Smartphones are convenient for reading on the go, but it’s all too easy to get pulled into notifications or a quick glance at the news that spirals into full-on doomscrolling. That’s what makes the Boox Palma 2 so appealing. It offers the portability of a phone in a far less distracting package, and until the end of the week, Verge readers can grab the e-reader with a free flip cover case, valued at $16, for $279.99 ($20 off) from Wellbots with code VERGEPALMA20.
A minor upgrade over its predecessor, the Boox Palma 2 launched late last year while retaining everything we loved about the original. At 6.3 inches, the Android device is still as pocket-friendly as ever with an easy-to-read E Ink screen and impressive battery life. With Google Play Store built in, it maintains the flexibility that sets it apart from rivals. You can easily install popular reading apps like Amazon Kindle and Rakuten Kobo, giving you access to your entire digital library without having to sideload anything. You can also download apps for music, podcasts, note-taking, and even social media. Thankfully, though, the device runs apps like TikTok too slowly to be real distractions, while still being plenty fast for reading.
The Boox Palma 2 also introduces a handful of new features missing from the first Palma. With Android 13 and an upgraded processor, it should last longer and receive a couple more years of security updates than the original’s Android 11. It also features a fingerprint sensor built into the power button for convenience and a little extra peace of mind.
