Boox Palma 3 Unveiled: Redesigned E-Reader Blurs Lines with Smartphones

It's been nearly two years since Boox last updated its distinctive black-and-white e-reader, the Palma, and now the company is back with the Palma 3. This new iteration sports a sleek redesign, enhanced functionality, and a few other tweaks that might just make its increased price tag worthwhile, depending on your usage habits.

The Palma 2 launched back in 2024 with a price of $279.99. The Palma 3, however, is set to retail for $339.99 and is expected to be available soon. While the price has seen a bump, the most apparent upgrade is to the hardware itself. The Palma 3 retains the same 6.13-inch, 300ppi E Ink Carta screen that we saw in its predecessor, which is still a solid display for reading. What's new is the chassis; the device is now encased in a refined anodized aluminum frame, giving it a more premium feel and likely improved durability.

Beyond the fresh look, Boox is packing the Palma 3 with a few key functional upgrades. While the full details are still emerging, the company hints at new capabilities that could make it a more versatile pocket device. This move by Boox seems to be a clear attempt to bridge the gap between traditional e-readers and the functionality offered by smartphones, all while maintaining the eye-friendly benefits of an E Ink display. For those who appreciate the focused reading experience of an e-reader but crave a bit more versatility, the Palma 3 could be a compelling option, provided the new features justify the higher cost.