Boox Palma 2 Pro arrives as a $400 phone-sized color E Ink reader

Pocket comfort meets an open Android ecosystem

Traditional e-readers remain stubbornly wide, requiring a two-handed grip or awkward finger acrobatics when reading in bed. Onyx aims to eliminate that friction by giving the Boox Palma 2 Pro the dimensions of an everyday smartphone. At just 175 grams, it weighs less than most modern flagship phones while offering a dual-tone front light that dims low enough for pitch-black rooms without bothering anyone nearby.

The standout appeal is software freedom. Unlike closed ecosystems from Amazon or Kobo, the Palma 2 Pro runs Android with full Google Play access. Readers are not locked into a single digital bookstore; you can browse Kindle purchases, borrow library books via Libby, sync read-it-later articles, and stream audiobooks from the same pocket device. A built-in speaker handles audio on the go, while a rear-facing camera is included specifically for scanning paper documents.

Boox Palma 2 Pro: price, weight and key features

Color E Ink trade-offs and real-world battery life

While the device features a color-capable display, the visual experience reflects the limitations of current reflective screen tech. Colors appear muted compared to panels on consumer phones or emerging Samsung 7-inch OLED tech, and third-party apps that rely on heavy animations will exhibit noticeable sluggishness. Ghosting remains an inherent factor during fast scrolling or page turns, requiring the built-in manual refresh button to clear lingering artifacts.

Battery life also diverges sharply from traditional black-and-white e-readers. Running a full Android operating system alongside background network tasks means the Palma 2 Pro delivers roughly 5 to 7 days of use on a charge. That easily outperforms a smartphone, but readers accustomed to charging a Kindle once a month will need to adjust their expectations.

Is a $400 pocket reader worth the premium?

The $400 asking price firmly positions the Boox Palma 2 Pro as a luxury niche device. For context, entry-level dedicated readers cost under a third of that amount. What the Palma 2 Pro sells is an escape hatch: a distraction-free screen that fits into a pocket, paired with a hybrid SIM slot so you can download articles or sync reading progress over mobile data without tethering.

For buyers who want the compact form factor without color or the top-tier price tag, Boox is preparing a non-Pro alternative. A monochrome Palma 3 is scheduled to launch shortly for $340, replacing the prior Palma 2 generation and serving readers who only care about straightforward text.

Availability and pricing

The Boox Palma 2 Pro is priced at $400 for international markets. Onyx will also offer the monochrome Palma 3 at $340 as a lower-cost option for text-centric reading, serving as the direct successor to the Palma 2.