Boox Palma 3 Review: New Stylus Support and Design Upgrades
The Boox Palma 3 arrives with a sturdier chassis, the latest Android version for an e‑ink device, and optional stylus support. At $339.99 it costs $60 more than its predecessor, a jump that only makes sense if the new features fit your workflow.
According to The Verge, the Palma 3 keeps the 6.13‑inch, 300 ppi E Ink Carta display but adds an anodized aluminum frame, a fiberglass backplate, a Qualcomm Q‑6690 octa‑core CPU, 6 GB RAM, 128 GB storage, a 3950 mAh battery, a 16‑megapixel rear camera, and a fingerprint sensor.
Design and Build Quality
The most visible change is the metal shell. The previous Palma 2 used a plastic body that could feel flimsy in a pocket. The new aluminum frame not only feels more premium but also adds durability against drops. The backplate uses a paper‑like fiberglass material that reduces fingerprints and gives a tactile grip. These materials increase weight modestly, but the device still feels comfortable for one‑handed use.
Specs and Performance
Under the hood the Palma 3 upgrades the processor to a Qualcomm Q‑6690 octa‑core chip. While the exact benchmark numbers aren’t published, the extra cores and higher clock speeds should handle Android 16’s background services more smoothly than the older Snapdragon‑based models. RAM stays at 6 GB, enough for multitasking between reading, note‑taking, and occasional web browsing. Storage is generous at 128 GB, and a microSD slot lets you add more if needed.
Battery capacity rises to 3950 mAh from the Palma 2’s 3800 mAh. On paper that’s about a 4% increase, but real‑world endurance will depend on how often you use the back‑camera or the optional stylus. The 16‑megapixel camera is a surprising addition; it can capture book pages for quick import, though low‑light performance is likely limited by the small sensor.
| Feature | Boox Palma 2 | Boox Palma 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Release year | 2024 | 2026 |
| Price (USD) | $279.99 | $339.99 |
| Processor | Qualcomm (unspecified) | Qualcomm Q‑6690 octa‑core |
| RAM | 6 GB | 6 GB |
| Storage | 128 GB | 128 GB (microSD expandable) |
| Battery | 3800 mAh | 3950 mAh |
| Camera | None | 16 MP rear |
| Stylus support | No | InkSense Plus (optional) |
| OS version | Android 13 | Android 16 |
| Frame material | Plastic | Anodized aluminum |
Stylus Support and Note‑Taking
The Palma 3 adds compatibility with Boox’s InkSense Plus active stylus. An active stylus uses a small battery and a built‑in processor to communicate with the screen, allowing pressure sensitivity and tilt detection. The stylus is sold separately for $46, pushing the total cost close to $386. That price range overlaps with premium e‑note devices like the Remarkable Paper Pure.
Because the stylus is optional, you can still buy the reader alone and use it just for ebook consumption. If you choose to add the stylus, the device functions as a digital notebook, letting you annotate PDFs, sketch diagrams, or handwrite in any Android note‑taking app. The combination of a high‑contrast E Ink screen and a low‑latency stylus makes for a comfortable writing experience that mimics paper, while still offering the flexibility of a full Android OS.
What the Upgrade Really Means
The trade‑off here is clear: you pay $60 more for a sturdier case, a newer Android version, and a camera that most readers will never use. The real value driver is the optional stylus. If you’re a student, researcher, or professional who annotates PDFs daily, the stylus turns the Palma 3 into a lightweight alternative to dedicated note‑taking tablets. However, the extra $46 for the stylus brings the total price to a level where you start to compare feature‑for‑feature with devices that have higher refresh rates, better color rendering, or built‑in stylus support.
Android 16 being just one generation behind the current Android release means the device will receive security patches for longer than the Palma 2, which shipped on Android 13. That matters for privacy‑conscious users who keep sensitive documents on the device. On the downside, Android on E Ink still suffers from slower UI refresh compared to LCD or OLED screens, so heavy app usage feels sluggish despite the newer OS.
Who gains? People who already own a Boox device and want a more durable pocket‑sized reader, or those who need a dedicated e‑ink note‑taking tool without buying a full tablet. Who loses? Users who expect a premium e‑note experience at the same price point; they’ll find the Palma 3’s stylus cost and slower refresh a compromise.
Who Should Consider Buying
- Frequent travelers who need a paper‑like note‑taking surface that doesn’t drain a laptop battery. The compact size and long‑lasting battery suit airline cabins.
- Academic researchers who annotate PDFs heavily. The optional stylus plus Android’s multitasking (split‑screen) can streamline reading and note‑taking in one device.
- Current Boox owners looking to upgrade a worn‑out Palma 2 without switching ecosystems.
Skip the Palma 3 if you:
- Primarily read fiction and don’t need a stylus.
- Want a color display for magazines or comics.
- Prefer a device that works out‑of‑the‑box as a note‑taking tablet without extra accessories.
Immediate Actions
- Set a price threshold. If the $46 stylus pushes you above $380, compare the Palma 3 with the Remarkable 2 or the Kindle Scribe, which include a stylus at a similar price.
- Test the screen latency. Visit a local retailer or borrow a demo unit to feel the stylus lag; e‑ink latency varies between models.
- Check Android app compatibility. Install your preferred note‑taking app (e.g., Notability, GoodNotes alternatives) before buying to ensure it runs smoothly on Android 16.
- Consider a protective case. The metal frame helps, but a thin silicone sleeve protects the backplate and camera.
By weighing the durability upgrade against the optional stylus cost, you can decide whether the Palma 3 fits your reading‑and‑writing workflow without overpaying for features you’ll never use.
