Supernote A5X A6X Review: How good is it for Note-taking & Drawing?

Finding the perfect tool for note-taking can be a challenge, which is why I’m going to review the Supernote. I’ve had my fair share of experiences with some of the best e-ink devices, and I must say, the Supernote A5X and A6X have caught my attention.

Related: SuperNote A5x/A6x Vs ReMarkable 2 (In Depth Comparison)

This digital e-ink tablet for note-taking and sketching combines the charm of a traditional notepad with modern technology, offering a comprehensive note organization system that has the potential to revolutionize your note-taking experience.

Related: MobiScribe Wave Vs Supernote: Which Is Better?

Let’s dive into this Supernote review where I cover the pros, cons, my experience and some observations beyond the obvious.

Key Takeaways

• Where the Super Notes shines is in its specialized note-taking features, extremely smooth user experience, and in particular the file management system is hard to beat.
• I consider the Supernote stylus superior to the reMarkable Marker as it features a hard ceramic nib (that doesn’t wear out), whereas the reMarkable stylus is known to wear out much more quickly.
• Supernote lacks full-text search and limitations with PDF handling. However, this isn’t something that a software update can’t resolve in the future.
• Writing & Drawing works better than most e-ink tablets on the Supernote, but it doesn’t have a color display, like the Mobiscribe Wave Color has.

• The SuperNote isn’t as advanced as the Onyx BOOX Note air 2 and Boox Note air plus, but competes closely with the reMarkable 2
  • (We’ve compared the Remarkable 2 vs Supernote)
• The A6X (7.8 inch display) is slightly smaller than the size of an iPad mini, while the A5X model (10.3 inch) is roughly the size of a reMarkable 2 and slightly smaller than an iPad Air.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The latest A5 X and A6 X devices have the Gesture Eraser feature that allows for smooth switching between the eraser and pen functions, while maintaining the flow of your writing.

Related: 15 Best E-ink Tablets For Reading, Note Taking, And Annotation

You can also have a bit more security compared to other e-ink devices like the Kindle Scribe and the reMarkable 2 . For example, you can secure files/folders by setting passwords, and a captive Wi-Fi connection is available, making it easier to connect to public Wi-Fi networks.

Pros of the Supernote

1. Comprehensive note-taking system: Supernote offers a powerful note organization system that allows users to outline, index, and hyperlink notes, making it easier to keep track of your thoughts and ideas.
2. Exclusive ceramic never-replace nib: The unique ceramic nib provides a ballpoint/gel pen-like writing experience, which many users find more satisfying than using a stylus that mimics a pencil.
3. Pre-installed screen protector: The device comes with a resilient pre-installed screen protector, offering additional protection against scratches and damage.
4. Kindle integration: Supernote’s Kindle integration allows users to access and purchase books from the Kindle store, as well as connect to local libraries through Overdrive or an Amazon integration.
5. Supernote Cloud and companion app: The Supernote Cloud and SuperNote Partner app enable seamless note transfers between the device and smartphones or computers, ensuring your notes are always accessible and organized.
6. Subscription-free: Supernote is subscription-free, which is a significant advantage for users who want to avoid recurring costs.
7. Thriving user community and customer service: Supernote has a dedicated user community and provides exceptional customer service, making it easy to get help and support when needed.

Cons of the Supernote

1. Sluggish performance: Some users have reported that the device can be slow at times, which can be frustrating during heavy note-taking sessions.
2. Palm rejection issues: The palm rejection on the Supernote might need some improvements, as a few users have experienced issues while writing or drawing on the device. However, this seems like something that has improved over the years.
3. Lack of front-lit display: Unlike some competitors, the Supernote A5X does not have a front-lit display, which means it might be challenging to use in low-light situations.
4. Price: The Supernote can be considered expensive for some users, especially when compared to other digital notebooks on the market.
5. Limited file format support: Although it supports basic EPUB and PDF formats, Supernote’s file format compatibility might not be as extensive as some users might expect.
6. Occasional software glitches: Like any tech device, the Supernote may experience occasional software glitches or bugs that could affect the user experience. However, the company is dedicated to improving the device and regularly releases OS updates to address these issues.

Related: Boox Note Air 2 Plus Vs ReMarkable 2 (Full Comparison)

SuperNote Review: Everything you need to know

Let’s dive into all the essential information you need to know about the SuperNote tablet, including its features, performance, and overall user experience.

My Experience with the Supernote after 1 year of use

I’ve been using the Supernote A5X for about a year now and I consider it an indispensable part of my daily workflow. I chose the Supernote over other e-ink tablets due to its features specifically tailored for note-taking and the company’s transparent and responsive approach to developing new features.

The Supernote has replaced all the notebooks and pads of paper I previously used and has made me more organized. I think the proofreading function is under appreciated, but useful for directly making corrections to a Word file in an analog way.

It was a bit more advanced than the Kindle Scribe regarding note organization, but the Scribe functions better as a e-reader than the SuperNote.

Related: SuperNote A5x/A6x Vs ReMarkable 2- Which is better?

Not every feature is useful – such as the Calendar function, and there are two limitations when it comes to handling full-sized PDFs: the highlights are treated just like regular writing, and PDF navigation could be improved. Overall, the Supernote A6X is perfect for those looking for a paperless experience without staring at a regular screen. However, the device’s high cost might make it less accessible to everyone.

Writing & Drawing on the Supernote

The 10.3 e ink display on the A5xis perfect for taking notes or drawing with the included stylus pen; while the A6x model is much smaller, but still not too crowded for basic sketching.

The Supernote does have potential for some interesting sketches and drawings, but serious artists will likely want to opt for a dedicated, wireless drawing tablet or a iPad with the Procreate app on it.

The glass screen offers a smooth writing experience, and the plastic screen film prevents scratches and smudges. With 32GB of internal storage, you can store plenty of PDF files, sketches, drawings, and notes on your Supernote.

The battery life lasts for weeks with casual usage on a single charge. I noticed the Wi-Fi turned off made the Supernote last significantly longer, and according to Supernote it is a 82% reduction in power consumption on the A5x (No-load shutdown)

Drawing on the Supernote is incredibly smooth – it feels just like drawing on actual paper. The stylus pen is sensitive to pressure, so you can easily create different line thicknesses while sketching or doodling.

While not perfect, the palm rejection technology ensures that your hand won’t interfere with what you’re creating on screen. With its easy-to-use features such as zoom and undo/redo functions, anyone can create some artwork.

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to design, the Supernote A5X & A6X models both have a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that is both stylish and functional. With its slim profile and lightweight construction, it’s the perfect companion for busy professionals or students who are always on the move.

The device is available in two sizes: A6 and A5, catering to different preferences and needs. The A5X model features a 10.3-inch E-ink Mobius touchscreen display with a resolution of 1404×1872 and 226 PPI, offering excellent readability and a paper-like feel.

Performance and Usability

Though some users have reported sluggish performance and palm rejection issues, my experience with the Supernote A5X has been largely positive. The screen’s responsiveness and pen input make writing on this digital notebook feel even better than paper at times.

The pre-installed screen protector ensures that your Supernote stays protected from scratches and accidental drops.

Also see: reMarkable 2 alternatives

Reading and Note-taking Capabilities

Supernote goes beyond just note-taking. It also has a basic EPUB and PDF reader, perfect for its 10.3 that reads A4 documents. Users can adjust fonts and font sizes, as well as take notes directly on an ebook, making annotations, underlining, and freestyle drawing on a per-page basis. Once you’re done editing, you can save the book with all your annotations intact.

What truly sets Supernote apart is its full Kindle integration, giving you access to the wealth of the Kindle store infrastructure. You can purchase books and have them sent directly to your Supernote or connect your local library through Overdrive or Libby’s Amazon integration, allowing you to borrow available e-books and read them on your Supernote at your leisure.

Advanced Note Organization and Search Features

Supernote’s comprehensive note-taking system lets you organize notes by outlining, indexing, and hyperlinking. Its real-time recognition technology enables users to search notes quickly and efficiently.

Additional features include keyword and star mark global search, organizing note pages with a title list/table of contents, connecting notes with links, turning handwritten notes into text and exporting to Word or text documents, and searching within handwriting.

Supernote also offers stroke thickness and grayscale adjustment, anti-aliasing, erase and undo, copy and paste, zoom in/out and rotate with the lasso tool, custom templates/backgrounds, layer support, and export as vector.

Battery Life and Performance: A Reliable Companion

A digital notepad is only as good as its battery life, and the Supernote does not disappoint. The device boasts an impressive battery life a few weeks with casual usage. As someone who is constantly on the go, I can’t emphasize enough how valuable it is to have a device that I can rely on throughout the day and beyond – especially when a traditional tablet only lasts you less than 12 hours in most cases.

In terms of performance, the Supernote is mostly speedy and responsive but I did experience some lag in the past, though not enough to frustrate me.

The device’s powerful processor ensures that there’s no lag when taking notes or sketching, even when working with larger text files.

If I could change the Supernote, these would be my adjustments

There’s a lot to like about the Supernote, but there are also some improvements that could be made. The most obvious issue is the price: at $499, it’s quite expensive (but, so are most e-ink devices besides the MobiScribe Wave, which is less expensive).

However, what really stands out is adding in a features such like a lasso selection tool for easily choosing objects – this would make it more appealing to users who want an all-in-one device for both taking notes and creating artwork – though I know that isn’t the goal of Supernote A5x and A6x.

The performance (quad-core Cortex A35 processor) being improved could make it quicker to navigate through menus and open up files quickly; which is a big issue for me on most devices.

Related: 10 Best Tablets for Writers (Professional Writing)

Also, palm rejection should be improved; there are times when your hand can interfere with what you’re writing or drawing on the screen. A backlight would also help in low-light settings so that you can continue to use the device without having trouble seeing what you’re doing.

One thing to note is that iPad has note taking apps like GoodNotes and Notability which can accomplish a similar goal that many digital note pads solve for. Also, if you have a Android based Tablet there are also several GoodNotes alternatives you can choose from.

Finally, although the touchscreen display is responsive and great for writing and drawing on digital paper, an actual pen on paper experience would be even better.

Supernote A5X vs. Remarkable 2

The Supernote A5X and Remarkable 2 are both digital note-taking devices with e-ink displays. While the A5X and reMarkable 2 bo th feature a 10.3-inch display. The Supernote has a resolution of 1404×1872 and 300 PPI while the reMarkable 2 only has 226 PPI.

Note: The Remarkable 2 has a front-lit display with LED lights along the bezel to project light onto the screen. In contrast, the Supernote A5X lacks this feature. However, the Supernote A5X offers a better writing experience with its exclusive ceramic never-replace nib and a more resilient pre-installed screen protector.

Transfer Notes and Integration with Supernote Cloud

Supernote’s seamless integration with its Cloud service allows users to transfer notes from the device to smartphones or PC/MAC, accommodating a few GB worth of content. The companion app, SuperNote Partner, enables you to send notes to your phone and vice versa. You can view all your drawings on your phone, and export drawings/notes in PDF or PNG formats, ensuring compatibility with most computers or MACs.

Related: 11 Best Digital NotePads

Collaboration and Sharing on Supernote

Collaboration and sharing are essential aspects of the modern note-taking process, especially for students, professionals, and creative individuals who work in teams. Supernote understands this need and provides several features to facilitate collaboration and sharing of notes and documents.

1. Supernote Cloud: Supernote Cloud allows users to sync their notes and documents between the device and smartphones or computers. This feature makes it easy to share your notes with teammates or classmates, ensuring everyone stays on the same page.
2. SuperNote Partner app: The companion app, SuperNote Partner, enables users to view and share their notes and drawings directly from their smartphones. Notes and drawings can be exported in PDF or PNG formats, which are widely compatible with various devices and platforms.
3. Exporting notes: Supernote allows users to export their notes as Word, text, or vector documents. This flexibility enables users to share their notes in formats that are easily accessible and editable by collaborators.
4. Sharing annotated e-books: With Supernote’s reading capabilities, users can annotate e-books and save them with their edits intact. This feature is useful for sharing notes or comments on books with friends, colleagues, or study groups.
5. Third-party app integration: While Supernote does not have a built-in real-time collaboration feature like Google Docs, users can export their notes to third-party apps that support collaboration. This workaround enables users to collaborate and share notes with others in real-time.

Although Supernote does not have native real-time collaboration features, it offers several options for users to share their notes and documents effectively. By utilizing the Supernote Cloud, SuperNote Partner app, and third-party app integration, users can easily collaborate with others and ensure their ideas and thoughts are efficiently shared.

Why wouldn’t you just use an iPad with Procreate instead of the SuperNote?

For many artists, the iPad with Procreate is an excellent choice for creating digital art. However, for those who prefer traditional sketching, writing, and drawing on paper, the Supernote offers a great alternative.

Not only does it feature an e-ink display that replicates the look and feel of paper, but its quad-core Cortex A35 processor works well enough while writing or drawing.

If you’re looking for a device that combines both digital and traditional sketching capabilities in one convenient package – go with the Supernote!

Conclusion: Is Supernote Worth It?

I’ve seen many digital notebooks come and go, but Supernote has truly made an impression. While it may have a few minor drawbacks, such as sluggish performance and palm rejection issues, its powerful note-taking system, Kindle integration, and sleek design make it an appealing option for those seeking a digital notebook.

Related: What is E-Paper Technology and How does it Work?

If you’re looking for a tool that combines the best of traditional note-taking with modern technology, Supernote is definitely worth considering.