Boox Palma 2 Review: The Powerful E-Reader That Fits in Your Hand

Boox returned in late 2024 with a new iteration of its compact e-reader: the Boox Palma 2, an E Ink reading device designed to easily slip into any pocket. So, while this is indeed a review, the Boox Palma 2 isn't strictly just an e-reader - it's much more than that!

Introducing the Boox Palma 2

The Boox Palma 2 is a small e-reader arriving less than two years after its predecessor, which I covered at its launch.

This time, things have been updated with a more powerful device bringing some interesting improvements for content consumers looking for something much gentler on the eyes.

First off, there's a newer version of Android (version 13) and a fingerprint sensor to secure your apps. We also get faster internal components thanks to a new octa-core processor.

The form factor remains that of a modern smartphone, featuring a 6.13-inch E Ink Carta 1200 display with a resolution of 824 x 1648 pixels. This yields 300 PPI – matching the quality of the best e-readers on the market.

Inside the box, you'll find the device itself, a lightweight protective case, a quick start guide, and a USB cable.

Let's be clear: this is a device that looks like a smartphone and offers almost everything a smartphone does (except for making calls), but it has an E Ink screen. That's why this review is a bit different.

Handling: Perfect

The feel in hand is excellent. I love the texture of the plastic on the back of the Boox Palma 2; it has a soft, pleasant-to-the-touch finish that reminds me of crinkled paper.

You'll find a power button with an integrated fingerprint sensor, volume buttons (which can also be used for page turning), and another button that seems primarily useful for taking photos and videos.

Yes, you read that right – this device also lets you take photos and videos, although the quality isn't always great...

It includes speakers for listening to music or audiobooks, and there's an SD card slot for expansion. I'll let you check out the full spec list later if you're interested.

Screen and Ebook Reading

The main point of interest, naturally, is the Boox Palma 2's screen.

With its tall, "smartphone-style" format (6.13-inch E Ink Carta 1200 display, 824 x 1648 resolution), you end up with very short lines of text when holding the device vertically (portrait mode).

If you hold it horizontally (landscape mode), you get longer lines of text but fewer lines displayed, forcing you to turn pages more often.

This isn't an issue if you prefer small font sizes. However, if you want to display larger text, you might find it somewhat uncomfortable.

Fortunately, you can use Android reading apps from Kindle, Kobo, or Pocketbook.

Using these apps provides the typical smartphone reading experience but on a beautiful, high-definition E Ink screen that renders text perfectly with excellent sharpness, easily rivaling high-end competitor e-readers.

I tested it with the Kindle app, and it works flawlessly, overcoming some shortcomings of the device's native ebook reading application.

To get the best ebook reading experience on the Boox Palma 2, I strongly recommend trying out various third-party apps to find the one that suits you best.

Furthermore, the device features a very good frontlight with a blue light filter. This tints the screen a warm yellow/orange color, helping to limit the negative effects this type of lighting can have on your eyes and brain.

Android Apps for Everything

Since this device runs Android and comes with the Google Play Store pre-installed, you can expand its functionality by installing numerous apps, including:

• YouTube
• Cafeyn
• Kindle
• Kobo
• Pocketbook
• Etc.

Given its E Ink screen, applications demanding fast refresh rates, like video playback or games, will inevitably offer a degraded visual experience.

However, for consuming media like PDFs, EPUBs, Mangas, and Webtoons, you'll experience similar comfort – albeit in black and white. If you already consume these formats on a smartphone, you'll manage just fine.

The Real Benefit of the Boox Palma 2

That said, I found a specific, compelling use case: watching YouTube on the Boox Palma 2.

I tend to consume most of my video content at night. If I spend an hour or two on my smartphone between 8 PM and 10 PM, I subsequently have trouble falling asleep.

This isn't surprising: traditional screens on smartphones and tablets are known to be detrimental, significantly interfering with our ability to fall asleep, as well as the quality and duration of sleep.

The Boox Palma 2 completely solves this problem! Its effectiveness is truly astonishing. Watching videos on the E Ink screen has a vastly different effect on the brain compared to a traditional screen.

This is where the device truly shines: it allows you to ease into a "digital detox" gradually. Instead of completely stopping yourself from consuming online content, you consume it on a different type of device equipped with an E Ink screen.

Technical specifications of the Boox Palma 2

Here are the technical specifications of the Boox Palma 2:

• Processor: Qualcomm Octa-core (6350) + GPU BSR (BOOX Super Refresh)
• RAM: 6 GB LPDDR4X
• Storage: 128 GB UFS 3.1
• Type: 6.13 inch HD Carta 1200 glass screen with flat protective lens
• Resolution: 824 x 1648 (300 DPI) / Regal Technology
• Touch: Dual touch (Capacitive)
• Lighting: Front lighting with CTM (Adjustable Color Temperature - Warm and Cold)
• Battery
• 3950 mAh Li-ion Polymer
• Power button with fingerprint recognition, Volume / Page Turn Buttons, Customizable Function Button
• USB-C (supports OTG)
• microSD card slot (supports up to 2 TB max.)
• Audio speaker and Microphone
• Ambient light sensor, Accelerometer (G-sensor)
• Camera: 16 Megapixels with LED flash
• Wi-Fi: Dual band (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz)
• Bluetooth: BT 5.0
• Operating System: Android 13

Supported File Formats:

• Documents: PDF (redistributable/reflowable), EPUB, Adobe DRM, TXT, RTF, HTML, CHM, DOC, FB2
• Images: PNG, JPG, TIFF, GIF, BMP
• Audio: WAV, MP3
• Features: TTS (Text-to-Speech), Dictionary, Calendar, and more
• Languages: All languages supported by Android 13
• Firmware Update: OTA (Over-The-Air) update or local update

Physical characteristics:

• Dimensions: 159 x 80 x 8.0 mm
• Weight: Approximately 170 g
• Colors: Black, White

eReader : Boox Palma 2

	Boox Palma 2
Image
Screen size	6.13"
Resolution	824 x 1648 pixels (300 PPI)
Color	No
Backlight	Yes
Waterproof	No
Storage	128 GB
Pen / Stylus	No
SD card	Yes (microSD)
Ebook formats	PDF (redistributable/reflowable), EPUB, Adobe DRM, TXT, RTF, HTML, CHM, DOC, FB2, MP3, WAV, PNG, JPG, TIFF, GIF, BMP
Blue light filter	Yes
Other	Operating System: Android 13, Bluetooth 5, Camera (16 Megapixels with LED flash)
Review	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Link (where to buy?)	Check the price on amazon.com

Conclusion: Yes!

If you're seeking an all-in-one device with a quality E Ink screen, the Boox Palma 2 is seriously worth considering.

Its smartphone form factor makes it highly portable and comfortable to hold. Google Play access lets you run numerous apps, even allowing for video viewing if necessary.

You can use it to browse the internet, listen to music or audiobooks, and access your favorite reading apps like Kindle, Kobo, or Pocketbook.

In short, it's a versatile machine. And thanks to its E Ink screen, it's the most compelling device I've tested for attempting a digital detox, if that's something you're interested in.

However, if your priority is the absolute best possible reading experience, its tall, narrow screen can feel awkward. I find traditional e-readers are better suited for extended reading sessions.

This device is best suited for those already accustomed to reading on a smartphone who are looking for an option that's significantly gentler on the eyes.

Pros:

• Runs Android apps well
• Feature-rich
• Ideal for "digital detox" and for those hooked on their smartphones
• Excellent handling and portability

Cons:

• The screen could ideally be wider for optimal ebook reading
• The price (around €300 / ~$330 USD as of translation)

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