Dasung has officially introduced the Link 2, the follow-up to its original portable E Ink phone monitor. The device gives your existing Android or iPhone a paper-like, eye-friendly display without requiring you to buy a new phone. It is now available directly from Dasung’s online store, priced at $329 for the standalone unit and $349 bundled with a 5,000 mAh battery pack.
For the E Ink community, the launch is notable. It represents a continued push toward companion E Ink devices rather than standalone E Ink smartphones, which have historically struggled in the mainstream market.
What Is the Dasung Link 2?
The Dasung Link 2 is a portable E Ink display that mirrors your smartphone’s screen in real time. Dasung calls it a “phone monitor” because that is precisely what it does — it functions as a secondary monitor for your phone, not as an independent device.
It is important to understand what it is not:
- It is not an E Ink smartphone. It has no processor, no camera, no operating system, and no SIM card.
- It is not an e-reader. Unlike a Kindle or Kobo, it does not run its own apps or store content.
- It is not a traditional portable monitor. It uses E Ink technology instead of an LCD or OLED panel.
Think of it this way: everything runs on your phone. The Link 2 simply gives that phone a different kind of screen — one that looks and feels like paper.
How Does It Work?
The Link 2 connects to your smartphone wirelessly. It supports AirPlay for iPhones and Miracast for Android devices. Once connected, your phone’s screen is mirrored onto the E Ink display in real time.
You do not need to install any special apps for basic mirroring. Your phone does all the computing. The Link 2 just shows the result on its E Ink panel.
The device also supports reverse touch, meaning you can tap and swipe directly on the E Ink screen and those inputs are sent back to your phone. In practice, you can leave your phone in your bag and control everything through the Link 2.
Dasung claims the display runs at 60Hz, which is unusually fast for E Ink technology. That said, users should expect some visual compromises at higher refresh rates. As one independent source noted, even at 60Hz, some ghosting, tearing, or jitter may be visible, which is typical for high-refresh E Ink panels. The experience is smoother than older E Ink screens but is still not comparable to a modern OLED display.
Apps run entirely on your phone. The Link 2 does not process anything itself — it inherits your phone’s CPU, RAM, and app performance.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
| Screen Size | 6.7 inches |
| Display Type | Monochrome E Ink |
| Resolution | 300 PPI |
| Refresh Technology | Dasung 60Hz high-speed E Ink |
| Front Light | Dual-tone (warm and cool) adjustable |
| Touch Support | Yes — reverse touch supported |
| Wireless Connectivity | AirPlay (iPhone), Miracast (Android) |
| Wired Option | Not available on this model |
| Battery | No built-in battery; requires USB-C power bank or adapter |
| Bundled Battery Option | 5,000 mAh power bank (sold in bundle) |
| Dimensions | 171 × 87 × 7mm |
| Weight | 155g (standalone); ~260g with bundled battery |
| Body Material | CNC aluminum alloy |
| Colors | Space Gray, Glacier Blue |
| Charging | USB Type-C |
| Compatibility | Android 12+, iOS (modern versions), HarmonyOS |
| Price | $329 (standalone) / $349 (with battery) |
What’s New Compared to the Original Link?
The original Dasung Link launched in 2022 and began shipping globally in 2023 through an Indiegogo campaign, starting at $299 during crowdfunding and rising to $479–$699 through resellers.
Here is how the two generations compare:
| Feature | Original Link | Link 2 |
| Body thickness | 8mm | 7mm |
| Wireless-only support | Android and iOS (separate models) | All Android 12+ and iPhone (single model) |
| Wired option | Available | Not available |
| Refresh technology | Turbo mode (limited) | 60Hz high-speed E Ink |
| iPhone compatibility | Limited | Full AirPlay support |
| Battery | Built-in battery dock on some models | External USB-C power bank (no built-in) |
| Starting price | $299–$699 depending on model | $329 |
The most meaningful improvements are the faster 60Hz refresh technology and the simplified model lineup. The original Link came in multiple hardware variants. The Link 2 is a single wireless-only model, which makes it fully compatible with iPhones — something the earlier lineup handled less cleanly.
The move from 8mm to 7mm thickness is modest but adds to the sleeker overall design. The new CNC aluminum chassis also looks noticeably more refined compared to the first generation.
One notable change works in the opposite direction: the Link 2 does not have a built-in battery. Earlier models included battery dock covers. Now, you need a USB-C power bank to use it, which Dasung sells as part of its $349 bundle (Good e-Reader).
Potential Use Cases
The Link 2 is built for text-heavy tasks and reading. Here are situations where it makes the most sense:
Reading and research. Long articles, documents, PDFs, and web pages are far more comfortable on an E Ink surface. The reduced flicker and absence of blue light make extended reading sessions less tiring.
Email and messaging. Checking your inbox or replying to messages on a matte, paper-like display is a noticeably different experience than staring at a backlit screen.
Note-taking and writing. For writers and students who spend hours drafting text, the display reduces the visual fatigue that comes from sustained work on bright screens.
Studying and document review. Researchers, lawyers, and students who regularly read through dense written material will find the display easier on the eyes during long sessions.
Outdoor use. E Ink reflects ambient light instead of emitting it, which means the display is actually more readable in direct sunlight than most smartphones.
Professionals who travel. The 155g weight and slim 7mm body make it easy to carry. With the bundled battery, the whole setup weighs about 260g — roughly the same as a large modern smartphone.
Where It Excels
Eye comfort. This is the device’s strongest argument. E Ink does not flicker, does not emit blue light, and reflects ambient light instead of shining directly into your eyes. For people who read or work on screens for many hours a day, the difference is real. (Liliputing)
Sunlight readability. Most smartphone displays wash out in bright sunlight. E Ink performs the opposite way — it becomes more readable as ambient light increases.
Compatibility with your existing phone. You do not need to switch phones, re-download your apps, or move your data. Everything stays on your existing device.
Portability. At 7mm thick and 155g, the Link 2 is genuinely pocketable.
Distraction reduction. A monochrome E Ink display naturally encourages focus. Without color, video autoplay, and animated ads, the experience becomes more deliberate.
Limitations
Users should go in with realistic expectations.
Monochrome only. The Link 2 displays in black and white. Color content — photos, maps, social media feeds — will appear in grayscale. This is not a flaw specific to this device. It is how most E Ink technology currently works.
Refresh rate trade-offs. While Dasung claims 60Hz, E Ink at high refresh rates typically involves some visual compromise. Ghosting, mild blurring during fast motion, or occasional tearing can appear. The display is smooth enough for reading and typing, but it is not designed for fast-paced content.
No gaming or video. The Link 2 is unsuitable for gaming, watching videos, or any task that requires fluid color animation. These are inherent limitations of E Ink technology.
No built-in battery. Unlike the original Link, which included battery dock options, the Link 2 requires an external power bank. This adds a piece of equipment to carry, though Dasung’s $349 bundle includes a compact 5,000 mAh option.
Limited Android compatibility. Not all Android devices work equally well. Dasung specifically notes that phones from Honor, OnePlus, and Samsung may have compatibility issues due to complex system environments. Some features — like casting while the phone screen is off — may not work on all devices.
Dependent on your phone. The Link 2 is only as capable as the phone it mirrors. If your phone is slow or running low on battery, that affects the Link 2 experience.
Price. At $329–$349, the Link 2 is not cheap. For a similar budget, users could purchase a capable standalone E Ink device like the Onyx BOOX Palma 2, which operates independently.
Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Details |
| Display | 6.7-inch monochrome E Ink |
| Resolution | 300 PPI |
| Refresh Technology | Dasung 60Hz ultra-high-speed E Ink |
| Touch | Reverse touch (control phone via E Ink screen) |
| Lighting | Dual-tone front light (warm + cool) |
| Wireless | AirPlay (iOS), Miracast (Android, HarmonyOS) |
| Wired | Not supported |
| Compatibility | iOS (modern), Android 12+, HarmonyOS |
| Battery | None built-in; USB-C power input |
| Bundle Battery | 5,000 mAh (in bundle option) |
| Dimensions | 171 × 87 × 7mm |
| Weight | 155g (unit alone); ~260g with bundled battery |
| Colors | Space Gray, Glacier Blue |
| Price | $329 (standalone) / $349 (with battery) |
| Availability | Now, via Dasung’s official store (free shipping, duties not included) |
Pricing and Availability
The Link 2 is available now through Dasung’s official online store. There are two purchasing options:
- $329 — Link 2 only, no battery included
- $349 — Link 2 bundled with a 5,000 mAh magnetic power bank
Dasung offers free shipping, but the listed prices do not include customs duties or import taxes, which can be a significant additional cost depending on your country — particularly for buyers in the UK and Europe following Brexit. There is currently no retail presence in US or UK brick-and-mortar stores, and no local distributor pricing has been announced.
The device is available in Space Gray and Glacier Blue.
Why the Link 2 Matters
The Link 2 reflects a broader shift happening in the E Ink industry. Rather than asking users to replace their smartphones with dedicated E Ink handsets — a category that has repeatedly struggled commercially — companies like Dasung are building devices that sit alongside existing phones.
The YotaPhone, which placed an E Ink panel on the back of an Android handset, is probably the most famous example of the smartphone-replacement approach. It eventually went bankrupt. The companion device model that Dasung is pursuing avoids that problem entirely. Users keep the phones they already own, with all their apps, data, and performance intact.
Demand for eye-friendly displays is also growing. More people are spending seven or more hours daily looking at screens — for work, reading, communication, and entertainment. As awareness of digital eye strain increases, products that offer a gentler alternative are attracting genuine interest.
The Link 2 is also part of a growing category of portable E Ink companion hardware. Products like the Onyx BOOX Mira, Dasung’s own Paperlike monitors, and now the Link 2 suggest that the market for secondary E Ink screens is maturing beyond niche enthusiasts.
The 60Hz refresh technology is particularly significant. Earlier E Ink companion displays often felt sluggish for anything beyond static reading. If the Link 2 delivers on its smoothness claims — something only independent hands-on testing can confirm — it brings the companion E Ink display concept meaningfully closer to everyday usability.
Who Should Consider Buying It?
Good candidates:
- Heavy readers who primarily use their phone for text-based content
- Writers and knowledge workers looking to reduce screen fatigue
- Students and researchers who spend hours reading academic material
- People with diagnosed or chronic digital eye strain
- Frequent travelers who want a sunlight-readable secondary screen
- E Ink enthusiasts who already use dedicated E Ink devices and want a more connected option
Probably not the right choice for:
- Users who want a standalone device that works without a phone
- Anyone who watches videos or plays mobile games
- Users with incompatible Android phones (Honor, OnePlus, Samsung may have limitations)
- Anyone looking for a color display
- Budget-conscious buyers who could instead purchase a standalone E Ink tablet
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Link 2 an E Ink phone? No. It has no processor, operating system, SIM card, or camera. It is a display accessory for your existing phone.
Does it work with iPhones? Yes. The Link 2 supports AirPlay, which enables wireless screen mirroring from iPhones. Some accessibility settings may need to be adjusted for reverse touch to work.
Does it work with Android phones? Yes, for most devices running Android 12 or later. However, phones from Honor, OnePlus, and Samsung may have compatibility issues. Some features may require additional settings adjustments.
Can it play videos? Technically yes, but the experience is limited. E Ink is not optimized for fast-moving content. You may see ghosting or image tearing at 60Hz.
Does it have its own operating system? No. The Link 2 has no operating system. It mirrors whatever is on your phone.
Can I install apps directly on it? No. Apps run on your phone. The Link 2 only displays the result.
Does it require Wi-Fi? It uses wireless protocols (AirPlay or Miracast) to connect to your phone. A local wireless connection between the two devices is required; a full Wi-Fi internet connection is not strictly necessary for mirroring to work.
Can it replace a Kindle? Not directly. A Kindle stores books locally, has its own battery, and works independently. The Link 2 requires your phone to function. That said, it can display Kindle app content on an E Ink surface, which is a similar visual experience.
Can it replace a regular monitor? No. It is a 6.7-inch monochrome display with no color and limited refresh for dynamic content. It is not suited for general desktop or laptop work.
Final Thoughts
The Dasung Link 2 fills a specific and narrow niche. It is not for everyone. But for users who spend significant time reading, writing, or researching on their phones and are bothered by digital eye strain, it offers something genuinely different.
The core idea is smart: rather than asking users to choose between their capable smartphone and the comfort of E Ink, the Link 2 lets them have both. Your phone’s performance, apps, and data stay intact. The display changes.
The 60Hz refresh is the most ambitious claim, and it will need independent verification before it can be taken at face value. The lack of a built-in battery is also a step backward from the original Link lineup. And at $329 to $349, the price is high enough that potential buyers should think carefully about whether the companion monitor concept fits their actual habits.
Still, as companion E Ink displays continue to improve, products like the Link 2 point toward an interesting future. Not everyone needs or wants a dedicated E Ink smartphone. For those who simply want a more comfortable way to read and work on their existing phone, a purpose-built E Ink monitor is a reasonable alternative — and the Link 2 is currently one of the most capable options in that category.
