Boox recently announced the Palma 2 Pro, which promises exclusive features over the Palma 2.
Considering we gave the Palma 2 a four-star rating, what really separates the device from the Palma 2 Pro? Is there a big enough difference to warrant spending more on the Pro model?
We explain what’s new with the Palma 2 Pro compared to the Palma 2, in order to help you decide which e-ink tablet will likely suit you better. Otherwise, we’ve collated the best e-ink tablets we’ve reviewed, so you can see a wider variety of options.
Price and Availability
At the time of writing, the Boox Palma 2 Pro is available to pre-order ahead of a mid-November release and has an RRP €399.99/$399.99.
With an RRP of €299.99/$299.99, the Boox Palma 2 is considerably cheaper. However, it is possible to find the pint-sized tablet with a price drop.
Boox Palma 2 Pro includes a built-in hybrid SIM slot
One feature that we thought was missing in the Boox Palma 2 was its lack of SIM or eSIM support, which would enable users to use the device as a dumb phone when out and about. Fortunately, Boox has heard our pleas and the Palma 2 Pro sports a hybrid SIM slot for either dual SIMs or one SIM and expandable storage if the 128GB built-in isn’t enough.
It’s worth disclaiming that the Palma 2 Pro only offers data-only SIM support, so you won’t be able to make calls or send SMS messages, however you can of course use WhatsApp or other internet-enabled calling apps instead.
On the other hand, while the original Palma 2 doesn’t support a SIM, as it’s powered by Android you can download compatible apps including WhatsApp and Telegram and sign into your usual account. You’ll just need to ensure you’re connected to Wi-Fi to stay in touch.
Boox Palma 2 Pro is compatible with the InkSense Plus stylus
For the first time in the Palma series, the Palma 2 Pro is compatible with Boox’s InkSense Plus stylus. Unlike the Galaxy S25 Ultra which comes equipped with an S Pen, you’ll need to purchase the stylus separately at $41.99/€41.99.
With a built-in 80mAh battery, USB-C charging and a shortcut side button, the InkSense Plus stylus allows you to use your Palma 2 Pro as a memo pad, enabling you to handwrite notes on the move.
Boox Palma 2 Pro has a colour, e-ink display
Although both the Palma 2 and Palma 2 Pro have the same 6.13-inch sized display, which is even smaller than the likes of the iPhone 17 and Pixel 10, the Palma 2 Pro benefits from a 4096-colour display.
The Palma 2 Pro’s Kaleido 3 color display benefits from Boox’s ComfortGaze front lights, which promise a more comfortable viewing experience compared to traditional backlit screens. Much like the Remarkable Paper Pro Move, its colours are also more muted than traditional LED and LCD screens, so you shouldn’t expect particularly vibrant or punchy shades.
Otherwise, the Palma 2’s display is monochrome which, although doesn’t offer as much versatility as its Pro alternative, is great for reading novels or the like.
Boox Palma 2 Pro has A-GPS
Perhaps surprisingly, the Palma 2 Pro is fitted with A-GPS. Essentially, A-GPS works on the same principles as GPS, however rather than solely relying on satellite signals, it uses them alongside a mobile or Wi-Fi network to track your location accordingly.
Boox explains that by utilising A-GPS, the Palma 2 Pro “enhances location services for everyday activities like fitness tracking and map navigation”. It might not seem like a particularly necessary feature of an e-reader, however if you did want to use the Palma 2 Pro as a phone replacement, it’s certainly useful to know you can navigate while on the move.
Boox Palma 2 is thinner
The Palma 2 and Palma 2 Pro both sport a similar design, with a 6.13-inch display that resembles a smartphone more than an e-reader. Even so, there are some noteworthy differences between the two.
While at first glance they look similar, once you pick the Palma 2 up you’ll notice it’s slightly thinner and lighter than its Pro alternative, at 8mm and 170g compared to 8.8mm and 175g. Despite this discrepancy in their weight, both devices are fitted with the same-sized 3950mAh battery cell.
Early Verdict
With a hybrid SIM card slot, a colour display and stylus support, the Boox Palma 2 Pro promises to improve upon the Palma 2. However, these improvements do come with a hefty price tag, and whether they’re worth the cost is down to your individual needs.
If you would like a decent dumb phone that allows you to stay connected but not distracted while you’re on the move, then the Palma 2 Pro is certainly an appealing option. On the other hand, if you’re just looking for a pocket-sized, e-ink tablet for casual reading and note-taking on the go, then the Palma 2 is a perfectly sufficient alternative.
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