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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The BOOX Palma 3 updates the Palma 2’s software and wireless specifications, adds optional handwriting support, and changes the materials—but it does not upgrade the screen resolution, memory, storage, or battery capacity. BOOX lists the Palma 3 at about 195 g, roughly 25 g heavier than the Palma 2. For existing owners, the case for switching depends on whether Android 16, Bluetooth 6.0, optional stylus input, or the new build matters to them.
Palma 3 vs Palma 2: the specifications at a glance
| Specification | BOOX Palma 3 | BOOX Palma 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Android 16 | Android 13 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 6.0 | Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Display | 6.13-inch monochrome ePaper; 824 × 1648; 300 ppi | 6.13-inch monochrome ePaper; 824 × 1648; 300 ppi |
| RAM and storage | 6 GB RAM; 128 GB storage; microSD slot | 6 GB RAM; 128 GB storage; microSD slot |
| Battery capacity | 3,950 mAh | 3,950 mAh |
| Rear camera | 16 MP with LED flash | 16 MP with flash |
| Audio and controls | Speaker, dual microphones, fingerprint power button, page-turn/volume buttons and smart button | Speaker, dual microphones, fingerprint power button, page-turn/volume buttons and smart button |
| Build | Anodized aluminum frame and paper-textured fiberglass back, according to BOOX | Plastic-backed design, as described by TechRadar |
| Dimensions and weight | 159 × 78 × 7.8 mm; approximately 195 g | 159 × 80 × 8.0 mm; approximately 170 g |
| Handwriting | Optional InkSense Plus stylus support, according to BOOX | No stylus support identified in the cited specifications |
Specifications are from BOOX’s Palma 3 listing and Palma 2 listing; TechRadar also reports the 25 g weight difference in its September 2026 launch coverage. These are published figures, not independent measurements.
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What’s actually new on the Palma 3?
Android 16 replaces Android 13
The Palma 3’s listed operating system is Android 16, compared with Android 13 on the Palma 2. That is a substantial version change on paper, but the published information does not establish how long either device will receive updates. A newer starting version is not a promise of a particular support period.
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Bluetooth moves from 5.1 to 6.0
BOOX lists Bluetooth 6.0 for the Palma 3 and Bluetooth 5.1 for the Palma 2. This confirms a newer stated wireless standard, but does not by itself establish better range, faster transfers, or a specific accessory benefit in everyday use.
#1 Best Overall
- BOOX Palma2 Pro Mobile ePaper eBook Reader 8G 128G 150PPI in Color Mode
The materials change, and the device gets heavier
BOOX describes the Palma 3 as having an anodized aluminum frame and paper-textured fiberglass back. Its listed weight is about 195 g, against about 170 g for the Palma 2—an increase of approximately 25 g. The material change may appeal to someone who prefers that construction, but the specifications cannot establish which device feels more comfortable or durable in hand.
Handwriting is an optional addition
BOOX says the Palma 3 supports handwriting with the optional InkSense Plus stylus. The stylus is a separate purchase, not a feature included in the stated device price. The launch materials do not establish handwriting quality or confirm a specific stylus package or current availability.
Rank #2
- Screen: 6.13"" Kaleido 3 (4,096 colors) glass screen with flat cover-lens Resolution: B/W: 824 x 1648 (300ppi)
- OS: Android 15 Document Formats: PDF, CAJ, DJVU, CBR, CBZ, EPUB, EPUB3, AZW3, MOBI, TXT, DOC, DOCX, FB2, CHM, RTF, HTML, ZIP, PRC, PPT, PPTX Image Formats: PNG, JPG, BMP, TIFF Audio Formats: WAV, MP3 Supports 3rd-party apps
- Button: Power Button with Fingerprint Recognition, Volume/Page-Turn Buttons, Smart Button USB-C Port (Supports OTG or use as an audio jack) Hybrid SIM Card Slot Built-in Speaker Built-in Dual Microphones Battery: 3,950mAh Li-ion Polymer Dimensions: 159 x 80 x 8.8 mm (6.3"" x 3.1"" x 0.35"") Weight: Approx. 175 g (6.2 oz)
- Dark, gray, or wrongfully believed low resolution screen : All Eink products used Kaleido 3 color e-ink technology, which currently has inherent limitations and share the same darker or grayer screen than LCD/LED ones. This is a characteristic of all e-ink products, not a defect. If it doesn't meet your expectations, you may return the product under our return policy. However, please note this is not considered a product fault.
What stays the same?
The display specifications are unchanged
Both models are listed with a 6.13-inch monochrome ePaper display, 824 × 1648 resolution, and 300 ppi. The Palma 3 is not a resolution or pixel-density upgrade on the published specifications. Those figures also do not establish differences in contrast, lighting uniformity, or reading comfort.
Memory, storage, battery capacity, and camera resolution match
Each model is listed with 6 GB of RAM, 128 GB of storage, a microSD slot, a 3,950 mAh battery, and a 16 MP rear camera with flash. The speaker, dual microphones, fingerprint power button, page-turn/volume buttons, and smart button also appear on both spec sheets.
Rank #3
- Ultra-Thin & Lightweight Design: Weighing only 138g with a super-slim 6.7mm body, the VIWOODS e reader features a compact 6.13-inch screen that perfectly balances portability and usability. Its sleek design fits effortlessly in your pocket, making it ideal for commuting, traveling, or enjoying your favorite reads anytime, anywhere
- Stunning Carta 1300 Display: Enjoy a premium reading experience with the advanced Carta 1300 E-Ink display. It delivers faster refresh rates, reduced glare, and a true paper-like feel for comfortable, long reading sessions
- Adjustable Front Light: Read comfortably in any environment with 20 levels of adjustable cool light, designed without warm light. Whether in low light or bright sunlight, the VIWOODS e-reader adapts to your needs for strain-free reading
- AI Button for Instant Assistance: Access AI-powered assistance with ease using the dedicated AI side button. Long-press for voice input or short-press for text-based queries, providing you with quick solutions, learning tools, or helpful summaries in seconds
- AI Screenshot Q&A: Struggling with a complex topic? Simply take a screenshot, let the AI analyze it, and receive a detailed summary or explanation. Dive deeper into any subject with follow-up questions, making learning easier than ever
BOOX’s September 15, 2026 launch announcement says the 3,950 mAh battery “delivers days of reading on a single charge.” That is the manufacturer’s claim, not an independently measured battery result. Equal capacity does not prove equal real-world runtime.
Is the Palma 3 worth upgrading to from the Palma 2?
If the Palma 2 already meets your reading needs, the published specifications alone give limited reason to replace it: the display, memory, storage, battery capacity, camera resolution, and key controls are largely unchanged. The case for the Palma 3 is stronger if you specifically value its listed Android 16 platform, Bluetooth 6.0, optional handwriting, or different materials—and are comfortable with the higher listed weight.
Rank #4
- Paper-Feel E-Ink Display & Focused Reading: Enjoy focused reading on a 4.3" E-Ink display with a paper-feel viewing experience. The glare-free screen and distraction-free system keep notifications and ads away, helping you stay immersed in your books.
- 0.19" ULTRA-THIN & 2.4 OZ LIGHTWEIGHT — Measuring just 0.19" thin and weighing approximately 2.4 oz, X4 Classic is designed for portable reading. Slip this compact eReader into a pocket, bag, or everyday carry for reading during commutes, travel, breaks, and other spare moments.
- PHYSICAL BUTTONS & GYROSCOPE PAGE TURNING — Turn pages using the dedicated physical buttons or the gyroscope-based shake function. These simple controls make X4 Classic convenient for one-handed reading and everyday use.
- MULTIPLE WAYS TO TRANSFER & READ YOUR FILES — Use the XTEINK App, microSD card, or USB connection to transfer compatible reading files. X4 Classic supports formats including TXT, EPUB, MOBI, PDF, and PNG, giving you flexible ways to manage your personal reading collection.
- MAGNETIC BACK & 920MAH BATTERY — The built-in magnetic back works with compatible magnetic surfaces and accessories, while the 920mAh battery supports everyday reading. With its compact eReader design, X4 Classic fits easily into daily reading routines at home, during travel, or on the go.
- Consider the Palma 3 if its newer software version, stated Bluetooth version, or optional stylus input answers a need you have.
- Keep the Palma 2 if you are satisfied with its reading functions and the unchanged core specifications matter more than the new features.
- Compare current prices before deciding: the available price references are launch-era snapshots, not verified current checkout prices.
This is a specification-based comparison, not a hands-on verdict. The cited sources do not establish comparative page-turn performance, battery runtime, durability, handwriting quality, or superior display quality.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteLaunch pricing and availability: check before buying
BOOX’s September 15, 2026 announcement gave the Palma 3 a price of $339.99 and said it would be “Available soon.” At the time reflected in the product-page information, the BOOX listing displayed “From $319.99” and coming-soon wording. The Palma 2 product comparison block showed $249.99. These are dated US-dollar announcement and page snapshots, not confirmed current prices, live offers, or a like-for-like regional comparison. BOOX named Amazon and its own shop as planned sales channels, but current stock and regional availability should be checked directly.
Best Value
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Sources: BOOX launch announcement via PR Newswire, September 15, 2026; BOOX Palma 3 listing; BOOX Palma 2 listing; BOOX Palma 2 introduction, October 22, 2024; and TechRadar’s Palma 3 launch coverage, September 16, 2026.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
