Old IPhone and Android MP3 Kindle
First off the IPhone in the pic is not my every day use call phone. My sister had an old iPhone 11 laying around so I asked if I could use it. So I turned it into a IPhone Kindle. What I mean by that is there is nothing on the phone but apps that I use to read books so that way I can save battery life on my main IPhone. I also had a extra SIM card that was not being used so I added it to the Kindle phone just so if I was out I could still listen to audiobooks and still download books if I needed too. Yes I know I could do this on my main phone but I wanted to save space and battery life on my Main phone. Also with this phone I have a Bluelight blocking matte screen protector on it to help reduce eye strain. I have a pop socket on the back to help hold the phone better. And I have a clear case on the way so I can printer off cute background to insert in the case.
As for the MP3 that has android built in to it I was using it as a mini Kindle but I loved the iPhone better for my kindle apps so I gave this one to my daughter. It had the play store so you could download all the apps you needed to read or listen to books on the go but there are a few small down sides to this.
1. You could only have WiFi on this NO Data from a sims card.
2. It was on the slower side unlike a smart phone
3. You had to make sure you download your books and autobooks before you left the house.
4. I like when I can have the IPhone read any book to me without having to purchase or use any other app to listen to the audiobook. The MP3 player sounds way too robotic.
But on both you could mimic the grayscale look by changing the color filter.
Building on my initial setup, I wanted to share even more about why turning an old iPhone into a dedicated e-reader has been a game-changer for me. It's not just about saving battery on my main phone; it's about creating a distraction-free zone for reading. When my main phone is buzzing with notifications, having a separate device purely for books helps me dive deep into my stories without interruption. For those of you wondering about apps, I've experimented with quite a few. Of course, the Amazon Kindle app is a must-have for accessing my Kindle library. But don't stop there! Apple Books is excellent for local files and purchases, and I highly recommend Libby or OverDrive if your local library offers digital loans – it's like having an entire library in your pocket for free ebooks and audiobooks! For comics and graphic novels, apps like ComiXology or Panels are fantastic. Each app has its unique features, so try a few to see what fits your reading style best. Beyond just the apps, optimizing the iPhone's settings really enhances the experience. As I mentioned, applying a blue light blocking matte screen protector is crucial for eye comfort during long reading sessions, especially in the evening. But another pro tip: enable Grayscale mode in your iPhone's Accessibility settings (Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size > Color Filters > Grayscale). This makes the screen look much more like an e-ink reader, reducing color saturation and making text pop more clearly, as my OCR results also highlight. It's truly a game-changer for mimicking that traditional e-reader feel, even on a vibrant iPhone screen. I also turn off all notifications for reading apps on this device, so there are no pop-ups pulling me away from my book. Now, regarding the 'MP3 player' aspect from some search queries – while I primarily use my dedicated iPhone for reading ebooks, it naturally doubles as an excellent audiobook player. With an extra SIM, I can stream or download audiobooks on the go, just like I would with music. This makes it a versatile media consumption device, not just for text but also for narratives you can listen to. Compared to a basic Android MP3 player, the iPhone offers a far superior audio experience and processing power for larger audiobook files. Many people ask why not just get a Kobo Libra or another dedicated e-reader? Honestly, if you already have an old iPhone lying around, this setup is virtually free! While a Kobo Libra offers a true e-ink display which is superb for sunlight reading and battery life, the iPhone's versatility, backlit screen for dark environments, and access to a wider range of apps (including those for library loans) make it a compelling alternative. Plus, you can customize wallpapers and use a clear case to make it aesthetically pleasing, as my images show. It’s a fantastic way to repurpose old tech and reduce e-waste while getting a highly functional reading device. It's been a truly practical and enjoyable setup for my daily reading habits.
I love that. I have an old 7 that I’m thinking about doing the same thing to. But then I already have a second phone so maybe I should just add it on there. 🤔 I just like the thought of having something for ONLY reading like you and I use my secondary phone a lot.