Boox Palma 2 Pro review: The best 5G pocket e-ink reader you can actually work on?
The Palma 2 Pro’s phone-sized e-ink screen makes reading anywhere feel effortless. Picture: Boox.
A phone-sized e-reader with 5G data support using a SIM makes the Boox Palma 2 Pro one of my favourite devices of the year. It can run Android apps, and is kind to your eyes thanks to its colour e-ink display. Add the InkSense Plus stylus into the mix, and you have a compact, hyper-focused device made for reading, annotating and staying organised without the glare, clutter and constant interruptions of a normal smartphone. If the idea of a distraction-light connected device appeals, this is one of the most interesting gadgets of the year.
I loved the original Palma, but it was limited. The Palma 2 Pro takes design and performance to the next level. At just 175g, it’s light enough to forget in your pocket. Despite its small footprint, the build feels premium, with a textured, water-repellent finish that makes it grippy without being rubbery. You can choose between Charcoal black or ivory white.
The USB-C port is positioned neatly for charging on the go, the dual speakers are far better than you’d expect from a gadget this small, and the power button, doubling as a fingerprint sensor, is snappy and reliable.
There’s even a 16MP rear camera, and while it’s not one you’d use for photography, it’s quick and surprisingly good for scanning documents or receipts.
What makes the Palma 2 Pro stand out most physically is that it feels like a tiny e-reader rather than a tiny phone. The proportions and weight are closer to those of a classic paperback, which makes it a joy to carry. Think of it as a portable e-reader on steroids.
The 6.13-inch Kaleido 3 colour e-ink display on the Palma 2 Pro is top-notch. In black and white, text is sharp at 300 PPI, perfect for reading long articles or ebooks. When colour is needed, such as calendars, maps, graphs, or comics, the resolution shifts to 150 PPI. Colours are softer and desaturated compared with a traditional screen, but they look natural and remain legible even in bright sunlight. For this type of device, that’s a very acceptable trade-off.
The dual-tone front light automatically adapts to your environment, and unlike a phone screen, it won’t punch you in the face with blue-white brightness at night. Boox’s EInkWise display presets help too. Switching between reading, browsing and note-taking subtly adjusts contrast and refresh rates to match what you’re doing.
The Palma 2 Pro is a pocket-sized productivity tool that now supports 5G data via a hybrid SIM slot. You can use messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal, but the device does not support standard cellular calls or SMS. You will need a separate method for apps that require SMS for verification.
One of the highlights is Android 15 running on 8GB of RAM and an octa-core processor. Compared to the original Palma, I found apps open faster, multitasking is smoother, and the whole device feels less constrained.
My review unit came with the InkSense Plus stylus, and it’s worth the extra spend. I’d suggest getting it in a bundle with the magnetic case. It’s sleek, well-balanced and features pressure and tilt sensitivity for more natural writing. The side button is customisable, so I’ve set mine to toggle an eraser for quick note edits. It charges over USB-C, wakes instantly when lifted and feels premium. On a device this small, jotting highlights or notes directly onto articles is addictive.
Storage is expandable up to a massive 2TB via the hybrid SIM tray, making it ideal for anyone with a sprawling ebook or document library.
After using the Palma 2 Pro daily for the last few weeks, it’s become the device I reach for most often when I want to stay focused but still connected. Reading on it is a pleasure, especially outdoors. It feels like slipping a mini notebook into your pocket, only with the ability to install the apps you rely on.
The 5G connectivity has been more useful than I expected. Not needing to hotspot from my phone means I can sync notes, download articles or load maps instantly. It feels like a modern tool without turning into a distraction machine.
Battery life depends heavily on how you use it. With light reading and note-taking, it lasts several days. With Android apps refreshing regularly and 5G active, I usually get about two days per charge. That’s still respectable given the freedom it offers, but it’s not Kindle-level endurance.
There are weaknesses. The processor, while functional, isn’t a powerhouse, and power-intensive apps can feel slow. Web browsing is fine for short bursts, but won’t replace your phone. However, for someone who wants a stripped-back, eye-friendly, highly portable connected device, the Palma 2 Pro hits a sweet spot few other gadgets even attempt.
The Boox Palma 2 Pro is a pocket-sized, eye-friendly device that blends e-ink calm with 5G convenience. It’s pricey but powerful, perfect for focused reading, light productivity and staying connected without the noise of a full smartphone.
€433 Boox Palma 2 Pro with Magnetic 2-in-1 protective case and InkSense Plus pen. Boox
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