The world of e-readers and smartphones may be about to collide. Onyx Boox, a brand already well known for its Android-powered e-paper devices, is reportedly working on a next-generation Boox Palma that could blur the lines between an e-reader and a smartphone. With a new report at The Verge pointing to a color E-Ink screen and 4G LTE support, the upcoming Boox Palma smartphone could be the most disruptive device yet in the e-ink space.
A Quick Look Back: The Palma Story
The original Boox Palma debuted as a compact 6.13-inch device shaped like a smartphone. Running Android and supporting the Google Play Store, it allowed users to download apps like Kindle, Pocket, or Evernote—delivering an “e-reader that looks like a phone.”
The Palma 2, released in late 2024, improved on this formula with:
- Android 13 for better app support
- A faster Qualcomm processor
- Fingerprint recognition for security
- BOOX Super Refresh Technology for smoother page turns and animations
Reviewers at outlets like The Verge and TechRadar praised its originality, battery efficiency, and ability to reduce smartphone distractions, even if it wasn’t a “full phone” yet.
What’s Next for the Boox Palma Smartphone: Color E-Ink + LTE
According to early reports from Good e-Reader and The eBook Reader Blog, the upcoming Boox Palma smartphone could add two long-awaited features:
- Color E-Ink Display: Expanding beyond black-and-white reading into comics, magazines, charts, and colorful UIs—all without losing the eye comfort of e-ink.
- 4G LTE Connectivity: For the first time, a Palma may support cellular data, moving it closer to a true smartphone alternative.
These additions could make the Palma not just a quirky pocket e-reader, but a distraction-free smartphone for focused users.
Why the Boox Palma Smartphone Matters
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Minimal Distraction Meets Connectivity
Where most smartphones are designed to keep you endlessly scrolling, the Palma offers the opposite: a calm, paper-like display with enough functionality to keep you connected. Adding LTE takes this further—it could finally serve as a minimalist phone.
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Designed for Readers First
Unlike typical smartphones, Palma is built for those who value reading—whether it’s e-books, news, or PDFs—without constant notifications breaking concentration.
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Unique Market Position
Other color e-ink devices exist (like the larger Note Air 4C), but Palma stands out by delivering the same technology in a pocket-sized form factor—something no competitor is currently doing.
Real-World Use Cases
- Digital Detox Phone: A way to stay in touch via messaging and calls without falling into the social media rabbit hole.
- Reader’s Companion: Perfect for Kindle or Kobo users who want portability without eye strain.
- Work & Study Tool: Color e-ink makes charts, academic papers, and notes easier to digest.
- On-the-Go Entertainment: Comics, manga, and even light web browsing become possible without a glowing LCD.
Imagine commuting on the train, sipping coffee in a café, or winding down before bed—Palma provides the essentials of a phone with the comfort of an e-reader.
Looking Ahead
Details such as pricing, launch date, and supported carriers remain unconfirmed. But the hints of a color display and LTE connectivity suggest that the next Boox Palma smartphone could be the closest the tech world has come to a mainstream e-ink smartphone.
Will it appeal to niche enthusiasts or break into the broader smartphone market? That depends on how Onyx balances app compatibility, performance, and price. Either way, Palma could redefine what we expect from our everyday mobile devices.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming Boox Palma smartphone isn’t just another e-reader—it represents a new vision of mindful mobile computing. By blending the calm of e-ink with the functionality of a smartphone, Palma could offer something that many users quietly crave: a way to stay connected without being consumed.
As Onyx continues to push boundaries, the Palma may well prove that the future of smartphones doesn’t have to be brighter, faster, and louder—sometimes, it can be calmer, slower, and smarter.
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