Supernote Review from a Real User (2024)

As someone who loves to write and organize thoughts on paper, transitioning to a digital platform wasn’t something I thought I’d ever do—until I discovered e-ink devices. I’ve always loved the tactile feel of pen on paper, but the promise of having all my notes in one place, synced across devices, and never running out of space intrigued me. After some research, I decided to take the plunge with the Supernote A6X, a device I’ve now used for several months. In my Supernote review, I’ll share how this device has managed to bridge the gap between the traditional writing experience and modern digital convenience.

I chose the Supernote A6X over other e-ink devices like the reMarkable 2 and Onyx Boox primarily because of its reputation for a more paper-like writing experience and its focus on long-term note-taking durability. I was curious to see if it could replace my physical notebooks and become my go-to tool for brainstorming, journaling, and even managing day-to-day tasks. Now, after using it consistently, I’m ready to share my experience and thoughts.

First Impressions

When I first received the Supernote A6X, I was immediately impressed by its sleek, minimalist design. The device felt solid in hand but lightweight enough to carry around without being a burden. Unboxing it was a simple experience—no unnecessary frills, just the essentials: the device, the stylus, and a magnetic case. The build quality of the device and stylus gave off a sense of durability, which was one of the things I was hoping for.

Setting it up was quick and easy. The device booted up fast, and navigating through the initial setup menus was intuitive. As someone who isn’t very tech-savvy, I appreciated that the learning curve wasn’t steep. I was able to start writing within minutes.

What struck me immediately was the screen—it’s an e-ink display, but it’s so much closer to paper than I expected. The anti-glare coating was a pleasant surprise, making it easy to use in various lighting conditions without straining my eyes. The stylus, which requires no charging, felt comfortable to hold, and writing on the Supernote felt almost natural—like I was writing on a smooth, high-quality notebook. That initial experience left me excited to see how it would hold up with daily use.

Writing and Note-Taking Experience

Once I started using the Supernote A6X for my daily tasks, I quickly realized why so many people praised its writing experience. The stylus glides smoothly across the e-ink screen with a slight friction that mimics the feel of writing on real paper. There’s minimal lag between when the stylus touches the screen and when the ink appears, which is crucial for maintaining a natural writing flow. It’s close enough to the traditional pen-on-paper experience that I often forget I’m writing on a digital device.

I’ve used the Supernote A6X for a variety of tasks, including taking notes during meetings, brainstorming ideas, and even journaling. One of my favorite features is the handwriting-to-text conversion. At first, I wasn’t sure how accurate it would be, but it surprised me with how well it recognizes my handwriting, even when it gets a little sloppy. It’s a game-changer for organizing notes quickly.

Another standout feature is the ability to create custom notebooks, organize them into folders, and sync everything to the cloud. I can quickly jot down notes on the go, and they’re available on my other devices through cloud sync, which keeps everything organized and accessible. This is particularly useful when switching between tasks, as I can effortlessly find the notes I need without sifting through multiple physical notebooks.

In terms of daily use, the Supernote A6X has become my go-to tool for meetings, planning, and general note-taking. The battery life is impressive as well—I’ve gone for weeks without needing to charge it, which is a huge plus. The long battery life paired with the smooth writing experience makes it feel like a true replacement for traditional notebooks.

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Software and Usability

One of the most important aspects of using a device like the Supernote A6X daily is its software and overall usability, and this is an area where it performs well, though not without some quirks. The interface is simple and clean, designed to keep distractions to a minimum, which I appreciated immediately. It doesn’t overwhelm you with too many options—just what you need to organize your thoughts, notes, and documents efficiently.

Navigating the menus and settings is intuitive, even for someone like me who isn’t highly tech-savvy. The learning curve was minimal, and after a short period of use, I found myself able to quickly create new notebooks, organize folders, and sync my notes across devices using cloud services. The Supernote supports integration with cloud platforms like Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive, which makes managing and accessing my notes from different devices seamless. I primarily use Dropbox for syncing, and the process has been smooth without any major hiccups.

That said, the device isn’t without its challenges. While the software is generally stable, I’ve encountered a few minor bugs during my time using the Supernote A6X—nothing deal-breaking, but occasional software hiccups where the device would freeze for a moment or fail to respond as quickly as expected. These instances are rare, and with regular software updates, I’ve noticed improvements over time.

Another area where the software could be better is customization. For instance, there are limited options for personalizing the interface or adding third-party apps. Unlike devices such as the Onyx Boox, which offers full Android app support, the Supernote A6X stays focused on its core purpose—note-taking. While this makes for a distraction-free environment, it also means you won’t be able to use apps beyond what’s built into the system.

Overall, the software provides a straightforward and focused experience, perfect for those who want a streamlined tool for writing and organizing notes. It’s not trying to be a tablet replacement, but it excels at being a reliable, focused note-taking device.

The Good: What I Loved About the Supernote A6X

After using the Supernote A6X consistently for a few months, several features have stood out that make this device a joy to use:

1. Paper-like Writing Experience: As someone who values the tactile feedback of writing on paper, the Supernote A6X delivers one of the best digital writing experiences I’ve encountered. The screen’s slight texture combined with the responsive stylus makes it feel incredibly natural to write, whether it’s for jotting down quick notes or sketching out ideas. The lack of stylus charging or pairing issues is a big plus, ensuring it’s always ready to go.
2. Incredible Battery Life: One of the major advantages of the Supernote A6X is its long-lasting battery. I often go weeks between charges, even with daily use, which is a huge convenience. This extended battery life makes it feel more like a traditional notebook, as you don’t need to worry about constantly plugging it in.
3. Durability and Build Quality: The Supernote A6X is sturdy and feels well-made, which is important for a device I carry around frequently. The build quality gives me confidence that it will hold up to regular use, whether it’s tossed into a bag for commuting or handled daily.
4. Cloud Syncing and Organization: The ability to sync my notes across devices through cloud services has been a game-changer for staying organized. Whether I’m switching from the Supernote to my laptop or phone, all my notes are easily accessible. The folder organization system is simple but effective, and it’s easy to keep different types of notes separate and categorized.
5. Minimalist, Distraction-Free Design: Unlike some other e-ink devices, the Supernote A6X doesn’t try to do too much. It focuses on being a tool for writing and note-taking, and that’s where it excels. I appreciate the lack of distractions, as it allows me to focus on my tasks without being tempted to check notifications or use other apps.

Overall, the Supernote A6X has seamlessly integrated into my daily workflow. It’s become my go-to device for brainstorming, note-taking, and journaling, offering an experience that’s as close to paper as I’ve found in a digital device.

The Challenges: What Could Be Better

As much as I’ve enjoyed using the Supernote A6X, there are a few areas where it falls short or where I’ve found some limitations. Here are the main challenges I’ve encountered during my time with the device:

1. Limited App Support: One of the biggest drawbacks of the Supernote A6X is the lack of third-party app support. While the device focuses on being a distraction-free note-taking tool, it would still be nice to have access to some productivity apps or additional tools like calendar integration or task management apps. Devices like the Onyx Boox, which run on Android, offer much more flexibility in terms of apps, which is something I occasionally miss when using the Supernote.
2. Customization Options: The Supernote A6X is very much a “what you see is what you get” device. While I appreciate its simplicity, I sometimes wish for more options to customize the interface or personalize the writing experience. For example, the ability to choose different pen types or adjust the writing feel would be a welcome addition. Right now, it’s functional but not as flexible as I’d like.
3. Occasional Software Glitches: Though rare, I’ve experienced occasional software bugs, such as the device freezing momentarily or not responding to inputs as quickly as expected. These issues tend to resolve themselves after a few seconds, but they can be mildly frustrating when I’m in the middle of a task. The good news is that software updates have improved the stability over time, but it’s something to be aware of.
4. Handwriting-to-Text Could Improve: While the handwriting-to-text conversion is generally accurate, it’s not perfect. Occasionally, it struggles with more complex handwriting or certain symbols. It’s a great feature, but it still has room for improvement in terms of recognizing different writing styles or handling more complex formatting.
5. No Advanced Drawing Tools: For users who are looking for an e-ink device that also functions as a drawing tablet, the Supernote A6X might not be the best choice. Its drawing capabilities are fairly basic compared to devices like the reMarkable 2, which offers more tools and precision for artists. While it works fine for basic sketches or diagrams, I wouldn’t recommend it as a primary tool for illustrators or designers.

Despite these challenges, they haven’t significantly diminished my overall experience with the Supernote A6X. The core functions of writing and note-taking are done exceptionally well, but there are definitely areas where the device could evolve to become even better.

How It Compares to Other E-Ink Devices I’ve Tried

After using the Supernote A6X for a while, I had the chance to compare it with other e-ink devices like the reMarkable 2 and the Onyx Boox, which are often mentioned as competitors in the same space. Here’s how the Supernote A6X stacks up based on my personal experience:

Supernote A6X vs reMarkable 2:

The reMarkable 2 is often praised for its sleek design and impressive drawing capabilities, making it a popular choice for creatives. However, after testing both, I found the Supernote A6X to be a better fit for my needs as someone who primarily focuses on note-taking. While the reMarkable 2 offers more advanced tools for drawing and sketching, I felt that the Supernote A6X provided a more natural writing experience. Additionally, the Supernote’s cloud integration options and folder organization features made it easier for me to stay organized across devices. The reMarkable 2, though visually stunning, felt more limited in terms of flexibility for managing and syncing notes.

Supernote A6X vs Onyx Boox:

The Onyx Boox stands out for its versatility, as it runs on Android and supports third-party apps. This makes it much more than a note-taking device—it’s more of a tablet with e-ink technology. While this sounds appealing, I found the interface of the Onyx Boox to be somewhat cluttered compared to the streamlined simplicity of the Supernote A6X. The abundance of options on the Onyx Boox made it feel less focused, and I appreciated the distraction-free environment that the Supernote provided. That said, if you need a multi-purpose device with app support, the Onyx Boox might be a better choice, but for pure writing and note-taking, I found the Supernote A6X to excel.

Why I Chose Supernote A6X:

In the end, the Supernote A6X won me over because it offers exactly what I need without overwhelming me with extra features I wouldn’t use. It’s a durable, reliable device that focuses on the essentials—writing, note-taking, and syncing—without unnecessary distractions. The battery life is exceptional, the writing experience feels close to real paper, and the organization features are more than adequate for my workflow. While both the reMarkable 2 and Onyx Boox have their strengths, the Supernote A6X felt more aligned with my personal preferences and needs.

Long-Term Use: Does It Hold Up?

After using the Supernote A6X for several months, I can confidently say that it holds up remarkably well over time. One of my initial concerns with any digital device is whether its performance will degrade or whether I’ll encounter any issues after extended use. Fortunately, the Supernote A6X has proven to be durable and reliable even with daily use.

1. Durability: The build quality of the device is excellent. I carry the Supernote with me everywhere, often tossing it into my bag with other items, and it’s held up without any noticeable wear or damage. The screen remains scratch-free, and the device still looks as good as it did when I first unboxed it. The stylus also shows no signs of wear, and since it doesn’t need charging or pairing, it’s always ready for use.
2. Battery Life: One of the standout features continues to be the battery life. Even after months of use, I still only need to charge it every few weeks, depending on how heavily I’m using it. This longevity allows me to focus on my work without worrying about plugging it in constantly, which is something I’ve come to appreciate more and more over time.
3. Software Updates and Stability: Over time, the Supernote A6X has received several software updates that have made the device even more stable and reliable. These updates have improved some of the minor bugs I experienced early on, such as occasional freezing or slow response times. Now, the device feels even smoother and more responsive. While there are still areas where I hope for future improvements—like more robust handwriting recognition or additional customization options—the device has evolved positively since I started using it.
4. Writing Experience: The writing experience remains as smooth and satisfying as it was on day one. I’ve used the Supernote A6X to capture thousands of notes, sketches, and ideas, and the responsiveness of the stylus and screen hasn’t diminished. The screen continues to offer just the right amount of friction to make writing feel natural, and there’s still very minimal lag, which makes note-taking effortless.

Overall, after months of use, the Supernote A6X has proven to be a dependable tool in my daily routine. Its combination of durability, battery life, and reliable performance has made it an indispensable part of how I organize and manage my work and ideas.

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