The Boox Palma Pro 2 marks the next evolution of Boox’s pocket-sized E Ink lineup, building on the success of the original Boox Palma 1. While the first-generation model impressed readers with its compact form and smartphone-like usability, the new Palma Pro 2 takes things a step further — blending improved performance, better color rendering, and enhanced usability.
If you’ve been wondering how the Palma Pro 2 compares to the Palma 1, this detailed comparison breaks down all the key differences, including design, display, software, battery life, and overall user experience. Whether you’re upgrading or buying your first E Ink companion, this guide will help you decide which model fits your needs best.
1. Design and Build: Compact Yet More Refined
At first glance, both devices share a similar pocketable form factor, resembling a smartphone rather than a traditional eReader. However, the Boox Palma Pro 2 refines the design with smoother edges, a stronger aluminum frame, and better ergonomics.
The weight distribution is more balanced, making it more comfortable to hold for long reading sessions. Subtle changes in texture and button placement give the Palma Pro 2 a more premium and practical feel — ideal for readers who use their device daily.
2. Display: From Monochrome to Color E Ink Kaleido 3
Perhaps the most significant upgrade is the display. The original Palma 1 featured a monochrome E Ink Carta screen, ideal for text-based reading but limited for visual content. The Palma Pro 2, on the other hand, introduces the Kaleido 3 color E Ink display, bringing soft and balanced colors to charts, comics, and digital documents.
This improvement transforms the reading experience. You can now view color-coded highlights, educational materials, and even light visuals with greater clarity. While the color tones are subtle compared to LCD screens, they maintain the signature paper-like comfort E Ink users love — without glare or eye strain.
3. Performance: Faster, Smoother, and More Responsive
Under the hood, the Boox Palma Pro 2 gets a major boost. It’s equipped with a faster octa-core processor, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of internal storage — compared to the Palma 1’s 4GB RAM and 64GB storage setup.
This means smoother app performance, quicker page refreshes, and faster loading across different reading and productivity apps. Whether you’re opening PDFs, switching between apps, or using AI tools for note management, the Pro 2 handles it effortlessly. It’s built for multitasking without the lag that often affects E Ink devices.
4. Operating System: Android 12 vs Android 11
The Palma 1 runs on Android 11, while the Palma Pro 2 upgrades to Android 12, providing improved app compatibility and better privacy controls. The newer OS also brings smoother animations, refined UI elements, and enhanced battery optimization.
With Android 12, users gain access to a broader range of Google Play Store apps, making the Palma Pro 2 more flexible for reading, studying, and productivity tasks. This upgrade ensures better long-term support and improved system stability.
5. Reading Experience: Enhanced Customization and Clarity
The Palma Pro 2 enhances the reading experience with better screen contrast and optimized refresh modes. It supports faster page turns, clearer text rendering, and adaptive lighting that automatically adjusts to your environment.
For those who read extensively, the new device’s front light and color temperature control reduce eye fatigue, making it suitable for late-night or outdoor reading. The improved NeoReader app also offers more customization options, from font settings to layout adjustments, enhancing overall usability.
6. Audio and Connectivity: A More Complete Media Device
While both devices support audio features, the Palma Pro 2 improves connectivity and sound quality. It includes stereo speakers with better clarity and Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring smoother pairing with wireless headphones and speakers.
This makes it perfect for audiobooks, podcasts, or text-to-speech functions — expanding its role beyond traditional reading. The Palma Pro 2 also maintains support for Wi-Fi and USB-C charging, keeping it consistent and convenient.
7. Camera and Document Scanning: Smarter Integration
The Palma 1 included a basic rear camera for document scanning, which was functional but limited in clarity. The Palma Pro 2 upgrades to a higher-resolution rear camera and better image processing software, allowing for cleaner scans and faster OCR (Optical Character Recognition).
This is especially useful for professionals who scan notes, contracts, or reference material. Combined with improved handwriting recognition in Boox’s software suite, the new model strengthens its position as a tool for productivity as well as reading.
8. Battery Life: Same Efficiency, Better Optimization
Both models are known for their long-lasting battery life, but the Palma Pro 2 benefits from better power management due to its Android 12 optimizations and more efficient E Ink refresh modes.
Despite the addition of color and increased performance, users can still expect weeks of use on a single charge, depending on brightness and usage intensity. The improved standby mode ensures minimal drain even when the device is idle for long periods.
9. Storage and Cloud Syncing: Double the Capacity
Storage is another area where the Palma Pro 2 clearly wins. With 128GB internal storage (expandable via microSD), it doubles the capacity of the Palma 1. This upgrade allows users to store more eBooks, documents, and audiobooks without worrying about space.
Additionally, Boox Cloud and integration with services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive remain supported, ensuring seamless syncing and easy file transfer across devices.
10. Price and Value: A Justified Upgrade
The Boox Palma Pro 2 does come at a slightly higher price than the Palma 1, but its enhanced features justify the investment. With a color display, faster performance, improved design, and longer-term software support, it offers significantly greater value for both casual readers and productivity-focused users.
If you’re primarily reading novels and want simplicity, the Palma 1 remains a capable device. However, if you need color visuals, faster performance, and broader functionality, the Palma Pro 2 is the clear choice in 2025.
Comparison Summary
| Feature | Boox Palma 1 | Boox Palma Pro 2 |
| Display | 6.13″ E Ink Carta (B/W) | 6.13″ Color E Ink Kaleido 3 |
| Processor | Octa-core (older gen) | Octa-core (new gen, faster) |
| RAM / Storage | 4GB / 64GB | 6GB / 128GB |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 |
| Audio | Mono speaker, Bluetooth 5.0 | Stereo speakers, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Camera | Basic document camera | Upgraded camera with OCR |
| Battery Life | Up to 3 weeks | Up to 4 weeks (optimized) |
| Color Display | No | Yes |
| Price | Lower | Slightly higher |
Conclusion
The Boox Palma Pro 2 builds on the foundation of the Palma 1 and refines every aspect — from its color display and faster processor to its smoother reading performance and upgraded OS. It’s designed for modern readers and professionals who want a compact, powerful, and distraction-free E Ink experience.
If you loved the portability of the original Palma but wanted a bit more versatility and vibrancy, the Palma Pro 2 is the natural next step. It proves that great things truly do come in small packages — and in 2025, it redefines what portable reading can be.
