Best Tablet for Reading in Sunlight – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Avid readers don’t lose any chances to indulge themself in books whenever they get an opportunity. Sometimes, it’s not viable to carry books everywhere and that’s where tablets come in handy. You can store thousands of books or magazines in a lighter tablet than a book and enjoy them anywhere. Moreover, you can browse the internet and read the latest content.

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Kindle Oasis

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However, there are issues with some tablets; whenever you use them in sunlight or a brighter environment, you won’t be able to see the content easily. That’s why it’s crucial to consider some factors when choosing the best tablet for reading in sunlight. We will discuss why an e-reader is a better option than a tablet, especially when we talk about reading outdoor. Even if we choose a tablet then what we should take into account. So let’s start!

Best Tablet for Reading Outdoors – Buyer’s Guide

When we talk about reading in sunlight, a tablet’s display is undoubtedly an essential point to keep in mind.

First of all, the display should have enough brightness. For reading outdoor, a tablet must have at least 400 – 500 nits brightness; it will allow reading conveniently. The matte finish and anti-glare display ensure even more comfortable reading.

The contrast ratio is another pillar that enhances reading quality in a brighter environment. In general OLED display provides a higher contrast ratio than an LCD panel, which could be a better choice for a reading device.

E-ink or e-paper display is an utterly different technology and perfectly suitable for reading. Even in bright sunlight, you can read on these displays just like paper. That’s why choosing an e-reader is a far better option than a tablet.

If you choose a regular tablet such as Samsung or iPad; you’ll find either OLED or LCD technology. These tablets are ideal for multiple tasks such as social media, video chat, email, streaming, gaming, and much more. On the other hand, an e-reader is suitable for reading purposes; it usually offers an e-ink grayscale display. This display comes with a low refresh rate, so it’s not ideal for other tasks, but it’s the most viable choice for natural reading in any environment.

Apart from that, you should consider the battery life as well. It must serve you at least 8+ hours when you’re outdoor. If we talk about an e-reader, you should also look for storage capacity and audiobook features.

We have listed both types of devices in this list: tablets and e-readers. If you use your device solely for reading, then an e-reader is a perfect choice. While for mixed usage an Android or an iPad would be ideal.

General FAQs

We have compiled a list of the top-rated and reliable tablets for reading outdoor. Let’s have a look before diving into the reviews.

BEST TABLETS FOR READING IN SUNLIGHT AT A GLANCE

Best Tablet and E-reader for Reading in Sunlight – Recommendations

We have divided the reviews section into two portions.

Best E-reader for Reading in Bright Light

In this section, we have discussed e-readers, which are viable for reading, and some of them are ideal for notes taking and drawing. You can’t use these e-readers for video chatting, gaming, streaming as they come with an e-ink display. This display is perfect for reading because it provides a reflection-free paper-like reading experience. You can read on an e-ink display conveniently, even in the bright sunlight.

Price
If you have a low budget, Kindle Paperwhite might be a suitable option for reading outdoor. It is the best e-reader for under 200$ which comes with many unique features.

Design and Features
Kindle Paperwhite is a 6-inch e-reader supported with an e-paper display. This display technology is perfect for reading even in sunlight; it can provide a real paper-like experience. On top of that, it comes with an anti-glare finish to make reading more convenient.

This e-reader is available in 8GB or 32GB models; you can choose according to your requirements.

This device features cellular connectivity along with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. You can enjoy audiobooks on this e-reader as well. However, keep in mind, this device isn’t compatible with other tasks such as social media or video chat, which all regular tablets do.

It’s an IPX8 rated device; therefore, you can use it wherever you want without the worry of water exposure and enjoy your audiobook or reading.

Battery
If you read around half an hour per day, this device can last up to six weeks. The backup is pretty good for this lower price.

Overall for reading Kindle Paperwhite is probably the best choice if we talk about a lower price range.

Price
Kobo Forma is a bit costlier than the previous e-reader, but it might be a good choice for those who need a large display.

Design and Features
This e-reader comes with an 8-inch large e-ink or e-paper screen. It is ideal for reading in sunlight. You can read large documents without the need to zoom.

Kobo Forma is also a waterproof device rated with iPX8 and HZO protection; therefore, it can withstand water torture. You can choose up to 32GB model, which is capable of storing thousands of books. Also, with the support of Dropbox, you can sync your data with your computer.

The Kobo Forma e-reader lacks audiobook functionality. It’s only ideal for reading such as books, newspapers, or documents. Also, it doesn’t offer cellular and Bluetooth connectivity.

Battery
The battery life isn’t bad; it can easily last up to weeks. Overall, if you’re looking for a budget e-reader with a big screen to read outdoor, you can consider it.

Price
This professional e-ink tablet is the best choice for avid readers. However, it’s a bit expensive, but it offers outstanding features.

Design and Features
Kindle Oasis is the top model from the Amazon e-reader lineup. It provides all the top-notch features. First of all, it has a 7-inch e-paper anti-glare display, which is perfect for reading. It comes with adjustable brightness and temperature setting. Moreover, you can read in the bright sunlight.

This device is equipped with waterproof functionality to ensure a hassle-free reading experience. Moreover, with Wi-Fi, cellular, and Bluetooth connectivity, it provides versatile functionality. You can sync your data from everywhere and listen to audiobooks with the Audible.

Battery
Amazon Kindle Oasis promises up to six weeks of battery life if you only read for half an hour for a day. The only problem with this device is, it still comes with a micro USB port; Type-C isn’t available.

There are two variants available with ads and without ads. If you don’t like ads, you have to spend a bit more.

Price
Usually, e-readers are available in grayscale displays; it’s because of the e-ink display limitation. It’s the backbone of an e-reader that provides a glare-free and paper-like reading experience. However, after the new Kaleido e-paper color screen, it’s going to change. Now, e-readers support colors, but it’s expensive in the early stage. The BOOX Nova3 is one of the devices based on this new display. Therefore, it will cost you around 400$.

Design and Features
If you’re like to read comics or magazines, this device could be the best option. You don’t have to compromise with the black and white display. This e-reader offers a 7.8-inch Caleido Plus color e-ink display that provides a soothing reading experience whether you’re indoors or outdoor. The screen comes with a cold backlight as well, which makes reading easy in the dark.

However, it’s a color screen but keeps in mind, it can’t substitute a regular tablet’s display. It means you can’t do tasks that require a quicker response, such as video playing or gaming, because it has a very lower refresh rate. It’s mostly suitable for reading.

Unlike other e-readers, it supports Android 10; therefore, it’s potent, you can take advantage of several apps. The best thing, this e-reader cum tablet offers a stylus, which allows notes taking and drawing.

BOOX Nova3 is powered by an octa-core process, 3GB memory, and 32GB storage which provides seamless working even you’re doing multitasking. As I said, it’s an Android 10 device; therefore, you can listen to audiobooks, browse the internet, and do much more.

Battery
BOOX Nova3 tablet is packed with a powerful battery that promises weeks of backup with a single charge.

This tablet offers all e-reader functionality along with many powerful features such as a color screen, Android 10, and drawing support.

Price
BOOX Max Lumi is the most expensive e-reader, but it’s packed with many robust features. This larger e-reader will cost you around 900$, but it is the perfect companion for drawing, reading, and notes taking.

Design and Features
This e-reader is also based on Android; therefore, it provides an extensive feature. It supports Play Store, and you can take advantage of millions of apps. Mind you, BOOX Max is an e-reader, not a tablet; therefore, you can’t run all apps on this due to the lower refresh rate of the display.

It comes with a 13.3-inch e-paper display along with a stylus. It provides a vast working area for drawing and reading. You can read PDFs, newspapers, or books without the need to zoom.

This lightweight e-reader is powered by an octa-core processor, 4GB memory, and 64GB storage; therefore, you don’t have to worry about the performance.

This machine is also equipped with a micro HDMI port which allows connecting to monitors and uses it as a drawing tablet. It supports a USB Type-C port, fingerprint sensor, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.

Battery
According to the manufacturer, this e-reader can last up to weeks with a single charge which is sufficient.

Best Tablet for Reading in Sunlight

In this section, we have selected regular tablets. These devices are ideal for gaming, social media, email, reading, and much more. The reading experience in the sunlight isn’t that great on the regular tablet compared to e-readers. However, tablets with higher brightness and contrast ratio can narrow down this gap.

Price
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 is a premium range tablet. If you’re looking for a cozy reading experience even in sunlight, it might be a solid option.

Design and Features
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 is a powerful Android tablet that is suitable for a variety of tasks. You can work, study, or play games because it’s powered by an SDM855 processor with 8GB memory and 128/256 GB storage capacity. It can easily handle multitasking or heavy games.

It features a 10.5-inch Super AMOLED display that produces premium colors along with a higher contrast ratio. With the 500 nits of peak brightness level, it allows reading in the sunlight as well.

This tab is lightweight and made of an aluminum metal body which ensures higher durability and portability. You can purchase this tab with Wi-Fi + Cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity as per your requirements.

This tablet offers many attractive features, such as an in-display fingerprint sensor and quad-speakers. It also comes with a stylus which comes in handy for drawing or notes taking.

Battery Life
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 offers up to 15 hours of battery life, which is fantastic for a tablet.

Overall, if you’re looking for an Android tablet for your all daily tasks along with reading outdoor, Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 might be the best choice. We haven’t recommended Samsung S7+ as it’s much expensive. Moreover, there is no much difference in display quality, especially if we talk about brightness level.

Price
However, if you can spend much, the iPad Pro is undoubtedly the best choice, but iPad Air is enough for reading and general tasks. The best thing is it will cost you very little than the iPad Pro.

Design and Features
The latest iPad Air has lots of improvement as compared to its previous model. The best thing, it’s compatible with the 2nd Apple accessories.

The iPad Air is slim, lightweight, and comes with a premium quality 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display. Whether we talk about the color quality, contrast ratio, or brightness level display is perfect. It’s ideal for reading outdoors in bright lighting.

In terms of performance, this tab won’t disappoint you. It’s powered by the A14 Bionic chip which makes it 40% faster than its previous model. Moreover, it can deliver 30% better graphics quality. This device is an all-rounder and can be used for work, productivity, entertainment, reading, and drawing.

This latest model now supports the USB Type-C port. Moreover, there are striking improvements in the camera, sound, and security.

Battery
iPad Air 4th Gen promises up to 10 hours of backup with a single charge, which is incredible.

iPad Air is one of the best options on the budget, which provides versatile functionality. The latest iPad Pro has top-notch features along with desktop-level performance, but it’s expensive.

Best E-reader and Tablet for Outdoor Reading

• Kindle Paperwhite – Cheapest
• Kobo Forma – Large Screen
• Kindle Oasis – Best Choice
• BOOX Nova3 – Color E-reader
• BOOX Max Lumi – Largest E-reader
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 – Best Android
• Apple iPad Air 4th Gen – Best iPad

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