The Boox Palma 3 is officially here, with the company announcing the successor to its popular e-reader nearly two years after the Palma 2. The new device brings a strikingly refreshed design, stylus support, the latest Android 16 , and a host of upgrades that justify — or at least explain — its significant price hike. If you're a fan of E Ink devices and are looking for something that fits in your pocket, the Palma 3 is definitely worth your attention.
The Boox Palma 3 has been priced at $339.99, a significant increase from the $279.99 Palma 2 that was released in 2024. The $60 may seem significant, but when you consider what the new device offers, it becomes more understandable. Boox hasn't announced an exact release date yet, simply stating that it will be "available soon." That leaves interested buyers waiting, but the announcement is detailed enough to give us a full picture of the device.
Boox Palma 3: Design and E Ink display
The most obvious change to the Boox Palma 3 is its completely revamped design. The device now features an anodized aluminum that gives it a premium aesthetic, while the back is covered in a fiberglass backplate — a choice that fits perfectly with the e-reader philosophy. The result is a device that looks much more refined and durable than its predecessors. The feel in the hand promises to be completely different — closer to a premium smartphone than a simple e-reader.
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The display remains the same, a 6.13-inch E Ink Carta with a 300ppi that we saw on the Palma 2. Although this technology is now quite old, it still offers excellent readability and minimal eye strain, especially outdoors in bright light. The 300ppi resolution ensures crystal-clear text, comparable to that of a real book. The lack of an upgrade to the display may disappoint some, but the E Ink Carta remains the gold standard for black and white e-readers.
It is worth noting that the Palma 3 is black and white, unlike the Palma 2 Pro which has a color screen. This choice is not accidental — black and white E Ink screens still outperform their color counterparts in terms of refresh rate, contrast, and power consumption. For those who use the device primarily for reading books, articles, and taking notes, the black and white screen remains the ideal choice.
Boox Palma 3: Processor, Android 16 and stylus
Under the Boox Palma 3 is a Qualcomm Q-6690 octa-core processor, accompanied by 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. Storage can be expanded via microSD card, which is especially useful for those with large libraries or storing a lot of files. The 3950mAh promises extended battery life — one of the biggest advantages of E Ink devices in general, as power consumption is minimal when reading static text.
The biggest software leap of the Palma 3 is undoubtedly the adoption of Android 16.For comparison, the original Palma ran Android 11 and the Palma 2 came with Android 13.Android 16 is just one generation behind the latest version of the operating system, which ensures better app compatibility, improved security and a more modern user experience. This is crucial for a device that runs full Android and allows the installation of any app from the Google Play Store or alternative sources.
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One of the most interesting additions to the Boox Palma 3 is support for the Boox InkSense Plus active stylus. This turns the device from a simple e-reader into a portable digital notebook, ideal for taking notes, sketching, and annotating texts. The stylus is not included in the base price — it is an optional accessory that costs an additional $46, bringing the total cost closer to $386. At this price, the Palma 3 starts to compete with premium e-note devices like the Remarkable Paper Pure, which significantly changes its position in the market.
A 16-megapixel camera on the back and a fingerprint reader in the power button round out the device's capabilities. The camera may seem unnecessary on an e-reader, but it's useful for scanning documents, QR codes, or even using apps that require a camera. The fingerprint reader adds a layer of security that's expected of a modern device.
The Boox Palma 3 is aimed at a very specific audience: those who want a device that fits in their pocket, to read books and articles without the strain of LCD or OLED smartphone screens, but at the same time have access to a full Android ecosystem. It is the ideal device for readers who want to replace their smartphone while reading or for professionals who need a portable solution for taking notes and reading documents.
Comparing the Palma 3 to its competitors, the picture is interesting. Amazon 's Kindle Paperwhite offers a lower price but is a closed ecosystem. The Kobo Libra is also competitive, but it doesn't run full Android . The Palma 3 stands out precisely because it combines the E Ink reading experience with the flexibility of a full Android smartphone in a pocket-sized package. This combination is rare on the market and largely justifies the higher price.
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Overall, the Boox Palma 3 looks to be a mature and well-designed upgrade for the Palma. The new aluminum and fiberglass design, Android 16, stylus support, and a powerful processor make it the most complete version to date. The price increase is noticeable, but it is justified by the upgrades. According to The Verge, the device is expected to be released soon, so those interested should keep an eye on developments.
