Recently, SuperNote launched the SuperNote Manta, a 10-inch black-and-white device that follows the SuperNote A5X. Highly anticipated for months, this A5X2 introduces several major changes. Is it the ultimate device for note-taking and reading e-books?
Hardware: stylish, durable screen, more than enough RAM & CPU power
The A5 X2 Manta is not entirely flat. It has a very distinctive design, thicker in certain areas, where components justify the added thickness: at its center, where the battery and motherboard are located, and on some edges (USB port, MicroSD slot…). Its name comes from the Manta ray, which is reflected in its shape. The device measures 251.3 x 182.6 x 6mm (9.9″ x 7.2″ x 0.24″) in the center, and 3.6mm (0.14″) at its thinnest point. It weighs 375 grams (13.2 ounces), which is light for a 10.7-inch tablet.
The screen uses Mobius technology and offers a resolution of 1920 x 2560 pixels in black and white (with varying levels of gray). At 300 ppi, there is no LED backlighting. Officially, Ratta (the manufacturer of SuperNotes) decided to maintain this technology to improve device latency and writing experience. It is clear that the latency is very good, and the contrast is solid, but this choice raises questions since competing devices (like the reMarkable Paper Pro and the Onyx Boox Note 4 C) feature color screens and include backlighting.
For other specs, the Manta is equipped with a Rockchip RK3566 processor with 4 ARM Cortex-A55 cores, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB of internal storage, plus a card reader supporting MicroSD cards up to 2TB. Of course, there’s also a USB 2.0 (Type C) port and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. However, these specifications are not the most important. For years, hardware has been sufficiently powerful. Indeed, e-Ink devices are generally used for reading and/or note-taking. Thus, the most crucial aspect to evaluate is the software. Unlike a computer intended for graphic design or gaming, an e-Ink tablet doesn’t require an overly powerful processor. With well-optimized software, it can run for days or even weeks between charges, offering nearly zero latency when writing, for a paper-like feel.
Software: Chauvet, a minimalist Android-based operating system
The operating system used by SuperNote is called Chauvet. It’s based on Android 11. Based because Ratta uses Android somewhat like others use the Linux kernel: the SuperNote Manta is not an Android tablet with an e-Ink screen and a few note-taking apps like devices from Onyx Boox. The SuperNote is… a SuperNote.
On this device, the user experience is unique. Generally, users either struggle to adapt or absolutely love it. This deep customization of Android extends to the hardware: the Manta has two sidebars, allowing users to refresh the screen or access a menu to quickly open recently accessed documents, favorite apps, or switch from a reading document to a note-taking file.
The note-taking app is well-crafted and full of features (keywords, offline handwriting-to-text conversion, cut-and-paste, etc.). While some features are found on most devices, others, like the advanced keyword system, are unique to SuperNote.
When it comes to reading documents, the device is one of the best choices for those who want to read and annotate PDF documents. It can open various eBook formats without issues, but the experience, in my opinion, is slightly less optimal. For instance, it’s not possible to modify the way an annotated ePub displays after it’s been edited, and the interface for such formats is less comfortable and fluid than on a dedicated e-reader like a Kobo.
However, the device’s versatility is worth highlighting. It may not be the best choice for sketching, but it’s perfectly suited for writing and reading documents (PDF and/or ePub) or even reviewing .docx files.
Third-party apps can be installed, but there’s no direct access to the PlayStore, and the fact that the device runs on an older version of Android means not all apps will be compatible. In short, this is a good device for those who want to use the apps provided with it and possibly install one or two additional programs. It’s not ideal for those who want an e-Ink tablet to be used as a general-purpose tablet. The Boox Note Air 4 C would be a better fit for that (but it’s less durable!).
Manta’s Strengths
The SuperNote Manta seems like an excellent choice for those seeking a durable and minimalist device. Indeed, the core features for both reading and writing are present and well-established. It’s a reliable, sturdy device that can be taken to class, the office, or on vacation without worry.
As seen in the photo above, the SuperNote Manta can be easily opened, allowing for the replacement of its battery or any faulty components. The Mobius screen is one of the most reliable e-ink screens on the market.
Yes, it doesn’t have color, but is that really a problem? If the goal is to read books and take notes, color isn’t necessary. The contrast is better than with current color screens, and the choice of a flexible screen means it’s less likely to break. Given their cost and the fragility of some models, the screen is often the element that can make an e-Ink tablet or e-reader unusable.
It’s very light, especially with the minimalist folio that slips into small slots and doesn’t add a second layer under the tablet like most covers do. The device is pleasant to handle and carry. Its screen is large enough for comfortable reading of most PDFs or note-taking but compact enough that the device can easily be forgotten in a backpack or suitcase.
If the company behind the product remains viable long-term and can supply replacement parts as needed over the years, this is probably the most durable device on the market, thanks to its design that allows easy repairs and battery replacements after years of use.
How Does It Compare to the Competition?
Available at around 600 USD from SuperNote’s website, the Manta isn’t as cheap in EU, being available there from supernote.eu for 620 euros. In both cases, it’s a bit more expensive than the the Kindle Scribe 2024, which can be found for less than 500 bucks on Amazon’s website. It’s cheaper than the reMarkable Paper Pro, though, which costs over 800 euros with equivalent options, but the latter comes with a color screen (more fragile than the Manta’s screen but… in color!) and LED backlighting, which is handy for reading in low-light conditions. Its price is slightly higher than that of the Boox Note Air 4 C, which is on sale for about 500 USD on Amazon.com…
It may be better compared to the reMarkable 2, although these are two completely different products. The fact is that SuperNote’s e-Ink tablets follow a completely different philosophy than those of reMarkable and Onyx Boox. While Onyx releases multiple devices every year—consumer tablets adapted with e-Ink screens—SuperNote takes its time, releasing a device every two or three years, with only minor technical updates but using tested components, a solid architecture, and (this is a key difference!) promising long-term software and hardware support. While reMarkable leans towards a subscription-based model to monetize its device long-term, SuperNote charges a bit more upfront but provides access to all features forever, with no hidden costs.
In essence, SuperNote positions itself as a company breaking away from the psychological obsolescence encouraged by most manufacturers. By producing devices designed to be durable and repairable by anyone, the brand aims to establish itself as the go-to maker of high-performing, long-lasting e-Ink devices that are both versatile and minimalist. They are simple devices that do what they’re supposed to do, do it well, and should continue to do so for many years.
It’s clear that the SuperNote Manta isn’t for everyone, but for those looking for the most durable device at the moment, it’s probably a good choice. We’ll need to monitor the future of the SuperNote A5X in the coming months: will it be abandoned, like the SuperNote A5 was despite promises of regular updates? That will be the indicator for the long-term future of the SuperNote Manta. Either way, it’s clear that software support will outlast that of Onyx Boox devices, and the device will continue to work even after it stops receiving updates. Replacement parts should be available for the long haul. The battery is likely the first part to need replacement, and it should be available online for a long time, even at low cost on platforms like AliExpress. The motherboard is similar to the SuperNote A6X’s, which could create a second-hand market for SuperNote parts if the manufacturer disappears in the coming years…
If SuperNote keeps its promises by releasing fewer new devices but providing long-term support for each generation, their e-Ink tablets could be the best choice for the long term. If, however, it’s just a marketing strategy, it doesn’t change much, as competing devices are not easy to repair, and some (particularly Onyx Boox tablets) are designed to be quickly abandoned by the manufacturer. A SuperNote will age better in that regard.
If the devices were more open from a software perspective (like reMarkable, which allows users to access the operating system as superuser!), it could pave the way for a free ecosystem to emerge around Ratta/SuperNote hardware. That would guarantee long-term usability, the ability to choose from different user experiences, and continued updates even in the event of the company’s bankruptcy. For now, despite repeated promises from SuperNote’s community managers, the device’s operating system remains relatively closed, but this could change in the future.