DuRoBo Krono review: An innovative approach to the phone-like e-reader that perhaps sets its sights a bit too high.

      DuRoBo Krono

      **MSRP**: $280.00

      **Feedback**: “Great concept, but feels lacking for the price.”

      **Pros**

      - Sturdy and portable

      - Good display quality

      - Offers Android flexibility

      - Impressive battery life

      **Cons**

      - No microSD card slot

      - Lacks cellular support

      - Software requires refinement

      - Dial seems gimmicky

      - Poor speaker quality

      **Quick Summary**

      Not too long ago, Kindles were the primary choice for e-readers. Then Kobo gained popularity, alongside a few newcomers like Onyx Boox, which made a significant impact in the market. Amazon and Kobo opted for a safer route with their designs.

      These new entrants began innovating the format of reading devices, transforming the perception of what it means to carry a reading gadget. From small tablets to substantial slates with stylus capability, we ended up with ultra-portable e-readers designed to fit on the back of your phone. In between, a new category of e-readers emerged that resembles your phone closely.

      The DuRoBo Krono embodies this device type. It resembles a phone but differentiates itself with a unique scrolling dial on the side. Its minimalist software doesn’t limit you, thanks to full Android and Google Play support. It also incorporates features that allow it to function as an AI-driven voice note-taker.

      The overall package is satisfactory, with a decent reading display and exceptional battery performance. It can even serve as a basic music streaming device and is reasonably priced. If you're in search of a multi-functional device that resembles a phone, the DuRoBo Krono is an excellent choice.

      **DuRoBo Krono Design and Build Quality**

      The main attraction is its phone-like size. If you dislike carrying a small slate for reading and prefer something that feels natural in hand, the DuRoBo Krono is ideal. It’s almost as tall and thick as an iPhone 17 Pro but lighter.

      The unibody design is made from durable plastic, featuring a cylindrical metal protrusion along the back near the top, resembling a metallic axis. The left edge has breathing lights, and both ends include the power button and the smart dial, similar to the crown on the Apple Watch.

      The dial is quite functional. It can adjust the volume, brightness, and scroll through pages based on your activity. A long press activates the voice mode for Spark AI, allowing immediate voice note recording, with AI assistance for transcription and summarizing.

      The build feels robust and not cheap, with a matte-like finish that aids grip and resists smudging. However, the thick bezels are a downside.

      The placement of the smart dial is well-considered. Right-handed users can easily reach it with either their middle or index finger, while left-handed users will find their thumb naturally at the dial.

      The major advantage is its compactness, allowing for comfortable long reading sessions without hand fatigue. It effectively functions as a second phone, to a significant extent.

      **Score: 8/10**

      **DuRoBo Krono Display**

      The device features a 6.13-inch E Ink Carta 1200 HD display with a resolution of 824 x 1648 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 300 ppi—ideal for reading text. Even when viewing the occasional image, the display maintains clarity.

      Transitions between frames can lead to a grainy effect in low light, but generally, it's satisfactory. Day or night, it performs well. The front light is useful for dark settings, and the brightness is adjustable from bright white to a softer amber hue, enhancing comfort during prolonged reading. Nonetheless, the refresh rate remains an issue, with no commercially available e-ink device managing this effectively.

      Reading content in scrolling mode reveals smooth animations, although zooming can lead to noticeable jitter.

      For text-centric reading, staying on speed preset offers smoother scrolling without shimmer. Switching to quality doesn't visibly enhance text quality and may slow interactions.

      Occasionally, the built-in reader, “Read,” won't enable the three-level refresh controls for saved PDFs. However, third-party apps like Kindle show more setting options, a quirk needing resolution from DuRoBo. Overall, the display is sharp, bright and easy on the eyes—ideal for phone-like reading.

      **Score: 8/10**

      **DuRoBo Krono Software**

      The software experience is the most contentious aspect of the DuRoBo Krono. The minimalist user interface suits its purpose, featuring just six core controls on the home screen, allowing user customization similar to the Niagara and Mako launchers on Android.

      Personally, I appreciate this simplicity. Many phone-like e-readers mimic standard smartphone launchers, detracting from the device's purpose of immersing oneself in reading.

      Google Play support is included, letting users download preferred apps. However, this minimalism can feel inadequate at times, lacking basic controls and customization options.