Forgetting about bright screens, reducing mobile phone use, and seeking healthier reading experiences is the dream of many. With the arrival of the BOOX Palma 2, this goal seems much more achievable. If you're one of those who can't put down their phone but are looking for something different, with fewer distractions and designed for consuming text content, this device can change your routine. Today we bring you an in-depth review of the BOOX Palma 2, a multifunction e-book reader that inherits the best of eReaders and fuses it with the features of a modern smartphone.
In the following lines, we'll tell you everything you need to know about the BOOX Palma 2 : from its concept to the daily user experience, its screen modes, performance, battery life, and of course, whether or not it's worth upgrading from a traditional eReader or even from its first version. It's a device that combines functionality and portability for those seeking an alternative to traditional e-readers.
What type of device is the BOOX Palma 2?
The BOOX Palma 2 is BOOX's latest offering for those seeking an e-reader that differs from the norm. Its 6,13-inch screen immediately stands out , a size strongly reminiscent of a compact smartphone. However, there's no backlit LCD screen or SIM card slot. What BOOX offers is a device designed specifically for reading and consuming text content , but with extended features that take it beyond a traditional e-reader.
It runs on Android 13 , which means access to the Google Play Store and the ability to install apps like Kindle, Moonreader, modern browsers, and music players like YouTube Music. However, its screen is an e-ink display , in black and white, with all the benefits—and limitations—that entails. It's not a mobile phone, but rather what we might call a smart reader: a smart and versatile e-reader.
Compact and portable design designed for everyday use
One of the most surprising aspects of holding the BOOX Palma 2 is its lightness and portability . Weighing just 170 grams and measuring only 8 mm thick, it's a discreet device that easily fits in any pocket or bag. The back features a textured surface that mimics crumpled paper, significantly improving grip and preventing annoying slippage during long reading sessions.
On the side, there's a physical button dedicated to manually refreshing the screen , very useful for clearing any traces or "ghosting" that might remain after multiple page turns or scrolls. The power button also incorporates a fingerprint sensor , adding an extra layer of security and privacy. However, in testing, this biometric reader can be somewhat frustrating at times due to its lower reliability compared to a conventional smartphone.
The ergonomic design , combined with its featherweight construction, makes it easy to read with one hand, even on public transport, with minimal fatigue. Furthermore, although it shares some visual similarities with traditional mobile phones, it's important to remember that it doesn't have a SIM card slot , so no calls or SMS messages.
High-quality e-ink display: experience and usage modes
The true essence of the Palma 2 lies in its 6,13-inch e-ink Carta 1200 screen with a very good resolution of 300 dpi . This technology provides a reading experience very similar to printed paper, without annoying reflections or the eye strain typical of conventional screens.
The text clarity is excellent, even in direct sunlight, making the device a perfect companion for reading both indoors and outdoors. For nighttime reading, it features a front-facing light system that adjusts both intensity and color temperature, allowing you to choose between a cooler or warmer tone depending on the ambient light. However, it's worth noting that the automatic brightness and temperature adjustment mode doesn't always work perfectly, sometimes resulting in insufficient or excessive intensity in certain situations.
Another major attraction is the variety of screen refresh modes , which are perfectly adapted to each type of use:
- HD: It offers the highest level of definition, ideal for reading books. This is the mode in which the screen behaves like the best eReader: sharp text without ghosting, although with slow refresh rates when changing pages or scrolling.
- BALANCE: Lowers the resolution slightly but increases speed. Recommended for reading long documents or PDFs where scrolling is constant.
- Fast: Even faster and perfect for web browsing, although it reduces typographic detail and some ghosting may appear.
- Ultrafast: The fastest mode, designed for video playback or situations where speed is more important than visual quality. The experience here isn't comparable to that of a tablet or mobile phone, but it's fine in emergencies.
The option to switch modes at any time and configure each app to always use its optimal mode is a highly appreciated feature by the most demanding users. For example, you can always have HD mode enabled in the Books app, while the web browser can launch directly in Fast or Ultrafast mode.
If ghosting or visual clutter occurs, simply press the refresh button to instantly clear the screen. All designed to maximize flexibility and control.
Performance, operating system and daily usability
Internally, the BOOX Palma 2 has evolved from its predecessor. It features an octa-core Qualcomm processor and 6GB of RAM , along with 128GB of internal storage . Furthermore, it supports microSD cards up to 2TB, so storage space will never be an issue.
It runs on Android 13 , which opens the door to downloading a multitude of applications from Google Play and customizing its use according to each user's interests. While it's true that Android 13 is somewhat outdated for the smartphone world, in the case of the Palma 2 it more than meets expectations, focusing on light tasks geared towards reading and document management.
The initial setup and usage experience is very similar to that of an Android phone: logging into Google, installing apps, setting up email accounts, etc. However, the nature of the e-ink screen means that more interactive tasks, such as writing long messages or navigating quickly through menus, aren't as fluid as on a mobile device. This is where BOOX attempts to compensate with its Super Refresh technology , which allows you to switch between fluidity and sharpness as needed.
Multitasking is perfectly viable: you can read a web article in Chrome while music plays on YouTube Music or even reply to messages from messaging apps, although the typing and scrolling experience is less pleasant in high-definition modes. If you enjoy reading, organizing documents, taking notes, checking your calendar, and staying connected to your favorite apps with fewer distractions, this device can become your little digital haven.
Extra features: camera, fingerprint reader and more
The BOOX Palma 2 features a 16 MP rear camera with LED flash, primarily used for document scanning . It comes with its own pre-installed app for easily digitizing text. While it can take photos, the quality is far from that of a mid-range phone, but it's sufficient for capturing quick notes or remembering a moment when you don't have your smartphone handy. Compatibility with third-party apps allows for even greater customization.
In terms of security, the fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button stands out. This feature helps prevent unauthorized access to the device, which is especially useful if you use it in public places or on public transport.
It also integrates dual speakers and microphones , making it easy to listen to podcasts or audiobooks without taking your phone out of your pocket. It's not meant to replace a dedicated music player, but it does offer some versatility.
Battery life and management
The BOOX Palma 2's 3.950 mAh battery is another of its key selling points. Thanks to the e-ink screen's extremely low power consumption, battery life is simply excellent. Avid readers can forget about the charger for days, even exceeding two weeks with moderate use including reading, occasional Wi-Fi browsing, and replying to messages.
In real-world tests, the percentage drop in battery life after long sessions is minimal. For example, playing an hour-long video at high brightness only results in a decrease of between 6% and 9%. Most of the battery drain comes from using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and push notifications, not so much from reading. For more efficient battery management, you can consult our complete guide on battery optimization for Android devices.
Charging, however, isn't particularly fast: reaching 50% can take an hour, and fully recharging the battery takes almost three hours. While this may seem like a long time, it's acceptable given the excellent battery life.
Who is the BOOX Palma 2 for?
The BOOX Palma 2 isn't for everyone. If you're looking for a complete mobile phone replacement for everyday use, you'll encounter the limitations of e-ink: scrolling isn't as smooth , typing can be slower, and certain content, like video, appears low-quality or uncomfortable.
However, if your goal is to reduce your exposure to bright screens , read anywhere, manage documents, take notes, or consume audio content with less distraction, the Palma 2 can be your best ally. It's ideal for those who want to disconnect from their phones but still have access to their reading, web articles, and even receive light notifications without getting caught up in the distractions of social media.
Due to its niche nature and price, around 300 euros, it may not be the most economical option, but it is one of the most versatile for those seeking a totally different and healthy experience.
After several weeks of use, it's clear that while it doesn't replace a smartphone or a traditional eReader in every situation, the BOOX Palma 2 more than fulfills its role as a smart reader and support device for those looking to change their digital habits. Improvements in speed, battery life, and customization make it a worthwhile option if it fits your needs and you're looking for something innovative. If you prioritize size, versatility, and a less distracting experience, this smartreader might be just what you need.
