Hisense A9 e-ink smartphone returns with expanded storage and memory

[Daniel Sims]

In brief: Manufacturers typically use e-ink displays for e-readers and digital signage, but occasionally, they find their way into general-purpose devices because of their low-power demand. Hisense's updated A9 might be viable for customers wishing to avoid carrying an e-reader and a smartphone simultaneously, but it has serious drawbacks compared to most modern phones.

A new version of Hisense's e-ink smartphone recently appeared with slightly updated specs. The device might suit users seeking a versatile and flexible e-reader but who don't necessarily need the most advanced phone. The company initially released the A9 in 2022 with options for 4 GB or 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage. The new version increases the available memory to 8 GB and doubles the storage to 256 GB with support for expansion through microSD cards.

The device's most visible drawback is its monochrome screen. It uses an E INK Carta 1200 – the same display as Kobo's Elipsa 2E e-reader – with an 824 x 1,648 resolution at 300 pixels per inch. Other significant compromises include the lack of 5G support and the severely obsolete Android 11 operating system.

Although the included operating system puts the A9 far behind most recent Android smartphones, it is still more versatile than most e-readers. While Kindle or Kobo e-readers only support a limited range of apps and formats, access to the entire Android OS allows A9 owners to open any format through alternative apps and web browsers. Boox offers a range of similar Android-powered e-readers with Android 11 and 12 support, including the Tab Ultra and the pocket-sized Palma, but none double as smartphones.

IT Home notes that the updated Hisense A9 is available in China for 3,199 yuan (approximately $439). However, an online Hisense e-reader store will ship the device globally for $659.

Phones, tablets, monitors, and other general-purpose products with e-ink screens are a niche market due to their low refresh rates and inferior colors. However, the panels are glare-free, making them ideal for displaying text. Furthermore, they only consume energy when updating the screen, substantially increasing battery life.

Dasung recently introduced a 10.3-inch 60Hz portable e-ink monitor. The 1,872 x 1,404 resolution screen retails for $273 and includes technology to reduce ghosting. It also allows users to adjust lighting to decrease eye strain.

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Hisense A9 e-ink smartphone returns with expanded storage and memory

 

[Antias]

At first thought I dismissed this as a gimick, but then I had a good think about it and it does have some admitedly niche market opportunities...
For instance, my parents are technology challenged (both in understanding and physical capabilities like arthritus of the fingers etc) and struggle even with their mobiles, forgetting to plug them in to charge, even struggling with the charging cables because of the arthritus, having difficulty reading the screen for basic text messages, etc.
My Mum also uses a kindle for reading her "romance" novels... yeah right Mum, I know what those Mills and Boons books REALLY have in them...

This device would satisfy there needs for readability, longer battery life, basic texting and phone calls and double as an e-reader too... its all they need and want.
Shame about the Android situation though, it almost cries for a super simple minimalistic custom OS...

 

[toooooot]

Monochrome screen, 650 price. tempting. Do people really have this deep need to have both E ink screen and computer capabilities?
I read a lot about reMarkable. It makes sense as people love having a4 device format with the ability to make notes and sketching on a paper like surface.
But this one seems... Useless.

 

[mbk34]

I personally value my Kindle far more than my phone. I also find most high end phones too confusing to fully utilise. You'd think this sort of device would have me square in it's sights. The problem for me though is the screen is too small to comfortably read a book on, I'd also much prefer a simpler OS aimed at just showing me messages, calls, whatsapp etc with timers and reminders. The price is also too high for the sort of people they're aiming at.

The main reason for having an eink screen is to extend battery life but the article doesn't state how long the battery lasts.

 

[TheBigT42]

At first thought I dismissed this as a gimick, but then I had a good think about it and it does have some admitedly niche market opportunities...
For instance, my parents are technology challenged (both in understanding and physical capabilities like arthritus of the fingers etc) and struggle even with their mobiles, forgetting to plug them in to charge, even struggling with the charging cables because of the arthritus, having difficulty reading the screen for basic text messages, etc.
My Mum also uses a kindle for reading her "romance" novels... yeah right Mum, I know what those Mills and Boons books REALLY have in them...

This device would satisfy there needs for readability, longer battery life, basic texting and phone calls and double as an e-reader too... its all they need and want.
Shame about the Android situation though, it almost cries for a super simple minimalistic custom OS...

I agree for a "WORK" only phone with incredible battery life that only needs Email, Messaging, Phone, and light Internet this is perfect.

I could also see this as a great phone of long hiking / camping trips.

 

[Win7user]

After taxes, that's approaching $500! There is no way I would ever pay that kind of money for a damn phone. I use a $49 TCL flip phone. lol

 

[Godel]

An obvious market for this would be various kinds of contractors who work in the open in the sunlight. You could read texts and phone numbers etc in bright sunlight with no trouble.

Does it have a camera? You could easily frame a picture in sunlight when you need to take one, even if you later transfer it to another device to view the details properly.