Onyx Boox has officially unveiled the Palma 3, updating its unique phone-sized e-reader with a more refined build and modern software. Retailing for $319.99, the device trades the plastic casing of its predecessors for a sturdy anodized aluminum frame while adopting Android 16 out of the box. Designed for digital minimalists and avid readers seeking an eye-strain-free alternative to traditional smartphones, it blends the mobility of a pocket handheld with the tactile comfort of an ePaper display.
Despite its mobile form factor, the Palma 3 remains dedicated to reading and light utility rather than cellular calling. Packed with a crisp 300 ppi panel, customizable physical navigation buttons, and full Google Play Store access, it offers remarkable software flexibility in a compact chassis built to endure everyday pocket carry.
A Premium Aluminum Frame Built for Pocket Carry
The most immediate change in the Palma 3 is its updated physical construction. Onyx Boox switched from the plastic shell used on earlier generations to a sleek, anodized aluminum chassis. Measuring 159 x 78 x 7.8mm and weighing 195 grams, the handheld retains a form factor almost identical to a conventional modern smartphone, making it easy to slip into a coat pocket or small bag without adding noticeable bulk.
At the center of the experience is a 6.13-inch HD ePaper glass display with an 824 x 1648 resolution, delivering a sharp pixel density of 300 ppi. The panel features a flat cover lens that maintains a smooth front profile alongside capacitive touch support for intuitive gestures. To accommodate reading under varying ambient light conditions, the built-in front light includes dual-tone temperature adjustments, allowing users to switch between cool white tones during the day and warm amber hues for late-night reading sessions.
Modern Android 16 Software in a Distraction-Free Shell
Unlike traditional, locked-down e-readers from major publishing platforms, the Palma 3 operates on Android 16 with native Google Play Store integration. This allows users to download third-party reading platforms such as Amazon Kindle, Kobo, and Libby, alongside podcast clients, news aggregators, and web browsers. This open ecosystem ensures that readers are never tied to a single proprietary storefront.
Powering the device is an octa-core processor combined with Boox Super Refresh (BSR) hardware acceleration, which helps smooth out screen redraws and ghosting typical of ePaper panels. Supported by 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, performance is snappy enough to handle app switching smoothly. For users with large offline book or audiobook libraries, the device includes a dedicated microSD card slot for storage expansion.
Document compatibility is extensive. The Palma 3 natively opens popular e-book formats including EPUB, EPUB3, AZW3, MOBI, PDF, TXT, DOC, DOCX, FB2, DJVU, along with comic formats like CBR and CBZ. Audio playback for MP3 and WAV files is supported via the built-in speaker, Bluetooth 6.0 wireless pairing, or the USB-C port with OTG capabilities.
Functional Hardware Tweaks and Daily Utility
Onyx Boox has tailored the physical layout of the Palma 3 around tactile convenience. The side of the device houses traditional volume rockers that double as hardware page-turn keys, while a dedicated, customizable Smart Button offers quick access to essential functions like refreshing the screen, taking a screenshot, or launching a favorite app. The power button integrates a fast fingerprint sensor for biometric unlocking.
A 3,950 mAh battery provides long runtime thanks to the low power draw of the screen technology. Additional hardware features include a light sensor for automatic brightness, a G-sensor for auto-rotating display orientation, and dual microphones. On the rear, a 16MP camera accompanied by an LED flash remains available primarily for document scanning rather than photography, enabling users to digitize paper notes directly into text files.
Pricing and Market Positioning
The Boox Palma 3 is priced at $319.99, positioning it as a specialized premium companion for dedicated readers, commuters, and light digital detoxers. While it costs more than basic entry-level e-readers, its durable aluminum construction, deep Android app compatibility, and ultra-portable size make it a unique hybrid device in personal tech setups.
