The Boox Palma 3 elevates the pocket e-reader experience by swapping out its predecessor's plastic shell for a sleek, anodized aluminum frame. Priced at $339.99, the new device aims to bridge the design gap between traditional e-readers and premium smartphones. It features a paper-like fiberglass backplate that significantly modernizes its aesthetic.
Beyond the chassis upgrade, the device now supports the InkSense Plus stylus, a feature first introduced with the Palma 2 Pro. This addition allows users to use the e-reader as a dedicated note-taking device, though the stylus requires an additional $46 purchase. The software also sees a major leap, shipping with Android 16 out of the box.
The Android 16 Advantage
Moving to Android 16 provides a substantially more modern software experience compared to the Android 13 OS found on the standard Palma 2, and even edges out the Android 15 software on the Pro model. While contemporary smartphones have already transitioned to Android 17, this update ensures better app compatibility and smoother performance for an e-ink device.
This OS upgrade is crucial for users who rely on third-party reading apps, productivity tools, and cloud synchronization. It guarantees that the device will remain secure and capable of running modern Android applications for years to come, avoiding the rapid obsolescence that plagues older e-readers.
Familiar Hardware Under the Hood
While the exterior and operating system are new, Boox has retained the exact internal specifications that made the previous generation successful. The device maintains its physical volume and page-turn buttons, built-in speakers, microphones, and a USB-C port for charging and data transfer.
The core hardware specifications include:
- A 6.13-inch ePaper glass screen with a 300 ppi resolution.
- 6GB of RAM paired with 128GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD).
- A 3,950mAh battery for extended reading sessions.
- A 16MP rear camera equipped with an LED flash.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Warm and cold front light adjustments with auto-rotation support.
Is the Premium Build Worth the Price Hike?
The $339.99 price tag represents a steep $60 increase over the 2024 launch price of the Palma 2. For existing owners of the previous generation, the identical internal specs make this a difficult upgrade to justify unless the aluminum frame and stylus support are absolute necessities. The core reading experience remains fundamentally unchanged.
However, for new buyers seeking a high-end, pocketable Android device that doesn't compromise on build quality, the Boox Palma 3 occupies a unique niche. By pushing the design closer to a modern smartphone and leaving the entry-level market to the newly released Boox Picco, Boox is clearly segmenting its lineup to cater to power users who demand premium materials.
