The Boox Palma is an intriguing device that merges the functionality of an Android tablet with the familiar experience of an e-ink display, commonly associated with e-readers like the Kindle. You can see it in action in my latest review.
At first glance, it might be mistaken for a smartphone due to its compact size and form factor, but its real purpose becomes apparent upon closer inspection of its unique display. It’s pricey at $279 (compensated affiliate link) so the audience here may be a bit limited.
The Palma has a 6.13-inch e-ink display with a resolution of 824 by 1648 and a 300 DPI dot pitch, mimicking the display quality of a typical laser printer or printed book. Like the Kindle, it includes a side light that evenly illuminates the screen with an adjustable color temperature. Despite the screen being smaller than the average Kindle, the size and weight—170 grams—make it an option for those who travel frequently and prefer a lightweight, portable reading device.
It also includes a 16-megapixel rear camera, which, while adequate for basic photography, is more suited for document scanning with the included app, which also offers optical character recognition. In fact Boox doesn’t even include a default camera app for photos so you’ll need to get one from the Google Play store. The absence of a front-facing camera and a headphone jack might be a drawback for some users, although Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity are available.
The Palma’s build quality, while predominantly plastic, doesn’t feel cheap. The back of the device features a textured finish that feels like pulpy paper.
One of the Palma’s standout features is its ability to run any Android app, including popular reading apps like Kindle and Nook. The device allows users to adjust the refresh mode settings, optimizing the display performance for different types of content. It should be noted that the high performance modes will degrade the battery life as it must update the screen more frequently.
The battery life is impressive, particularly when used for reading without the side light, offering up to 12-13 hours of usage when using more typical android apps and longer with reading apps that don’t tax its processor.
The Palma also supports basic web browsing, and although it can play videos on apps like YouTube, the experience is suboptimal due to the limitations of the e-ink display. Additionally, while the device is capable of handling emails and simple tasks, the latency in the touch response, particularly when typing, can be frustrating.
In terms of performance, the Palma is powered by an unspecified processor, accompanied by 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, expandable via an SD card slot. While it isn’t designed for gaming or intensive tasks, it handles its primary functions—reading and light app usage—adequately.
One notable limitation is the lack of support for a dedicated stylus, which might have enhanced its appeal for note-taking or drawing.
The device runs on Android 11, and while it’s not the latest version, the company has committed to providing updates for at least three years. However, the latest update provided security patches only up to January of 2024.
The Boox Palma stands out as a versatile e-reader that offers much more flexibility than traditional devices in its category. Its Android foundation allows users to access a wide range of reading apps and customize their experience, making it an appealing option for avid readers who seek more control over their digital library. While it may not replace a smartphone or a more robust tablet, its niche appeal lies in its ability to bridge the gap between a dedicated e-reader and an Android tablet.