When it comes to e-readers, the Boox Palma 2 has made a name for itself in the growing market of multifunctional devices that merge reading with smart technology. Developed by Onyx, the Palma 2 is presented as a successor to its predecessor, which claimed a unique spot by combining the portability of a smartphone with the reading capabilities of an e-reader. However, just over a year after its original launch, the question arises: Has the Palma 2 managed to innovate, or has it merely rehashed an existing formula?
At first glance, the Boox Palma 2 appears almost identical to the original model. Both devices sport a compact design that’s about the size of a typical smartphone, making it highly portable and convenient for on-the-go reading. This practical size has become a hallmark of the Palma line, as it effectively caters to individuals who want more than just a hefty paperbook—offering access to apps, web browsing, and more thanks to its Android operating system. However, while the Palma 2 keeps the advantageous aspects of its predecessor, it does little to build upon them in any substantial way.
The charm of the Palma lies in its simplicity; the e-reader delivers a seamless experience for anyone looking to consume content without the distractions that come with conventional smartphones. Reading documents, books, and accessing online articles feels straightforward, and its E Ink display efficiently minimizes battery consumption, promising several days of usage on a single charge. Yet, these appealing characteristics might have lulled Onyx into complacency, as demonstrated by the lack of significant enhancements in the Palma 2.
While the new Palma boasts upgraded hardware with a more modern chip and a version bump to Android 13, the actual user experience leaves much to be desired. Benchmarks indicate an improvement, yet everyday tasks don’t reflect a marked difference. Transitioning from one app to another or flipping pages may still feel sluggish, with occasional unregistered taps that can be frustrating, particularly for users who expect a fluid interaction from a device priced at $280.
To put it into context, the Palma 2’s performance aligns more closely with a midrange smartphone from 2019—an acceptable standard, but one that doesn’t quite justify the upgrade. As such, it raises questions about whether Onyx’s choice to market this model as an upgrade was genuinely warranted, especially when the original Palma still performs adequately for most users.
A Mixed Bag of Features
The device does maintain some features from its predecessor, such as a 6.3-inch E Ink Carta display that is visually appealing. However, the build quality remains an issue, with a plastic body that feels flimsy and perhaps unworthy of the price tag attached to it. The tech community’s consensus seems to echo a desire for more robust materials or innovative design tweaks that would enhance user experience.
Onyx has also included a new fingerprint reader to streamline device security, yet this feature, while clever in concept, proves to be relatively slow and finicky. One cannot help but question the necessity of such features on a device that primarily aims to execute reading tasks. Would a simple passcode suffice, or is the company merely attempting to keep pace with other smart devices out there?
Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of the Boox Palma 2 lies in its missed opportunities. Many in the tech community had hoped for enhancements that would elevate this device beyond its predecessor. Introducing features such as cellular connectivity or refining the Android experience would significantly boost the Palma’s value. Instead, it feels like Onyx has played it safe, resulting in a device that is merely “good enough” rather than groundbreaking.
Moreover, with its $280 price point, there is an expectation of a product that at least feels premium. This unfulfilled promise stands out, especially considering how saturated the market has become with e-readers and tablets. One may wonder if the market would be better served with alternative price points or feature sets.
In the end, while the Boox Palma 2 effectively continues the narrative started by its predecessor, it lacks the innovation that could have set it apart in an increasingly competitive landscape. For those who have yet to venture into the world of e-reading, the Palma 2 offers a solid choice that undoubtedly meets basic needs—reading books, consuming media, and keeping distractions at bay.
However, for existing Palma owners, the upgrade may feel unnecessary and uninspired. As the e-reader market continues to evolve, we can only hope that future iterations will take the risks necessary to provide a genuinely enhanced experience. Until that day arrives, the Palma 2 stands as a testament to a successful formula that desperately needs reinvention.