The $400 Boox Palma 2 Pro is a smartphone-sized e-reader designed for people who want to read books, articles, and documents on a small E Ink display. However, it offers more than just a dedicated reading experience because it runs Android and supports Google Play, giving you access to third-party apps. Think of it as a cross between a Kindle and a compact Android tablet.
What drew me to reviewing the Palma 2 Pro was its size. When I’m not reading a physical book, I like to lie on my side and read at night before bed. Most e-readers are squarish and hard to hold without something like a PopSocket, and they can feel too big for reading while lying down. So even though I own a Kindle, I often ended up reading on my iPhone simply because it was more comfortable in my hand. But, reading on your phone for too long can of course cause eye strain. The Palma 2 Pro ultimately solved this problem for me during the two months I spent testing it.
The device’s front-lit screen lets you choose between cool and warm lighting. This was a big plus for me because when I’m reading in bed at night, I don’t want to disturb my sleeping husband with the light. While you can lower the brightness on a smartphone, the Palma 2 Pro can be dimmed to an exceptionally low level. Even when reading in complete darkness, I could see the screen clearly without straining my eyes or disturbing my husband.
Not only was the Boox Palma 2 Pro easier on my eyes, but it was also noticeably lighter than my iPhone, weighing just 175 grams and making it even more comfortable to hold.
And since it’s pocket-sized, I ended up carrying it everywhere, from the doctor’s office to the airport, especially since it fits in my small, everyday purse that isn’t big enough for a Kindle. So, in moments when I would normally scroll on my phone, I was getting some reading in instead.
Since it’s not a locked-down e-reader, you can download apps like Kindle, Kobo, and Libby, as well as apps for audiobooks, podcasts, read-it-later services, and email. This means that you don’t have to use the built-in reader app, and can choose to read on your preferred app.
Access to apps turns the compact E Ink device into a versatile tool for reading, research, and productivity. It’s worth noting that while scrolling through these apps, animations and some interfaces may feel sluggish because not all apps are optimized for E Ink. And while the device is capable of displaying color, images will definitely look less vibrant than they would a smartphone screen.
For me, the Palma 2 Pro became a dedicated device for reading and listening to audiobooks, which allowed me to enjoy the best of both worlds without the usual distractions that come with a smartphone.
The Boox Palma 2 Pro also features a rear camera for scanning documents, a built-in speaker for listening to audio without headphones, and a hybrid SIM slot for cellular data on the go.
The device is compatible with a stylus, so you can take notes and mark up PDFs. However, I can’t speak to that experience since I didn’t receive a stylus with my review unit.
As for battery life, the device lasted about 5–7 days, which worked for me but could be a downside for people who are used to Kindles, which can last for weeks on a single charge. Additionally, if you want to get more juice out of the device, you can just turn off Wi-Fi.
One downside I found, especially for an e-reader at this price point, is that there’s quite a bit of ghosting. Text from a previous page can linger on the screen when you turn to the next page or return to the home screen. There’s a refresh button in the navigation bar that quickly clears it, but it may get annoying for some users to repeatedly have to do that.
I think the Boox Palma 2 Pro is a great device for a very specific type of reader: someone who wants a smartphone-sized device for comfort, portability, as well as access to apps. If you’re someone who loves your Kindle, I don’t think this device is for you. But if, like me, you’re tired of reading on your phone and dealing with eye strain or headaches, the Boox Palma 2 Pro is a great option.
Of course, the price is quite steep for an e-reader, so you’ll have to decide whether the added versatility and portability are worth the extra cost. It’s worth mentioning that Boox is launching a non-Pro Palma 3 soon for $340 that features a black and white display and replaces the Palma 2.
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Aisha is a consumer news reporter at TechCrunch. Prior to joining the publication in 2021, she was a telecom reporter at MobileSyrup. Aisha holds an honours bachelor’s degree from University of Toronto and a master’s degree in journalism from Western University.
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