What actually changed in the Boox Palma 3?
The Boox Palma 3 is positioned as a compact, phone-sized eReader, featuring a 6.13-inch e-paper display and a noticeable upgrade in both build quality and software. The switch to an anodized aluminum frame and textured fiberglass back brings a more premium feel compared to previous models' plastic. The Palma 3 launches with Android 16, addressing a major pain point with these devices—faster obsolescence due to lack of OS updates. This also means broader app compatibility and longer support for security updates, compared to models still shipping with Android 13 or 15.
Other notable changes include the addition of active stylus support (usable with the Boox InkSense Plus, sold separately) and a 16MP camera. However, the display retains the same resolution and size as the previous Palma, and the internals (RAM, storage, battery) are otherwise unchanged.
Who should consider the Boox Palma 3—and who shouldn’t?
This device is best suited for users seeking a feature-rich, pocket-sized eReader that doubles as a basic note-taker or occasional document scanner. Its strength lies in software flexibility and build quality. If your primary need is reading, and you want the option to annotate directly on the device or quickly scan handwritten notes, the Palma 3 stands out—especially when compared to alternatives that lack stylus or camera support.
However, this isn’t the right choice for everyone. If all you want is a compact device for reading ebooks, cheaper and lighter options such as the ViWoods AiPaper Reader (no stylus, lighter, lower price) are worth considering. Similarly, if you want a color screen or additional RAM for multitasking, the Boox Palma 2 Pro delivers on those fronts, but you’ll pay more and get slightly less portability.
For those who prioritize comfort in hand and carrying weight, note that the Palma 3 is considerably heavier than both the ViWoods AiPaper and the Palma 2 Pro. The stylus is also likely a niche value on such a small device, and productivity features may prove more awkward than on larger e-ink tablets.
Limitations and trade-offs
The upgrade to Android 16 is genuinely valuable for future-proofing, but the lack of major hardware changes besides the build and stylus support means this isn’t a massive leap in overall capability. The higher weight, relative to other compact eReaders, makes it less appealing for extended one-handed use.
The 16MP camera is a rare inclusion, but its real-world utility remains limited for most eReader tasks. Finally, the Palma 3 is launching at $339.99 USD—cheaper than its Pro sibling, but notably more expensive than entry-level alternatives that deliver a similar core reading experience.
Takeaway: Is the Palma 3 worth it?
The Boox Palma 3 is a smart pick for tech-savvy readers who want maximum flexibility in a compact package, appreciate higher build quality, and have occasional use for stylus and camera features. If you primarily want an affordable reader for books, with no interest in extra features or Android versatility, a less expensive and lighter device will likely serve you better.