Onyx Boox Palma Review | 68 Data compared

The Onyx Boox Palma is a niche, smartphone-sized e-reader praised for its extreme portability, fast performance, and versatile Android 11 OS that allows for various reading apps. Key pros include its pocketable design, ample 6GB of RAM, and long-lasting 3,950mAh battery, though it faces cons regarding its small 6.1-inch screen, which offers a cramped reading experience and uneven lighting. With a steep $279.99 price point and questionable long-term software support, the device is considered more of a niche curiosity than a direct competitor to mainstream, larger e-readers.

The Onyx Boox Palma is a pocket-sized, Android-based e-reader offering fast performance, a responsive 6.1-inch screen, and full Google Play Store access for versatile app usage. Key drawbacks include a cramped display, uneven screen lighting, and a high $279.99 price point compared to traditional alternatives. Despite excellent battery life and portability, the review suggests it is a niche device that is less practical for long-term reading than competitors like the Kindle Paperwhite.

The Android Police review highlights the Boox Palma as a uniquely portable, phone-sized e-reader that bridges the gap between traditional readers and smartphones. Its primary strengths include a highly comfortable, pocketable design and an open Android 11 OS with the Google Play Store, allowing for versatile app usage beyond just reading. The device features BSR (Boox Super Refresh) technology to mitigate E Ink lag and includes a customizable side button and functional volume/page-turn rockers. However, the review notes significant limitations, most notably the lack of cellular connectivity, meaning it cannot truly replace a smartphone for on-the-go data. The build quality is considered utilitarian with cheap-feeling plastic buttons, and the Android software occasionally requires manual optimization for the E Ink display.

The Six Colors review characterizes the Onyx Boox Palma as a uniquely portable, phone-shaped E Ink reader that fits in a pocket, blending distraction-free reading with a 6.13-inch screen and a front light. Its primary strengths lie in the Android OS for versatile app installation (Kindle, Kobo, Libby), fast performance for E Ink, and physical page-turn buttons. However, the device lacks cellular connectivity, has a somewhat fragile plastic build, and comes at a premium price point.

The Onyx Boox Palma is a highly portable, 6.13-inch E Ink Carta 1200 e-reader designed to bridge the gap between dedicated readers and smartphones, boasting a 300 PPI display with adjustable color-temperature light. Key advantages include its Android 11 OS allowing full Google Play Store access for diverse reading apps, powerful 6GB RAM, 128GB storage, and excellent battery life. However, Trusted Reviews highlights cons such as the high $279/£226 price, lack of cellular connectivity, cramped screen for long sessions, and outdated software.

The Wavelengths review identifies the Onyx Boox Palma as a unique E-Ink device bridging the gap between a smartphone and a portable reader. Key pros include a convenient, one-handed form factor, access to various Android reading apps like Kindle and Libby, and customizable volume buttons for page-turning. Conversely, the review notes cons including potential unreliability of button mapping in certain applications and a build quality that feels less premium compared to traditional smartphones. Additionally, reliance on Android 11 raises concerns regarding long-term security updates and app compatibility. Ultimately, the device serves as a "pocket library" for intentional, distraction-free reading, demanding some pre-syncing for optimal use. It is best suited for users looking for a highly portable, eye-friendly screen, rather than a full smartphone replacement.

TechRadar finds Onyx Boox Palma especially appealing for phone readers who want a lightweight device for reading outside. The narrow screen supports portrait and landscape reading, although its proportions may feel restrictive compared with conventional ereaders. Android 11 and Google Play access support varied reading apps, messaging and even some smoothly running mobile games. Its 6.13-inch Carta 1200 display sits alongside physical page controls and 128GB of storage with a microSD expansion option. The reviewer considers missing stylus support a missed opportunity that prevents the Palma from becoming a portable notebook. Overall, the unusual design offers useful versatility, but the recommendation would feel stronger with integrated handwriting and pen support.

Notebookcheck praises Onyx Boox Palma's rounded sides and 170-gram weight for comfortable handling during longer periods of reading. The plastic body resists pressure, although twisting causes slight creaking and the protruding camera module has angular edges. Its microSD slot supports cards up to 2TB and achieved 56.2 MByte/s during the reviewer's measured copy test. Android 11 offers Google Play apps, but the slow monochrome screen makes videos and fast games poorly suited. Neo Reader provides extensive reading adjustments, and volume buttons offer a practical way to turn pages during use. The rear camera suits document scanning better than photography, while unstable Wi-Fi transfers and absent cellular connectivity add limitations.

Android Central calls Onyx Boox Palma an exceptional small e-reader and recommends it strongly unless readers want something larger. Its 6.13-inch Carta 1200 screen offers 300 ppi, and the reviewer praises its remarkably fast refresh and crisp appearance. The PWM-free front light includes color temperature adjustment, while the review claims charging intervals can stretch over several months. Google Play access opens varied reading sources, and the reviewer also finds the device capable of games and videos. The contoured plastic sides make prolonged holding comfortable, although the reviewer dislikes the supplied case and prefers softer materials. Missing cellular connectivity prevents phone replacement, and the absence of haptic feedback also leaves typing and games without vibration.

Dexerto recommends Onyx Boox Palma readily after more than a month of use, especially for readers accustomed to smartphones. The 6.13-inch monochrome display and textured back create a familiar reading format with a comfortable, secure everyday grip. Android 11 supports Kindle, Nook, Google Play Books and Kobo, so readers avoid dependence on one reading service. The reviewer even attended Slack meetings without problems, which demonstrates useful flexibility beyond the device's central reading purpose. Stereo speakers support music during reading, but the reviewer wishes Onyx had included a headphone jack for wired listening. The missing haptic feedback may encourage accidental taps, and absent SIM support prevents the Palma from replacing a phone.

The Gadgeteer finds the Onyx BOOX Palma comfortably pocketable and praises its crisp screen, even with small fonts. Its 6.13-inch Carta 1200 display delivers 300 ppi, although the reviewer wishes the wide bezels allowed more screen. The textured plastic back provides a pleasant grip and resists fingerprints, while the physical buttons offer decent feedback. Android 11 and Google Play support reading apps including Kindle and Libby, but the Palma cannot make calls. The reviewer removes the supplied cover because it makes the page buttons feel less responsive during everyday use. Page refreshes can feel jarring, but adjustable timing and a programmable refresh button give readers control over them.

MakeUseOf describes the Onyx Boox Palma as a compact reader whose smartphone shape makes reading on the go easier. The 6.13-inch Carta 1200 screen offers sharp text at 300 ppi, and the device weighs approximately 170 grams. Android 11 provides Google Play access, so readers can combine Kindle, Kobo, and other services on one device. Its 128GB storage supports expansion through microSD cards up to 1TB, which leaves ample room for large libraries. Programmable buttons handle page turns or article scrolling, while the rear camera can digitize documents with its flash. However, the display struggles with video and games even at high refresh rates, so suitability depends on individual needs.