Onyx has unveiled its latest e-reader, the Boox Palma 3, targeting the overseas market with a compact design and a feature set that blends traditional e-ink reading with modern smartphone capabilities. Priced at $320 (approximately ¥2,153 RMB), this new device aims to offer a unique reading and productivity experience in a small form factor.
Compact Design, Enhanced Display
The Boox Palma 3 boasts a 6.13-inch E-ink Carta 1200 display, featuring a resolution of 824×1648 pixels. This screen size is reminiscent of older smartphones, making the Palma 3 highly portable and comfortable to hold for extended reading sessions. The device is constructed with an anodized aluminum body, giving it a premium feel and durability. It also supports an active stylus, allowing users to annotate PDF documents directly on the screen, a crucial feature for students, academics, and professionals who frequently work with documents.
Modern Internals and Android Power
Under the hood, the Boox Palma 3 is powered by an octa-core processor paired with 6GB of RAM. What sets this e-reader apart is its operating system: it runs on Android 16. This opens up a world of possibilities, as users can install a wide range of applications directly from the Google Play Store. This means users aren’t limited to just reading e-books; they can access productivity apps, news aggregators, and more, all on a glare-free E-ink display.
Beyond Reading: Camera and Battery
In a move that blurs the lines between e-readers and other mobile devices, the Boox Palma 3 includes a 16-megapixel rear camera. This camera, along with an integrated flash, is designed for scanning documents efficiently. The inclusion of dual microphones further enhances its utility for tasks requiring audio input. Powering the device is a 3950mAh battery, which should provide ample reading time, typical of E-ink devices that are known for their power efficiency.
Availability and Target Audience
The Boox Palma 3 is available in both black and white color options. While Onyx has launched this product in the overseas market, specific availability details for other regions might vary. The device’s combination of a small E-ink screen, stylus support, and the flexibility of Android 16 makes it an interesting proposition for avid readers, students, and professionals looking for a dedicated device that can handle document annotation and app installations without the distractions of a full-color tablet or smartphone screen.
The e-reader’s unique blend of hardware specifications and software capabilities positions it as a versatile tool for those who prioritize reading comfort, note-taking, and selective app usage on a power-efficient display.
