If you’re on the hunt for a tablet that promises a healthier, more focused computing experience, you might have stumbled upon the Daylight Tablet. Marketed as the world’s first 60 Hz e-paper display, this device has caught the attention of tech enthusiasts and minimalists alike. But does it live up to the hype? In this detailed review, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about the Daylight Tablet—from its innovative display to its performance and whether it’s worth your hard-earned money.
Daylight Tablet is a unique device in the tablet market, primarily because of its emphasis on eye health and minimizing distractions. Unlike typical tablets that bombard you with vibrant colors and bright screens, Daylight Tablet aims to provide a more paper-like reading experience, reminiscent of traditional e-readers. But there’s a twist—it’s not actually an e-paper display.
Daylight Tablet boasts a 10.5-inch Live Paper™ Display, which, despite its name, is a transflective LCD rather than true e-paper. This means it offers better visibility in bright conditions and consumes less power than traditional LCDs. However, it lacks the sharpness and contrast typical of real e-paper displays, which might be a dealbreaker for some.
Daylight Tablet is powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. On paper, these specs look promising, but in reality, the performance is a mixed bag. While it handles basic tasks like reading, web browsing, and light app usage decently, it struggles with multitasking and more demanding apps. Users have reported lag, slow app response times, and even occasional crashes—issues that can be frustrating if you rely on your tablet for productivity.
Connectivity is one of Daylight Tablet‘s stronger suits. With Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, you get fast and stable connections whether you’re at home or on the go. The USB Type-C port supports Power Delivery (PD), ensuring quick charging and compatibility with a range of accessories. There’s also a MicroSD slot for expanding storage and pogo pins for attaching accessories, though the lack of a dedicated keyboard case is a notable omission.
Weighing just 1.2 lbs, Daylight Tablet is impressively lightweight and portable. However, this portability comes at a cost. The tablet is constructed from recycled plastics, which, while eco-friendly, give it a less premium feel. For a device that costs $729, users expect a more robust build. Additionally, the stereo speakers are underwhelming, producing tinny, weak audio that detracts from the overall media experience.
Daylight Tablet shines with its flicker-free and blue light-free display, making it a great option for those who spend long hours reading or working on their tablet. The amber backlight option is particularly beneficial for reducing eye strain in low-light environments.
Thanks to its lightweight design, Daylight Tablet is easy to carry around, making it an ideal choice for users who need a portable device for on-the-go reading or note-taking.
With Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and a USB Type-C port, Daylight Tablet offers robust connectivity options, ensuring that you stay connected and powered up wherever you are.
The stereo speakers on Daylight Tablet are a significant drawback. If you enjoy watching videos or listening to music on your tablet, you might find the sound quality lacking, with a noticeable lack of depth and richness.
Despite its decent specs, Daylight Tablet struggles with performance. Apps are slow to load, and the device often crashes, making it less suitable for tasks that require speed and reliability.
The absence of a first-party keyboard case is a glaring omission for a tablet marketed at this price point. While you can use third-party keyboards, the lack of an integrated solution limits the tablet’s productivity potential.
While the use of recycled plastic is a commendable environmental choice, it results in a build that feels cheap and flimsy, which might not appeal to users looking for a premium device.
One of the most significant issues with Daylight Tablet is the confusion surrounding its display technology. Billed as the world’s first 60 Hz e-paper display, many consumers were led to believe they were purchasing a device with e-ink technology. In reality, the tablet uses a transflective LCD, which, while innovative, does not match the clarity or contrast of a true e-paper display. This marketing strategy has led to disappointment and frustration among some buyers who felt misled.
At $729, Daylight Tablet is priced higher than many of its competitors. Given its performance issues, lack of a premium build, and misleading marketing, it’s worth asking whether this tablet offers good value for money. For users who prioritize eye health and don’t mind the trade-offs in performance and build quality, it might be worth considering. However, for those who need a more robust and reliable device, there are better options available at this price point.
Daylight Tablet caters to a niche audience that values eye health and a simplified, distraction-free experience. If you’re someone who primarily uses a tablet for reading, note-taking, or light web browsing and can overlook the performance issues, this might be the device for you.
For those seeking better performance, build quality, and overall value, alternatives like Remarkable 2 offer more for your money. These devices provide a more balanced experience with stronger performance, better displays, and a wider range of accessories.
Daylight Tablet is an intriguing device with a unique approach to display technology and user experience. However, its limitations in performance, build quality, and marketing transparency make it a challenging recommendation for the average user. While it may serve a specific niche audience well, most users will likely find better value in more established, reliable tablets on the market.
Daylight Tablet uses a transflective LCD display, which is marketed as a 60 Hz e-paper display but is not a true e-ink screen.
While Daylight Tablet does not come with a first-party keyboard case, you can use third-party Bluetooth keyboards. However, this may detract from its portability and convenience.
Daylight Tablet struggles with multitasking due to its slow performance and frequent app crashes. It is better suited for single-task activities like reading or note-taking.
The amber backlight is designed to reduce eye strain by minimizing blue light exposure. Some users find it beneficial for reading in low light, though others may find the warmth of the light affects the color accuracy.
At $729, Daylight Tablet is considered expensive, especially given its performance issues and build quality. It may not represent the best value for money compared to other tablets in the same price range.