Supernote Manta A5X2 Review
The Supernote Manta has a cult following, and for good reasons. Where reMarkable sells minimalism and Boox sells flexibility, Supernote sells a device built to last, repair yourself and write on for years. The pen feel is up there with the best, the software is very good at organising notes, and it asks for a bit of patience with a smaller community and store. Dedicated note-takers who want to own their device will like it.
Published Updated
KT Score: 90/100
Specifications
| Screen | 10.7" |
|---|---|
| PPI | 300 |
| Colour | No |
| Frontlight | No |
| Waterproof | No |
| Stylus | Yes |
| Storage | 128 GB |
| Weight | 434 g |
Verdict
The Supernote Manta is a writing tablet for careful note-takers: a very good pen feel, clever note software, and a rare commitment to repairability and long-term updates. It gives up colour, a big app ecosystem and some polish, and its community is smaller than the big brands'. For a dedicated note-taker who wants a device to write on and own for years, the Manta deserves its loyal following.
What I like
- Excellent pen-on-paper writing feel
- Deep note software with powerful search and linking
- Repairable, upgradable and supported for the long term
- Cheaper than the reMarkable Paper Pro
Worth noting
- Mono only, no colour
- Smaller ecosystem, store and app support than Boox
- Reading is only functional
- Lower profile brand with a smaller community
Built to last, built to write
The Manta's 10.7 inch writing surface has that grippy, paper-like friction handwriting lovers chase, and latency is low. Unlike most rivals, the device is designed to be repairable and upgradable, with replaceable parts and a company that keeps updating older models.
There is no frontlight on the core experience, so you write in ambient light, and the whole thing is light and comfortable for long sessions.
Software that rewards you
Supernote's note software is deep in the ways that matter to heavy note-takers: fast handwriting recognition, powerful linking and keyword search across your notes, and a document system that turns the device into a real second brain. People who live in their notebooks tend to like it more the longer they use it.
It is a fairly closed system with a smaller ecosystem than Boox, and reading support is only functional. This is a writing-first device.
Price and who it is for
At around 459 USD it sits below the reMarkable Paper Pro while matching much of its writing quality in mono. The trade is a smaller community, store and app situation, and no colour.
Buy the Manta if handwriting is central to your work, you value repairability and long-term support, and you want deep note organisation. Choose a reMarkable for the most refined polish, or a Boox if you need colour, apps and strong reading in one device.
Frequently asked
Is the Supernote good for handwriting?
Very. The pen feel is among the best in e-ink and the note software is very good for organising, searching and linking handwritten notes.
Is the Supernote Manta repairable?
Yes. It is designed with replaceable parts and Supernote has a strong record of updating older models, so it is built to last for years.
Manta or reMarkable Paper Pro?
Choose the Manta for deep note organisation, repairability and a lower price in mono. Choose the reMarkable Paper Pro for colour, the newest hardware and the most refined polish.
Can you read ebooks on it?
You can, but reading is not its strength. If reading matters as much as writing, a Boox or a hybrid like the Kindle Scribe may suit you better.