Boox Palma 2 Pro Replaced Phone Reading for One Reviewer

TechCrunch reporter Aisha Malik says the $400 Boox Palma 2 Pro helped her stop reading on her phone. She tested the smartphone-sized e-reader for two months and found it easier to hold while lying down than her Kindle, and lighter than her iPhone at 175 grams.

The device has a front-lit color E Ink screen with adjustable cool and warm lighting, runs Android, and supports Google Play. Malik used apps including Kindle, Kobo, and Libby, as well as audiobook and podcast apps. She says animations and some app interfaces can feel sluggish because they are not all optimized for E Ink, and images look less vibrant than on a smartphone screen.

Other features include a rear camera for scanning documents, a built-in speaker, a hybrid SIM slot for cellular data, and stylus compatibility for notes and PDF markup. Malik did not receive a stylus with her review unit, so she did not assess that use. She reports battery life of about 5–7 days and says turning off Wi-Fi can help extend it.

Malik also found noticeable ghosting: text from a previous page can remain after turning pages or returning to the home screen. A refresh button clears it, though she says repeated use may annoy some readers. She describes the device as suited to readers seeking a compact e-reader with app access, while noting its price. Boox is also launching a non-Pro Palma 3 soon for $340, with a black-and-white display, to replace the Palma 2.