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What the Palma 2 is—and who it suits
The Palma 2 puts a monochrome E Ink display into a 159 × 80 × 8 mm body weighing approximately 170 g, according to BOOX’s official product page. The 6.13-inch screen is 824 × 1,648 pixels at 300 ppi. Its tall, narrow proportions are closer to a phone than to the broader page-shaped screens of many dedicated e-readers.
That format suits people who want to carry a reader in a pocket and switch among Android reading apps. It is less compelling if you mainly want a large page, a simple dedicated e-reader interface, or the fast response of a phone. The Palma 2 has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.1, but no SIM slot; it is an e-reader with Android apps, not a cellular phone, as The eBook Reader’s review notes.
Can you use Kindle or Kobo apps on the Palma 2?
Yes. BOOX says the device runs Android 13 with Google Play Store access, so you can install compatible Android apps rather than being limited to one e-book store. TechRadar’s reviewer reported that the Kindle and Kobo apps worked well on the device during their review. App availability and behavior can still vary by app version and account or region.
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- Screen: 6.13"" Kaleido 3 (4,096 colors) glass screen with flat cover-lens Resolution: B/W: 824 x 1648 (300ppi)
- OS: Android 15 Document Formats: PDF, CAJ, DJVU, CBR, CBZ, EPUB, EPUB3, AZW3, MOBI, TXT, DOC, DOCX, FB2, CHM, RTF, HTML, ZIP, PRC, PPT, PPTX Image Formats: PNG, JPG, BMP, TIFF Audio Formats: WAV, MP3 Supports 3rd-party apps
- Button: Power Button with Fingerprint Recognition, Volume/Page-Turn Buttons, Smart Button USB-C Port (Supports OTG or use as an audio jack) Hybrid SIM Card Slot Built-in Speaker Built-in Dual Microphones Battery: 3,950mAh Li-ion Polymer Dimensions: 159 x 80 x 8.8 mm (6.3"" x 3.1"" x 0.35"") Weight: Approx. 175 g (6.2 oz)
- Dark, gray, or wrongfully believed low resolution screen : All Eink products used Kaleido 3 color e-ink technology, which currently has inherent limitations and share the same darker or grayer screen than LCD/LED ones. This is a characteristic of all e-ink products, not a defect. If it doesn't meet your expectations, you may return the product under our return policy. However, please note this is not considered a product fault.
The screen is E Ink, so app flexibility does not make the Palma 2 behave like a conventional smartphone. TechRadar’s reviewer found refresh slower than on a standard phone and occasionally had trouble with keyboard input; a colleague did not experience the same keyboard problem. Treat those as that review’s observations, not guaranteed faults on every device. TechRadar also found its revised native NeoReader interface easier to adjust.
What changed from the original Palma?
BOOX’s model comparison shows a targeted update rather than a change to the basic reading experience. The Palma 2 moves from Android 11 to Android 13, uses an upgraded octa-core CPU and adds a fingerprint lock. The key shared specifications are:
Rank #2
- Select Refresh Mode to reduce ghosting: HD Mode (System Default): For reading books and other static content. Balanced Mode (Default for third-party apps in color E Ink models): For turning pages and browsing books and pictures. Fast Mode (Default for third-party apps in monochrome E Ink models): For browsing websites and other content that require scrolling. Ultrafast Mode: For video and other dynamic contents. *Regal Mode: As a refresh solution with less ghosting and better display quality especially optimized for color E Ink models.
- Screen: 10.3" HD ePaper glass screen with flat cover-lens Resolution: 2480x1860 (300 ppi) Touch: BOOX InkSense Plus stylus touch (4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity) + capacitive touch
- CPU: Octa-core RAM: 4GB ROM: 64GB Connectivity: Wi-Fi (2.4GHz + 5GHz) + BT 5.1 G-sensor for Auto Rotation Front Light with CTM (Warm and Cold)
- OS: Android 15 Document Formats: PDF, CAJ, DJVU, CBR, CBZ, EPUB, EPUB3, AZW3, MOBI, TXT, DOC, DOCX, FB2, CHM, RTF, HTML, ZIP, PRC, PPT, PPTX Image Formats: PNG, JPG, BMP, TIFF Audio Formats: WAV, MP3 Supports 3rd-party apps
- Button: Power Button USB-C Port (Supports OTG or use as an audio jack) Built-in Dual Speakers Built-in Microphone Battery: 3,700mAh Li-ion Polymer Dimensions: 235*183*4.8mm (9.3" x 7.2" x 0.19") Weight: Approx. 364g (12.8oz)
| Specification | Palma | Palma 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Android version | Android 11 (BOOX comparison) | Android 13 (BOOX comparison) |
| Processor | Octa-core; original CPU details not stated in BOOX comparison | Upgraded octa-core CPU |
| Fingerprint lock | Not listed in BOOX comparison | Added on Palma 2 |
| RAM and internal storage | 6GB RAM; 128GB storage | 6GB RAM; 128GB storage |
| Battery capacity | 3,950mAh | 3,950mAh |
| Screen class and pixel density | Carta 1200; 300 ppi | Carta 1200; 300 ppi |
| Expandable storage | microSD slot | microSD slot |
| Approximate weight | Approximately 170 g | Approximately 170 g |
These specifications come from BOOX’s official comparison and Palma 2 page. TechRadar characterized the changes as minor and said the core reading experience remains much the same. That is a reviewer’s assessment, but it fits the hardware comparison: the newer software and processor add capability without changing the screen class, memory, storage or battery capacity.
How it reads and works in daily use
Reading and display controls
The Palma 2 uses a Carta 1200 monochrome panel with a front light that offers warm and cool color-temperature controls. BOOX also specifies auto rotation, a light sensor and Super Refresh technology. These features let you adjust the page lighting and refresh behavior, but they do not remove the inherent responsiveness trade-off of E Ink when using apps with frequent screen changes.
Rank #3
- Screen: 10.3" HD ePaper glass screen with flat cover-lens Resolution: 2480x1860 (300 ppi) Touch: BOOX InkSense Plus stylus touch (4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity) + capacitive touch
- CPU: Octa-core RAM: 4GB ROM: 64GB Connectivity: Wi-Fi (2.4GHz + 5GHz) + BT 5.1 G-sensor for Auto Rotation No Front Light
- OS: Android 15 Document Formats: PDF, CAJ, DJVU, CBR, CBZ, EPUB, EPUB3, AZW3, MOBI, TXT, DOC, DOCX, FB2, CHM, RTF, HTML, ZIP, PRC, PPT, PPTX Image Formats: PNG, JPG, BMP, TIFF Audio Formats: WAV, MP3 Supports 3rd-party apps
- Button: Power Button USB-C Port (Supports OTG or use as an audio jack) Built-in Dual Speakers Built-in Microphone Battery: 3,700mAh Li-ion Polymer Dimensions: 235*183*4.8mm (9.3" x 7.2" x 0.19") Weight: Approx. 350g (12.3oz)
Files, music and connected storage
TechRadar’s reviewer used BOOXDrop to sideload ebooks and music during nearly six weeks of daily use. The same reviewer could not complete wired file transfer to a Mac and could read, but not move, ebook files to and from external SSDs through USB-C OTG. Those are reported outcomes in one reviewer’s setup, not proof that every computer or drive will behave the same way.
Battery and fingerprint lock
Android Authority’s Rita El Khoury reported approximately a week of battery life after a month of use; this was her experience, not a standardized battery test or a guarantee for other users. She also described the fingerprint reader as unreliable and estimated her own success rate at about 20%. That personal result is not a representative failure rate, so buyers who depend on biometric unlocking should weigh it as a caution rather than a prediction.
Rank #4
- Ultra-Thin & Lightweight Design: Weighing only 138g with a super-slim 6.7mm body, the VIWOODS e reader features a compact 6.13-inch screen that perfectly balances portability and usability. Its sleek design fits effortlessly in your pocket, making it ideal for commuting, traveling, or enjoying your favorite reads anytime, anywhere
- Stunning Carta 1300 Display: Enjoy a premium reading experience with the advanced Carta 1300 E-Ink display. It delivers faster refresh rates, reduced glare, and a true paper-like feel for comfortable, long reading sessions
- Adjustable Front Light: Read comfortably in any environment with 20 levels of adjustable cool light, designed without warm light. Whether in low light or bright sunlight, the VIWOODS e-reader adapts to your needs for strain-free reading
- AI Button for Instant Assistance: Access AI-powered assistance with ease using the dedicated AI side button. Long-press for voice input or short-press for text-based queries, providing you with quick solutions, learning tools, or helpful summaries in seconds
- AI Screenshot Q&A: Struggling with a complex topic? Simply take a screenshot, let the AI analyze it, and receive a detailed summary or explanation. Dive deeper into any subject with follow-up questions, making learning easier than ever
Is the Palma 2 waterproof?
No. BOOX describes its water-repellent design as protection against spills, splashes or light rain, and explicitly says the device is not intended for submersion. Do not treat it as a waterproof reader for bathing, swimming or other situations where it could be immersed. BOOX’s product guidance is the source for this distinction.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What else is built in?
The official specification lists Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1, a 16MP rear camera with LED flash, USB-C OTG, and a microSD slot. Android Authority’s reviewer questioned the camera’s usefulness; the presence of a camera should not be confused with a standout reason to buy the device.
Best Value
- Model-Specific Compatibility: Precisely engineered for the all-new 6.13" BOOX Palma 2/Palma. NOT compatible with 6" BOOX Go 6 or 7" BOOX Go 7. Please verify your device model prior to purchase, as this case is not compatible with other models
- Magnetic Detachable Design: Enjoy ultimate versatility with our 2-in-1 design. The durable PU leather front cover provides full protection on the go, while the slim clear case offers a lightweight, minimalist feel for comfortable handheld reading. Easily switch between the two styles in seconds
- Hands-Free Viewing: The built-in metal ring on the clear case lets you instantly attach it to a wide range of magnetic stands and holders for a secure, hands-free experience. Enjoy perfect viewing angles anywhere, anytime
- Enhanced Screen & Device Protection: The premium, waterproof PU leather book cover features a soft microfiber lining to protect your screen from scratches. Additionally, the flexible TPU case absorbs shocks and impacts, providing full-body protection for your device
- Auto Wake/Sleep: Open to activate your device's wake function; close to trigger sleep mode. Helps conserve battery power and extend standby time
BOOX lists the reader, USB-C cable, card-tray eject tool, quick-start guide and warranty card as standard box contents. A case is not listed. The microSD slot offers expandable storage, but BOOX’s cited product information does not establish a maximum supported card capacity.
Is the Boox Palma 2 worth it?
It is worth considering if you specifically want a very portable E Ink reader that can run Android reading apps. The strongest reasons are its pocketable size, 300 ppi screen, front-light color controls and Play Store access. The compromises are its narrow screen, slower app refresh than a phone, and software behavior that may require more adjustment than a single-purpose reader.
If you already own the original Palma, the upgrade case is narrower. Android 13, the upgraded processor and fingerprint lock are the documented additions, while display class, RAM, storage, battery capacity, microSD support and approximate weight remain the same. Consider upgrading if those specific changes solve a problem for you; the comparison does not point to a substantially different reading experience.
Price varies by retailer and date. BOOX’s official store displayed US$249.99 when observed on October 8, 2026; Android Authority cited a US$299.99 MSRP in its May 2025 review, and The eBook Reader recorded US$279.99 on its February 2025 page. These are separate snapshots, not a dependable current price range, so check the price and availability in your own marketplace before buying.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
