One of the best e-readers I’ve tested is an Android phone dupe that’s full of wonder

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The Onyx Boox Palma is a $279 e-reader that is designed like a smartphone.
• It runs on a stripped-down model of Android 11, permitting customers to obtain any app or recreation from the Google Play Retailer.
• Lack of mobile connectivity and water and dirt resistance are notable drawbacks however ones most individuals can shoulder.

Once I first found the Onyx Boox Palma, I used to be equal components puzzled and fascinated. Certain, Kindles, Nooks, and different units changing books have been taking off, however did anybody actually need one which’s sized and formed like a cellphone? 

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Had the Boox Palma not been capable of obtain nearly any app on the Play Retailer — because of it being part of a rising breed of Android-powered e-readers — I in all probability would not have bit. However after utilizing it over the previous yr, particularly throughout lengthy work journeys and the weekly commute, I am so glad I did.

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To be clear, the Boox Palma runs on an outdated, stripped-down model of Android 11, and I do not anticipate the maker to improve to the much less outdated Android 12 anytime quickly. I am kind of okay with that, because the gadget does not want the fanciest animations, digital camera options, and theming capabilities to serve its function.

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The 2 most important advantages of operating Android on such a tool are entry to the Play Retailer, which means you’ll be able to obtain a couple of e-reader app (in addition to TikTok, Instagram, Disney+, and many others., if you happen to’re feeling unhinged), and deep customization. These are two elements you merely will not discover on a mainstream e-reader like a Kindle or Kobo, they usually actually spoil you.  

The app flexibility means you’ll be able to entry your main (and each) assortment of e-books and audiobooks from numerous model shops, and the built-in internet browser allows you to devour content material past that. I have been utilizing the native PushRead app to save lots of an inventory of internet articles for offline studying. At this level, I’ve gotten into the routine of choosing out 10 to fifteen tales each Sunday and studying them all through the week.

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So far as customizability goes, whether or not you are an Android or iOS person, a lot of the settings, interactions, and gestures ought to be very acquainted. For instance, you’ll be able to select between navigation buttons or swipe gestures, regulate the backlighting, colour temperature, quantity, and extra from the Fast Settings panel by swiping down from the higher proper nook, and even activate a “floating ball” for shortcuts at a faucet.

With time, you may uncover extra elaborate settings like the power to activate paginated scroll (which makes textual content animations much less jarring on a low frame-rate show) and page-turning by way of quantity buttons (nice for one-handed use). This combo of settings alone makes the Boox Palma one of the crucial comfy and burdenless e-readers I’ve examined.

The large promoting level of the Boox Palma is its pocketable determine, with a 6.13-inch E Ink Carta 1200 show that is manageable with one hand. The micro-etched show offers the monochrome visuals depth and respectable distinction, although I want it had a better refresh charge to totally make the most of the non-e-reader apps on the Play Retailer. That is simply me nitpicking, after all, and to an extent, the {hardware} limitation has prevented me from doom-scrolling TikTok or catching up on YouTube movies.

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There are another neat quirks to the Boox Palma design, such because the textured plastic backing that feels (and appears) low cost however offers the handset grip and the mappable facet button that’ll make iPhone 15 Professional customers wonder if the Motion Button really was revolutionary. For the reason that Boox Palma can double as an MP3 participant, I’d’ve beloved to have seen a 3.5mm headphone jack on this factor.

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

All that is to say, the Onyx Boox Palma is a really area of interest gadget that, for the best buyer, will carry loads of satisfaction. I did not assume I might ever fall into the rabbit gap that’s pocket-sized e-readers operating on Android, however right here I’m, months later, able to pack the Boox Palma for at any time when my subsequent journey comes alongside. 

The E Ink show means I can devour all of the articles and e-books I often learn on my cellphone with out worrying about eye pressure, and the lighter method to Android strikes a stability of app availability, person customization, and battery life that lasts me nicely into the second week with average use.