Kobo Aura HD Review - Is It a Kindle Alternative?
Kobo Aura HD: A Rising Star in the E-Reader Arena
For many years, the ebook reader landscape has largely been defined by two major players: Amazon's Kindle, which continues to maintain a strong position, and Barnes & Noble's Nook, whose popularity has waned. However, a new competitor is gaining traction – the Kobo Aura HD.
Detailed Performance Evaluation
We subjected the Kobo Aura HD to a comprehensive series of tests to assess its capabilities and overall user experience.
The device’s performance was carefully analyzed across various functions. This included page turn speed, responsiveness of the touchscreen, and the clarity of the display.
Key Features and Specifications
The Kobo Aura HD boasts several noteworthy features. These contribute to its growing appeal among ebook enthusiasts.
- High-resolution E Ink display for crisp text.
- Adjustable ComfortLight technology for comfortable reading in any lighting conditions.
- Wi-Fi connectivity for seamless content downloads.
- Support for a wide range of ebook formats.
Its specifications are designed to deliver a premium reading experience. The device is engineered for both portability and extended battery life.
Comparing to the Competition
When compared to the Kindle and Nook, the Kobo Aura HD presents a compelling alternative. It offers a different approach to ebook management and purchasing.
While the Kindle ecosystem is tightly integrated with Amazon's store, Kobo provides greater flexibility. Users can easily source ebooks from various retailers or load their own content.
The Nook, once a strong competitor, has seen a decline in market share. The Kobo Aura HD is positioned to capitalize on this shift, attracting readers seeking a more open platform.
Overall Assessment
The Kobo Aura HD is a noteworthy device in the ebook reader market. It provides a strong combination of features, performance, and flexibility.
For readers looking beyond the dominant Kindle ecosystem, the Kobo Aura HD represents a viable and increasingly attractive option.
Introducing the Kobo Aura HD
Prior to examining the ebook reader itself, a brief overview of its manufacturer is warranted. While the Kobo brand may not be widely recognized by many readers, particularly in the United States – holding approximately 3% of the U.S. market – it stands as a significant global player in the ebook reader industry.
Kobo commands a substantial portion of the worldwide market, representing 20% of global sales, exceeding the combined 16% share held by Sony and Barnes & Noble. Distribution in the U.S. is limited, with Kobo readers primarily found in select independent bookstores.
However, in Canada, Kobo products are readily available in major retail chains such as Best Buy, Walmart, and Staples. The company offers a diverse lineup of ebook readers, ranging in size from the compact Kobo Mini (featuring a 5" screen) to its premium models.
Our focus is on the Kobo Aura HD, a larger, flagship device. Let's proceed with a detailed examination of its features and capabilities.
Simplified Device Setup
Typically, our reviews include a dedicated section detailing the initial device configuration process. However, the Kobo Aura HD, similar to the Kindle Paperwhite, boasts a remarkably streamlined setup procedure.
Activation involves powering on the device, establishing a connection to a local Wi-Fi network, and registering it with a Kobo account. Due to this simplicity, a step-by-step walkthrough is deemed unnecessary.
Should you encounter any difficulties during the Wi-Fi connection or initial setup, comprehensive guidance is available in Kobo's official "Setting Up Your eReader" guide, accessible here.
Design and Physical Attributes
When viewed directly, the Kobo Aura HD presents a familiar ebook reader aesthetic. It features a rectangular shape, a matte black bezel, and a recessed, matte-finish screen. The company logo is prominently displayed at the bottom center of the bezel. Like most contemporary ebook readers, it lacks dedicated external page turn buttons, relying entirely on touchscreen controls.
The Aura HD distinguishes itself in design when observed from the side or when inverted. Its body incorporates a unique, angular construction, a departure from the designs of competing devices. Initial reservations about this design choice were alleviated upon discovering that the subtle angling enhances grip comfort by providing a natural indentation for fingers.
Button and Port Placement
The top edge of the Aura HD houses three components: a red slider power button – a color choice that appears somewhat discordant with the overall black styling – a small LED indicator for activity and charging status, and a black button used to activate and deactivate the front-lighting. While physical buttons are appreciated, the front-light button’s functionality is limited.
Unlike the Kindle, which offers a gradient of brightness settings accessible through a tap on the light bulb icon, the Aura HD initially activates the front-light at its maximum intensity. This can create the initial impression of a simple on/off system. (Brightness adjustments are available via an icon within the navigation bar when the front-light is enabled.)
Expandability and Reset Functionality
The bottom of the device includes a micro USB port for charging and data synchronization, a MicroSD slot for storage expansion, and a pinhole reset button operable with a paperclip. Both the MicroSD slot and reset button are highly beneficial features.
Although most ebook readers provide ample internal storage, the option to expand capacity via a microSD card is a welcome addition – a feature absent in newer Nook models. Users can augment the Aura HD’s storage from thousands to tens of thousands of ebooks using a microSD card with a capacity of up to 32GB. Utilizing a microSD card is straightforward; simply format it to Fat32, copy your ebook files to the root directory, and insert it into the device. The contents will be automatically integrated into the library.
The inclusion of a reset button is also advantageous. While ebook readers are generally stable, a physical reset button provides a convenient solution for rare instances of device lockups, simplifying the reboot or reset process.
Size and Weight Comparison
Regarding overall dimensions, the Aura HD is larger, though not excessively so. It measures 6.97 x 5.05 x 0.46 inches and weighs 8.5 ounces. In comparison, the Kindle Paperwhite measures 6.7 x 4.6 x 0.36 inches and weighs 7.5 ounces. The Aura HD is slightly larger in both dimensions and weight, but this difference yields a larger, higher-resolution screen.
The following image illustrates a physical comparison between the Kindle Paperwhite and the Aura HD:
The Aura HD exhibits a marginal increase in length and width, barely noticeable without its wider bottom bezel. However, the difference in depth is more apparent:
The Aura HD is considerably thicker than the Kindle. Preferences vary; some users prioritize slimness and lightness, while others favor a more substantial grip, which the Aura HD’s design and raised finger holds provide.
The Display
Considering the significant amount of time spent viewing the screen of an ebook reader, it represents the most crucial component. In this regard, the Aura HD’s display stands out as both objectively and subjectively the most visually appealing screen currently available in the ereader market.
Our review of the Kindle Paperwhite previously highlighted our appreciation for its crisp screen quality. The Kindle Paperwhite features a screen with a resolution approaching XGA (6", 758x1024 pixels, 212 ppi), while the Aura HD boasts a larger and more refined WXGA+ resolution screen (6.8", 1440x1080, 256 ppi).
Pixel Density and Visual Impact
Do these increased pixel counts and higher ppi translate to a noticeable improvement? Undoubtedly. Although the lower-resolution screen of the Kindle Paperwhite is not deficient (and remains superior to most other ebook reader screens), the Aura HD’s screen is truly exceptional.
It is the first ebook reader we’ve encountered where the digital nature of the screen completely fades from awareness. Despite any potential criticisms regarding other aspects of the Aura HD’s design, interface, or overall user experience, the screen remains undeniably the best and sharpest we have experienced.
Front Lighting Performance
The front lighting system, once the activation button and on-screen adjustments are understood, performs admirably. We anticipated potential issues with the front lighting, as this is an area where manufacturers have historically faced challenges.
For example, the initial Kindle Paperwhite generation suffered from uneven light distribution, a problem that wasn’t fully resolved until the release of the second generation model.
Therefore, we were pleased to discover that the backlighting on the Aura HD is excellent. The illumination is consistent, free of any noticeable blemishes, and the light source is virtually invisible unless the device is inverted and viewed at an extreme angle.
Only when held upside down and examined from a sharp angle can the subtle presence of the LEDs illuminating the screen be detected. Having been significantly bothered by the poor light distribution of our first-generation Kindle Paperwhite, we were prepared to identify any flaws in the Aura HD’s lighting, but found no cause for complaint.
Exploring the Kobo Aura HD: Performance and User Interface
Internally, the Aura HD is equipped with a high-performance ebook reader chipset, featuring a rapid 1GHz processor. Although this makes the Aura HD approximately 20% quicker than competing ebook readers, the practical impact on everyday usage is often minimal. A slightly faster processor doesn’t necessarily equate to noticeably quicker page rendering or transitions during typical reading.
The area where the enhanced processing power proved beneficial was during the addition of numerous books to the device. The Aura HD demonstrated significantly faster book addition and indexing speeds compared to the Kindle Paperwhite. For users who frequently sideload content, the Aura HD indexed books in roughly 15-20 seconds, a task that could take several minutes on the Kindle.
Storage and Battery Life Specifications
The Aura HD offers 4GB of internal storage, which is expandable up to 38GB through a microSD card (4GB internal plus a 32GB card). In contrast, the Paperwhite provides 2GB of storage. For readers intending to carry an extensive digital library, the Aura HD presents a clear advantage.
Battery performance aligns with standard ebook reader expectations; similar to the Paperwhite, users can anticipate up to 8 weeks of use with typical daily reading habits.
User Experience: A Blend of Strengths and Weaknesses
Our assessment of the graphical user interface (GUI) and overall interaction with the device revealed a combination of highly appreciated features alongside some frustrating elements. Kobo positions its ebook readers, particularly the Aura HD, as devices tailored for dedicated readers. We’ve already confirmed the “crystal clear” screen meets the demands of serious readers.
Customization and Control
Other key features sought by power users include fluid page turns – facilitated by the 1 GHz processor – exceptional font and page customization options, and intuitive device interaction. Kobo excels in the customization arena.
The Aura HD provides extensive options for tailoring the page’s appearance. It includes over 12 fonts, notably Dyslexie and OpenDyslexic, specifically designed to assist readers with dyslexia. Font size, line spacing, and margins are all adjustable, not through limited selections, but via incremental sliders.
Text justification can also be toggled and adjusted. Furthermore, the Advanced font menu allows for precise control over font weight and sharpness, complete with a convenient before-and-after preview pane:
The Aura HD boasts the most comprehensive font tweaking system available. Readers who prioritize precise text presentation will find the combination of a sharp screen and granular controls particularly appealing.
Beyond font customization, the Aura HD allows users to personalize page turn actions through tap and swipe gestures:
This is the first device encountered that enables customization of both screen appearance and the location of taps/swipes for specific actions. While the case’s design slightly favors right-handed users, the designers have clearly considered left-handed users by allowing interface adjustments.
Home Screen and Additional Features
Despite the positive reading experience and customization options, the main home screen presented a drawback. We found the constantly shifting tiled interface to be disruptive.
While the individual elements – displaying the last book read, recently completed titles, and suggestions – were not objectionable, the tiles’ movement was. Based on recent activity, the tiles rearranged themselves, making consistent navigation difficult. Users could not rely on a specific corner consistently opening the library or stats page.
The intention was likely to prioritize frequently used tiles, but the result was frustrating. Imagine desktop icons moving based on click frequency. Compounding this issue, while the Aura HD offers extensive customization options, preventing the tiles from shifting proved impossible.
However, the experience wasn’t entirely negative. Several additional features, while perhaps not essential, were appreciated. The Aura HD can track reading habits (with the option to disable this feature) and provide insights like total books finished and reading hours, along with gamified achievements. The reading stats page for the current book appears as follows:
An awards page lists various achievements earned through reader interaction:
While some may view the gamification and social sharing aspects as unnecessary, they can enhance engagement. These features can be disabled for those who prefer a more traditional experience. We believe these additions are valuable and would welcome similar features on other devices.
The Kobo Ecosystem
The display quality is excellent, and the user interface is demonstrably designed with the reader in mind – though the home screen presents some usability concerns. This leads us to a critical evaluation of the Kobo ecosystem itself.
Ecosystems are fundamentally vital for ebook readers. A superior ebook reader hampered by a deficient product ecosystem will struggle, while even the most technically advanced device paired with a robust ecosystem is likely to succeed.
Kobo Store Evaluation
Similar to our assessment of the Aura HD’s GUI, the Kobo store ecosystem proved to be somewhat inconsistent in its performance. Finding titles for purchase is not a challenge. We conducted searches for numerous bestselling books across both Amazon and Kobo platforms and consistently found results.
Indeed, with the exception of a limited number of Amazon-exclusive offerings, such as short stories or novellas by prominent authors, we discovered that nearly all titles available on Amazon were also present within the Kobo store. Furthermore, pricing remained competitive, with only minor discrepancies observed.
Consider the following data, representing the top five fiction and non-fiction books from the New York Times Best Seller list dated January 13th, 2014:
While the cumulative price difference across our ten book purchases amounted to approximately $20, this is unlikely to be a significant factor for most consumers. Individual savings of a few dollars are often negligible, and the Kobo store, like its competitors, frequently offers promotions and discounts.
Comparison with Amazon
The primary area where the Kobo store falls short when contrasted with the Amazon store is its perceived lack of vibrancy. Amazon has cultivated a thriving online community, boasting millions of book reviews and ratings.
This includes a sophisticated recommendation engine and a general sense of active engagement among readers. In contrast, the Kobo store, despite offering the same literary content, often feels comparatively empty and lacking in user interaction.
As an illustration, let's examine “David and Goliath” by Malcolm Gladwell. On Amazon, at the time of this review, the book had accumulated 946 reviews – a substantial number for a recently released title.
Amazon also provides related purchase suggestions, editorial reviews, author biographies, and even discussion forums, fostering a sense of community.
Conversely, the Kobo store listing for “David and Goliath” is notably sparse. It includes a concise synopsis and a selection of related titles, but crucially, it lacks any customer feedback or reviews.
Editorial reviews or critical assessments are also absent.
The Loss of Goodreads Integration
The Kobo store previously integrated reviews from Goodreads, leveraging the platform’s active reader community. However, following Amazon’s acquisition of Goodreads in the spring of 2013, Kobo removed these reviews from its store.
Surprisingly, Kobo has not yet implemented a replacement system. It’s possible that an internal analysis determined that reviews were not essential to their customer base. However, we found ourselves feeling that the Kobo store lacked a sense of validation and personalization without them.
While locating desired books is not problematic, the shopping experience can feel isolating and impersonal.
A Comprehensive Evaluation: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Final Assessment
Extensive testing of this device, spanning nearly a month, involved reading, menu exploration, and book acquisition. We’ve thoroughly examined both the device itself and the surrounding ecosystem. Following this in-depth analysis, we are prepared to detail its advantages, disadvantages, and ultimately, determine its suitability for potential users.
Key Advantages
- The display quality is exceptional. It surpasses other devices currently available, offering a visually stunning reading experience that photographs struggle to capture accurately.
- Users who prioritize customization will find unparalleled control. The Aura HD allows precise adjustments to fonts, spacing, alignment, and even subtle details like font sharpening.
- The front illumination is consistently distributed and performs admirably.
- Page transitions and screen updates are responsive, and standard in-book functions – navigation, searching, and bookmarking – are comparable to leading competitors like the Kindle.
- The inclusion of a microSD card slot mitigates the limitations of the 4GB internal storage, exceeding the capacity offered by the Kindle Paperwhite.
- It boasts broad format compatibility, supporting ePub, PDF, MOBI, TXT, HTML, CBZ, CBR, JPEG, and PNG. Its PDF handling capabilities are particularly noteworthy, significantly outperforming the Kindle.
- The integrated reading tracking and rewards system adds an element of engagement.
Areas for Improvement
- The angled finger grips on the rear casing, while aesthetically interesting, offer limited practical benefit and contribute to a thicker device profile. A textured back would have been a preferable design choice.
- The home screen interface feels less refined compared to other aspects of the user experience, such as font customization. The animated tile feature can be distracting.
- Despite a substantial catalog of books and magazines, the Kobo store appears somewhat uninspired and clunky. Given the manufacturer’s size and global market presence, a more polished storefront is expected.
- With a price point of $179, it currently represents the most expensive ebook reader on the market.
Final Recommendation: While the Kobo Aura HD doesn’t currently pose a direct threat to the Kindle’s dominance, it remains a compelling option. We wouldn’t recommend it to individuals unfamiliar with technology or those seeking extreme simplicity and a vast, integrated ecosystem. However, it is an excellent choice for users with extensive ebook collections who appreciate high-end hardware.
The Aura HD caters to a specific niche: the dedicated ebook reader who values a superior screen, a powerful processor, and the freedom to manage their own library. It appeals to those who enjoy customization and are comfortable with a degree of technical tinkering. If this profile aligns with your needs or those of the intended recipient, the Aura HD presents a uniquely clear, albeit unconventional, reading experience.
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