In 2016, Xiaoz purchased a basic Kindle e-reader, and after 8 years of use, it still functions properly. However, with Kindle exiting the Chinese market and the system being relatively closed, the usage costs in China have increased. Therefore, taking advantage of the Double 11 shopping event, I bought the Boyue Leaf3 7-inch e-reader from JD. This article will share a simple unboxing and initial usage experience, hoping to provide some reference for everyone.

![36a910a67bac3a4f.png](https://img.rss.ink/imgs/2024/10/24/36a910a67bac3a4f.png)

### Specifications & Purchase

**Specifications**

| **Category** | **Specifications**       |
|--------------|---------------------------|
| Screen Size  | 7 inches                  |
| Internal Size| 141.9×106.8mm             |
| Resolution   | 1680*1264                 |
| PPI          | 300ppi                    |
| CPU          | Qualcomm Octa-core 2.0GHz |
| RAM          | 3GB LPDDR4X               |
| Storage      | 32GB EMMC                 |
| Microphone   | 5.1 high-sensitivity mic   |
| Speaker      | Supported                  |
| WiFi         | Dual-band 2.4G & 5G       |
| Bluetooth    | BT 5.0                    |
| Dimensions   | 156x137x6mm               |
| Weight       | Approximately 190g        |
| Port 1       | Type-C                    |
| Port 2       | TF card expansion slot     |
| Operating System | Android 11            |
| Battery Capacity | 2300mAh                |

**Purchase**

> JD Purchase Link: [https://u.jd.com/MgRDKAX](https://union-click.jd.com/jdc?e=618%7Cpc%7C&p=JF8BARwJK1olVQ8LUVxbCk8RM28JGloSVQ4CXVpcDHtTXDdWRGtMGENDFlVDFhNSVzMXQA4KD1heSl5cCUoQC2cIEl8UWRlbEQIAOFFoWBVIbAZrPkBgAQwGXwhFcCtpGSsZUTYDZFxcD0sQA2sOG2slXQEyAjBdCUoWAmcJHVgdbQcyVFheAE0VBWkJGlIRXjYFVFdt3caa1O6NYC4lbTYBZFldAV8RcS5aD11nbTYCZF1tCEoXBWYNElkWWAMeVFxUCUwRH28OGFMTXwAFXFhbCU4nAW4JH1IlbdiP5CVYcTFAcG51Ql10CAF3AF-DhfsnXTlpQy5FXXVeVRglUyNyRzJpUAdpH0ZLOlweTRlBYwduZwcdVFZiFVYcb3sSMw)

### Unboxing

The black packaging is simple and elegant, making it a good choice for gifting.

![27d08970ddac582b.png](https://img.rss.ink/imgs/2024/10/24/27d08970ddac582b.png)

In addition to the e-reader itself, the accessories include a charging cable, a SIM eject tool, a user manual, and a protective case. It is worth noting that a charger is not included!

![7c71b21d3ad15772.png](https://img.rss.ink/imgs/2024/10/24/7c71b21d3ad15772.png)

The device feels quite light and comfortable in hand.

![3f814dd1e6324f5b.png](https://img.rss.ink/imgs/2024/10/24/3f814dd1e6324f5b.png)

The back has a flat design, not ergonomic. The material is unclear but feels quite nice, and it has been treated to provide some grip, making it less likely to slip, though it is made of plastic.

![b6b29c507684ee97.png](https://img.rss.ink/imgs/2024/10/24/b6b29c507684ee97.png)

The edges of the magnetic protective case are not well finished, feeling slightly sharp, and it lacks edge sealing, which may lead to peeling over time. This protective case costs around 130 yuan separately, which I personally feel is not worth the price.

![7cae86448769585c.png](https://img.rss.ink/imgs/2024/10/24/7cae86448769585c.png)

> After putting on the protective case, the weight increases slightly, and the feel is reduced, but to protect the fragile e-ink screen, it must be used with the case.

### Usage Experience

The built-in bookstore uses third-party **JD Bookstore** and **Get Bookstore**, allowing users to switch between the two. Unlike Kindle, which has its own official bookstore, Xiaoz found that even with a VIP membership on JD Reading, some books require separate purchases, and not all are free to read.

![d96357ee57ce600b.png](https://img.rss.ink/imgs/2024/10/24/d96357ee57ce600b.png)

The built-in app store allows for the installation of various third-party apps, such as **WeChat Reading**. If an app is not available in the store, it can also be installed manually. Compared to the closed Kindle system, Boyue’s system is more open.

![3d705074bde5c2a1.png](https://img.rss.ink/imgs/2024/10/24/3d705074bde5c2a1.png)

Additionally, it supports third-party cloud storage, such as “Aliyun Disk, Baidu Cloud, Jandisk,” or any cloud storage that supports the WebDAV protocol (like [Zdir](https://www.zdir.pro/zh/)). After adding, Boyue will scan the e-books in the cloud and display them. This feature is very convenient for reading e-books downloaded from Z-library, so finding and reading books is no longer a hassle.

![688a5389ca8abf33.png](https://img.rss.ink/imgs/2024/10/24/688a5389ca8abf33.png)

**About Ghosting**

Due to the common issue with e-ink screens, the Boyue Leaf3 still exhibits slight ghosting, but it does not affect usage and reading. It can also be reduced by adjusting the refresh rate.

**About Front Light**

One reason for purchasing this e-reader was its front light, allowing for nighttime reading. However, Xiaoz found that the effect is not very good; using the front light still causes eye strain compared to reading in natural daylight. (The following image was taken with the front light on)

![ddb220ae17289213.png](https://img.rss.ink/imgs/2024/10/24/ddb220ae17289213.png)

**About Physical Buttons**

The Boyue Leaf3 has two physical buttons on the side, allowing for page turning while reading. However, the workmanship and feel of these buttons are somewhat poor, providing mediocre feedback.

**About Speakers**

The Boyue Leaf3 comes with a built-in speaker for listening to audiobooks, but the sound quality is quite average, making it better to use a phone for audiobooks.

**About Bugs**

Sometimes the gesture for adjusting the front light does not work, but manual adjustment is fine. It seems to be a system bug.

**Pros**

In summary, I believe the subjective advantages of the Boyue Leaf3 are:

* Open system allowing for the installation of third-party apps (like WeChat Reading)
* Simple and smooth system
* Although the cost-performance ratio is average, it has better specifications than other brands at the same price range (8-core + 3GB + 32GB)
* Supports audio output
* Physical buttons for easy page turning
* Supports connection to third-party cloud storage

**Cons**

* Cost-performance ratio is not high; this seems to be a common issue across e-readers, possibly due to the e-ink screens being monopolized by X manufacturers?
* Build quality feels average
* Slight ghosting, but does not affect reading
* Official magnetic protective case has poorly finished edges
* Speaker sound quality is average
* Physical button feedback is average

### Conclusion

Overall, the Boyue Leaf3, as an open e-reader, offers more freedom in app installation and cloud storage support, making it suitable for users with diverse needs. While there is room for improvement in cost-performance ratio and some design details, for users looking to break away from the Kindle ecosystem, the Leaf3 is undoubtedly a good choice. This article shares the unboxing and initial experience, hoping to provide useful references for you.

> Boyue Leaf3 JD Purchase Link: [https://u.jd.com/MgRDKAX](https://union-click.jd.com/jdc?e=618%7Cpc%7C&p=JF8BARwJK1olVQ8LUVxbCk8RM28JGloSVQ4CXVpcDHtTXDdWRGtMGENDFlVDFhNSVzMXQA4KD1heSl5cCUoQC2cIEl8UWRlbEQIAOFFoWBVIbAZrPkBgAQwGXwhFcCtpGSsZUTYDZFxcD0sQA2sOG2slXQEyAjBdCUoWAmcJHVgdbQcyVFheAE0VBWkJGlIRXjYFVFdt3caa1O6NYC4lbTYBZFldAV8RcS5aD11nbTYCZF1tCEoXBWYNElkWWAMeVFxUCUwRH28OGFMTXwAFXFhbCU4nAW4JH1IlbdiP5CVYcTFAcG51Ql10CAF3AF-DhfsnXTlpQy5FXXVeVRglUyNyRzJpUAdpH0ZLOlweTRlBYwduZwcdVFZiFVYcb3sSMw)