ReMarkable Paper Pure Tablet Review: Back to Basics

I like that the ReMarkable Paper Pure retained the thicker side bezel, something the more expensive Paper Pro and Paper Pro Move don’t have. It’s a perfect resting place for my thumb to grab it and start writing, and it responds to rotations, so you can use it comfortably whether you’re right-handed or left-handed (the stylus will only attach to the long side without the thicker bezel, which is a bit awkward for lefties). It has a fast response time and smooth writing experience that, like ReMarkable models before it, feels incredibly paper-like with a touch of texture and strength without making writing slow or grainy. ReMarkable says the writing experience from the Paper Pro carried over to the device, and the two felt similar to write on. Aside from the pen-to-tablet experience, using these two devices is very different due to the differences in weight and size, especially when you hold the device up to write on it.

Photography: Nena Farrell

I don’t mind that the ReMarkable Paper Pure was skipped over a color display, especially since ReMarkable has two other devices that offer one. I’m disappointed that it doesn’t have front lighting, but in daylight the Paper Pure’s screen actually appears brighter since it’s designed to be brighter and whiter than before to look more like a piece of paper. ReMarkable claims it’s the best white on the market and, compared to its own range, it’s a marked improvement. Still, the lack of front lighting may be disappointing if you’re likely to use it in a dark classroom or similar environment.

A big advantage of the Paper Pure over ReMarkable’s color screen models, and even the older ReMarkable 2, is battery life. These devices typically had about two weeks of battery life, but ReMarkable says the Paper Pure will get three weeks. Battery life still isn’t as long as the Kindle Scribe, but it’s a nice improvement.

Platform push

Photography: Nena Farrell

New ReMarkable software features are available in tandem with Paper Pure. This doesn’t just apply to this device, since ReMarkable devices are on a single platform, so any ReMarkable device you own or get should include these features. There are two main new features: calendar integration, as well as conversion and sharing.