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Boox Palma 2 Pro Review: A Smartphone-Sized E-Reader

The $400 Boox Palma 2 Pro bridges the gap between a traditional e-reader and an Android tablet, offering a compact E Ink display designed to curb smartphone reading habits.

Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer

Published: October 25, 2026 · Updated: October 25, 2026 · 4 min read

Boox Palma 2 Pro Review: A Smartphone-Sized E-Reader — Image: TechCrunch

Introduction to the Boox Palma 2 Pro

The $400 Boox Palma 2 Pro is a smartphone-sized e-reader tailored for users who want to read books, articles, and documents on a compact E Ink display. Rather than functioning as a locked-down traditional e-reader, the device operates on Android and supports Google Play, providing access to a wide array of third-party applications. This configuration positions the device somewhere between a classic Kindle and a compact Android tablet, giving users versatile functionality.

The primary appeal of the device lies in its form factor and portability. Traditional e-readers often feature squarish designs that can prove difficult to hold while lying in bed or reading in tight spaces. Although standard e-readers are readily available, many readers resort to using smartphones due to comfort, despite the associated risk of eye strain over extended periods.

Display, Lighting, and Physical Design

Weighing a mere 175 grams, the Palma 2 Pro offers a lightweight build that feels comfortable to hold during prolonged reading sessions. Its pocket-sized dimensions make it easy to carry into everyday environments, fitting neatly into small purses where larger e-readers cannot go.

The device incorporates a front-lit screen equipped with adjustable cool and warm lighting options. Review testing indicates that the screen can dim to an exceptionally low level, allowing users to read clearly in complete darkness without causing severe eye strain or disturbing nearby individuals. However, while the hardware can display color, images appear considerably less vibrant than they would on a standard smartphone screen.

Software, Ecosystem, and Performance

Because the Palma 2 Pro runs Android and supports Google Play, users are not restricted to a single built-in reader application. Compatible services include Kindle, Kobo, and Libby, alongside applications for audiobooks, podcasts, read-it-later utilities, and email. This openness transforms the E Ink hardware into a multifunctional tool suited for reading, research, and productivity.

Despite these capabilities, performance limitations do arise. Certain apps that lack specific E Ink optimization can exhibit sluggish animations and user interfaces. Furthermore, the device is prone to ghosting, where text from a previous page lingers on the screen after turning a page or navigating to the home screen. While a refresh button in the navigation bar quickly resolves the artifacting, repeated use may become bothersome for some operators.

Hardware Features and Battery Life

Beyond reading applications, the Palma 2 Pro includes several supplementary hardware features. These comprise a rear camera designated for scanning documents, a built-in speaker for listening to audio content without headphones, and a hybrid SIM slot to facilitate cellular data connectivity while on the move. Additionally, the device is compatible with a stylus, enabling note-taking and PDF markup capabilities.

In terms of power management, the internal battery delivers an operational span of approximately five to seven days under normal usage conditions. While sufficient for many, this duration falls short of conventional E Ink devices like standard Kindles, which frequently sustain weeks of use on a single charge. Users seeking extended battery longevity can disable Wi-Fi connectivity to conserve power.

Market Positioning and Upcoming Alternatives

The Palma 2 Pro targets a very specific consumer demographic: readers seeking smartphone dimensions for comfort and portability alongside comprehensive app versatility. For dedicated Kindle traditionalists, the device may offer limited appeal, but it serves as an alternative for individuals experiencing eye strain or headaches from reading extensively on standard mobile phones.

Given its elevated price point, prospective buyers must evaluate whether the added portability and software flexibility justify the expense. Meanwhile, hardware developments continue to progress within the product category, with Boox preparing to launch the non-Pro Palma 3 priced at $340, which features a black and white display and succeeds the original Palma 2 generation.