The portable e-reader segment has taken on a new twist with the introduction of the new Bigme HiBreakS e-Paper smartphone. It is actually two new smartphones that Bigme has come up with, which include the black-and-white and color versions. Also, with prices kept lower than the recently launched Boox Palma 2 Pro, what is amply clear is that Bigme is aiming for a bigger share of the rapidly evolving small e-reader segment.
The black-and-white Bigme HiBreak S E Ink phone is priced $299, while the same with a color e-paper display can be yours for $306.90. Both prices mentioned have been taken from the phone’s Amazon listing. As the e-Book Reader Blog mentioned, prices are even lower if you order directly from the Bigme site. However, in that case, shipping costs are going to be considerably higher as they ship directly from China. Plus, the orders are going to be subject to import fees, which can add to the overall costs considerably.
Meanwhile, the one aspect that distinguishes the Bigme HiBreak S from the Boox Palma 2 Pro is that, while the latter is strictly an e-reader, the latest Bigme offering is a smartphone that can be used to make and receive calls. However, unlike the Palma 2 Pro, which is 5G enabled, the new HiBreakS is 4G-compatible. The other Bigme offering in this segment, the more upmarket HiBreak Pro, supports 5G networks, but at $459, it is significantly more expensive.
Coming to specifications, the HiBreak S comes with a 5.84-inch E Ink display having 276 PPI resolution for the B/W version. The color version offers 92 PPI resolution in color mode and 276 PPI resolution when viewing B/W content. It actually is an older-generation color e-paper display, which likely explains the rather modest price hike of the color version over the B/W model. The display comes with a front light with adjustable warm and cold effects for comfortable viewing in any ambient lighting conditions.
Powering the phone is an octa-core CPU that works in tandem with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of ROM. You also have the option to add up to another 1 TB via external memory cards. The phone supports Bigme’s xRapid technology, which allows faster page turns (up to 24 fps page refreshes) while minimizing the ghosting effect. It runs Android 14 and supports the installation of external apps. Keeping the device alive is a 3300 mAh battery.
Other features of the Bigme HiBreak S include support for dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS. The phone features a built-in mic and speaker, while there are also cameras included at the front and rear – 5 MP and 13 MP, respectively.
On the whole, the new Bigme HiBreak S comes across as an enticing option for anyone looking for an E Ink smartphone at an affordable price tag. As already stated, the HiBreak Pro comes with more bells and whistles, including 5G, but is significantly more expensive. The Bigme HiBreak S can be your daily driver while also enabling you to carry on with your favorite reads just about anywhere.
