Bigme
Reddit take
AI summary of the Reddit excerpts below — not a quote
Bigme is an Android-based eReader brand frequently compared to Onyx Boox for its flexibility and hardware specifications. While users value the ability to install third-party apps and the inclusion of features like SD card slots and higher RAM, the brand is polarizing due to significant software stability issues. It is often viewed as a more affordable but less polished alternative to mainstream eInk devices, requiring a higher degree of user tinkering.
Pros
- Open Android OS allows for third-party apps like library, manga, and comic readers
- Hardware often includes more RAM, storage, and SD card expansion than Kindle or Kobo
- Effective anti-ghosting performance, particularly for PDFs and graphic content
- Strong language support with dozens of system language options
- Versatile hardware that can function as a basic, albeit slow, tablet
Cons
- Reputation for buggy software and frequent application crashes
- Poorly designed user interface with incomplete or awkward translations from Chinese
- Notably shorter battery life compared to dedicated eReader competitors
- Limited availability of third-party accessories and cases
- Software updates may lag behind for older Android versions
Caveats
- Requires significant user setup and tinkering to optimize the experience
- Standard Android apps are often not optimized for eInk, leading to clunky UI or invisible elements
- Often viewed as inferior to Boox in terms of software polish and refinement
Best for
- Users who need specific Android apps for library access or manga
- Power users who want expandable storage and high hardware specs
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for an open Android eInk device
Avoid if
- You prefer a 'plug-and-play' experience with polished software
- Long battery life is your primary concern for an eReader
- You want a wide selection of third-party protective cases
This summary uses balanced time weighting with about a 18-month half-life. The evidence is based on approximately 30 mentions from the last year, primarily within the r/ereader community.
Sentiment
15 positive (45%) · 7 mixed (21%) · 11 negative (33%)
Trust + time weighted score: +16% · raw score 12%
What redditors said (10 of 33)
some eReaders come with the ability to install your own apps on it (Boox, PocketBook, BigMe - and to a smaller extent, Kobo).
I also add PocketBook, Kobo, Onyx Boox and Bigme to the mix.
Bigme isn't popular enough to have that many case options.
Boox. If that’s too expensive BigMe seems like a nice cheaper alt
7" coloured Bigme for manga and graphic novels
Boox and bigme are the strongest competitors out there.
Pocketbook, Kobo, Bigme - the biggest non-amazon brands.
If you aren't tied up to an ecosystem go with the Bigme but it will take some time by the user to set up to their liking but you'll have the liberty of using any ereader app you like, import your library and other files on SD card and have mor RAM and Storage than the equivalent Kobo or Kindle
This is after experiences I had with e-reader of various sizes (10" to 6" and brands from Boox, to Kindle to Bigme for the past 14 years.
Most well known android eink device brans are probably Boox and Bigme.