Boox Palma 2 Pro Review: Phone-Sized E-Reader Eases Phone Strain, With Ghosting Tradeoff

The Palma 2 Pro is a smartphone-sized e-reader that runs Android and supports Google Play, giving users access to third-party apps. The reviewer, who owns a Kindle, often read on an iPhone because most e-readers felt too square and large to hold while lying on their side at night. The Palma 2 Pro addressed that comfort problem during the review period.

The device has a front-lit screen with cool and warm lighting options. It can be dimmed to a very low level, allowing the reviewer to read in complete darkness without straining their eyes or disturbing a sleeping husband. The Palma 2 Pro weighed 175 grams, making it noticeably lighter than the reviewer’s iPhone, and its pocket-sized body fit in a small everyday purse that was not big enough for a Kindle.

Because it is not a locked-down e-reader, users can download Kindle, Kobo and Libby apps as well as audiobook, podcast, read-it-later and email apps. They do not have to use the built-in reader and can read on their preferred app. Scrolling through apps can feel sluggish, and color images look less vibrant than on a smartphone because not all apps are optimized for E Ink.

The Palma 2 Pro also has a rear camera for scanning documents, a built-in speaker and a hybrid SIM slot for cellular data. It is compatible with a stylus for taking notes and marking up PDFs, but the review unit did not include a stylus, so the reviewer did not test that use.

Battery life lasted about five to seven days, the review said, and turning off Wi-Fi can extend use. The reviewer said this could be a downside for people used to Kindles that last for weeks on a charge. The device also showed considerable ghosting, with text from a previous page lingering when turning pages or returning to the home screen. A refresh button in the navigation bar clears it quickly, but repeated use may annoy some users.

TechCrunch said the Palma 2 Pro suits a specific reader: someone who wants a phone-sized device for comfort, portability and app access. The review said Kindle loyalists may not need it, while readers tired of phone-related eye strain could find it a good option. The price remains steep for an e-reader, so buyers must decide whether the added versatility and portability justify the cost. Boox is launching a non-Pro Palma 3 soon for $340 with a black-and-white display, replacing the Palma 2.