An Actual Kindle Phone?! | Boox Palma Unboxing & Review
Vložit
- čas přidán 9. 07. 2024
- Unboxing the Onyx Boox Palma, a remarkable e-ink Android smartphone that isn't quite a phone, or a tablet, or a Kindle. It's a strange wee beast, and here's a full tour of the Boox Palma, testing that screen with novels, video, even gaming on Call of Duty. Spoiler alert: don't expect a good kill:death ratio.
The Onyx Boox Palma is a smartphone in every way, except for the lack of SIM support. It's too small to really be a tablet, with its dinky 6.1-inch screen - although you can run any Play Store app on the 'E Ink Carta 1200' display. Well, some stuff like Netflix doesn't play ball, but I even managed to get Call of Duty running.
The 16MP rear camera is also more intended as a document scanner than an actual everyday photography device. The Boox Palma doesn't even have a selfie cam, while the audio output is basic at best.
Still, if you want a pocket-sized device with impressive battery life for reading books and simple web browsing, this Onyx device is certainly a winner. Personally I'd be more tempted by the TCL 40 NxtPaper than the Boox Palma however, with its 'paper like' screen.
Let us know your thoughts below!
Boox Palma Unboxing & Review Chapters:
0:00 - It's a what now?
1:04 - What's in the box?
1:29 - Design
2:48 - Android & features
5:30 - Apps
6:36 - E Ink Carta 1200 Display
8:05 - Screen refresh
9:19 - Audio
9:54 - Gaming test with Call of Duty
11:12 - Battery life
11:45 - Camera
12:10 - Byyyyeeeee - Věda a technologie
The fact that you even CAN run Call of Duty on an e-ink display is impressive.
Unlike certain cod😗
Extraordinary that so many commentators criticise this for not being something different to what it is just because it has the same shape as something else. From other reviews it seems people that have one choose this over their other larger ereader to read books because the size is so convenient.
completely agree. as a pocketable eReader, it makes perfect sense. as a phone, it doesn't make sense because (surprise) it isn't a phone
uploader is at fault for factually incorrect title and description
it's a little pricey for me, but you're right, from the other reviews i've seen this is quite a popular concept among the eReader crowd
Sounds like desktop and laptop owners who whine about the existence of the steam decks and gpd portables when they aren't buying the latter anyways.
@@jiffonbuffoi've never heard any pc owners complaining about those, but do go off. linux compatibility is a good thing. if you're talking about the fact we look down on phone/console gamers, it's because pc gaming is more fast-paced and phone/console gamers often challenge us to play shooters with them when we're not even using the same input. watching them play is a miserable affair.
Personally, this device sounds perfect for my needs. I've always wanted a device with an e ink screen that's compatible with Android so I could use it with my local library's ebook apps, which have books that aren't always available with a "send to Kindle" rental. I personally don’t mind it not having sim support as I definitely wouldn't replace my traditional smartphone, but I could see how that would be useful to people looking for a step in-between a smart phone and a "dumb" phone.
A small update, I ended up ordering it and I've been using it for a few weeks and it's pretty great! I like the smaller size (compared to a traditional Kindle) as I have really tiny hands. It does pretty well running my ebook apps, crossword puzzles, and language learning apps. Battery life is decent as well.
Hello@@jaboinga Do you think this is more useful than a larger e reader? I hesitate to buy it, I think it could be more practical and I have small hands too! Thanks
@@SoniaNilaleva in terms of functionality compared to my Kindle, yes! I pretty much only use my Kindle for reading ebooks from Amazon (mostly rented through my library) and nothing else, but this device I can use almost any Android app like I normally would on my smartphone (I mainly use Libby, NYT puzzles, Duolingo, and the web browser). It's also smaller than a Kindle so it could easily fit in your pocket, while with my Kindle I would have to bring a bag to carry it around. If you are fine with a smartphone-sized screen I'd say the Palma is a good pick in terms of portability and function! (If you want something bigger, I think Boox has larger screened tablets that also use the Play Store)
Thank you for the update! I really want this thing too. Similar use case as you.
how are you so calm and not blown away? I mean this is game changer, in a few years we will definitely switch to e-ink smartphones, I always wanted to reduce screen time, and there is no better time to do it with this tech, kind of a dumb phone
As someone who has a Kindle, Kobo and use Libby and Audible on my phone I ordered one of these to be a one stop shop
With sim support, I would have already had it in my hands... Hopefully they can get into that market and even have a kaleido 3 phone, which would be the first in the world
Seriously. This needs to be the next priority!
This is the perfect device to read a chapter or two of a novel before lights out. Thank you.
I've been dying for a smartphone sized ereader for years! It's a little spendy for me personally but I might have to try it out!
I’m seriously considering this to use as an outdoor bright sunlight video monitor paired with an action camera. Just for framing shots on the fly without having to squint into a tiny GoPro screen or constantly shade the Bluetooth phone just to see what I’m filming - and worrying about phone battery capacity dwindling to nothing in just an hour.
I come for the tech and stay for the banter 👏🏼👏🏼
Can you plug a USB-C DAC into it? And does it support Apt-X HD Adaptive?
I'm really thinking about using one of these as an e-ink HiFi music player with Tidal.
This is an e reader with some extra functionality.
I think calling it a phone is doing it a disservice as you're marketing it as something it's not and skewing expectations.
Why are you calling this a smartphone in your title and description when it isn't a phone, and isn't marketed as one?
It is a pocketable eReader.
this is "creative" marketing.
most of features he is exciting is useless
It will be perfect when it will have onyx pen support! Imagine scribing notes on the go on this, just awesome!
Sim support would be nice too..
Nice video!
Just one question. Does a black line appears at the very very top of your screen from edge to edge every time you turn on your Palma?
On mine it appears just when I turn it on. It looks straight, and does appear to be a flaw but I'm not sure.
Personally this review is a bit unusual as it keeps asking about sim support, does a kindle or kobo have sim support? maybe e readers do these days i dunno, but personally the purpose of an e reader is to switch off your phone and have quiet time with a device that isnt connected to the internet. I dont want my ereader playing COD I want to read. As a teacher i know this is an old concept these days, lets leave the internet to phones and just enjoy getting some peace and quiet. That being said being an early adopter doesnt work often but as boox are an established company with some of their book readers touching $500 where I am, It will be ok. The splashproof is nice for poolside reading of course it does also come with a case but about three different ones are available. One reviewer said the stock one was bad just to be aware. Stylus support and writing ability like some of the more expensive ones would have been nice btw
But can go entirely no backlight? Is still usable like that? That would be interesting… having on block screen and just refresh every minute sitting on the desk…
Been watching reviews of this and the common complaint is that the pocket sized e-reader isn't phone capable. This was made for readers not smart phone people. I'm not trying to watch videos and play games on it. I want to read my Kindle books and Bookfunnel collection. I wish more readers would review this. I want to know about all the things that readers need and want and does it deliver? Will it hold my 8,000+ library and can I read in the dark with it and not disturb my hubby.
Maybe Boox Palma will be my very first CZcams video
This would be great as a dedicated mp3 player! I love it!
It's not that strange that the Palma doesn't have sim support. Onyx is a Chinese company that specialises in e-readers and other e ink devices, and making an actual mobile, one with international support, can be on the expensive side. It does sound like the company is interested in turning this line into smartphones eventually though. I'd love a Palma with a kaleido 3 colour screen, with phone capabilities would be a massive bonus - especially for me mam, because e ink screens have the benefit of being very visible in sunlight unlike normal screens - but would take a Palma colour without that too.
@@carloareaser No, I want e ink because I suffer from migraines and ASD related light sensitivity. It's got nothing to do with productivity for me. I want to still be able to have fun and do the things I enjoy when I'm in pain.
Obviously I don't want my use case to overtake yours, so I'd agree that the monochrome version should remain available, at least until the tech progresses enough to where one device can do both colour and monochrome without the modes interfering with each other.
At a certain point though, what you are describing is a skill issue. You cannot demand for tech to cease progression just because you can't teach yourself restraint, or how to disable distractions through the settings available on all android devices.
This phone is definitely unique. I always wondered what a Kindle style smartphone would be like.
You got your answer. It's sh!t
It's definitely unique in the fact that it can't make any calls... The reviewer calling this a "phone" makes no sense.
I remember my xiaomi phone being sold on the fact it would have 2 years of firmware updates… ended up being 3 updates in 2 years and no change in android version or security patch!
How is the screen at night? Can you read on it with the lights off
It's basically an Android powered Ebook reader that's shaped like a phone. If it wasn't the price and lack of any colour support I'd go for that, but I wouldn't market it as a phone.
it isn't marketed as a phone, unsure why this reviewer has taken that angle
@@bamtna Yeah, it's basically an e-reader in phone form factor. I honestly would have wanted this if I didn't have an older Boox reader (Nova Air) that's still working. Really tho, the phone form factor is IMO a great idea especially for actually bringing it out with you without needing a bag.
If people REALLY want to see an e-ink phone, Hisense has that.
Thanks for the review. So weird they didn't just make this a phone, it would have been my ideal device.
How much was shipping? Only thing stopping me from getting it right now.
i wonder if you can use voip apps like satellite from sipgate on this thing
Imagine you travel 20 years back in time with this phone and you show them a modern game playing on that screen.
I paused the video and ordered instantly, when saw that it's possible to watch videos and playing games. It means that it will do web browsing very easily, which I miss in Kindle 😂
10:00 There are probably few things that I'm really convinced would be wildly successful, but a “Tech Spurt plays games on fairly inappropriate devices” channel certainly would be.
I had to laugh a lot. Many thanks for that!
Can this be the only E-Ink Android device that can support standard Android encryption?
Can we have a Poco c65 review? I know the previous C series device released for global was bad but I wanna know how big of a jump ( or how bad) the new Poco c65 is
It not having sim support is an absolute killer for me, I've been looking for a "dumb" phone for ages that I can switch to on occasion and this would have been perfect, but I'm not gonna lug around a mobile hotspot to make that work.
Lol.... I think that was me with the shovel in call of duty
damn if they just had sim card support i'd buy this right now as a work phone
Interesting, I would use it for reading, and note taking, and light internet usages like downloading anime to cast on any tv wherever I go
Super helpful and crisp review thank U very much.
I do have to say that asking for a headphone jack feels/is kinda old?! It's like asking where the dvd/cd drive in your laptop went.
Evolution has judged and deemed it unnecessary so it/they went extinct/died out. Thats all there is to it.
Just need a folding version now
Im getting one. Ive been trying to “de phone” (Smartwatch as my full time cell phone) and I need something for my car. This will be perfect.
In the absence of a SIM card, the device lacks a selfie camera, making it a suitable option for individuals concerned about potential tracking, after the iPod Touch.
With a SIM card, and ideally bt5.3 and a decent speaker I’d be tempted.
Hopefully the next version will have 5G cellular and support eSIMS as this would make a great minimalist smartphone
does e sim work on this?
I wish they learn Hisense and actually make one with LTE support, really want an e-ink smartphone for daily use.
Why?
@@kthmtchll what would be the benefit of that?
@@carloareaser yes, I understand the fundamental benefits that an e ink screen has to an oled panel. That are a benefit when used in a reading device, where the only media you are consuming are books/comics.
To me, having such a display on my phone would be a huge downgrade in UX, you're just getting rid of one of the best features of a smart phone.
@@carloareaser IF you need your phone for taking pictures? IF? That's one of the primary uses of a phone.
I can tell you're one of those terminally online people with no life (no photos) who wishes they had the will power to look away from their device, and is relying on companies to create a nerfed phone that is so dull to use, you might get that bored you leave the house.
@@carloareaser I don't use social media at all, unless you can count CZcams.
My point is that phones are most people's primary device for capturing photos of their life, events with friends, their family, vacations etc. If you don't get that then you clearly have nothing worth capturing.
I think my argument is quite clear, e ink is good for e readers where the media is limited to reading material. On a phone it is a drawback to many of the most popular use cases.
I wanted to hear why others would be keen to see e ink implemented on a phone, I didn't ask for a surmon about the ills of social media and how smart phones have warped a generation.
can you install apks on here?
It is like they made Android function like Apple.
this can help fighting mobile addiction. Just use it for productivity and reading. If only it supports sim cards!
why do people care so much about bezels anyway? never on my life have i ever cared about the size of a bezel
7:37 outdoors you can set the brightness to 0, the sunnier the better with eink displays
I dont like reading, much, but a device like this and some sweet out of this world adult graphic novels sounds like fun but then I doubt that they will be importing them into my country.
Imagine winning a tournament on an eink screen, that would be a totally different achievement
Wish they would make a tough version with removable battery
sponsored by superdry... i love it!
Have you tried connecting it to a bluetooth keyboard?
Yes that's my question too..
Does this provide whisper sync with Kindle and Audible?
It has supported for the audible and kindle app
We need to go back 90 century.
New drinking game. Shot every time Uncle Spirt says "Boox Palma". Only 3 mins in and I've lost my ability to see. Can still hear though, so let's go.
Great device.🔥🔥I'm curious whether the pictures taken from the Onyx Book Palma if shared to another phone or social media platform will appear coloured or in Black&White.🤔😁
coloured for sure
Obviously
Love it
Without a SIM card can this even be called a "mobile" phone? more of an interesting idea than an actually useful product
It's good as a Ebook reader and not so much for the other functions.
This is wild, reminds me poeple play DOOM in calculator. maybe you should do that
Is it available in India 🇮🇳?
Imagine the black and white gameboy emulation
man really plays COD on a comic book
Is the screen back-lit?
No, the light comes "from the top". That's why your eyes are safe, and you're not feeling tired. It is not back-lit technology.
Honestly, the day it gets sim support for use as a phone is the day i fold for one.
Its intriguing, but with drawbacks. I wonder if its possible to create colorful e ink displays.
Check out kaleido 3 displays that the same company, Boox uses in their new tablets
It'd definitely buy me because reading comics or mangas would definitely be a kick and comfortable on it.
Hisense have been making real e-ink phone years ago, they even make colored ones and one with dual screen e-ink and ips lcd.
you were talking about it being a phone... it's a tablet though, why it doesn't have a sim tray.
Color one will be impressive
'3 years of firmware updates' - good luck with that based on previous Onyx devices.
Remember this is still a phone smart guys. Phone- a system of radio signals to make it possible for you to speak to someone in another place who has a similar device
I have a kindle paperwhite and it does exactly as I need and want. I guess I’m here because I’m curious I mean I feel like why wouldn’t u just use your mobile phone instead of this?
Experimental Device to Experience.
10:15 the players are like, I can’t believe this noob, is he playing on a kindle 😂😂😂😂😂
Great for comic books, but I wouldn't call it a phone. Sim card support is the bare minimum.
Lol that Gaming impress me
It's an interesting device, but with a very limited amount of uses.
I want that miku wallpaper on the othere phone please 🥺
No sim support...
It is an eBook reader not a phone
I have to admit,for someone who likes to do a little bit of an electronics detox from time to time a device like this as a secondary phone would’ve been really interesting.
@@Dr.Akakia the video title saying "Kindle phone" is a bit misleading.
So it's a monochrome iPod touch then? A waste of time and money and resources on every level then. Just sad.
Wonder what landfill the company will use to dump their many, many unsold devices? Whatever were they thinking?!
I have an ereader that i bought from china with way lower end specs, it works literally the same as this one, it has the same android functions and I paid like 40 dollars.
What model is it?
😅😅😅😅😂 you're a good player in this mobile platform
Long way to go to be able to get functions like a smartphone
Because boox palma ain't a smartphone company but an ereader one.
Having that phone without WiFi makes more sense than not having Sim Card what is the bloody point
wonder if it's able to pair with a nice mechanical keyboard for a sweet word processor?
No SIM is the deal breaker. Make it with esim, gps, nfc and full play services.
No sim support... So it's a micro tablet
I’m getting one 🥹worth the price
Great for reading Manga
Yea man pejpaa on a manga palmaa😂
Weirdest thing to launch so far this year.
I've hit the like button just to support you but as for the "object" you're reviewing, quite honestly I'm speechless 😬
I hope this device does not go the way of the Zune. This device has a lot of promise.
😂😂😂nice looking book
Mate even the chipset was used in phones from 2020 rofl
Also it seems like 128gb is becoming the new 64gb, funny since it wasn't that long ago when Apple switched from 64gb to 128gb on there base iPhones
Is this Kindle for short people?
I don’t care about any of this. I ordered mine only for kindle, nook, and google books app. I may slap a sudoku app on there but other than that… I’ve zero interest in games and movies on an ereader.
The fact that you can't put a sim in this makes it useless to me.
So it looks like a phone. In every aspect. But isn’t a phone. That’s the deal breaker. A phone with the specs of a phone. With amazing battery life. Would of been amazing as a travel phone