr · 09-02-2025, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xor_

I've tested various Tolinos and and a Kobo Forma in recent weeks, Epos 2 and 3, Tolino Vision Color, and Tolino Vision 6. And in my experience, the Epos 2 and the Kobo Forma came out the winners.

I like the 8 inch display, and I found the battery life in both to be pretty good. I was initially a bit skeptical about battery life, since these devices are rather old, but was pleasantly surprised. I think the device with the real battery problem is the Epos 3 / Kobo Sage.

I stayed pretty much within Koreader, and didn't spend much time testing the Tolino reader side of things.

Installing Koreader is not difficult, and I have not encountered any real problems. Basically, you want to activate developer options, and then install through adb: an eInk-friendly launcher, an app like ButtonSavior that allows you to navigate between apps, and koreader, the non-64 Android version.

You activate developer options by entering a specific sequence of characters in the search box. This depends on the firmware version. I think the one for the 16.x firmwares is: 112358132fb

've seen some guides around and they mentioned Epos 3 and 1, but never 2. Thank you so much for your feedback!

xor_ · 09-03-2025, 10:16 AM

I guess I got somewhat lucky in that the Epos 2 and Forma I got are in very good condition, and had hardly been used. Things could be different with a device that has been used daily since 2018.

But if it's in good condition, and, as you say, dirt cheap, you can hardly go wrong.

As for using a Forma cover, the devices look optically pretty identical. I can't physically test it now because i'm on vacation and only brought the Forma, but I'd be surprised if the cover didn't fit the Epos 2.

One thing I'd prefer to have is USB-C. But the micro-USB connection works well enough.

Undr · 09-03-2025, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xor_

I guess I got somewhat lucky in that the Epos 2 and Forma I got are in very good condition, and had hardly been used. Things could be different with a device that has been used daily since 2018.

But if it's in good condition, and, as you say, dirt cheap, you can hardly go wrong.

As for using a Forma cover, the devices look optically pretty identical. I can't physically test it now because i'm on vacation and only brought the Forma, but I'd be surprised if the cover didn't fit the Epos 2.

One thing I'd prefer to have is USB-C. But the micro-USB connection works well enough.

Please enjoy your vacation, no need to test anything. After some additional reading, I decided not to use the case since it adds bulk. My primary use for it would be to turn off/shut down (so my question was about the magnetic mechanism compatibility really) the Epos 2 without having to physically handle the button, which I've heard is pretty hard to press. Other than that, wouldn't have any use for it, I don't intend to ever use it outside my home.

traycold · 05-21-2026, 02:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xor_

Installing Koreader is not difficult, and I have not encountered any real problems. Basically, you want to activate developer options, and then install through adb: an eInk-friendly launcher, an app like ButtonSavior that allows you to navigate between apps, and koreader, the non-64 Android version.

You activate developer options by entering a specific sequence of characters in the search box. This depends on the firmware version. I think the one for the 16.x firmwares is: 112358132fb

hi, I'm trying to install KOReader on Epos 2 (last firmware version 16.20) following your same setup:

copy APK of SmartLauncher + ButtonSavior + KOReader (v2026.03) on root folder of Tolino storage
enter developer menu
install in sequence the 3 APK
restart Tolino
select SmartLauncher as home app
launch and configure ButtonSavior
start KOReader

KOReader works correctly, except for frontlight. I can change the light intensity, but changing temperature doesn't work. Whatever value is used, the temperature doesn't change. Of course it works when done on native Tolino app.

Does it work in your case? Did you do a particular setting to make it work?

Waldy · 05-21-2026, 01:22 PM

Root access is required. You can either use Magisk or simply install SuperSU.zip via TWRP.

traycold · 05-21-2026, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waldy

Root access is required. You can either use Magisk or simply install SuperSU.zip via TWRP.

Can you point me to some thread / site describing in details the procedure to follow specifically for Epos 2 and firmware 16.20? I only found guides for other models, or for older firmware (13.x to 15.x).
Thank you

Inviato dal mio SM-S918B utilizzando Tapatalk

Waldy · 05-23-2026, 05:44 AM

On your Tolino, enter the code `112358132fb` (for 16.2.0) in the search bar. Enable USB debugging.
Copy `SuperSU.zip` to the device.
Boot into TWRP and install `SuperSU.zip`.
https://mega.nz/file/6NMjBDLK#W4xkSO...JhQhqT6oIeH4dI
https://mega.nz/file/OBtRhbJL#VpaCod...7FRh7zw2GWXCqU
Install->Select Storage->SD Card->OK->Select SuperSU......zip->Swipe to confirm Flash->Reboot System->Do Not Install.

If you use Magisk:
Install Magisk version 22.1 (22100), patch the `boot.img` from the stock firmware's `update.zip`, and flash the `magisk_patched_boot.img`.

Unfortunately, due to a lack of time, I am currently unable to describe the process in greater detail.

08-29-2025, 10:25 AM	#1
Undr Junior Member Posts: 6 Karma: 10 Join Date: Aug 2025 Device: Kindle 4, Cybook Odyssey HD Frontlight, Tolino Epos 2	Tolino Epos 2 battery life and customization? I have been trying to find some Epos 2 user reviews, but I haven't had much luck so far. I have an opportunity to buy one for dirt chear, but I've been reading about Kobo Forma problems (battery draining especially) and I'd like to know if any of them can be found on Tolino as well. How long does the battery last if it's used without light or on the lowest brightness? I'd only use it at home for studying languages, so it being on the powerbank wouldn't be a problem, but I'd still appreciate some authonomy. Does the Kobo Forma sleep case work with Epos 2? Lastly, I'd install Koreader, but from what I've seen, it's not as easy as with the previous models and there are some bugs/problems. Have those problems been resolved?

09-02-2025, 01:08 PM	#2
xor_ Zealot Posts: 131 Karma: 1027062 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Berlin Device: Kobo Elipsa 2e, Kobo Forma, Kobo Sage	I've tested various Tolinos and and a Kobo Forma in recent weeks, Epos 2 and 3, Tolino Vision Color, and Tolino Vision 6. And in my experience, the Epos 2 and the Kobo Forma came out the winners. I like the 8 inch display, and I found the battery life in both to be pretty good. I was initially a bit skeptical about battery life, since these devices are rather old, but was pleasantly surprised. I think the device with the real battery problem is the Epos 3 / Kobo Sage. I stayed pretty much within Koreader, and didn't spend much time testing the Tolino reader side of things. Installing Koreader is not difficult, and I have not encountered any real problems. Basically, you want to activate developer options, and then install through adb: an eInk-friendly launcher, an app like ButtonSavior that allows you to navigate between apps, and koreader, the non-64 Android version. You activate developer options by entering a specific sequence of characters in the search box. This depends on the firmware version. I think the one for the 16.x firmwares is: 112358132fb Last edited by xor_; 09-02-2025 at 01:18 PM.

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09-03-2025, 10:16 AM	#5
xor_ Zealot Posts: 131 Karma: 1027062 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Berlin Device: Kobo Elipsa 2e, Kobo Forma, Kobo Sage	I guess I got somewhat lucky in that the Epos 2 and Forma I got are in very good condition, and had hardly been used. Things could be different with a device that has been used daily since 2018. But if it's in good condition, and, as you say, dirt cheap, you can hardly go wrong. As for using a Forma cover, the devices look optically pretty identical. I can't physically test it now because i'm on vacation and only brought the Forma, but I'd be surprised if the cover didn't fit the Epos 2. One thing I'd prefer to have is USB-C. But the micro-USB connection works well enough.

05-21-2026, 01:22 PM	#8
Waldy Addict Posts: 211 Karma: 3343 Join Date: Jun 2017 Device: Tolino,Kobo,Onyx,Kindle,BN,PB,Likebook...	Root access is required. You can either use Magisk or simply install SuperSU.zip via TWRP.

05-23-2026, 05:44 AM	#10
Waldy Addict Posts: 211 Karma: 3343 Join Date: Jun 2017 Device: Tolino,Kobo,Onyx,Kindle,BN,PB,Likebook...	On your Tolino, enter the code `112358132fb` (for 16.2.0) in the search bar. Enable USB debugging. Copy `SuperSU.zip` to the device. Boot into TWRP and install `SuperSU.zip`. https://mega.nz/file/6NMjBDLK#W4xkSO...JhQhqT6oIeH4dI https://mega.nz/file/OBtRhbJL#VpaCod...7FRh7zw2GWXCqU Install->Select Storage->SD Card->OK->Select SuperSU......zip->Swipe to confirm Flash->Reboot System->Do Not Install. If you use Magisk: Install Magisk version 22.1 (22100), patch the `boot.img` from the stock firmware's `update.zip`, and flash the `magisk_patched_boot.img`. Unfortunately, due to a lack of time, I am currently unable to describe the process in greater detail.