If you like the portability of a small e-reader but wish it could do a bit more, BOOX’s latest device may hit that sweet spot. The new Go 6 (Gen II) keeps the pocket-friendly design of the company’s original, but adds a key new feature that might entice you to upgrade: the ability to take handwritten notes.
A simple e-reader turns into a productivity device
So long as you don’t mind the smaller form
The biggest change coming to the Go 6 lineup is support for handwriting. While the original Go 6 focused solely on reading, the new model works with BOOX’s InkSense Plus stylus and includes a built-in notes app that lets you scribble down reminders, create to-do lists, annotate books, and more.
At just six inches, the Go 6 (Gen II) remains compact enough to slip into a pocket or small bag, but comes with one of the big features that makes larger e-readers like the Kindle Scribe so enticing. Handwriting is a notable addition because devices this small typically prioritize reading above all else. We have seen a few in this range, though typically the larger devices like this tend to garner more attention. At this size range, you’ll really need to decide whether your Android phone is a good enough e-reader, or if having a dedicated device is worth it.
Beyond adding the new functionality, BOOX has also refreshed the design. The company says the new look takes inspiration from the form factor of a suitcase, with textured grooves across the rear shell and gently curved edges designed to make the device easier to hold.
It’s available in four different color options including, Plum, Stone, Shell, and Custard. And the display remains one of the device’s strongest selling points, with the 6-inch monochrome E Ink screen offering a 300 PPI resolution. Adjustable warm and cool front lighting should help keep text readable whether you’re reading in bright sunlight or before bed.
The Go 6 (Gen II) also includes 3GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage, a microSD card slot, Bluetooth 5.0, dual-band Wi-Fi, and USB-C charging. The new e-reader is available for pre-order now for $199.99 and shipments are expected to begin around June 17.
Android inclusion is amazing
But Android 11 is far too old to bother with
Like many other BOOX devices, the Go 6 (Gen II) sports Android out of the box. This includes access to the Google Play Store. That means you’re not limited to a single ebook ecosystem and can install apps such as Kindle, Kobo, Libby, Pocket, and other reading services directly onto the device.
That flexibility continues to be one of BOOX’s biggest advantages over competitors like Kindle, especially if your books come from multiple sources.
However, despite launching in 2026, the Go 6 (Gen II) ships with Android 11. That’s particularly surprising because BOOX has already been releasing other recent devices running Android 15, and while it is only a few years old at this point, many of the latest apps might not support Android software that far back.
For an e-reader, the older software may not dramatically affect day-to-day reading or note-taking. Still, when newer BOOX hardware is already shipping with a much more recent version of Android, it’s hard not to view Android 11 as a compromise on what appears to be an otherwise well-rounded device.
