A New Direction for E-Readers
While Amazon’s Kindle has dominated the e-reader landscape for nearly two decades with remarkably consistent form factors, Onyx Boox appears to be charting a different course. The company has unveiled its second-generation Palma device, reportedly shrinking the e-reading experience into something that closely resembles a smartphone—complete with color display and mobile data connectivity.
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According to industry reports, the original Palma gained a dedicated following among readers seeking access to apps without the constant distractions of modern smartphones. Now the Palma 2 Pro pushes this concept further by upgrading last year’s monochrome display to a 6.13-inch color E Ink screen using the same Kaleido technology found in Amazon’s Kindle Colorsoft.
The Color Compromise
Color E Ink has long been something of a holy grail for e-reader manufacturers, promising to make magazines and comics more enjoyable on low-power devices. Sources indicate the technology has struggled with quality issues compared to traditional LCD or OLED screens. The Palma 2 Pro reportedly demonstrates this trade-off clearly—while it displays colors, they’re less vibrant than what smartphone users expect.
Analysts note there’s another significant limitation. The screen resolution drops substantially when color mode is activated, cutting the 824 × 1648 monochrome resolution in half to 412 × 824. This means readers must choose between color content and sharp text, a compromise that highlights the ongoing challenges with E Ink display technology.
Almost a Smartphone, But Not Quite
What makes the Palma 2 Pro particularly interesting, according to early reports, is its SIM card slot enabling 5G mobile data connectivity. This positions the device closer to smartphone territory than traditional e-readers, yet it notably lacks phone calling capabilities. The move suggests Boox is targeting users who want always-connected reading and app access without the interruption of voice calls.
Meanwhile, the device’s software represents another departure from e-reader norms. Industry observers report the Palma 2 Pro ships with Android 15, a surprisingly current version of Google’s mobile operating system for a specialized device. This contrasts with Boox’s historical tendency to use older Android builds, though official Google services support remains unavailable through standard channels.
Market Positioning and Availability
At $399.99, the Palma 2 Pro occupies a curious space between dedicated e-readers and full-featured smartphones. While significantly more expensive than Amazon’s basic Kindle models, it offers capabilities that traditional e-readers lack. The device’s pocket-friendly dimensions—reportedly similar to a smartphone—could appeal to commuters and travelers seeking a dedicated reading device that doesn’t require constant Wi-Fi tethering.
According to the company’s preorder page, shipments are expected to begin around November 14. The timing positions the device for the holiday shopping season, though it remains to be seen whether consumers will embrace what essentially amounts to a smartphone that can’t make calls.
Industry analysts suggest the Palma 2 Pro reflects Onyx Boox’s ongoing strategy of creating Android-powered E Ink devices that bridge multiple categories. As the traditional e-reader market matures, companies appear to be experimenting with form factors and features that might attract users looking for digital reading experiences beyond what Amazon’s Kindle ecosystem offers.
