Expanding your e-reader options beyond Amazon’s Kindle lineup, Boox offers a diverse range of devices catering to various reading and productivity needs. Their devices are e-ink and range from e-readers and tablets all the way to computer monitors. You can also check out all our e-reader content to explore more devices and accessories. Here we are going to focus on the most popular Boox ereaders, which you may have seen all over social media.
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Which of the most popular Boox ereaders is right for you?: Device comparison
When it comes to Boox e-readers, you’re getting more than a typical e-reader; these devices run on Android, giving you the freedom to install your favorite apps, customize the interface, and even enjoy audiobooks. But with so many options, it can be challenging to decide which model is right for you. In this guide, we’ll focus on two models that have become favorites for avid bookworms: the ultra-portable Palma 2 and the innovative Go Color 7. Whether you’re a Kindle loyalist looking for other color e-ink options or need a compact device to carry everywhere, there’s a Boox e-reader here for you.
Advantages of Boox ereaders:
- Android Operating System: Boox devices run on Android, allowing users to install a variety of apps, including popular reading applications like Kindle, Libby, and Hoopla. This flexibility enables access to diverse e-book libraries and services.
- App Compatibility: The ability to add apps enhances the device’s functionality beyond standard e-readers, supporting productivity tools, note-taking apps, and more.
- Library Access: With apps like Libby and Hoopla, users can easily borrow e-books from public libraries, expanding their reading options without additional costs.
- Kindle Unlimited Access: By installing the Kindle app, Boox users can access Kindle Unlimited, allowing them to read a vast selection of e-books available through Amazon’s subscription service.
Boox devices run on e-ink screens, which offer benefits like reduced eye strain and a glare-free reading experience especially while reading outside. Learn more about e-ink technology and why it’s better.
Pros and cons of Boox ereaders:
- Complexity: The setup of a Boox device will be slightly more time consuming to get all the settings just how you want them. This applies to the brightness and quality you see on the screen and of course the setting up of all the apps you want to have on it. This resembles more of a smartphone or tablet process than a straightforward e-reader which is ready out of the box.
- Battery Life: Running multiple apps and utilizing additional features can impact battery life compared to more specialized e-readers.
- Distraction-Free Reading: If your reason for buying a Boox ereader is for distraction-free reading, then having the option of adding apps will be something to keep under control.
- Price Point: Boox ereaders tend to be priced higher than basic e-readers, reflecting their expanded capabilities.
Most Popular Boox devices for book lovers
While Boox does offer a huge lineup of products and a lot of those can be used as e-readers, here I’m highlighting two that I’ve seen the most used by bookworms. One for portability if you’re looking for a pocket ereader that will easily fit in any purse to read on the go, and another for its color e-ink capabilities.
If you’re looking for even more options beyond Kindles, explore our guide on other Kindle alternatives, where we break down popular alternatives, including Boox models. Or, if you’re considering staying with a Kindle, check out our Kindle comparison to find the device that’s right for you.
Boox Palma 2
This little device feels more like an e-ink phone than an e-reader with how much you can do it on it. That could be a pro or con depending how distraction free you want your e-reader to be. It does come with a camera, an audio player, bluetooth capable and utilizes the Android app store so you can customize what you want on it, plus privacy via a fingerprint reader.
Perfect for: anyone looking for a on the go ereader device that will fit into even your smallest purse.
Features of the Boox Palma 2:
- Display: 6.13-inch E Ink Carta 1200 screen with 300 PPI resolution, providing sharp text and images.
- Storage: 128 GB internal storage, ample for extensive e-book libraries and documents.
- RAM: 6 GB, ensuring smooth multitasking and app performance.
- Processor: Octa-core CPU for efficient processing.
- Operating System: Android 13, offering access to a wide range of apps via the Google Play Store.
- Battery Life: Up to several weeks on a single charge, depending on usage patterns.
- Audio: Equipped with dual microphones and speakers
- Connectivity: Supports Bluetooth, allowing connection to wireless headphones or speakers
- Additional Features:
- 16 MP rear camera for document scanning.
- Fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button for enhanced security.
- Supports various e-book and document formats, including PDF, EPUB, and MOBI.
- Price: Approximately $279.99.
If this is the device for you, you can grab it on Amazon.
Boox Go Color 7
The Boox Go Color 7 combines the unique benefits of color e-ink with the open Android system, letting you read graphic novels, comics, and magazines in vibrant color while enjoying the eye-friendly experience of an e-ink screen. Unlike many color e-ink devices, it’s compact and lightweight, making it ideal for reading on the go. With access to apps like Kindle, Libby, and even Google Play Books, you won’t miss out on any of your favorite content, including Kindle Unlimited titles.
Perfect for: the reader looking for a color device but still looking to get an e-ink device and not lose out on Amazon exclusive titles like the Kindle Unlimited library.
Features of the Boox Go Color 7:
- Display: 7-inch Kaleido 3 color E Ink screen, offering a vibrant reading experience with 4,096 colors.
- Storage: 64 GB internal storage for books, documents, and apps.
- RAM: 4 GB, facilitating smooth performance.
- Processor: Octa-core CPU for robust processing capabilities.
- Operating System: Android 11, providing access to a wide array of applications.
- Battery Life: Extended battery life suitable for prolonged use.
- Audio: Features built-in speakers and a microphone
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 support
- Additional Features:
- Physical page-turn buttons for intuitive navigation.
- Access to Google Play Store for app downloads.
- Supports multiple e-book formats and color content.
- Price: Approximately $249.99.
If this is the device for you, you can grab it on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you read Kindle Unlimited books on a Boox device?
Yes, you can read Kindle Unlimited books on a Boox device by installing the Kindle app. Boox e-readers run on the Android operating system, allowing users to download and install various applications, including the Kindle app, through the Google Play Store. Once the Kindle app is installed and you sign in with your Amazon account, you can access and read Kindle Unlimited titles just as you would on any other Android device.
Do Boox ereaders offer audio playback to listen to audiobooks?
Both the Boox Palma 2 and the Boox Go Color 7 support audio playback, allowing users to listen to audiobooks and other audio content on the same device as they read ebooks! They run on the Android operating system, allowing the installation of audiobook apps such as Audible, Hoopla, Librofm, or any of your preferred audiobook apps available on the Google Play Store.
How does the Palma 2 compare in size to a smartphone, or the Go Color 7 to a Kindle?
The Boox Palma 2 is designed to resemble a smartphone in size, is just slightly taller and wider than both the iPhone 15 and Galaxy S24, with a comparable thickness and weight, making it comfortable to hold and carry. The Boox Go Color 7 has a similar footprint to the Kindle Oasis, with a slightly thinner profile. It is smaller and lighter than the Kindle Paperwhite.
In conclusion
These Boox models offer enhanced reading experiences with added functionalities, perfect for users looking to expand beyond the Amazon ecosystem but still wanting a fairly basic e-reader without fully replacing a tablet.
Comment below your thoughts on these devices and let me know what’s your favorite e-reader!
Read More:
- Explore more devices and accessories
- Kindle comparison: which device is right for you?
- Other Kindle alternatives
- How I Use my Ipad Mini as an E-reader
- What is e-ink technology and why it’s better
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