Debating Mars vs. BOOX Nova Pro

[Stevedoom]

So far, it seems like the Mars is the more resillient device, but the Onyx has two things that I can't seem to get around:

1. Official website with support, 1 year warranty, returns information, etc..
2. A potential upgrade to Android 9.0, based on Onyx's policy to upgrade their entire product line, not just new devices.

With that said, the Mars has the ability to do everything the Onyx can for me(primarily using it as a multi-app e-ink based reader,) and the ability to have an sd card.

My main questions, for anyone who can answer them, are as follows:

1. Is there any plan to upgrade / update the Mars to Android 9 in the future? I am looking for compatibility going forward, and I'd rather know I am getting support from the manufacturer.

2. Does Boyue even exist? I can't find any sites, any information outside of the devices themselves. That is very hard to agree to.

Thanks!

[downeaster59]

Boyue does have a website. It's in Chinese, though!

There are rumors that Boyue has an Android 8.0 upgrade for at least some of their devices in the works. Just rumors as far as I can see; no official statement yet.

I own both devices. The Mars has the SD card, and Boyue has offered more firmware updates this past year than Onyx has for the Nova. But comparing the two devices in every other way, I like the Nova better. The Nova edges out the Mars in overall performance. Quickness, smoothness, the frontlight, the native reader app, to name a few. I use my Nova much more than my Mars. Others may score it differently, but the Nova is the better device - unless you need the additional storage that the SD card provides.

[Stevedoom]

Originally Posted by downeaster59

Boyue does have a website. It's in Chinese, though!

There are rumors that Boyue has an Android 8.0 upgrade for at least some of their devices in the works. Just rumors as far as I can see; no official statement yet.

I own both devices. The Mars has the SD card, and Boyue has offered more firmware updates this past year than Onyx has for the Nova. But comparing the two devices in every other way, I like the Nova better. The Nova edges out the Mars in overall performance. Quickness, smoothness, the frontlight, the native reader app, to name a few. I use my Nova much more than my Mars. Others may score it differently, but the Nova is the better device - unless you need the additional storage that the SD card provides.

This is exactly the reply I was looking for.

I was looking for a Chinese site, it seemed unnecessarily hard to find. I did locate their Twitter though.

I read a lot of anecdotal reviews of the Mars dying in 6 months, and people having poor support experiences with Boyue as well.

I don't really need the extra storage, but to get it, for 100 bucks less, isn't bad either.

[Stevedoom]

Let's say I was just reading on the device, using Android Apps (Scribd, KOReader, etc..) would it justify saving almost $130 bucks to get the Mars?

In your opinion, of course.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by downeaster59

Boyue does have a website. It's in Chinese, though!

There are rumors that Boyue has an Android 8.0 upgrade for at least some of their devices in the works. Just rumors as far as I can see; no official statement yet.

I own both devices. The Mars has the SD card, and Boyue has offered more firmware updates this past year than Onyx has for the Nova. But comparing the two devices in every other way, I like the Nova better. The Nova edges out the Mars in overall performance. Quickness, smoothness, the frontlight, the native reader app, to name a few. I use my Nova much more than my Mars. Others may score it differently, but the Nova is the better device - unless you need the additional storage that the SD card provides.

[Morioh]

I read a lot of anecdotal reviews of the Mars dying in 6 months

What? I think that would only happen if you use incorrect charger. Why would a new tablet suddenly die?

[Amon_Re]

Originally Posted by Stevedoom

Let's say I was just reading on the device, using Android Apps (Scribd, KOReader, etc..) would it justify saving almost $130 bucks to get the Mars?

In your opinion, of course.

Thanks!

If i were to pick something of that size (7.8") just for reading I would go with something like a Kobo or PocketBook. Devices like Boyue or Onyx are great if you really need the extra features such as note taking, larger screen and Android apps.

[downeaster59]

Originally Posted by Stevedoom

Let's say I was just reading on the device, using Android Apps (Scribd, KOReader, etc..) would it justify saving almost $130 bucks to get the Mars?

In your opinion, of course.

Thanks!

It depends on what you want to read on your device. If it's only eBooks, then you would save a little more money by buying a Kobo of that size, for example, as someone else has said. However, if you also want to use Android apps that are mainly about reading (like Pocket or Instapaper) and have the versatility to be able to use the Kindle, Nook, and/or Kobo apps on one eInk device, then the Mars would be a good investment. You might also want to look again at the Onyx Nova (not the Pro version). That's the one I have, and it's not that much more expensive than the Mars.

[Stevedoom]

I think I'd like the Mars. My main gripe now is whether they are going to upgrade Android or not.

if they don't announce any plans, the device could be hobbled in the near future should Google walk away from Android 6.0.

[Stevedoom]

https://goodereader.com/blog/boyue-e...android-8-soon

This was released recently by Goodereader...so maybe there is some hope.

[azw409]

The big difference between the two is the stylus. So ask yourself if you would use it.

I have a Mars and a Note Pro (which is like 10.3" version of the Nova Pro). I never use the Mars because everything is just a little nicer experience on the Onyx. I use the stylus occasionally, it's quite good for text entry so I use the handwriting keyboard and have actually written some sizeable docs on it. Personally, I would spend the extra now rather than wondering later whether it would have been better but your priorities might be different. The Mars is a great machine though, I was very happy with before I got the NotePro.

[Incanus]

Originally Posted by Stevedoom

https://goodereader.com/blog/boyue-e...android-8-soon

This was released recently by Goodereader...so maybe there is some hope.

Indeed, hope springs eternal: crossing my fingers, knocking on wood, etc.

[downeaster59]

Goodereader probably picked that up from this forum... as they often do!!! Take what they say with the usual grain(s) of salt!!!

[Morioh]

Since it probably uses more resources will android 8 slow down the device, or perhaps drain the battery a bit faster? There has to be a drawback

[DaleDe]

Originally Posted by Morioh

Since it probably uses more resources will android 8 slow down the device, or perhaps drain the battery a bit faster? There has to be a drawback

Beginning with 8.1 there are two different Androids available. See our wiki Android#Android_Go_Edition so you need to know which a device will have. Using the Go Edition is likely to save battery drain and may even speed up the device.

Dale

[Stevedoom]

Originally Posted by downeaster59

Goodereader probably picked that up from this forum... as they often do!!! Take what they say with the usual grain(s) of salt!!!

After reading the forums, I've seen this warning more than once! Thanks

I am basically waiting to see if the Mars gets some love.

My rationale is:

1. I am ONLY using the device for reading, so the Nova Pro is a bit much when the Mars does the same thing so much cheaper.
2. If they update to Android 8.0, the device will support apps a bit longer, at least I suspect that will be the case, so the lifetime of the device will be longer.

If they do not do the Android update, I will be leaning on the Nova.