Note: We may earn commissions (at no cost to you) if you buy through links on our site. Learn more.
NOTE: This model is discontinued and may no longer be available to purchase new. See the latest mobile phones or compare used prices.

Kobo Aura HD review

8.5/10 AVG.
RATING
Compare Compare  
Compare Compare  

Kobo Aura HD
Kobo Aura HD
Kobo Aura HD
...


8.5/10
Informr score
The Kobo Aura HD currently has an Informr score of 8.5 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 7 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

The new Kobo Aura HD reader is positioned as a premium e-ink reader. The manufacturer goes so far as calling it the Porsche of e-ink readers. According to the reviewers, this claim is largely met.

Rather than attempting to undercut Amazon on price, Kobo chose to provide deluxe features. The display is a large 6.8" screen and it features a 265 dpi display. At 1440 x 1080, it is the classic aspect ratio of 4:3. Before buying, check out the pricing and availability of books that you like. Some reviewers commented that Kobo's store has higher prices and a smaller selection than Amazon's selection.

The Good: Larger size, high resolution display; ergonomic details and build quality; supports EPUB format and Adobe DRM.

The Bad: More expensive than Kindle's e-ink readers; e-ink is not competitive with a tablet display and it is not good as a general purpose web browser; Kobo's store may not have some titles that you want.


6.8"
Screen Size
Screen Size
6.8"
Yes
Backlight
Backlight
Yes
4 GB
Storage
Storage
4 GB
No
3G
3G
No
30 hours
Reading Time


What the Critics Are Saying...


Know Your Mobile
Know Your Mobile

The Kobo Aura HD is the best eReader on the market. It’s got the best display by far, and also the best ergonomic design. We love this thing, and so will you. The Aura HD will make for a perfect gift this Xmas

- Richard Goodwin, Know Your Mobile
Tech Advisor
Tech Advisor

Although rather plasticky just like the Amazon Kindle, the Kobo Aura HD felt to us like a better quality product – even with all the snags and problems we experienced getting our own books onto it. In the end comfort of reading is what e-readers are also all about, and this device can provide...

- Agnieszka Tarkowska, Tech Advisor
Digital Trends
Digital Trends

For a product that’s being pushed as premium it’s surprising that the design doesn’t have more premium elements.

- K. T. Bradford, Digital Trends
The Inquirer
The Inquirer

The Kobo Aura HD is by far one of the best ereaders we have used. Text is generally clean without pixilation and appears sharp and clean both in standard and backlit modes, making it pleasing to read.Kobo's claims that page turns are 20 percent faster on the Aura HD do seem correct, as swiping from...

- Lee Bell, The Inquirer
GigaOM
GigaOM

Kobo says the Aura is aimed at avid readers who aren’t particularly price-sensitive, but even those who don’t care that this device is $40 more than the Glo shouldn’t automatically trade up: The Aura’s added bulk is not a luxury feature.

- Laura Hazard Owen, GigaOM


Prices (Where to Buy)





Resources


Manuals / User Guides Helpful Links Share / Embed

Maybe one of your friends will find this review helpful? Please help us spread the word.


Compare this eReader to:

Quick view

Screen Size
6.8"

The Kobo Aura HD's screen size is 6.8 inches with 1080 x 1440 pixels resolution.

Backlight
Yes

There is a built-in backlight for reading in the dark.

Storage
4 GB

Internal memory is 4 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

3G
No

This model has no 3G wireless capabilities.

Reading Time
30 hours

The e-reader is powered by a Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol) battery. Battery life is rated for up to 30 hours reading time according to Kobo's.

Aura HD Specs

Overview
Release Date April 16, 2013
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Networks
SIM Card Size No
Operating System Linux

Compare Linux Smartphones

Processor 1 GHz
Internal Storage 4 GB
RAM No
ROM No
TTY/TDD No
SAR Unknown
Languages No
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual
Power & battery
Battery Type Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Battery Capacity Unknown
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Battery Charge Time 3 hours
Reading Time Up to 30 hours
Standby Time Up to 60 days
Physical Characteristics
Material Plastic
Colors Ivory, Espresso, Onyx
Dimensions [H x W x D] 17.6 x 12.8 x 1.2 cm (6.9 x 5 x 0.5 in)
Weight 240 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Display / Screen
Type Grayscale
Technology E-ink
Colors Unknown
Resolution 1080 x 1440 pixels
Pixel Density 265 pixels
Size 6.8 inches
Backlit Illumination Yes
Zoom / Magnification Yes
Screen Orientation Lock No
Multi-Touch No
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Anti Glare Unknown
Additional Display Features -
Input / Navigation
Touchscreen Yes
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Page Turn Key Unknown
Physical keyboard No
Text-to-Speech No
Screen Reader No
Keypad/Screen Lock No
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
Web / Email / Messaging
Web Browser Yes
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
Infrared No
Bluetooth No
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Wi-Fi Encryption No
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC
PC Synchronization No
Audio / Video
Audio Playback No
Video Playback No
Streaming Video No
External Speakers No
Headset Jack No
Vibration Alert No
More
Additional Information
Related Links Quick Start Guide (PDF)
Manual (PDF)
Kobo Aura HD Reviews
Where to buy Kobo Aura HD
Suggest a correction