BOOX Palma Mobile ePaper Review: the Future of E-Readers or Niche Device?

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The BOOX Palma Mobile ePaper is a unique device that blends the features of an e-reader with a smartphone-like form factor. Boasting a 6-inch E Ink display, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, a 16MP rear camera, and G-Sensor technology, this ePaper device is designed to deliver an immersive reading experience while offering smartphone-level performance. With front lighting for readability in all conditions and an Android-based system for app versatility, the BOOX Palma targets users who want an e-reader that can handle more than just reading—potentially becoming their go-to device for day-to-day tasks.

Design and Build

The BOOX Palma comes in a sleek, compact design, looking more like a smartphone than a traditional e-reader. The 6-inch ePaper display is encased in a slim, lightweight frame, making it easy to carry around in one hand or pocket. Its smooth, matte black finish gives it a premium look, while the minimalist design ensures it’s not cluttered with buttons or unnecessary bulk. The rear camera (16MP) is subtly integrated, maintaining a clean aesthetic. With its slightly curved edges and textured back for grip, the Palma is built for portability and long-term comfort. The inclusion of the G-Sensor enhances the overall user experience by allowing for automatic screen orientation changes based on how the device is held, just like a smartphone.

Technical Specifications

• Display: 6-inch E Ink Carta screen
• Resolution: 1448 × 1072 (300 ppi)
• RAM: 6GB
• Storage: 128GB internal storage (expandable via microSD)
• Processor: Qualcomm octa-core processor
• Camera: 16MP rear camera
• Battery: 3150mAh
• Operating System: Android 11
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C
• Features: Front light, G-Sensor, Smart Refresh, audio support (via Bluetooth or USB-C)
• Weight: Approx. 150g
• Dimensions: 158.6mm x 78mm x 6.8mm

BOOX Palma Performance

In terms of performance, the BOOX Palma performs exceptionally well as an e-reader while extending its functionality beyond reading. The 6-inch E Ink Carta screen offers excellent clarity and a paper-like reading experience with its 300 ppi resolution. The front light is adjustable, providing comfortable reading in low light or bright sunlight.

Navigating apps and multitasking is smooth, thanks to the Qualcomm octa-core processor paired with 6GB of RAM. While not a powerhouse like flagship smartphones, the Palma handles everyday tasks like reading, browsing, and light app use with ease. The Android 11 OS opens up the possibility to download various apps from the Google Play Store, including reading apps like Kindle or Audible, note-taking apps, and even basic social media apps.

The 16MP rear camera is functional for document scanning or occasional photos but isn’t designed for serious photography. Battery life is solid, offering up to several days of use when strictly used for reading, but moderate use of apps and browsing can reduce this to a day or two. The G-Sensor adds a touch of convenience by automatically switching screen orientation, making reading or browsing more seamless.

User Experience

The BOOX Palma’s user experience is tailored to avid readers who want more from their devices. The E Ink display is easy on the eyes, especially during long reading sessions, and the front light ensures you can read comfortably at any time of day. The Android interface is familiar and intuitive, although the E Ink screen’s refresh rate isn’t as fast as traditional displays, which might lead to some lag when using apps with a lot of scrolling or video.

Users will appreciate the flexibility of having an e-reader that also supports apps, document editing, and even light web browsing. The G-Sensor improves the device’s adaptability in different scenarios, and the ability to install third-party apps significantly expands its functionality beyond reading.

Compatibility and Ecosystem

BOOX Palma integrates well within the Android ecosystem, allowing access to a wide range of apps via the Google Play Store. You can sync it with cloud services, use reading apps like Kindle or Google Books, and even connect Bluetooth audio devices for listening to audiobooks or music. While it doesn’t fully replicate the experience of a smartphone, its app support makes it more versatile than a standard e-reader, blending into the broader Android ecosystem effortlessly.

Value for Money

The BOOX Palma is priced higher than standard e-readers but offers far more functionality in return. With the added features of app support, a rear camera, and 128GB of storage, it can serve as a hybrid device for reading, light productivity, and even basic smartphone tasks. For users who primarily focus on reading but want the flexibility to use apps or take notes, the Palma offers good value. However, it may not replace a traditional smartphone entirely due to the limitations of its ePaper display and lower performance for more intensive tasks.

Comparison with Other Products

Bottom Line

The BOOX Palma Mobile ePaper is a compelling hybrid device for users who want a more versatile reading experience with the added benefits of Android OS and app support. Its compact, smartphone-like design, high-resolution E Ink display, and useful features like the 16MP camera and G-Sensor make it a unique product in the e-reader market. The ability to install apps, access cloud services, and use the device for light productivity adds to its appeal, particularly for those who want more from their e-reader than just reading.

While it may not replace a traditional smartphone due to its E Ink screen and slower refresh rate, the Palma excels as a premium e-reader with extended functionality. Users who need a dedicated reading device but appreciate the flexibility of occasional smartphone-like tasks will find the BOOX Palma to be an excellent choice.

Pros:

Cons:

Overall Rating: 8/10

It’s a great hybrid device for readers who want more functionality without sacrificing the comfort of an E Ink screen. It serves as a premium e-reader with the flexibility to handle light smartphone tasks, making it ideal for users who prioritize reading but want a bit more versatility in their device.

Customer Reviews

Customers widely praise the BOOX Palma for its compact, phone-sized design, making it an ideal e-reader for portability and on-the-go reading, with many noting it fits easily into pockets and encourages more frequent reading by replacing the need to carry bulkier devices or books. The E Ink Carta 1200 display with 300 PPI resolution earns consistent acclaim for its sharp, eye-friendly visuals, especially for reducing strain during long reading sessions or in bright sunlight, while the adjustable front light is appreciated for nighttime use.

The Android OS is a standout feature, allowing users to access a variety of reading apps like Kindle, Kobo, Libby, and Moon Reader Pro, consolidating multiple libraries into one device—a particular boon for readers seeking foreign language books unavailable on other platforms like Kindle. Performance-wise, the device is lauded for its speed, with smooth operation, quick boot-up (around 40 seconds), and the BOOX Super Refresh Technology minimising ghosting, though some tweaking of refresh settings per app is often needed.

Users also highlight its versatility beyond reading, such as functioning as a music player for FLAC files and audiobooks, and its role as a distraction-free “internet detox” device when Wi-Fi is turned off, helping reduce doom-scrolling habits.

However, there are some drawbacks. The price is frequently mentioned as a con, with many feeling it’s expensive compared to other e-readers with similar features, though most agree the functionality justifies the cost if it fits specific needs. The small screen size, while great for portability, frustrates some users who find they need to turn pages more typically due to fewer words per page, with a few suggesting a slightly larger version would be ideal.

Scrolling in non-reading apps like news or social media can feel sluggish due to the E Ink display’s limitations, leading some to recommend sticking to reading-focused apps. Battery life gets mixed feedback—it’s decent but doesn’t match the longevity of a Kindle, with some users wishing for better endurance during heavy use. A few also report hardware concerns, like the fragile camera glass shattering after a drop, and rare instances of software issues, such as ghosting or dead pixels after a month of use, though these seem outliers.

Overall, the Palma is celebrated as a game-changer for avid readers seeking a portable, versatile e-reader, particularly for those who value its Android flexibility, despite its premium price and minor limitations.