Honor has unveiled an e-ink reader that doesn't compete on size, but on convenience. It's called the Honor Life S3 , also known as the Honor Life E Ink e-reader S3, and it launched alongside the Magic 9 series. Its main distinguishing feature is that it attaches to the back of the smartphone using magnets.
The device enters the segment of compact e-readers that attach to mobile phones, a niche already occupied by offerings like the Boox Picco and some Xteink models. There is no official launch in Spain or the rest of Europe yet , so anyone wanting to get one will have to look to the Chinese market or wait for Honor to make a move.
Design and display: small, lightweight and with magnetic attachment
The touchscreen is an e-ink display, measuring 3,68 inches and boasting a pixel density of 259 ppi. Compared to the Boox Picco, which offers a 3,97-inch screen and 235 ppi, the Honor model is smaller but displays a sharper image . The bezels around the panel are quite pronounced, although the front uses glass for a flatter finish, instead of the recessed design still seen on some classic e-readers.
In terms of dimensions, the device weighs 61 grams and is 5,6 millimeters thick. The Boox Picco weighs 58 grams and is 5,5 millimeters thick, but it incorporates a 920 mAh battery, considerably larger than the Honor's. To attach it to the phone, the package includes a magnetic ring compatible with phones or cases that don't have their own magnets.
Software, formats and expandable storage
The reader runs on a proprietary RTOS operating system and supports file formats such as EPUB, TXT, PDF, MOBI, DOC, and DOCX. Its internal storage is remarkably small, at only 16 MB, although it can be expanded via a microSD slot that, according to Honor, accepts cards up to 1 TB.
Connectivity includes Wi-Fi 6 , a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and a microphone. The battery is 650 mAh, and Honor hasn't provided official battery life figures in the information gathered by various media outlets, so any specific numbers regarding days of use should be taken with a grain of salt.
There's one point that shouldn't be taken for granted: the front light. While some specifications don't mention it, other publications refer to a soft light function. This information is contradictory, and Honor hasn't clearly confirmed it, so it can't be guaranteed that it allows reading in the dark.
Price and availability: currently only in China
The Honor Life S3 is already on sale in China for 359 yuan , which translates to approximately $54 or €47. The brand has not confirmed an international release, so there is no date or price yet for Spain or the rest of Europe.
The package includes a USB cable, screen protector, and magnetic ring for attaching it to compatible smartphones. Its appeal lies in always having a dedicated reading screen with you, without relying on your phone to display the book. However, its 3,68-inch screen makes it more of a companion for commutes or short breaks than a direct replacement for a larger e-reader.
Honor's offering enters a market segment already occupied by Boox and Xteink, boasting a very lightweight design, Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, expandable storage, and a competitive price in China. However, the confirmed lack of a front light, its 16MB of internal memory, and the absence of international shipping plans make it, for now, a difficult product to recommend to those living in Spain . If Honor decides to export it, it will have to compete with established alternatives and clearly explain the type of reader it's intended for.