The Full-Color E-Reader That Never Needs Charging

With their paper-like displays that are gentle on the eyes, e-readers make it easy to carry an entire library in a slim, portable form. Still, they’re just one more device to remember, and that means they’re often left behind when the opportunity to read arises. Smartphones don’t quite match the experience, but since they’re always close at hand, they tend to become the go-to option for squeezing in a few pages during a busy day.

A new phone case called LogCase was designed to solve this problem. On the back is a large, full-color E Ink display that keeps an e-reader always at the ready. It can be used for other purposes as well, like continuously displaying important information without having to drain the phone’s battery by keeping the main screen on. Or you could use it to display works of art for a unique, ever-changing case appearance.

LogCase uses the Spectra 6 panel, which employs six different pigments to produce up to 60,000 colors. The result is an image quality that closely resembles printed paper, complete with a matte finish that avoids glare and blue light. Unlike traditional screens, the display consumes no power once an image is set, allowing it to remain visible indefinitely.

The most interesting aspect of this device is how the display is powered. Rather than relying on a built-in battery, LogCase harvests energy directly from a smartphone’s NFC field. This is the same wireless technology used for contactless payments, but here it is pushed far beyond typical use. Driving a Spectra 6 panel requires carefully controlled high-voltage waveforms over nearly 20 seconds, all supplied in real time through NFC alone. According to the developer, achieving a full-color refresh under these constraints required months of iteration, multiple PCB revisions, and a newly filed patent.

The case itself is made from a rigid polycarbonate inner frame that provides structural strength, while a shock-absorbing TPU outer layer helps protect against drops. The E Ink panel is covered by a 0.5-mm-thick layer of tempered glass, chosen for both durability and optical clarity. CNC-machined aluminum buttons add the finishing touch.

Compatibility is currently focused on the latest devices like the iPhone 17 Pro and the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models, with support for MagSafe accessories and standard NFC functions such as mobile payments. One limitation is that features like NameDrop may be affected due to the proximity of the case’s NFC antenna.

LogCase is currently being offered on Kickstarter with rewards starting at $69. The first units are expected to ship in June 2026.