Editorial illustration for Boox Palma 2 Pro Review: Supposed Upgrade Falls Short of Expectations
Boox Palma 2 Pro: Disappointing E-Reader Update Misses Mark
Boox Palma 2 Pro review: ‘Upgrade’ proves downgrade, used less than prior models
E-readers continue to evolve, but not all changes represent genuine progress. The Boox Palma 2 Pro promised idea but delivers a puzzling experience that might leave potential buyers scratching their heads.
Compact e-readers have long been a niche market, with manufacturers constantly seeking that perfect balance between portability and functionality. Boox, known for pushing technological boundaries, seemed poised to deliver another breakthrough with its latest Palma model.
But something went wrong in the design process. What was intended as an upgrade quickly reveals itself as a potential misstep that could disappoint even loyal Boox enthusiasts.
The device arrives with expectations of improvement, yet harbors a critical flaw so significant it fundamentally undermines the user experience. Subtle design choices can make or break a product, and in this case, one particular change threatens to derail the entire concept.
Curious about what makes this e-reader so problematic? The details reveal a cautionary tale of idea gone awry.
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 Boox Palma 2 Pro reveals a cautionary tale of technological missteps. Despite promising features like cellular connectivity and solid battery life, the device stumbles critically with what seems to be a fundamental design flaw.
Onyx appears to have missed the mark with this supposed "upgrade." The review suggests the Palma 2 Pro is so problematic that users would be better off purchasing the previous Palma 2 model or simply waiting for future iterations.
Cell connectivity and pen support represent bright spots. Yet one significant issue overshadows these potential advantages, rendering the device nearly unusable for the reviewer.
The stark recommendation is clear: avoid the Palma 2 Pro. Potential buyers should either opt for the earlier Palma 2 or exercise patience, hoping Onyx will eventually deliver a more thoughtful product that balances all necessary features effectively.
This feels less like a meaningful upgrade and more like a cautionary example of how not to evolve a product line. Sometimes, incremental improvements can become substantial setbacks when core functionality is compromised.
Further Reading
- BOOX Palma 2 review: I ditched my Kindle for it, and I'm not going ... - Android Authority
- Boox Palma 2 Pro adds color E Ink and 5G for an even more ... - 9to5Google
- Boox Palma 2 Pro Review | Missed the point? - Trusted Reviews
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Common Questions Answered
What critical design flaw makes the Boox Palma 2 Pro difficult to recommend?
The review suggests there is a significant downgrade in the device that makes it less usable compared to its predecessors. The flaw is so substantial that the reviewer recommends buying the previous Palma 2 model instead of this supposed upgrade.
What positive features does the Boox Palma 2 Pro offer despite its shortcomings?
The device offers cellular connectivity, which is a notable feature for an e-reader. Additionally, the Palma 2 Pro boasts great battery life and functional pen support, providing some redeeming qualities to an otherwise problematic device.
Why does the reviewer suggest waiting for future iterations of the Boox Palma 2 Pro?
The review indicates that Onyx has not successfully balanced all the desired features in this model, creating a device with significant drawbacks. By waiting, potential buyers hope that Onyx will address the current design issues and create a more compelling e-reader.