E Ink tablets offer distinct advantages over iPads for specific use cases, particularly reading and drawing. Unlike OLED or LCD screens, E Ink displays use reflective technology with physical particles that consume power only when refreshing content. This results in a paper-like appearance, reduced eye strain, and superior outdoor visibility since they rely on ambient light rather than backlighting. Devices like the reMarkable Paper Pro also deliver better active battery life and lighter weight due to simpler construction.

However, E Ink technology has significant limitations. Color panels still fall short of iPad's color volume and vibrancy for comics, images, and web content. Motion handling is poor, with visible trails making video playback nearly impossible. Navigation and app switching feel less responsive due to slower refresh rates, and many E Ink tablets ship with underpowered processors unsuited for graphically intensive tasks.

The choice ultimately depends on primary use: E Ink excels for focused reading, note-taking, and outdoor work, while iPad remains superior for media consumption, color accuracy, and general-purpose computing.