Boox Palma E-Reader Poised to Transform into Minimalist Smartphone by 2025

The Boox Palma series has already blurred the lines between e-readers and smartphones, but as we look toward future releases—possibly in late 2025—the next iteration could push even closer to becoming a true phone as well as an e-reader. Let’s explore what this means, what the current Palma offers, and what the future might hold for this unique category of devices.

The Palma: The E-Reader That Looks (and Feels) Like a Phone

The original Boox Palma was already a significant departure from traditional e-readers. Sporting a phone-sized form factor with a high-resolution E Ink Carta 1200 HD display, it delivered a device that felt natural in the hand and could slip into any pocket[1]. With side buttons for navigation, expandable storage, and an octa-core CPU, the Palma provided a fast, responsive experience.

Most notably, the Palma runs a full version of Android and includes the Google Play Store, meaning users can install virtually any app—news, podcasts, RSS feeds, Kindle, Nook, Kobo, and more[1][2]. This is a drastic shift from the walled gardens of Kindle or Kobo e-readers, offering real versatility.

A Phone in All But Name

Despite its smartphone appearance and Android OS, the Palma isn’t technically a phone. It lacks a SIM card slot and mobile connectivity, so users can’t make calls or send SMS messages[2]. However, the phone-like experience is unmistakable: custom widgets, app notifications, and a familiar Android interface make it feel like a smartphone at a glance[1].

Its e-paper display reduces eye strain and offers excellent readability outdoors, an advantage over traditional phone screens. For many, the Palma is the perfect device for reading, note-taking, and distraction-free productivity.

The Palma 2: Incremental Evolution

The Palma 2 has continued the trend, refining the formula with improved performance and software tweaks. However, reviewers note that while the device is excellent for reading, it still isn’t a full phone replacement. You can browse the web, read news, and use messaging apps over Wi-Fi, but voice calling and mobile data are still absent[3].

Why Not Just Make It a Phone?

This brings us to the speculation around the next Boox Palma—could it become a bona fide phone? The demand is real: readers crave an e-ink device with phone capabilities for ultra-long battery life, reduced eye strain, and fewer distractions.

Reasons the Next Palma Might Become a Phone

• Hardware Convergence: The Palma is already built like a phone, with the processing power, storage, and OS to match.
• User Demand: Many users want a minimalist phone for calls, texts, and reading—without the distractions of color screens and social media feeds.
• Technological Progress: E-ink refresh rates are improving, and new chipsets could support the requirements for real-time communication.

Challenges That Remain

• E-Ink Limitations: While E Ink screens are great for reading, their refresh rates are still slower than LCD or OLED, making them less ideal for interactive phone use, especially for tasks like video calls or fast messaging.
• App Compatibility: Full Android support is a double-edged sword. While you can install any app, not all apps are optimized for E Ink, and some may not function smoothly[2][3].
• Battery and Connectivity: Adding cellular radios increases power draw and complexity, which could affect battery life—one of the main selling points of e-ink devices.

What Would a Palma Phone Look Like?

If Boox does decide to make the next Palma a true phone, here’s what we might expect:

• SIM Card Support & LTE/5G Connectivity: The most obvious addition would be a SIM slot for mobile calls, texts, and internet.
• Optimized Android Skin: Customizations to Android to better suit E Ink’s slower refresh rates and monochrome display.
• Enhanced Power Management: To keep battery life at multi-week levels, there would likely be aggressive power-saving features.
• Minimalist Approach: Expect a focus on core communications, reading, and note-taking, not on gaming or streaming video.

Who Would Want a Boox Phone?

• Serious Readers: Anyone who spends hours reading would benefit from less eye strain and a distraction-free experience.
• Minimalists: Users seeking to reduce screen time and digital distractions.
• Professionals: Those who want a secondary device for meetings, note-taking, and document review.

Boox’s Vision: The Future of Mobile E-Paper

Boox’s presence at IFA 2025 showcased their commitment to paper-like digital tools for modern productivity—devices that replicate the clarity of paper and reduce glare and eyestrain for extended use[4]. This philosophy aligns perfectly with the idea of a phone that puts reading and focus first.

While nothing is officially confirmed, all signs point to Boox continuing to innovate at the intersection of e-readers and smartphones. If the next Palma finally brings e-ink to the phone market, it could be the minimalist device that many users have been waiting for.

In conclusion: The next Boox Palma could indeed be a phone too, and if so, it would redefine what we expect from both e-readers and smartphones—prioritizing focus, battery life, and eye comfort over the flashy features of mainstream devices. Watch this space closely; the future of mobile reading may soon ring.

Original source: Lifehacker – The Next Boox Palma E-Reader Might Be a Phone Too