If you’re wondering if the Palma 2 is worth adding to your tech lineup, especially if you’re looking for a dedicated reading device that fits right in your pocket, then you’ve come to the right place. In a world full of flashy smartphones vying for our attention, the Onyx Boox Palma 2 steps in with a unique proposition: a pocket-sized e-reader designed to bring the comfort of E-Ink to an Android-powered, smartphone-like form factor. This isn’t just another Kindle clone. it’s a device that aims to be your distraction-free reading companion, offering the flexibility of a full Android system without the constant pull of social media and endless notifications.
So, is the Palma 2 a must, or just an interesting niche product? After spending a good amount of time with it, I can tell you it’s a bit of both. It nails portability and reading comfort, offering full access to the Google Play Store, which is a huge deal for many readers. However, it also comes with a few quirks, like a plastic build that can feel a bit flimsy, a fiddly fingerprint sensor, and a price tag that makes you think twice. Ultimately, if you’re someone who craves a dedicated reading device that’s easy on the eyes, fits in any pocket, and can run all your favorite Android apps without getting you sucked into the smartphone vortex, the Palma 2 is definitely a strong contender. Just remember, it’s an e-reader first, not a smartphone replacement. You can find the Onyx Boox Palma 2 and a range of e-readers on Amazon to see current pricing and availability.
What is the Boox Palma 2? Unpacking the Concept
The Onyx Boox Palma 2 really stands out in a crowded market because it blurs the lines between a traditional e-reader and a minimalist smartphone. Think of it as an E-Ink reader that took inspiration from phone design, rather than just being a tablet-shaped device. It’s built around the idea of mindful living, giving you access to all your digital content on an eye-friendly screen without the typical smartphone distractions.
What makes this concept so appealing is its open Android system. Unlike many dedicated e-readers that lock you into a specific ecosystem like Amazon’s Kindle store or Kobo’s library, the Palma 2 runs on Android 13. This means you get the full power of the Google Play Store, letting you download virtually any reading app you want—Kindle, Kobo, Libby, Audible, your favorite news apps, and even productivity tools. It’s like having a miniature Android tablet, but with a display that’s specifically designed for reading and doesn’t strain your eyes like an LCD or OLED screen. The goal here isn’t to replace your phone, but to offer an alternative for your reading and focused tasks. If you’re looking to explore different Android E-readers, the Palma 2 is definitely one to consider.
Design and Build: A Closer Look at its Pocketable Charm
When you first pick up the Palma 2, its design is what immediately grabs your attention. It’s distinctly smartphone-like, but with the unique texture and feel of an E-Ink device.
Size and Weight: Seriously Portable
The Palma 2 truly earns its “pocket-sized” moniker. Measuring in at about 159 x 80 x 8.0 mm and weighing around 170 grams, it’s significantly smaller and lighter than many modern smartphones, and definitely lighter than a typical Kindle Paperwhite. For comparison, my Kindle Paperwhite weighs about 205g, making the Palma 2 noticeably more comfortable for long reading sessions, especially with one hand. This compact size is a huge win for portability. you can easily slip it into your jeans pocket, a small purse, or even the pocket of your lounge pants at home. This is a huge advantage for reading on the go, whether you’re commuting, waiting in line, or just moving around the house. Muse s athena eeg powered meditation and sleep headband review
Materials and Aesthetics: Plastic Fantastic?
The device features an entirely plastic body, which contributes to its incredibly light weight. While this helps with portability, some reviewers have noted that it can feel a bit “flimsy” or less premium than other devices, especially for its price point. I’ve seen comments on Reddit where users reported minor scratches or stains after a short time, even with careful handling, so you might want to consider a protective Palma 2 case to keep it looking new. The back has a textured finish, which I actually really like, as it provides a good grip and feels nice in the hand, making it less likely to slip. It comes in classic black or white editions, which keeps its appearance understated and focused on function.
Buttons and Ports: Thoughtful Layout
Onyx Boox put some thought into the physical controls on the Palma 2.
- Power Button with Fingerprint Sensor: This is located near the top and also doubles as a fingerprint scanner. While a great idea for quick unlocking and privacy, the execution gets mixed reviews. Some find it fast and reliable, while others, myself included, sometimes have to position their finger “just so” for it to register correctly. It’s still generally more convenient than typing a passcode on an E-Ink screen, but it’s not always perfect.
- Volume/Page-Turn Buttons: On the side, you’ll find physical volume buttons that can be customized to act as page-turn buttons, which is fantastic for one-handed reading. This is a feature many e-reader enthusiasts appreciate and is a huge plus for comfort.
- Smart Button: There’s also a customizable smart button on the left side, which you can program for various functions like going to the home screen, launching an app, or a multitasking switcher. This level of customization is something you just don’t get on most standard e-readers.
- USB-C Port and MicroSD Card Slot: The Palma 2 features a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, which also supports OTG On-The-Go for connecting peripherals. Crucially, it has a microSD card slot, allowing you to expand the already generous 128GB of internal storage by up to 2TB! This is amazing for anyone with a massive digital library.
- No Headphone Jack: Like many modern devices, it skips the 3.5mm headphone jack, meaning you’ll rely on Bluetooth headphones or the built-in speaker for audio.
Display: Your Eyes Will Thank You Mostly
The display is, without a doubt, the heart of any e-reader, and the Palma 2 aims to deliver a top-notch experience.
E-Ink Carta 1200: Crisp and Clear
The Palma 2 sports a 6.13-inch HD Carta 1200 glass screen with a flat cover lens, boasting a sharp 300 PPI pixels per inch resolution. This high pixel density means text looks incredibly crisp and clear, almost like real ink on paper, which is a huge benefit for reducing eye strain during long reading sessions. The contrast is excellent, making every letter pop off the page. Pixelmug P1 AI Enhanced Mug with Pixel Display Review: Your Desk Just Got a Whole Lot More Interesting
Front Lighting: Read Anytime, Anywhere
To ensure comfortable reading in any lighting condition, the Palma 2 includes a dual-tone front light system, allowing you to adjust both brightness and color temperature warm to cold. There’s also a light sensor that can automatically adjust the screen brightness based on your environment. This is super handy, especially for those who read late at night or frequently switch between different lighting conditions. The flicker-free front light, powered by DC, is another great feature for eye comfort, distinguishing it from many LCDs and OLEDs that use PWM Pulse-Width Modulation which can cause strain for some.
Refresh Rate and Ghosting: The E-Ink Reality
As with any E-Ink device, the refresh rate isn’t going to be as instantaneous as your smartphone’s OLED screen. However, Onyx Boox utilizes its proprietary Super Refresh Technology BSR with four refresh modes to improve performance and minimize ghosting where faint traces of previous text or images remain. While you’ll still notice some ghosting, particularly in faster refresh modes, it’s generally well-managed, and in HD mode, it becomes barely noticeable. Scrolling through web pages or navigating menus feels smoother than on many other e-ink devices, though it’s definitely not smartphone-smooth. If you’re used to the instant responsiveness of a phone, there will be a slight adjustment period. Investing in quality E-ink display screen protectors can help maintain your screen’s integrity.
Aspect Ratio & Content Types: Where It Shines and Struggles
The Palma 2’s 2:1 aspect ratio, similar to many modern smartphones, is a key part of its pocketable design. This is fantastic for reading standard novels and articles, providing a comfortable, narrow column of text that’s easy to follow with one hand.
However, this elongated screen isn’t ideal for all types of content. Many users, including myself, find it less than optimal for PDFs, graphic novels, and comics. The smaller screen and unusual ratio often mean you have to do a lot of zooming and panning, which can be frustrating and break the immersion. If you primarily read these types of materials, a larger e-reader might be a better fit. Audio-Technica AT-LP60X Turntable Review: Your Ultimate Guide to Vinyl Bliss
Software and Performance: Android in an E-Ink World
This is where the Palma 2 truly differentiates itself from basic e-readers.
Open Android 13 with Google Play Store: The Game Changer
Running on an open Android 13 operating system with a pre-installed Google Play Store is arguably the Palma 2’s biggest selling point. This means you’re not locked into a single ecosystem. You can download virtually any Android app, transforming the Palma 2 into a highly versatile device. Want to read books from your Kindle library? No problem, download the Kindle app. Prefer Kobo or Libby for library books? You got it. You can even use apps like Audible for audiobooks, various news aggregators, or light productivity tools. This flexibility is something traditional e-readers simply can’t offer and dramatically expands your access to content.
Processor and RAM: Under the Hood
The Palma 2 is equipped with an upgraded octa-core CPU and a substantial 6GB of RAM, coupled with 128GB of internal storage expandable via microSD. For an e-reader, these are impressive specs. What does that mean for you?
- Reading Apps: Navigating through reading apps is generally snappy and responsive. Text renders quickly, and page turns are smooth.
- Demanding Apps: While you can install things like YouTube, social media, or even some light games, the e-ink display’s inherent refresh rate limitations mean the experience won’t be as smooth or enjoyable as on a regular smartphone. The Palma 2 isn’t designed for high-refresh-rate media consumption, and trying to force it into that role will likely lead to disappointment.
- Upgrade from Palma 1: Some reviews point out that while the processor is “upgraded” from the original Palma, the real-world performance difference isn’t always significant, especially for reading tasks. So, if you own the original Palma, the performance boost alone might not justify an upgrade.
Customization: Making It Yours
Onyx Boox is known for its extensive software customization options, and the Palma 2 is no exception. You can tweak almost everything to your liking:
- Button Mapping: Customize the volume and smart buttons for various functions, not just globally, but also on a per-app basis. For example, you can set the volume buttons to turn pages in the Kindle app, which is super convenient.
- Refresh Modes: Adjust the refresh rate modes to balance between speed and ghosting based on your activity.
- NeoReader: The default reading app, NeoReader, is packed with features. You can highlight, add notes, translate text, use a dictionary, search within books, and even leverage AI for lookups. This is far more functionality than you’d get with a basic e-reader. The software is stable, and regular updates help keep it running smoothly.
Battery Life: How Long Can You Go?
The Palma 2 houses a 3,950mAh Li-ion Polymer battery. For an Android device, this is a decent size, and combined with the power-efficient E-Ink display, it delivers impressive battery life, though you need to manage your expectations if you’re coming from a basic Kindle. Unboxing the Beast: First Impressions
Unlike Kindles which can famously last for weeks, or even months on a single charge with light use, the Palma 2’s Android operating system consumes more power.
- Realistic Usage: With regular reading a few hours a day, you can expect anywhere from five to ten days of battery life.
- Light Usage: If you’re only reading for an hour a day, some users have reported getting several weeks, even up to 6-7 weeks, which is fantastic!
- Factors Affecting Life: Your actual battery life will depend heavily on various factors: screen brightness, refresh rate settings, how many apps you have running in the background, and how much you use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
While it might not match the marathon endurance of a basic Kindle, for an Android device with its capabilities, the battery performance is excellent and easily makes it a multi-day companion. You won’t be constantly scrambling for a charger, which is a big win for portability. For extended trips or heavy usage, a small portable power bank for e-readers could be a useful addition.
Additional Features: The Good, The Bad, and The Questionable
Beyond its core reading experience, the Palma 2 includes a few extra features that add to its “smartphone-like” appeal, though some are more useful than others.
Camera: For Documents, Not Selfies
Yes, the Palma 2 has a 16MP rear camera with an LED flash. But let’s be clear: this isn’t for snapping Instagram-worthy photos of your meals or your latest travel adventures. Its primary purpose is for scanning documents and QR codes. Given the monochrome E-Ink display, you’ll see a grayscale preview, and while you can export images in color, the quality isn’t going to rival your smartphone. There’s no front-facing camera either, so forget about video calls or selfies. It’s a utilitarian addition, not a photographic powerhouse. Uniq Design Lyden DS AirPods 4th Gen Case Review: Is It the Perfect Pick for Your New Buds?
Water Repellency vs. Waterproofing
The official specifications mention a “water repellent design,” which is good news for accidental splashes or light rain. However, it’s crucial to understand that “water repellent” is not the same as “waterproof.” There’s no official IPX rating for the Palma 2, so you shouldn’t submerge it or expose it to heavy downpours. It’s fine for reading by the pool as long as you’re careful, but I wouldn’t take it into the bath without a waterproof pouch, unlike some Kindles or Kobo devices that offer proper waterproofing.
Speakers and Microphones
The Palma 2 comes with a built-in speaker and dual microphones. This is great for those who enjoy audiobooks or podcasts, especially since many popular audiobook apps are available via the Google Play Store. The sound quality from the speaker is decent for spoken word, but for podcast, you’ll likely want to pair it with some Bluetooth headphones for a better experience. The microphones are useful for voice notes or interacting with certain apps, though the quality might not be studio-grade.
Who is the Palma 2 For? Is It Your Next E-Reader?
The Palma 2 occupies a really interesting space, and it’s not for everyone. But for the right person, it’s an absolute winner.
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- A Dedicated Reader Seeking Portability: This is its strongest suit. If you want an e-reader that genuinely fits in your pocket and is always with you, the Palma 2 is unparalleled. It’s perfect for commuters, travelers, or anyone who finds themselves with short bursts of reading time throughout the day.
- Looking for a Digital Detox: Many people use the Palma 2 as a way to reduce their smartphone addiction. By offering an E-Ink screen with Android app access, it allows you to read your favorite books or articles without the constant temptation of social media notifications, flashy colors, or endless scrolling.
- Someone Who Experiences Eye Strain from Phone Screens: E-Ink displays are incredibly easy on the eyes, mimicking real paper. If you find reading on your phone or tablet tiring or uncomfortable, the Palma 2 offers a much gentler alternative.
- An Android App Enthusiast: If you have multiple reading apps Kindle, Kobo, Libby, etc. and want a single device to access all your digital libraries without being tied to one ecosystem, the open Android system is a huge advantage.
- Seeking a Secondary Smart Device: It’s great for light productivity like checking emails without notifications, using a calendar, or even some simple note-taking, all on an eye-friendly display.
You might want to reconsider the Palma 2 if you are:
- On a Tight Budget: At its price point around $299.99, the Palma 2 is more expensive than many popular Kindles or other basic e-readers. If your sole purpose is basic reading and you don’t need Android’s versatility, cheaper options exist.
- Expecting a Smartphone Replacement: Despite its phone-like appearance, the Palma 2 does not have cellular connectivity no SIM card slot. It’s Wi-Fi only, so it cannot make calls or use mobile data like a phone.
- A Heavy Reader of PDFs, Comics, or Graphic Novels: The 6.13-inch screen and its 2:1 aspect ratio are not ideal for these formats, often requiring excessive zooming and panning.
- Expecting Smartphone-Level Performance: While snappy for an E-Ink device, the refresh rate isn’t suitable for media, gaming, or rapid scrolling.
- Needing Advanced Writing Capabilities: Unlike some larger Boox tablets, the Palma 2 doesn’t support a stylus for writing or note-taking.
Palma 2 vs. The Competition: Why Choose This Unique Device?
In a world dominated by Kindles and other larger e-readers, the Palma 2 really carves out its own niche.
When you look at popular devices like the Kindle Paperwhite or Kobo Libra 2, the Palma 2 stands out primarily because of its pocketable size and open Android system. Kindles are fantastic, offering great battery life often several weeks and a seamless reading experience within Amazon’s ecosystem. However, they are generally larger, don’t fit in most pockets, and are locked down to their proprietary software. The Palma 2, while offering a shorter battery life than a Kindle a week vs. a month, gives you the freedom to choose any reading app and carry it everywhere with ease.
Compared to its predecessor, the original Boox Palma, the Palma 2 is a minor update. It mostly offers an updated Android 13 OS vs. Android 11, a slightly improved processor though not a huge real-world difference, and the addition of a fingerprint sensor. If you have the original, the upgrade isn’t mandatory unless Android 13 and the fingerprint sensor are deal-breakers for you. Drop The Lord of the Rings Black Speech CSTM65 Keyboard Review: Is It Worth The Journey To Mordor?
There are other small E-Ink devices out there, like the Bigme HiBreak. The key distinction often lies in whether they are truly an e-reader or an “E-Ink smartphone.” Devices like the Bigme HiBreak Color actually include a SIM card slot for cellular connectivity, turning them into minimalist E-Ink smartphones. The Palma 2, on the other hand, does not have cellular capabilities. it’s strictly Wi-Fi only, reinforcing its identity as a focused reading device.
So, why choose the Palma 2? It’s for the reader who values extreme portability and Android’s versatility, accepting the E-Ink limitations and higher price tag for a truly focused, pocketable reading experience that helps reduce digital distractions. It’s a unique blend of convenience and intentionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Boox Palma 2 replace my smartphone?
No, the Boox Palma 2 cannot replace your smartphone. While it has a smartphone-like form factor and runs Android, it does not have a SIM card slot or cellular connectivity. It is a Wi-Fi-only device, meaning you cannot make traditional phone calls or use mobile data on it. It’s designed as a dedicated e-reader and a tool for digital detox, not a full-fledged phone replacement.
Is the Palma 2 good for reading comics or PDFs?
The Palma 2 is generally not ideal for reading comics, graphic novels, or PDFs due to its smaller 6.13-inch screen and 2:1 aspect ratio. While you can open these files, you’ll likely find yourself constantly zooming and panning, which can be frustrating and detract from the reading experience. For these content types, a larger e-reader with a more traditional screen aspect ratio would provide a much better experience.
How is the battery life compared to a Kindle?
The Palma 2’s battery life is excellent for an Android device, but typically shorter than a basic Kindle. Kindles, running simpler software, can often last for weeks or even months on a single charge. The Palma 2, with its more power-hungry Android 13 OS and access to many apps, usually offers several days to about a week of battery life with regular use. Light users might stretch it to a few weeks. Battery performance varies significantly based on usage brightness, Wi-Fi, apps running. Xiaomi Mi Bedside Lamp 2 Review: Still a Smart Buy in 2025?
Does the Palma 2 have a color screen?
No, the Boox Palma 2 features a monochrome E-Ink Carta 1200 display. This means it displays content in black and white, similar to traditional paper. While it offers excellent contrast and clarity for text, it does not show colors. If you’re looking for an E-Ink device with a color screen, you’d need to consider other models, often from Boox itself, that use newer color E-Ink technology.
Can I install apps like Kindle and Libby on the Palma 2?
Yes, absolutely! One of the biggest advantages of the Palma 2 is its open Android 13 operating system with full access to the Google Play Store. This allows you to download and install a wide variety of reading apps, including popular ones like Kindle, Kobo, Libby for library books, Audible, and many more. This flexibility means you’re not locked into a single digital ecosystem.
Is the fingerprint scanner reliable?
The fingerprint scanner, integrated into the power button, is a convenient security feature, but its reliability receives mixed reviews. Some users find it fast and consistent, while others, like myself, occasionally find it fiddly, requiring precise finger placement for it to work. It’s generally better than typing a passcode on an E-Ink screen, but it might not be as flawless as the fingerprint scanners on modern smartphones.
Is the Boox Palma 2 waterproof?
The Boox Palma 2 is described as having a “water repellent design,” but it is not officially waterproof and does not have an IPX rating. This means it should be fine against splashes or light rain, but it is not designed to be submerged in water. For full waterproofing, you would need to look for devices with an official IP rating, like some models from Kindle or Kobo.
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