Boox Palma - Long Term Review

Boox Palma is getting a lot of attention lately! It is true that it is a very compelling phone sized e-reader. But let's talk about what it is really like to use long term.
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[@KitBetts-Masters]

Check out this joyful little e-reader here at the US website: shop.boox.com/products/palma?ref=0t1qqbSDWLMb or the EU website: euroshop.boox.com/products/boox-palma?ref=my_f5MKKrpQRge&variant=42892410945736 And let me know what you think of it! (These are affiliate links and I receive a small commission from sales made through them. There is no extra cost to you. Many kind thanks for supporting the channel. 🙂

[@brandonbowerstx]

I'm absolutely delighted with my new Palma. Why? Perfect little reader for novels, 1.5TB expandable. Keep it in fast most and assign hard refresh to the function button. It ALSO plays music incredibly well. Not high level audiophile but more than good enough to tell mp3 from FLAC levels of music and more than good enough as an internet detox platform. Turn off network, keep the Bluetooth and read to your heart's content while listening to some good psy-chill, downtempo or classical. Getting mediamonkey was only a slight challenge (hard press the search icon after adding files). Set your caliber to save by shelf or tag into the save path so your library can find what you load. My perfect use case is leaving the phone on my desk. It's an e-ink itouch

[@Cerith99]

I will say that dark mode on an e-ink screen can still be helpful! I like to read my Kindle in bed at night so the dark mode makes it much easier on the eyes if the screen is the only light in the room. On light mode, even the lowest backlight setting looks too bright, and turning it off completely means it's not legible in the dark.

[@KitBetts-Masters]

Yeah, thanks for sharing, I think I was a little too dismissive of dark mode. I just hear a lot of reviewers going OTT on that point. I think Boox are bringing a global dark mode in an update soon which would satisfy people who want that!

[@alicedeemo3494]

@@KitBetts-Masters Yeah, I have a kindle as well and when I'm reading in bed at night while my significant other is trying to sleep, he says that dark mode casts less light which makes it easier for him to sleep and it's less harsh on my eyes when reading in the dark.

[@esthereley6808]

Boox has started shipping Palma with a frosted clear cover, which is much better as it keeps compact and is easier to hold. I tested how much book text on each page with my Kindle Oasis and interestingly Palma is only three lines less. I do find I read books quicker with the Palma. I've got mine set up with only reading apps and I'm really enjoying it.

[@KitBetts-Masters]

Thanks for sharing your experience, I've not seen the clear cover yet! That's cool though!

[@miaany]

Hi! Do you like your palma or oasis more? I'm trying to update my 2018 paperwhite and I don't know if the palma is worth it?

[@thomaslange2262]

If they added cellular / voice phone to this, and it still held under $300 USD, it could be an interesting contender to the E-Book user market.

[@SuperHappyNotMerry]

I'm actually excited that once they realize there is actual demand for a phone with an e ink screen, we'll finally have the real answer to what a dumb phone should be. you could text and call, which really is a necessity nowadays. you could order an uber, use google maps, alarms, reminders, etc. but because of the black and white screen, you'd be incentivized towards reading rather than scrolling, you'd leave your online shopping for when you're home and have access to a color screen, if the camera is improved you could take photos that feel more reminiscent to the photo taking experience of yore, when you didn't really know what you were gonna get until you had the photo in your hands. I still have my trusty kindle for now, but if they ever release this product as a phone I would definitely buy one.

[@booksandbags]

I love, love, love my Palma. It’s the perfect pocket e-reader for on-the-go. I’ve got both cases. I use the silicone one at home, and the cover case in my bag. I also have a removable pop socket on it that makes it easy to hold while reading. It’s not for everyone, but it’s been a great purchase for me.

[@vincewhite5087]

About 2 years ago, I realized a pocket size ereader would be good. So I bought a cheap Samsung A13. Put in a 1T micro sod, and no SIM card. I hot spot to phone & use Google maps to navigate, I loaded thru google play, and put on kindle, kobo, epub & podcasts & audbooks and store on mem card. When ereading I use gray scale & power save. This keeps my phone less full. And safer.

[@Muffin8882]

Nice idea

[@philipc2025]

The Palma is just what I have been looking for. A reader that I can access multiple platforms on. I have a Kobo, a Kindle and I use Play Books. So that's three devices to carry around. Yes I can read them all on my tablet, but outdoors isn't always an ideal experience compared to an e-reader. Also with a tablet there is the potential to be distracted by an e-mail that comes in, or a KZbin notification. So a device that I can have all three on is right up my street. With Bluetooth and a speaker I have two options for listening to my audio books. I do like dark mode, and this device is so portable. It fits all my requirements. Definitely on my to buy list.

[@elenaleppanen]

I have the palma n the color white n I love it! I have a kindle paperwhite signature edition n I haven't picked it up since I received my palma...

[@MrDcrules]

Hi Kit! Hope you are doing well and another fantastic video. I got one of these to read my kindle app on the go on the metro. I tend to use this in my left hand and its a little bit of stretch. I've been able to use the right side buttons for page turning. I would like to be able to use the function button on the left of it to turn the page forward. I've tried to assign the function button page turning in the settings, but that function isn't working. Have you been able to get the left function button to turn pages? thx! Don

[@cheesymarshmellows]

I think i will buy this, i was thinking about getting a freewrite ink writer to write books without distraction, but its $500+tax and..this...well, this is less than $300, and i have a tiny bluetooth keyboard. Like that is so perfect! Plus, i can use this at work on my downtime instead of pulling out my entire Kindle. This is like the coolest creation

[@sadiaafrin4825]

I got the hisense touch way before palma came out. I use it only for reading, so boox super fast mode isn't what I'm missing. But I would've liked that camera at the back for scanning, I could've left my phone fully then at most productive scenarios. However I can't complain as I got the touch around £100 bucks cheaper than palma 😅 I would love one from samsung with eink and the pen though, may be the s24 ultra with eink, asking too much but that could've been nice

[@thexshattered]

I'm curious about the sturdiness of the screen. Do you think it'll be safe to just chuck into my bag if I don't have a case that covers the screen? I have a Boox Tab Mini C and a Note Air 3C, both of which have relatively fragile screens.

[@JessicaJohnson-go6ol]

i love having a palma it didn't really add to what i already take because i was carrying my kindle oasis, phone and i believe 10 inch ipad for coloring and drawing but i've since started taking my palma, phone and i got a ipad mini so it's downsized everything in my bag and i love how many books can fit on such a small device. i'm really looking forward to taking it when my husband, kids and i go on a cruise the first week of june and just having it by the pool or anywhere and being able to read on a moments notice :)

[@KitBetts-Masters]

Sounds perfect for that! Wish you happy reading!

[@MrDcrules]

Hi Kit--on balance, do you see this Palma being worth the $280 USD? I could use my Iphone to read my kindle, but my hopes for this is that this is a distraction free device for reading my kindle. I wish it were a little smaller as an e-reader, to fit better into the hand, as you noted. thank you! Don

[@khanfah8385]

I only wish e-ink smartphones become bezel-less, slimmer and much light weighted.

[@JaneSaidWhy]

Thank you for this review. I wish I could get a case that has the same texture as the phone. Also wish the phone had better security but otherwise I'm crazy about it. Also has anyone who has one found a good screen protector for it? All of the reviews on websites are very critical of the screen protectors. Some people have taken to creating their own. Any advice?

[@porvoonosho]

Why is Boox Palma suddenly EVERYWHERE? Are they they sending review units or what is happening? The product is obviously in the end of it's cycle.

[@starroger]

Excellent review. You are right about the elephant in the room. Where are the e-ink phones? OR for that matter, where are the e-ink smart watches? Too niche? Those who regularly peruse e-ink sites and YT videos are fully aware of the limitations of e-ink vs OLED or similar tech. We have our reasons for owning e-ink tablets. They are not all related to 'reducing distractions'. The main reason I have a Note Air is the ability to see the screen contents in the brightest sunlight. I wold like the same experience with my phone and smart watch. I'm tired of having to duck into some nearby shade to be able to read the OLED screens on these devices. Shade is not always available in the middle of a golf course, or out on the desert, or out on the water, or any other daytime outdoor activity. Again, too niche?

[@krzysztofmorgiel1220]

You do have some options whan it comes to smartwatches something like garmin instinct series and few others but yes its rather niche compared to amoled and oled

[@starroger]

@@krzysztofmorgiel1220 Not really. I saw a couple of e-ink watches on Amazon that were very basic. Not worth replacing my AppleWatch yet.

[@wanderingwithstacy]

I have one and can read every day for at least a week. I just use it for straight reading though.

[@SproutyPottedPlant]

What if you put Cubasis on it and sequenced some midi? The original Cubase on the Atari ST was monochrome high resolution so maybe it would work? 😅

[@amalgamofq]

I almost got one of these but the price point really held me up and i opted for a basic kindle. Its a good size and because i really only need it for reading and annoyating books all of my ebooks are kindle books, it was the better pick for me.

[@ryanbartlett672]

love mine so far. Need to charge it daily like a phone (no fast charge that I can tell)

[@KitBetts-Masters]

Yeah, same experience with the battery!

[@LawrenZza88]

how does the e-ink screen compare to Hisense A6l

[@mddeebp4445]

very helpful!

[@Sybilla9]

My battery is pretty great although I mainly just read. I used to feel it was hard to hold until I put a pop socket on which was a game changer. I'd say it's my 2nd favorite e-reader. :)

[@KitBetts-Masters]

What's your 1st favourite?

[@Sybilla9]

@@KitBetts-Masters Right now my Boox Tab Mini C color e-reader/tablet. I've no idea why I've wandered away from my past fave Kindle paperwhite! lol EDIT: well I think the Boox tab mini c is my favorite for the color and less eye strain when I do want to go on websites or read articles with photos in color. The muted colors are actually soothing compared to phones, ipads, etc.

[@OmenBoy]

I was so hyped about this device and its potential future phone version, but I returned it quickly due to... eye strain. Not as bad as OLED for sure, but it's unfortunate these e-ink devices backlights will always be a question. It would be nice for screen flicker/dithering suffers like me to be able to trust a whole category of alternative devices like e-ink ones, but we can't, and usable screens are getting extremely rare. I wish this upon no one.

[@DeedTech]

Id be curious to see this running something like lineage or graphene OS for those who dont want all the extra BS on their phones. Currently my pixel 7 pro gets 2 days with regular usage on graphene OS.

[@ConradMurkitt]

Interesting on battery life. I’ve only had mine since Saturday but left it on my beside table last night and it only lost 1% all night. Bluetooth is switched off but WiFi is on. I’ve only installed a couple of apps, Kindle and Audible so far as I really only want to use it for reading and little else.

[@Trojanischer_Esel]

Now that you’ve spent a little more time with it, is the battery life still the same for you?

[@maddiefletcher4435]

I am intrigued by this e-ink device. I use a 6” 2022 kindle which I got specifically because of its size & weight. The palma looks like it takes compactness a step further. The thing holding me back is the price though - I’m still torn between getting it or not.

[@KitBetts-Masters]

Yeah not cheap, but far more capable than a kindle. Ask yourself if you want trousers pocketability, and/or if you want an eink device that you can install other apps on. If yes and yes, this is a great choice!

[@diversionmary]

I’ve owned every kindle except the scribe since the 2009 kindle 2. IMHO the 2022 basic is second only to the Voyage. I wish they’d release a voyage2. I own four and all aftermarket batteries are terrible, and it’s a bit slow compared to modern Kindle’s.

[@harmon1103]

I bought mine from Amazon because of free no hassle returns. I also have a 6 inch kindle, so I figured I’d just field test the Palma for a couple of weeks. At first l leaned towards sending it back, but as I get more familiar with the Palma I like it more & more. I think it’s because when I’m not at home, I don’t have much occasion for Longform or book reading, so I have the Palma set up for Shortform - Instapaper, Omnivore, Readwise Reader, Feedly.

[@rebeccawilson7735]

I keep Bluetooth and WiFi off on my Palma and read on it daily and I can’t remember the last time I charged it but when I was reading in bed every night with the back light on it was draining fast. Iv been too tiered lately to read at night so iv not been using the backlight and that has definitely contributed to battery length. Iv been using this device for months daily and Iv given away my other e-readers as this is all I need for now until they bring out a small colour e-reader I noticed they have just brought out the go but I won’t bother with it till they have something that size but with a stylus as I loved to take notes on my Boox note but it was too large for my wrists.

[@Gregregorovich]

I'm pretty sure dark mode started out as a way to increase battery life on OLED because black pixels are off and there's no backlight constantly drawing power lighting up the entire screen.

[@KitBetts-Masters]

Yeah interesting. Point still stands, not a lot of reason for it on eink!

[@khamisa.5384]

We need such one but with another LCD screen on its back, will they be able to make it?!

[@KitBetts-Masters]

There was a phone which did this, but it wasn't popular. Yota phone I think. 🙂

[@khamisa.5384]

@@KitBetts-Masters That's 2014, very old, I am looking for the latest, later than A6L museum

[@thibaldus3]

I think they could have made it a bit wider and kept it pocketable. Also a 6'7/8 inch, even 7inch would be acceptable.

[@vernabailey3671]

I think it's a cool concept. For my use, i wouldn't want it. My eyes aren't good enough for a small font, so I'm still hoping for an 8 inch device. But I thought hard on this. Just all the page turns would bother me. I ended up with the Page, even though it's only 7 inches.

[@Chukoki]

You can adjust the text size at any time

[@vernabailey3671]

​@Chukoki yeah I know. I said all the page turning (from a bigger font) would bother me. It wouldn't fit enough, all I would be doing is turning pages. It's why I stopped using 6 inch devices. Thank you though. 😊

[@LIVE781REDRUM]

The reason i want this as a phone is for day deliveries. Full sun its hard to see my phone to complete deliveries.

[@KitBetts-Masters]

Yeah, it'd be perfect for that!

[@nightshade427]

i want samsung phone with eink screen! Eink phone with video out and dex. Would be awesome.

[@KitBetts-Masters]

Yeah, that would be pretty amazing!

[@KlaasDeforche]

If it were a phone I would buy it...

[@LikeIDKWhatever]

Why do ppl keep calling it a phone. It doesn’t make phone calls, or am I wrong ?

[@mikaelastefkova]

I suppose it's only because of it's size and shape ✨ And because it's an android device 😄

[@VuiCasa]

Reading books on Palma is annoying

[@MarkIsero]

Please say more! Is it because there’s not enough text on a page?

[@pspsmallz]

What a well thought out and very informative review 😂