The Boox Palma 3 introduces stylus compatibility and a modern new look.

After nearly two years since the last update to Boox’s compact black-and-white e-reader, the company has unveiled the Palma 3, featuring a sleek redesign, enhanced functionality, and several minor updates that may justify its higher price depending on your usage. While the Palma 2 debuted in 2024 at $279.99, the Palma 3 is set to retail for $339.99 and is anticipated to be “available soon.”

The standout improvement in the Palma 3 is its hardware. It retains the same 6.13-inch, 300ppi E Ink Carta display as its predecessor, which is now a bit dated, but it’s encased in a new anodized aluminum frame with a paper-like fiberglass back. The Palma 3 presents a noticeable upgrade to the Palma series, even if the internal specs remain similar. This portable e-reader is powered by a Qualcomm Q-6690 octa-core processor, equipped with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card. It also boasts a 3950mAh rechargeable battery, a 16-megapixel rear camera, and a fingerprint reader integrated into the power button.

The original Palma and Palma 2 ran on Android 11 and Android 13, respectively, but the Palma 3 comes with Android 16, making it just one generation behind the latest OS version. This should enhance its feel as a modern mobile device. Additionally, similar to the color screen Palma 2 Pro, the Palma 3 is compatible with the Boox InkSense Plus active stylus, allowing you to use the e-reader as a digital notepad with your favorite note-taking app. However, the stylus is sold separately, adding an extra $46 to the overall cost of the Palma 3, bringing it closer to the price range of premium e-notes like the Remarkable Paper Pure.