Chinese electronics maker Hisense has unveiled the Hi Reader Pro, a smartphone that doubles as an e-reader thanks to its black and white E-Ink display. The innovation, reported by Gizmochina, uses a 6.1 inch E-Ink panel commonly found on e-book readers rather than the typical IPS or OLED screens seen on most smartphones.
Powered by a Snapdragon 662 processor, the Hi Reader Pro emphasizes energy efficiency and long battery life, aiming at users who want a dedicated reading device with phone functionality. The device supports dual-band Wi-Fi and 4G connectivity, and it includes Bluetooth 5.0. Notably, the model does not include any cameras, a deliberate choice to prioritize reading and media consumption over photography.
Weighing 183 grams, the Hi Reader Pro is equipped with a 4000 mAh battery and runs Android 11, offering access to apps and services while maximizing the e-reader experience with fewer power-hungry features. In China, the model with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of built-in storage was released at a price of 1.7 thousand yuan, about 16.8 thousand rubles at current exchange rates.
The device represents Hisense’s attempt to blend portable reading with smartphone capabilities, targeting a niche audience that values long battery life, easy-on-the-eyes typography, and a distraction-minimized device for reading on the go. By leveraging E-Ink’s readability in direct sunlight and low eye strain, the Hi Reader Pro stands out from conventional smartphones, offering a unique use case for travelers, students, and professionals who read extensively on mobile screens. Analysts note that this approach echoes a broader trend toward instrumentation-focused devices that cater to specific tasks rather than attempting to be multi-purpose gadgets across every scenario.
Market watchers have compared the Hi Reader Pro to a specialized reader phone, suggesting it could influence future product strategies in the crossover space between dedicated e-readers and mobile devices. In related news, previous reports indicated that Lenovo may be preparing a gaming-focused tablet to compete with the iPad mini in global markets, signaling continued interest in compact, high-performance devices in the portable tech segment. These developments collectively illustrate how major brands are experimenting with form factors and display technologies to address evolving consumer preferences.