In this comparison battle between the Kobo Aura One vs H2O let me begin this review by saying that I favor the Aura One over any Kobo ebook readers that have been released, including the Aura H2O. While each device may offer its own unique propositions, I really like the larger screen of the Aura One. And it has a higher pixel per inch, which means a lot when you are reading e-books.
But with the H2O Edition 2 being the latest waterproof model, does it mean it should be the best one? Not in this instance, in my opinion. But first, let’s check out the features they both share.
Kobo Aura One standout features:
The Kobo Aura One is a premium e-reader that has some standout features that set it apart from other e-readers in the market. One of the main standout features of the Kobo Aura One is its large, 7.8-inch display with a resolution of 1872 x 1404 pixels. This provides an immersive reading experience with crisp and clear text, as well as vibrant images.
Another standout feature of the Kobo Aura One is its waterproof design, with an IPX8 rating that allows it to be submerged in up to two meters of water for up to 60 minutes. This makes it perfect for reading in the bathtub, by the pool, or on the beach without worrying about accidental splashes or spills.
The Kobo Aura One also features ComfortLight PRO technology, which reduces blue-light exposure and allows for comfortable reading in any lighting conditions. This is especially helpful for those who like to read before bed or in low-light settings.
In addition, Kobo Aura One has a built-in OverDrive integration, which allows users to borrow ebooks from their local library directly on the e-reader. This is a convenient feature that saves time and eliminates the need to visit the library physically.
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Kobo Aura H2O standout features:
The Kobo Aura H2O is known for its waterproof and dustproof design, which means that you can take it to the beach or the pool without worrying about damaging it. Aura H2O device has an IP67 rating, which means that it can withstand being submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. This feature alone makes it a popular choice for people who want an eReader that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
Aside from its waterproof design, the Kobo Aura H2O also boasts a 6.8-inch Carta E Ink touchscreen display with a resolution of 1430 x 1080 pixels. This high-resolution display provides crisp and clear text, making it easier on the eyes when reading for extended periods. The device also has ComfortLight PRO, which is Kobo’s adjustable front-light technology that allows you to customize the brightness and warmth of the display.
The Kobo Aura H2O has 8GB of internal storage, which is enough to store thousands of eBooks. Additionally, it has a Micro SD card slot that can support up to 32GB of external storage, giving you even more space to store your favorite books. The device also has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to download books directly to your device without the need for a computer.
In terms of battery life, the Kobo Aura H2O can last for up to 6 weeks on a single charge, depending on usage. This means that you can take it with you on long trips without worrying about running out of battery.
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Kobo Aura One vs H2O: Key Differences
When it comes to choosing an eReader, Kobo offers a range of options to suit different preferences and needs. Two of their popular models are the Kobo Aura One and the Kobo Aura H2O. While both models share some similarities, there are also some notable differences between them.
Design:
- Kobo Aura One
This eReader has a sleek, modern design with a front-lit 7.8 inch display. The display is made of durable, scratch-resistant Carta E Ink technology, which is perfect for those who are always on the go. It also has a resolution of 1872 x 1404 pixels, which provides crisp and clear text and images.
The Kobo Aura One is made with a durable aluminum frame and a textured, soft-touch back for comfortable grip. It is also water-resistant, which is a major advantage for those who enjoy reading in the bathtub or by the pool. Kobo Aura One has an ergonomic design, which means it is comfortable to hold for long periods of time, making it a great option for avid readers.
- Kobo Aura H2O
This eReader also has a water-resistant design, which makes it perfect for reading in wet environments. It has a smaller 6.8 inch display made of durable Carta E Ink technology with a resolution of 1430 x 1080 pixels. The Kobo Aura H2O has a more traditional design with a plastic frame and a rubberized back for a comfortable grip.
One of the standout design features of the Kobo Aura H2O is its ComfortLight PRO technology, which reduces blue-light exposure and allows for comfortable reading in any lighting condition. The Kobo Aura H2O is also lighter than the Kobo Aura One, making it a great option for those who prioritize portability.
In terms of build materials, the Kobo Aura One has a more premium look and feel with its aluminum frame and textured back, while the Kobo Aura H2O has a more utilitarian design with its plastic frame and rubberized back. However, both eReaders are durable and water-resistant, which is a major advantage for those who like to read in wet environments.
Screen and Display:
The Kobo Aura One boasts a large 7.8 inch HD Carta E Ink touchscreen with a resolution of 1872 x 1404 pixels, offering 300 pixels per inch (PPI). This is a significant improvement over the 6.8 inch screen of the Kobo Aura H2O, which has a resolution of 1430 x 1080 pixels and a PPI of 265.
Both eReaders use the E Ink technology, which mimics the appearance of ink on paper and reduces eye strain, making them ideal for prolonged reading sessions. However, the Kobo Aura One has an innovative ComfortLight PRO technology that adjusts the brightness and color temperature of the screen to match the time of day, providing a more comfortable reading experience.
Another unique feature of the Kobo Aura One is the waterproofing technology that allows you to read in the bathtub or by the pool without worrying about damaging your device. This feature is not available in the Kobo Aura H2O, although it is also water-resistant.
In terms of the touch experience, both devices offer a responsive and smooth touch screen. However, the Kobo Aura One has an edge-to-edge design with no raised bezels, making it easier to turn pages and swipe through the interface.
Battery life:
- Kobo Aura One comes with a 1200mAh battery that Kobo claims can last for up to a month with regular use. This is based on reading for 30 minutes per day with Wi-Fi turned off and the backlight set to 10% brightness. Of course, if you use your e-reader more frequently or have the backlight on full blast, you’ll likely need to charge it more often. Fortunately, the Kobo Aura One comes with a micro USB cable that you can use to charge it from your computer or a wall adapter.
- Kobo Aura H2O, on the other hand, has a slightly smaller 1500mAh battery. However, it’s still rated to last for up to two months with regular use, which is impressive. Kobo’s testing is based on reading for 30 minutes per day with Wi-Fi turned off and the backlight set to 10% brightness, just like with the Aura One. Again, your mileage may vary depending on your usage patterns.
Connectivity and Formats:
When it comes to connectivity, the Kobo Aura One and H2O offer similar options. Both devices have Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing users to connect to their home network or a public hotspot to download books, sync reading progress, and access the Kobo bookstore. Additionally, both e-readers have the option to connect via USB to a computer for file transfer or charging.
However, there is one key difference between the two models in terms of connectivity. The Kobo Aura One also includes an OverDrive feature, which allows users to borrow ebooks from public libraries directly on their device without the need for a computer or additional software. This feature is not available on the Kobo H2O.
Furthermore, both models support a variety of file formats, including EPUB, PDF, and MOBI, making it easy to transfer and read ebooks from various sources. Plus, with built-in storage of 8GB on the Kobo Aura One and 8GB or 32GB on the Kobo H2O, users can store thousands of books on their device and access them at any time without an internet connection.
Price:
Price is an important consideration when comparing e-readers, and the Kobo Aura One vs H2O offer different pricing options for potential buyers.
The Kobo Aura One, being a premium device with top-notch features, is priced slightly higher than the Kobo H2O. As of the latest release, the Kobo Aura One is priced at around $229.99, while the Kobo H2O comes in at a more affordable price of about $179.99.
However, it’s important to note that the prices of these e-readers may vary depending on the region, promotions, and availability. It’s always a good idea to check the latest prices on the Kobo website or authorized retailers for accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
Despite the price difference, both e-readers offer excellent value for their respective price points.
Verdict:
The Aura One is not only better than the Aura H2O Edition 2, it is the best Kobo e-reader, period.
It has compelling features with just the right amount of tweaks and upgrades to make them exciting. On the surface, the original version has a more premium feel with its much larger screen size at 7.8 inches. It provides crisp visuals with the mildly frosted glass screen.
Undeniably, it just looks more sophisticated. The Aura H2O on the other hand, has a plastic bezel which makes it look inferior to the Aura One. Pushing it further, the text on the H2O appears dull and gray as well.
And then there’s the OverDrive feature which allows direct download of ebooks from other digital libraries without the need for another device to facilitate the process. This is not possible with other Kobo ereader that will involve a computer, hence it can a bit of a hassle.
