Boox Palma 2 Pro: A Compact Android-Powered E-Reader That Deters Smartphone Reading

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The $400 Boox Palma 2 Pro is a smartphone-sized E Ink device running Android, aimed at users seeking a portable, eye-friendly reading experience with access to a range of apps.

The Boox Palma 2 Pro, priced at $400, presents a unique option in the e-reader market by combining a compact, smartphone-sized E Ink display with the versatility of Android OS. Unlike conventional e-readers that lock users into proprietary software ecosystems, this device supports Google Play, enabling access to popular reading apps such as Kindle, Kobo, and Libby, as well as audiobook, podcast, and productivity applications. This makes it a crossover between a Kindle and a small Android tablet.

One of its key appeals is its size and weight: at just 175 grams, it is lighter and easier to hold in one hand compared to typical larger e-readers or smartphones. Its pocket-friendly dimensions meant the reviewer carried it everywhere, using moments normally reserved for phone scrolling to read instead. The front-lit E Ink screen features adjustable cool and warm lighting, with an exceptionally low brightness setting suitable for nighttime reading without disturbing others.

The Palma 2 Pro also offers features uncommon in similar devices, including a rear camera for document scanning, a built-in speaker for audio playback without headphones, and cellular connectivity via a hybrid SIM slot. It supports stylus input for note-taking and PDF annotation, although the reviewer did not test this functionality.

Battery life extends 5 to 7 days per charge—adequate but shorter than some traditional e-readers known for their multi-week endurance. Users can extend usage time by disabling Wi-Fi. However, the device exhibits notable screen ghosting, where remnants of previous pages linger after page turns; a manual refresh button helps mitigate this but may become tedious.

Performance-wise, some third-party apps not optimized for E Ink screens can feel sluggish, and color rendering, though supported, is less vibrant than on smartphone displays. Despite these compromises, the Palma 2 Pro’s blend of portability, comfort, and app access addresses the needs of readers who prefer a dedicated device over reading on their phones to reduce eye strain.

Looking ahead, Boox plans to release a non-Pro Palma 3 model at $340, which will offer a simpler black-and-white display and replace the current Palma 2 version. Overall, the Palma 2 Pro suits readers desiring a compact, versatile e-reader who value convenience and app flexibility, though its higher price and some screen limitations may deter users committed to traditional Kindle-style readers.