Boox Leaf5+ arrives as a Kindle Oasis-style alternative, adding stylus support and Android flexibility
Onyx has launched the Boox Leaf5+ in China, positioning the E Ink reader as a fresh option for fans of the now-discontinued Kindle Oasis form factor. The new model borrows the familiar asymmetrical grip and page-turn buttons, but pairs them with Onyx’s Android-based software.
The Leaf5+ is built around a 7-inch E Ink Carta 1300 display with 300 ppi resolution, aiming for sharper text and better contrast than older panels.
Onyx says the screen is covered by etched, tempered glass and uses an adjustable front light spanning roughly 3 000K to 5 500K.
Design nods to a fan favorite
Like the Oasis, the Leaf5+ is thin at its slimmest point and adds a raised rear ridge to improve one-handed grip. Onyx is also offering the device in a sky-blue finish, a notable change from the more common black-and-white e-reader palette.
One clear difference from Amazon’s premium Oasis is durability positioning: the Leaf5+ is not advertised with an IP-rated dust or water-resistance certification. For readers who travel or read poolside, that could be a key trade-off.
Stylus support and Android 13
Onyx is leaning into features Amazon never brought to the Oasis, including optional stylus support for handwriting and sketches. Under the hood, the Leaf5+ uses an unnamed octa-core Snapdragon chip clocked up to 2.0 GHz, alongside 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage.
Connectivity includes Bluetooth 5.0 and dual-band Wi‑Fi, while a USB‑C port handles charging and data. There is also a microSD card slot, with Onyx citing support up to 2 TB.
The Leaf5+ runs Boox OS 4.2 based on Android 13, a combination that typically enables broader app access than locked-down e-reader ecosystems. Onyx lists a 2 000 mAh battery, and the Leaf5+ is priced at CNY 1 899, with a limited-time launch price of CNY 1 749.
For now, Onyx has only announced the Boox Leaf5+ for China, and the company has not confirmed an international release timeline. The launch nevertheless highlights how third-party E Ink brands are moving quickly to serve readers who prefer physical buttons and premium ergonomics.
