This is NOT a Phone. - BOOX Palma 2 Pro

Quick Overview

The BOOX Palma 2 Pro is not a true smartphone despite its phone-like form factor and the inclusion of a SIM card slot; it is primarily an E-Ink device that excels at reading and note-taking, though its performance benchmarks (AnTuTu score of 212,863) and battery life (6.07 hours of 1080p video playback) are competitive for its niche but severely lag behind modern smartphones.

Key Points: The BOOX Palma 2 Pro features a 6.13-inch E-Paper Display with a flat-cover lens and a textured, non-slip back that feels like leather. It includes both a USB-C port and a hybrid SIM/SD card slot, allowing for data connectivity but explicitly not for phone calls or SMS/RCS messaging. The device runs Android 15 with Boox E InkWise settings, offering granular control over refresh modes (like Fast Refresh, which improves responsiveness but causes flickering in color mode). In AnTuTu Standard Benchmark testing, the Palma 2 Pro scored 212,863, which is comparable to the Galaxy A16 (212,980) but significantly lower than the RedMagic 10 Pro (936,631). Battery discharge testing showed the Palma 2 Pro lasted 6.07 hours playing 1080p video (with battery saver disabled and fastest refresh mode), outperforming 'The Minimal Phone' (4.23 hours). The included Boox InkSense Plus stylus offers 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity and features a customizable shortcut button, providing a good writing experience. The device's primary appeal is its E-Ink screen for reading, which is less taxing on the eyes than traditional displays, despite its lower performance in standard smartphone tasks like navigation.

Context: The video is a review of the Onyx Boox Palma 2 Pro, a device that resembles a smartphone but utilizes an E-Ink display, positioning itself as a dedicated reading and note-taking tool rather than a true mobile phone replacement. The host, Andrew Moore, unboxes the device, highlights its physical features, tests its performance via benchmarks and video playback, and demonstrates the functionality of its specialized E-Ink screen and accompanying stylus.