Boox has unveiled the second-generation Palma e-reader, a pocket-sized device that adds a color E Ink screen and 5G connectivity. Unlike smartphones, it focuses on reading while running Android. The Palma 2 Pro is available for pre-order at $400, with shipping expected around November 14.
Digital reading devices like Amazon's Kindle have maintained a similar form factor for nearly 20 years, but Boox is innovating with smaller, more versatile options. The original Palma e-reader launched last year, appealing to users seeking a distraction-free way to read and use basic apps. Boox e-readers function as Android tablets equipped with E Ink screens, though they include software quirks due to unofficial Google Play support.
The Palma 2 Pro upgrades the display from a 6.1-inch monochrome screen to a 6.13-inch color E Ink Kaleido panel, the same technology found in Amazon's larger 7-inch Kindle Colorsoft. Designed to fit in a pocket like a phone, the device measures roughly the size and shape of a smartphone but avoids phone call capabilities. Color E Ink aims to enhance reading magazines and comics on low-power devices, though the colors are less vibrant than LCD or OLED screens. Resolution drops in color mode, from 824 × 1648 in monochrome to 412 × 824.
A new SIM card slot enables 5G mobile data alongside Wi-Fi, expanding connectivity without turning it into a full phone. The device ships with Android 15, a recent version for Boox products, though software updates are not guaranteed and official Google services are unsupported. Users can install the Play Store via a Boox workaround.
Pre-orders for the Palma 2 Pro began immediately at $400, positioning it as a compact alternative for on-the-go reading.