Boox Palma 2 Pro review: ‘Upgrade’ proves downgrade, used less than prior models
When I first held the Boox Palma 2 Pro, the first thing I noticed was its slim, almost pocket-sized shape and a screen that looks a bit sharper than the older model. That alone feels like a step forward, but the day-to-day experience turns out to be a mixed bag. Reviewers seemed to expect the new version to make reading, note-taking, and even light multitasking smoother, especially after the predecessor got a lukewarm reception.
The hardware does show clear upgrades: a higher-resolution display, a lighter chassis, and a slightly faster processor. Yet the software feels less polished, and the ergonomics don’t always line up with how people actually use the device. Some users say the promised improvements clash with real-world habits, making it hard to tell if productivity really gets a boost.
The most advertised feature, oddly enough, can feel counterproductive in practice, which forces a rethink about where the Palma 2 Pro fits in the Boox family. In short, the disappointment is pretty palpable, and it shows up clearly in everyday use.
But one of this device's "upgrades" is actually such a huge downgrade that I almost immediately found myself using the Palma 2 Pro less than either of its predecessors. It's such a glaring problem that I can't recommend buying this device at all; buy the Palma 2 instead. Or just wait a little longer, and hope that Onyx figures out how to give us all the right features at the same time.
Boox Palma 2 Pro The Good - Cell connectivity! - Great battery life - Pen support works well The Bad - The screen is flat-out bad - Feels pretty cheap - Decidedly not cheap Let's just do this first: the problem is the screen. The Palma 2 Pro has a 6.13-inch, color screen, based on E Ink's Kaleido 3 technology.
The Kaleido 3 tech is a few years old, and it's essentially a color filter layered over a standard black-and-white E Ink screen. You can find Kaleido 3 screens in lots of gadgets, none of which look amazing, but many of which look fine. The tech comes with a few inherent drawbacks, most notably its resolution -- 150ppi is only half as sharp as a modern black-and-white E Ink screen -- and its brightness.
Amazon's Kindle Colorsoft is based on Kaleido 3, just to name one example, but Amazon rebuilt the whole display stack to make it sharper, brighter, and more accurate. Amazon was very clear that it didn't believe Kaleido was good enough on its own. The Palma 2 Pro's screen is a mess.
It's so dim that I have to turn the device's light up much higher than on previous models just to see text on the screen.
The newest Palma feels like a mixed bag. The reviewer points out that one of the advertised upgrades actually turns into a noticeable downgrade, so much so that the Palma 2 Pro ended up seeing less daily use than the older models. Because of that, I can’t really recommend buying it right now.
Sticking with the older Palma 2, or maybe waiting for the next version, seems safer. The device still carries Onyx’s familiar recipe - a phone-sized body, Android app support and an E-Ink screen - but it doesn’t quite deliver the step forward that was promised. Those added features often feel like steps back, leaving the overall value in question.
If you care more about reliable performance than the latest bells and whistles, hanging onto the Palma 2 or holding out could be the smarter move. The review leaves the choice open, but the evidence leans toward caution rather than excitement. Anyone who relies on long reading sessions or heavy note-taking should weigh the trade-offs carefully before deciding.
Further Reading
- The Boox Palma 2 Pro might just be the most flexible digital note-taker ever - Expert Reviews
- Review: Boox Palma 2 Pro 6.1-inch Android 15 e-reader - Parka Blogs
- BOOX Palma 2 Pro (review): Is this a phone? - YouTube
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Common Questions Answered
What specific upgrade in the Boox Palma 2 Pro does the reviewer consider a downgrade?
The reviewer points out that one of the advertised upgrades actually hampers usability, leading them to use the Palma 2 Pro less than earlier models. This glaring issue outweighs the hardware improvements and makes the device less appealing.
How does the cell connectivity feature of the Boox Palma 2 Pro compare to its predecessors?
Cell connectivity is highlighted as a positive addition, allowing the device to stay online without Wi‑Fi. However, despite this benefit, the overall experience is still marred by other shortcomings.
Does the pen support on the Boox Palma 2 Pro meet the expectations set by earlier Boox devices?
Yes, the pen support works well and is praised for its responsiveness and accuracy. Nonetheless, the reviewer feels that this strength cannot compensate for the device’s major ergonomic and software flaws.
Why does the reviewer recommend buying the older Boox Palma 2 instead of the Palma 2 Pro?
The reviewer found the Palma 2 Pro’s downgraded feature to significantly reduce daily usage, making the older Palma 2 a more reliable choice. They suggest waiting for future updates or choosing the previous model for a better overall experience.