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So, there’s a new option in the e-note market: the Supernote A5 X2 Manta. It aims to change things by being modular and customizable. It’s like the opposite of the Kindle Scribe. You can upgrade or fix it yourself without tools. That’s pretty neat, right? But, there is a downside. It costs more than many other choices. So, is the ability to customize worth spending more money? Let’s find out.
Sleek, Stylish, and Built to Last
First off, this thing is designed to turn heads. Inspired by manta rays (hence the name), it’s super slim—just 6.0mm thick, with even thinner edges. It’s got an elegant, high-end feel, and the asymmetrical bezels are actually functional, housing touch-sensitive navigation sensors.
What really sets it apart, though, is the modular design. Unlike most e-notes, where you’re stuck with what you get, this one lets you swap out key parts—battery, motherboard, you name it—by flipping a built-in switch. In a world where most gadgets feel disposable, this is a refreshing change.
A Display That’s Great—With One Drawback
The A5 X2 Manta sports a 10.7-inch flexible E Ink display with a crisp 1920 x 2560 resolution. It’s made for writing, complete with palm rejection and a self-repairing FeelWrite 2 film that mimics paper.
But here’s the thing: there’s no front light. If you’re jotting down notes in dim lighting, you’re out of luck unless you bring a lamp. Other e-ink devices, like the Kindle Scribe and Kobo Elipsa 2E, include front lighting, so this might be a deal-breaker depending on how (and where) you use it. If you’re curious about other display technologies, check out the Boox Palma 2’s advanced BSR tech.
Performance and Productivity: Solid, but Not Mind-Blowing
The Manta has a Rockchip RK3566 quad-core processor inside. It comes with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. That’s decent, and if you want more storage, you can increase it to 2TB using a microSD card. The device runs on a special Android 11 setup called “Chauvet,” made just for taking notes and getting things done.
Connectivity-wise, you’ve got dual-band Wi-Fi, USB-C, and Bluetooth 5.0. Oh, and you can add a keyboard if you really want to push the productivity angle.
Extra Costs: Stylus and Accessories Sold Separately
Here’s a bummer: the Manta doesn’t come with a stylus. You’ll have to buy one separately, with prices starting at $59 for a basic pen and climbing to $89 for the fancy LAMY Safari Twin EMR Pen (which lets you switch between a ceramic nib and a ballpoint tip).
As for cases, there’s a premium half-folio option for $59. It’s sleek, lightweight, and sturdy—but oddly, it doesn’t have a pen loop. That said, the device does include three screw-mounted pen loops in the box. If you’re looking for must-have accessories for e-readers, check out this list of recommendations.
Price: Worth It or Too Steep?
Now for the big question: is it worth the price? The Supernote A5 X2 Manta costs $459, which puts it well above the Kindle Scribe and reMarkable 2 (both $399, with a stylus included). It’s sitting in the same premium territory as the reMarkable Paper Pro, which is all about a distraction-free writing experience.
There is a bit of a silver lining: if you already own an older Supernote A5 or A6, you can get 50% off the Manta as a loyalty reward (though you’ll need to verify your purchase history). Just don’t expect to stack it with other discounts.
Final Verdict: Who’s It For?
If you love the idea of a modular, repairable e-note that’s built to last, the Supernote A5 X2 Manta is one of the most interesting options out there. But it’s definitely not cheap, and the lack of bundled accessories makes the price sting even more.
For budget-conscious buyers, the Kindle Scribe or Kobo Elipsa 2E are probably better deals—especially if you keep an eye out for discount events. But if you’re looking for a high-end, customizable device with longevity in mind, the Manta could be worth the splurge.
