In the world of smartphones, where innovation is usually synonymous with more features, more power and more connectivity. there is a new player on the scene that defies all these expectations. This device is objectively a "bad" smartphone, yet it might be exactly what some users have been waiting for. Enter the BOOX Palma —a smartphone that is not really a smartphone at least not in the conventional sense.
A New Type of Smartphone Experience
The BOOX Palma is a device thats hard to categorize. It does not fit neatly into the traditional definitions of either a smartphone or an e-reader. Instead, it occupies a niche space somewhere in between combining the features of an e-reader with some basic smartphone capabilities. Despite its flaws or perhaps because of them—the BOOX Palma has developed a small but passionate fanbase.
Specifications
Lets start with the basics. The BOOX Palma Bx looks like a smartphone. It has a 6.1-inch screen, an octa-core CPU 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. It runs on Android giving you access to the Google Play Store and the ability to sideload apps. However, this is where the similarities to a typical smartphone end.
A Stripped-Down Smartphone
What makes the Books Palma Bx unique is not what it has. but what it lacks. There is no SIM card tray meaning no cellular connectivity. The rear camera is a low-resolution document scanner and there is no selfie camera. The speakers are so weak they are almost useless and the screen. though it supports apps is an E Ink display. which is designed more for reading than for watching videos or scrolling through social media.
These limitations might sound like deal-breakers in today is tech-obsessed world, but they are actually the point of the BOOX Palma. The device is designed for people who want to spend less time on their smartphones and more time in the real world. By stripping away many of the features that make modern smartphones so distracting, the BBOX Palma encourages users to focus on whats important.
Embracing the Downsides
For those who get it, the BOOX Palma downsides are actually upsides. Without cellular connectivity you can not be constantly connected to the internet. which means no doom-scrolling through social media or getting sucked into the endless loop of notifications. The E Ink display while not ideal for watching videos.it is perfect for reading and the lack of powerful speakers means you won't be tempted to use your phone as a multimedia device.
This device is not for everyone. If you are someone who relies on your smartphone for everything—from communication to entertainment to productivity—the BOOX Palma will feel like a major step backward. But if you are looking for a way to disconnect and simplify your digital life. it might be just what you need.
A CULT Following
The BOOX Palma has developed a small but passionate following particularly among those who appreciate its minimalist approach to technology. For these users, the device is a breath of fresh air in a world where smartphones have become all-consuming. It offers just enough functionality to be useful, but not so much that it becomes a distraction.
One of the key features of the Books Palma Bx is its battery life. Thanks to the E Ink display. which only uses power when refreshing the screen, the device can last for days or even weeks, on a single charge. This is a stark contrast to most modern smartphones. which typically need to be charged every night. The front light which can be adjusted to match the color temperature of your surroundings and also adds to the devices appeal as a dedicated reading tool.
A Different Kind of Device
The BOOX Palma is not the only device in this new wave of “dumb phones” designed to help users disconnect. Other devices, like the Hisense A9 and the Kobo Libra 2 offer similar features. However, the BOOX Palma Bx seems to have found the sweet spot in terms of functionality and simplicity. It is not as capable as a full-fledged smartphone. but it is more versatile than a typical e-reader.
This middle ground is what makes the BOOX Palma so appealing to its users. It is a device that lets you stay connected. but only just enough. You can read books and listen to music and even use a few apps. but you won't be tempted to spend hours scrolling through TikTok or getting lost in a YouTube rabbit hole.
Why It Exists
The BOOX Palma is not trying to replace your smartphone. Instead, it is meant to complement it. It is a secondary device that you can use when you want to step away from the constant barrage of notifications and distractions that come with modern smartphones. Whether it is your morning alarm clock that won’t flood you with notifications or a device you bring on your commute to read without interruptions, the Books Palma Bx offers a different kind of experience.
In many ways, the BOOX Palma Bx is a throwback to simpler times, when phones were just phones, and e-readers were just for reading. But it’s also a glimpse into the future, where not everyone wants or needs a device that does everything. For those who value simplicity, the Books Palma Bx is a refreshing change of pace.
Conclusion
In a world where smartphones are getting more complex and more powerful, the BOOX Palma Bx is a reminder that sometimes less is more. It is not the best smartphone out there, but it is not trying to be. Instead, it offers a stripped-down and distraction-free experience that is perfect for those who want to spend less time on their phones and more time in the real world. Whether you see it as a step backward or a step forward depends on what you want from your technology. But one thing is certain: the Books Palma Bx is unlike any other smartphone on the market today.