A sim card would be a game changer. Like if I can make calls and send texts I'm sold on it. I don't want all the other distractions just the ability to call in case of emergencies.
Calling this a phone is a complete mis-representation of what it's meant to be, which is an e-ink e-reader that has Google Play Store access, and is in the form factor of a typical smartphone. It's not meant to replace ANYthing except another e-reader like a Kindle, Nook, etc.
@@stebansbfor me to call it a phone, it needs to have sim capabilities and be able to make and receive phone calls/sms natively, not over WiFi and third party apps like WA
A big advantage of the E-Ink display is that it is clearly readable in bright sunlight. This (along with long battery life) would be especially advantageous for outdoor activity such as navigating (while hiking or biking) via GPS. Unfortunately the Boox Palma doesn't have GPS. However, the Hisense A9 Pro does.
yeah which is so weird. It's android based iPod touch with e-ink display. Which is kinda like why ? It's too small and impractical for full on e-book reader and it lacks the core functionality of a phone to be used as a phone replacement.
Think we need to go back to "what is a phone" because this is not one. The first and only necessary requirement of a phone is that it needs to be able to make calls.
@@Foojaleeckalikeelamaka If its not supposed to resemble a phone, then why use a smartphone aspect ratio screen, when other ereaders have wider screens? Its easier on the eyes to not have to jump lines so often.
@@leonidas14775 Because people like the smartphone experience. You probably use yours for tons of things every day that aren't phone based & probably prefer to use your phone to do those things. I would buy this specifically because it's got the same footprint (handprint?) as a phone so it fits easily in my pocket or any of the phone pockets in my bags easily.
But it's shaped like a phone. Has a form factor of a phone. So it's a phone It's like if you take a piece of ham, and you shape it into a sausage, people will say it's a sausage. Even though it's a piece of ham, it's shaped like a sausage, so it's a sausage, even if it's not a sausage, but instead a piece of ham. But it's shaped like a sausage. People see it as a sausage, so it's a sausage, even though it's actually a piece of ham, it's a sausage. Even if you know they're wrong for calling it a sausage because it's a piece of ham, but it looks like a sausage, and it's shaped like a sausage, it's a sausage
Thanks for the great review. A real-world, "how will this work for me?" review. Not just "xx gb ram, xx gb memory, xx whatever" tech specs. I appreciate this video.
This was never marketed as a phone. It has neither a SIM card nor e-SIM capability. It's an e-reader with a phone form factor and Google Play Store so that you can install your preferred e-reader app(s) instead of being forced to use some proprietary reader. It also has some nice QoL features built into software that helps with Android app usage (per-app screen refresh rates and scrolling with the volume buttons/dot, especially). I really like the device for reading on the go. It's not bulky like a kindle and fits easily into my pocket while still being a readable size. Reaching for it at bedtime is still dangerous since I can find myself reading until 3am, but it's better than reaching for my phone and doomscrolling or messaging people. MKBHD did eventually land on its intended use at 7:26 as a secondary device for reading.
I mean there are Android smartphones with e-ink screens. I only know about Hisense A5 , but there are more. If someone really wanted to replace your daily phone , they could consider those.
@@sanchoturco unfortunately the actual phones with e-ink and a SIM slot are Hisense's offerings. I've personally taken the gamble of daily-driving a Hisense A5 CC Pro Color, which has been great for me for the past few months. But it takes some side-loading work to set up the Chinese software to work well for day-to-day use. It's possible and results in a great dedicated communications and reading device. But the Chinese Android does stay iffy, even if most of the pre-installed apps can be disabled for a surprisingly clean experience. And stating the obvious, the alternatives like the Boox Palma are small tablets, not phones. Ironic how phones are getting treated as glorified tablets now, whereas I keep that function separate and use my Steam Deck as an actual tablet.
I have a Kobo ereader and am in that tech space - I have NEVER heard of the Boox Palma being referred to as a phone. It is revered by many in the ereader space but anyone judging this to the standard of a phone is outlandish. It's like saying a sink is a bad dishwasher - like there are different functions.
It’s more like saying a large screen without a tv tuner isn’t technically a television. Most people don’t use their smartphones to make calls or send sms messages the vast majority of the time, so there is more overlap here than not.
@@tormaid42 uhhhh most people *do* use their smartphones for calls and messages not specifically sms , thats more for receiving ; maybe you belong to the loud minority that don't but anyone over the age of 20 , do use it for those purposes
This is an e-reader for those who like to read books. The idea of it is basically to be able to read books from different sellers easily. Use whatever an reader app you want. It is not meant as a low distraction device. Just an e-reader with Android flexibility. The size of this one is for convenience. I have another 8" e-reader from the same company.
I reviewed and have one. I agree with you (and I don't use it daily either), but IMHO you're missing one point: how useful it is to have an ebook reader that small. In the summer, when you're not wearing big jackets or anything big enough to keep a Kindle in, an ereader that comfortably feets in any pocket is a blessing, if you're into reading outside, on the bus, etc.
yah, but even then it just becomes another thing to carry around. I'd just use my phone to read instead of having to carry both this and a phone for emergencies. If this thing could actually take calls and texts I think it would be better and even improve on it's minimalistic point because then there is no reason to have a more complicated (and distracting) device on you at all. Also ngl, I'd replace my phone with this thing if it actually worked as one because not having to worry about seeing outdoors and the better battery life would make it a stupidly practical phone.
I think this is new category of low dopamine devices is great. It's really hard to go from your phone to reading a book by light in the bed. You still want a little something extra (podcasts, audible books, etc.) without getting sucked into social media or having to yell at your smart speaker.
@@poorchef1895 Might I suggest The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry? IMO it's a nicely paced, funny, thoughtful book and as someone that sometimes slogs through stuff I don't love, this book makes reading something to look forward to!
@@emuccino Nope, because the potential is still there. Hiding heroin doesn't work if you know where the heroin is - you'll just undo whatever you used to hide it, and get to it. Software doesn't work here because you can just undo whatever locks or timers or display settings you have.
Its not a phone its an e-reader shaped like a phone and the big plus is that its run android, so if you looking for a phone this is not the device you looking for and if you looking for a vary portable e-reader that have the google store this is one of the best there is.
Palma never claim to be a smart phone or even a "phone". It just an e-reader in the form factor of a phone. When you review in the perspective of a phone, it's going to be a bad one.
I will wait for the SIM version (which I hope is inevitable). It has all of the features of a smartphone I want, but without the addictive display. With a SIM card tray, I could use it for navigation, to call ride shares, multi-factor authentication, texting, e-reading, music/podcasts, Slack for work, etc... but without the allure of Instagram, tiktok, youtube, etc...
@@enricosynx5951 that's honestly a good idea, but there are some things that are not so good, like security updates, tap to pay and battery life and even type C connections. I'm not going back to micro-USB. I really appreciate the suggestion though. Old tech should be reused more. My stereo is from the 80s & 90s.
You should check out the Hisense A5, A7 and A9 as they are a complete e ink smart phone running Android. I’ve got an A5 and it’s a very different experience from an iPhone.
Check out the Hisense A5, A7 or A9 as they are a complete e ink smartphone running Android with a sim tray. I have an A5 and it’s a very different experience from the iPhone.
Also..... this could be literally the BEST device EVER for a smart home remote. Long battery life, low energy display... android... sounds ridiculously perfect.
I like how it's trying to balance the two extremities between a distracting, but overpowered smartphone, and a focused, but simple Ebook Reader. I think this will eventually catch on, they just have to figure out the sweet spot in the middle that a majority people would like from both a smartphone and Ebook Reader.
I’m usually agreeing with Marques but I feel like he missed it on this one. It’s just a “phone-like” e-paper device that boox avoids calling it a dedicated e-reader because it can do a lot, except make cellular phone calls.
@@darnarxz Instead of saying it's a small pocket-friendly ebook reader he presented it as a bad alternative to a smartphone, something it was never trying to be.
Yeah, this is clickbaity and just a dumb and long-winded way to explain what it is. Only starts to get it right in the last two minutes of the video lol.
Yep. for me it's the form factor, the e-ink, and the fact that I can read ALL of my stuff - Kindle, PDF, news sites, reddit, Readwise Reader without jumping through hoops.
I kept waiting for a twist that never came because I don’t understand why the video is calling it a phone when it literally isn’t one. It’s a pocket size e-reader. That’s what they're marketing it as.
marketing: "zero distraction music player" me: "yeah, I know, it's a walkman. huh? so, it's not a portable mp3 player?" marketing: 😅😅 "yeah, same thing but additionally you can also download apps on it" me: "so, it's a smartphone?" marketing: "na, it's a e-reader with multiple purpose" me: 😑😑"You guys are confusing me, even more"
I literally love my palma -- i basically only read my kindle books with audible at the same time (NO kindle does that, even the very expensive Kindle Scribe), browse reddit texts subs like askreddit, and read news articles. I hate reading on my iphone/ipad and the palma makes reading fun and conveenient again.
It's actually not super expensive from that perspective. Besides being ebook readers, Eink tablets are also meant to be writing/notetaking/drawing devices which is why they tend to have a higher price point. The Palma isn't really geared towards those things. It's really only expensive compared to dedicated readers like the kindle.
Tbh nobody thinks of a phone as a calling device now, even though that is pretty much what “phone” means, now, nobody uses that term to consider something a phone
i bought this just for reading online novels and epubs cause i do that all the time. so much more discreet to bring compared to the size of the kindle. it totally helped me sleep better and have less headaches. i love mine.
Yes!! So excited you talked about my favorite device! I use it to supplement my phone, and I’ve also been using it as a distraction light writing device with a paired Bluetooth keyboard. I love this thing!
I just want a proper e-paper smartwatch. Like a “leave your phone at home and go for a run, still can make calls and listen to spotify, always-on display, and really long battery life” smartwatch.
fossil hr hybrid series is a smartwatch with e-ink and analog hands that rotate out of the way so you can read the display. It lacks on-device music and GPS, but it is a e-paper smartwatch in all other respects.
Yeah exactly, why would I buy a "phone" that cannot do the most basic functionality of a phone? Just add SIM feature so it would at least make more sense to have this.
Its marketed as a pocket ereader not really as a phone, tech youtubers have been trying to push it as a phone. there are other readers out there that do use Data and cellular connections that is an actual phone phone. Dont get confused with this one is all :)
@@madman7991 They literally market it as phone-sized mobile ePaper :) They are clearly trying make it look and sound like a mobile phone by dropping the keywords even though they don't say it's phone explicitly. What is mobile ePaper even? All eReaders are mobile because you can carry them around. Very weird concept to call something mobile ePaper and phone-sized without it not being phone. Putting a SIM to this device would bring them a great benefit.
@@fablewallsyea, but it's a stupid reason honestly. If we want to talk about a e-reader phone, the hisense works. If distractions are an issue, you can always NOT install anything other than the basic apps instead of taking an e-reader and talking about it like it's a phone.
@@gcbryan89 I'm not disagreeing with you. MKBHD explains in the video that this phone has become incredibly popular and represents the e-reader phone more than the other two everyone wants him to talk about.
This is EXACTLY what I want. With one obvious exception. The phone. If I could use this for texting and calls, it would be absolutely fucking perfect! I don't use my phone for watching videos, playing games, etc. I use it to text, do google searches, read news, etc. And I carry a kindle around, because reading books on a lit display sucks - for various reasons. BOOX, please, please, PLEASE add a sim tray to this thing!
Ideal dumb smart phone list: 1. Calls 2. Texts 3. Music 4. Maps (idk how to go anywhere without maps) 5. Wallet (airport tickets and stuff) 6. Cameras It would be interesting to see a UI that disallows downloading social media apps but does allow utility apps. It is convenient to be able to check the weather and my bank account. Apps could have an “addiction” score, we def have the data to create something like that. If the app is above a certain threshold, it has a surgeon general’s warning before downloading, or is not allowed on devices according to your preferences.
@@satelliteimagerymusic thanks mate! Tried it out, but it’s a subscription service, the widget is good looking but I’m not willing to pay a yearly fee to have it 😂
Good thing its not a phone then. Its litearlly just an e-reader which can fit in your pocket. Its not sold as a phone, or marketed as a phone. The only people calling a phone are youtubers who want clicks.
I won't be buying this device, but I have an eerily strong sense that I and probably many others will own one of its inspired descendants someday soon.
I’m really happy to see you give some notoriety to companies who make devices that don’t fit the mold of every other product and carve out a niche for themselves. Really interesting review 🤙
The title and a lot of this video frustrate me. This is not a phone and is not intended to be one. If you want an e-paper smartphone, look at Hisense. If you want an e-paper dumbphone, look at the Light Phone II. This device is not meant to be a phone or replace it. Boox has the exact same feature set across all of their e-paper devices. They all run Android instead of being locked into one system or format. Saying this is a bad phone is incredibly misleading and flat-out wrong because it isn't a phone. I like MKBHD videos, but the way this one is set up seems to be intended more for views and the "Gotcha" factor than informing the public about the device. I hope this isn't an indicator for future videos.
Content made specifically for this device (low chance of happening...but possible), and also a clear reflexive incentive to put my smart phone down to pick this up would make this pop off, I think. Having to keep reminding yourself to not press a button to continue reading, but go get another device will keep it from becoming a part of everyday life, even if you want to use it. I love the idea and hope this a direction we see more meaningful innovation in.
If it had SIM functionality, I would ABSOLUTELY line up for it. I would love an e-ink phone. Great battery, low distraction, all the real functions of a phone.
I would say if you're a heavy reader, and I don't mean reading news or articles, but books upon books, then this is gold EDIT: kind of self-explanatory, but just in case someone looks at it from the perspective of a phone replacement, not an e-reader
I have this device. If you enjoy reading books and want to avoid endless doom scrolling while waiting at the dentists, commuting on subway or bus etc… you can read your book in an ereader that fits into a pocket and is a joy to use. Turning pages with one hand by using volume rockers while carrying a bag or holding onto a pole on a bus with your other hand. Having kindle, kobo, pocket, and all reading ecosystems available on one small device with a beautifully sharp e-paper display. Of course I have a smart phone as well but this is just with me in another pocket.
@@cube2fox it’s more a question of killing time. I think many people choose to glance at their phone and endlessly scroll while waiting for a boarding announcement, bus ride, pick up the kids etc. this simply provides a better option to pick up where you left off on your current book using a ereader which is pocket sized.
Thank you!! I have one and this is exactly why I bought it! I already have 2 Kindles and a Kobo Libra Color but I got this for its small form and portability. It’s great for on the go reading!! And I love having my Kindle, Libby, Hoopla, etc. apps on one device. I only use it for reading. 😀
Does this run Reddit or Twitter or other primarily-text dependent social media apps? If so, how would the e-ink display prevent me from getting distracted through these apps?
@@ceilingfan1177 yes, even Facebook, TH-cam etc. but the choice is yours if you want a distraction free device. This is not a smartphone so since you already have one of those, there I no need to set it up the same way. I have Libby, and various newspaper apps on mine along with kindle, kobo, Koreader etc… the micro sd card I added is filled with music/podcasts. Do as you please.
Love how the Boox Palma's minimalist e-ink display gives that distraction-free feel. Reminds me of the simplicity and focus of Yin Yang Launcher for Android - perfect for those looking to reduce digital clutter and stay more mindful while using their devices.
As a parent of a 9 year old, I keep waiting for something sorta like this to be in a good sweet spot for my son. Something that can call/text me when he's ready to be picked up from practice or something, maybe it lets him stream Spotify music, but isn't too distracting.
but imagine his friends playing games, like all kids do nowadays, and your son with this phone which is cool but probably not for his age.... I get that its the sweet spot of safe
a *wifi+cellular smartwatch is* what you are looking for. he can do everything he needs it for and nothing he doesn't need it. you can locate him, you can talk and text to each other, he can whatsapp, he can pay, use google maps, even listen to podcasts/spotify/ internet radios. I'm using a Galaxy watch 6 every other day as a smartphone replacement and it's perferct for it
Your intros are world class. Even better than the marketing material of the actual phone manufacturers themselves - yep even better than Apple's intros.
I have the boox go color 7 and while it's not a phone replacement, it works extremely well as an ebook and a note taking device. Occasionally I will use it for other things but I found myself using it more than my tablet. I can definitely see the value in this type of device for people who have problems controlling themselves. Personally I've never had an issue not using my phone for everything but I know a lot of people do.
I gotta say, as a HUGE fan of Ultra 85, hearing Deja Vu and the instrumentals across this album in this video totally caught me off guard. It's awesome!
There are others out there that have sim capability, but its an ereader that runs android and lets you use whatever your favourite app is. So people are marketing this as a phone when its not, you know? like marketing an electric bicycle as a motorbike, like technically yes but no you know?
Other than the tech youtubers going for your clicks, I don't see many people marketing it as phone... Boox themselves sell it as a "phone sized" or "pocketable" eink device and most tech websites that reviewed it straight called it an ereader.
Minimal phone company. It's an E ink phone with a full keyboard. Edit: I'm talking about a different product by a company named "minimal", it's an E ink phone with all the functions of a phone and has a physical keyboard as well.
That intro with the ink background slowly becoming 3D was phenomenal. I think these devices work work mostly for people who don’t need a smartphone, which isn’t many but it is an option that exists and I’m glad but I think it needs a little more refining for now till it works for more.
If it doesn't have a sim card slot, its not a mobile phone. The world is increasingly moving away from landlines, and sometimes you really do need to make a phone call. A lot of services require you to be able to receive texts for two factor authentication. The primary usecase for a dumb phone is to be able to call and text. If you buy this, you would need to buy a phone as well, which defeats the purpose.
@@IWillSayMyPeace it's phone sized, and runs the android operating system, so it has a lot of phone-like properties. It does the things most people use their phones for most of the time, so I can see where he's coming from, in saying that it fails fundamentally at being a phone because it's not a phone
That thing might (except the inability to be used as a phone) be the perfect device for me, as I mostly view my school's timetable on my phone and do a little bit of internet research (over WiFi as I don't wanna pay extra for data roaming).
With or without a SIM card, this isn't a phone. It can't send or receive calls or texts, therefore it's not a phone; phone is short for telephone after all. This is a phone-sized e-ink reader that runs androidOS, you can call it a phone-sized tablet if you prefer.
If it doesn't have a SIM card slot, it shouldn't be called a phone, but rather a phone-sized tablet.
I think you can still get ESim
true. is like saying my bicycle is a bad motorbike
@@JustCallMeRichApologetics Bro thinks esim is an app 😂
Nope, it has no cellular functionality @@JustCallMeRichApologetics
Eink iPod touch
A sim card would be a game changer. Like if I can make calls and send texts I'm sold on it. I don't want all the other distractions just the ability to call in case of emergencies.
That’s what I want as well
Same, this would be perfect for me, just needs a sim card
The Hibreak
Give us this for
Just said the same thing
Calling this a phone is a complete mis-representation of what it's meant to be, which is an e-ink e-reader that has Google Play Store access, and is in the form factor of a typical smartphone. It's not meant to replace ANYthing except another e-reader like a Kindle, Nook, etc.
and tbh, it works really well as a small e-reader since people are mostly used to reading books on their phones
yet it works as a phone, so you can have basic things like WhatsApp and Telegram.
Yeah, it is more similar to the iPod than the iPhone
@@stebansbfor me to call it a phone, it needs to have sim capabilities and be able to make and receive phone calls/sms natively, not over WiFi and third party apps like WA
Tell that to the company. The website promotes this as "phone-like experience".
A big advantage of the E-Ink display is that it is clearly readable in bright sunlight. This (along with long battery life) would be especially advantageous for outdoor activity such as navigating (while hiking or biking) via GPS. Unfortunately the Boox Palma doesn't have GPS. However, the Hisense A9 Pro does.
Isn't this more a mini-tablet than a 'phone' since it has no cellular functionality?
That's what the company says, yes.
It's not a phone. It's a "book" that fits in your "palm". It's literally in the name Boox Palma
Alot of people them as MP3 players also.
yeah which is so weird. It's android based iPod touch with e-ink display. Which is kinda like why ? It's too small and impractical for full on e-book reader and it lacks the core functionality of a phone to be used as a phone replacement.
@@leeroymlg4692 yeah we can all understand that, vidiq was using 'phone' especially since MKBHD's title has the word in there. Chill, lol.
Think we need to go back to "what is a phone" because this is not one. The first and only necessary requirement of a phone is that it needs to be able to make calls.
It never claims to be a phone
@@Foojaleeckalikeelamaka If its not supposed to resemble a phone, then why use a smartphone aspect ratio screen, when other ereaders have wider screens? Its easier on the eyes to not have to jump lines so often.
@@Foojaleeckalikeelamakano but this video is literally titled as such
@@oscarferrari308 I agree, the creator is incorrect. The manufacturer never makes that claim.
@@leonidas14775
Because people like the smartphone experience. You probably use yours for tons of things every day that aren't phone based & probably prefer to use your phone to do those things.
I would buy this specifically because it's got the same footprint (handprint?) as a phone so it fits easily in my pocket or any of the phone pockets in my bags easily.
The title of this video: "This phone is bad."
Maybe I'm wrong, but it's not a phone?
It's not a phone at all, it's an e-reader.
@@MrChidoK I'll just stick to the e reader I have with my GBA thank you very much.
But it's shaped like a phone. Has a form factor of a phone. So it's a phone
It's like if you take a piece of ham, and you shape it into a sausage, people will say it's a sausage. Even though it's a piece of ham, it's shaped like a sausage, so it's a sausage, even if it's not a sausage, but instead a piece of ham. But it's shaped like a sausage. People see it as a sausage, so it's a sausage, even though it's actually a piece of ham, it's a sausage. Even if you know they're wrong for calling it a sausage because it's a piece of ham, but it looks like a sausage, and it's shaped like a sausage, it's a sausage
He was saying it has the internals of a typical phone.
The company is promoting this as a "Phone-like experience". It's just marketing. More people will buy a new "phone" over a new e-reader
Thanks for the great review. A real-world, "how will this work for me?" review. Not just "xx gb ram, xx gb memory, xx whatever" tech specs. I appreciate this video.
This was never marketed as a phone. It has neither a SIM card nor e-SIM capability. It's an e-reader with a phone form factor and Google Play Store so that you can install your preferred e-reader app(s) instead of being forced to use some proprietary reader. It also has some nice QoL features built into software that helps with Android app usage (per-app screen refresh rates and scrolling with the volume buttons/dot, especially).
I really like the device for reading on the go. It's not bulky like a kindle and fits easily into my pocket while still being a readable size. Reaching for it at bedtime is still dangerous since I can find myself reading until 3am, but it's better than reaching for my phone and doomscrolling or messaging people. MKBHD did eventually land on its intended use at 7:26 as a secondary device for reading.
I mean there are Android smartphones with e-ink screens. I only know about Hisense A5 , but there are more. If someone really wanted to replace your daily phone , they could consider those.
@@sanchoturco unfortunately the actual phones with e-ink and a SIM slot are Hisense's offerings.
I've personally taken the gamble of daily-driving a Hisense A5 CC Pro Color, which has been great for me for the past few months.
But it takes some side-loading work to set up the Chinese software to work well for day-to-day use.
It's possible and results in a great dedicated communications and reading device.
But the Chinese Android does stay iffy, even if most of the pre-installed apps can be disabled for a surprisingly clean experience.
And stating the obvious, the alternatives like the Boox Palma are small tablets, not phones.
Ironic how phones are getting treated as glorified tablets now, whereas I keep that function separate and use my Steam Deck as an actual tablet.
I have a Kobo ereader and am in that tech space - I have NEVER heard of the Boox Palma being referred to as a phone. It is revered by many in the ereader space but anyone judging this to the standard of a phone is outlandish. It's like saying a sink is a bad dishwasher - like there are different functions.
It’s more like saying a large screen without a tv tuner isn’t technically a television. Most people don’t use their smartphones to make calls or send sms messages the vast majority of the time, so there is more overlap here than not.
Aren't sink and dishwasher same thing?
@@tormaid42 If they aren't doing those things, they're using social media, which also depends on a connection.
@@tormaid42 uhhhh most people *do* use their smartphones for calls and messages not specifically sms , thats more for receiving ; maybe you belong to the loud minority that don't but anyone over the age of 20 , do use it for those purposes
ha good metaphor. i may use that for work at some point.
This is an e-reader for those who like to read books. The idea of it is basically to be able to read books from different sellers easily. Use whatever an reader app you want. It is not meant as a low distraction device. Just an e-reader with Android flexibility. The size of this one is for convenience. I have another 8" e-reader from the same company.
I reviewed and have one. I agree with you (and I don't use it daily either), but IMHO you're missing one point: how useful it is to have an ebook reader that small.
In the summer, when you're not wearing big jackets or anything big enough to keep a Kindle in, an ereader that comfortably feets in any pocket is a blessing, if you're into reading outside, on the bus, etc.
yah, but even then it just becomes another thing to carry around. I'd just use my phone to read instead of having to carry both this and a phone for emergencies. If this thing could actually take calls and texts I think it would be better and even improve on it's minimalistic point because then there is no reason to have a more complicated (and distracting) device on you at all. Also ngl, I'd replace my phone with this thing if it actually worked as one because not having to worry about seeing outdoors and the better battery life would make it a stupidly practical phone.
I think this is new category of low dopamine devices is great. It's really hard to go from your phone to reading a book by light in the bed. You still want a little something extra (podcasts, audible books, etc.) without getting sucked into social media or having to yell at your smart speaker.
I am literally having trouble reading books that I bought myself, only because how I am addicted to my smartphone 😢
That can be accomplished with software, doesn't require new devices
@@poorchef1895 Might I suggest The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry? IMO it's a nicely paced, funny, thoughtful book and as someone that sometimes slogs through stuff I don't love, this book makes reading something to look forward to!
lol learn to love reading actual books too though, that’s the real “disconnect device.” physical books are healing
@@emuccino Nope, because the potential is still there. Hiding heroin doesn't work if you know where the heroin is - you'll just undo whatever you used to hide it, and get to it. Software doesn't work here because you can just undo whatever locks or timers or display settings you have.
I'd love this thing but no SIM card tray kills it. Its a Phone without the Phone
Check out the Light Phone II or the Sunbeam F1 Pro/Horizon
Oh yeah! The
He mentioned Hisense A9 that has the SIM card option
Its not a phone its an e-reader shaped like a phone and the big plus is that its run android, so if you looking for a phone this is not the device you looking for and if you looking for a vary portable e-reader that have the google store this is one of the best there is.
Hisense a9 if you want a phone
Palma never claim to be a smart phone or even a "phone". It just an e-reader in the form factor of a phone. When you review in the perspective of a phone, it's going to be a bad one.
An e-reader that can play music, watch videos and more, but can't let you read without WiFi because there's no SIM card slot! No I will pass 🙏
EXACTLY
@@sciencepro8902you know you can download books right
@@sciencepro8902 this wasn't being marketed to you to begin with 🤦♂
@sciencepro8902 yeah such a fail having no cellular even just for data
I will wait for the SIM version (which I hope is inevitable). It has all of the features of a smartphone I want, but without the addictive display.
With a SIM card tray, I could use it for navigation, to call ride shares, multi-factor authentication, texting, e-reading, music/podcasts, Slack for work, etc... but without the allure of Instagram, tiktok, youtube, etc...
This is all I want.
then just get an old-old Phone. They also have a shitty display that makes you NOT want to use it as a smartphone.
@@enricosynx5951 that's honestly a good idea, but there are some things that are not so good, like security updates, tap to pay and battery life and even type C connections. I'm not going back to micro-USB. I really appreciate the suggestion though. Old tech should be reused more. My stereo is from the 80s & 90s.
You should check out the Hisense A5, A7 and A9 as they are a complete e ink smart phone running Android. I’ve got an A5 and it’s a very different experience from an iPhone.
Check out the Hisense A5, A7 or A9 as they are a complete e ink smartphone running Android with a sim tray. I have an A5 and it’s a very different experience from the iPhone.
0:10 the channel has been cooking with the intros🔥🔥 the editors definitely deserve a raise😊🔥
Uhhhh... its fade away if you're wondering *(sorta)
@@Roach420 Deja Vu*
I said dam
@@jerguskrcFade Away is the original song, and Deja Vu is using the same beat
One of the nicest YT video intro i have ever seen
What's one of the worst you've ever seen?
Agreed.
With the logic song too 🔥🔥
@@Garrettdx1988yt rewind
Kunno's songs @@Garrettdx1988
Also..... this could be literally the BEST device EVER for a smart home remote. Long battery life, low energy display... android... sounds ridiculously perfect.
.... _Runs to check if HomeAssistant and those weird little 3.5mm IR blasters would work_
Also, since it works in sunlight, if you need to do something from your backyard, it works there too.
I like how it's trying to balance the two extremities between a distracting, but overpowered smartphone, and a focused, but simple Ebook Reader. I think this will eventually catch on, they just have to figure out the sweet spot in the middle that a majority people would like from both a smartphone and Ebook Reader.
Exactly my sentiment.
I just wish they had two things navigation and duolingo
I’m usually agreeing with Marques but I feel like he missed it on this one. It’s just a “phone-like” e-paper device that boox avoids calling it a dedicated e-reader because it can do a lot, except make cellular phone calls.
isn't that what he explained in the video??
@@darnarxz Instead of saying it's a small pocket-friendly ebook reader he presented it as a bad alternative to a smartphone, something it was never trying to be.
Yeah, this is clickbaity and just a dumb and long-winded way to explain what it is. Only starts to get it right in the last two minutes of the video lol.
Yep. for me it's the form factor, the e-ink, and the fact that I can read ALL of my stuff - Kindle, PDF, news sites, reddit, Readwise Reader without jumping through hoops.
Something about the all-white display with no black borders makes it look super futuristic. I wish OLED displays where that seamless looking.
Even those crazy-wide bezels seem kind of cool 😀
I kept waiting for a twist that never came because I don’t understand why the video is calling it a phone when it literally isn’t one. It’s a pocket size e-reader. That’s what they're marketing it as.
Yeah, he missed with this one...
That intro was absolutely awesome. Kudos to your animation and design team!
“Zero distraction music player” ….god I’m old because I instantly said “so a mp3 player” 4:40
At least u didn’t say walkmen 😂
@@glimmerz3464 walkman duh 🙄
I grew up in the 70's. Mp3 players are still new. You're not old, kid.
PijnigeR Ray, alright kid
marketing: "zero distraction music player"
me: "yeah, I know, it's a walkman. huh? so, it's not a portable mp3 player?"
marketing: 😅😅 "yeah, same thing but additionally you can also download apps on it"
me: "so, it's a smartphone?"
marketing: "na, it's a e-reader with multiple purpose"
me: 😑😑"You guys are confusing me, even more"
I’ve been a Boox user for two years. I use the Onyx Boox Note Air 2 for everything from taking meeting notes to reading books (pdf, Kindle,etc).
2:52 I totally get it
yep i like the idea
If it had a sim to call and text I'd be interested but with this I still need to carry my phone.
2:54 I don’t
no one is going to talk about this video's INTRO !???? ... that's truly magnificent
I literally love my palma -- i basically only read my kindle books with audible at the same time (NO kindle does that, even the very expensive Kindle Scribe), browse reddit texts subs like askreddit, and read news articles. I hate reading on my iphone/ipad and the palma makes reading fun and conveenient again.
There is no sim-card tray - So what you are telling me is that is this a very overpriced e-ink tablet....
No it's worse than that, because the screen is so small/ narrow it's not meant to read books on.
It's actually not super expensive from that perspective. Besides being ebook readers, Eink tablets are also meant to be writing/notetaking/drawing devices which is why they tend to have a higher price point. The Palma isn't really geared towards those things. It's really only expensive compared to dedicated readers like the kindle.
Actually that screen size is really popular for ebook in east Asia.
@@kathycannon2830 it's twice the price of a much larger Kindle Paperwhite
Bro really think e-ink display are cheaper than regular IPS/AMOLED display.
I bought this for my Mom's birthday recently. It is a solid e-reader that has replaced her old, breaking-down Kindle Fire. She loves it!
@@0matters The Boox Palma in the video.
Why? It has a small screen for reading books.
@@SimonAZ Seems to work out perfectly for my Mom. A smaller device is also much lighter in her hands.
@@SimonAZ Boox also makes a similar product with a 7 inch 3:2 screen.
I have a close relative of this in one of Boox’s color tablets. I don’t use it too often, but it is nice every now and then.
2:25 there is no sim card tray so no cellular connection soooo how is it able to call? And if it doesnt make calls how is it a PHONE?!
Who even calls now
E sim.
@@nightcoreasap947 you won't have an e-sim on a device that doesn't have cellular connectivity - like this one. it isn't a phone
Same thoughts !! How is it even a phone then?!
Tbh nobody thinks of a phone as a calling device now, even though that is pretty much what “phone” means, now, nobody uses that term to consider something a phone
i bought this just for reading online novels and epubs cause i do that all the time. so much more discreet to bring compared to the size of the kindle. it totally helped me sleep better and have less headaches. i love mine.
Dito. And it's the only way for me to read with a starting migraine attack.
Yes!! So excited you talked about my favorite device! I use it to supplement my phone, and I’ve also been using it as a distraction light writing device with a paired Bluetooth keyboard. I love this thing!
I just want a proper e-paper smartwatch. Like a “leave your phone at home and go for a run, still can make calls and listen to spotify, always-on display, and really long battery life” smartwatch.
With ePaper was Pebble years ago
That would be sweet
I kinda want to do that with an apple watch and not use my phone during the day 🤔
Pebble :)
fossil hr hybrid series is a smartwatch with e-ink and analog hands that rotate out of the way so you can read the display. It lacks on-device music and GPS, but it is a e-paper smartwatch in all other respects.
Why no SIM card? Is phone without cellular connection even a phone? Seems to be the main drawback and quite weird
Yeah exactly, why would I buy a "phone" that cannot do the most basic functionality of a phone? Just add SIM feature so it would at least make more sense to have this.
True. I rather use my Kindle then.
Its marketed as a pocket ereader not really as a phone, tech youtubers have been trying to push it as a phone. there are other readers out there that do use Data and cellular connections that is an actual phone phone. Dont get confused with this one is all :)
Such as? @@madman7991
@@madman7991 They literally market it as phone-sized mobile ePaper :) They are clearly trying make it look and sound like a mobile phone by dropping the keywords even though they don't say it's phone explicitly. What is mobile ePaper even? All eReaders are mobile because you can carry them around. Very weird concept to call something mobile ePaper and phone-sized without it not being phone.
Putting a SIM to this device would bring them a great benefit.
iPhone reviewer doesn’t realize he’s using an ereader
😂
It's basically an iPhone with a black and white display
Yeah like it’s literally called “books” poor company tried to make it as obvious as possible
Mr. Brownlee, you are not only kinda nice but totally awesome. Love your reviews, keep rocking and maintain your integrity.
The guy who makes your intros....need a raise 😂😂. Like they are just getting better amd better
i am so happy people are starting to recognize android e-ink devices they are really amazing.
Why not review Hisense or Bigme which are an actual E ink smartphone. Seems like a weird review
Bigme (color version) is going to be the first phone for my kiddo, it's perfect
If you watched the video - you'd have your answer around 08:15 onwards.
@@fablewallsyea, but it's a stupid reason honestly. If we want to talk about a e-reader phone, the hisense works. If distractions are an issue, you can always NOT install anything other than the basic apps instead of taking an e-reader and talking about it like it's a phone.
I don’t understand either it’s like it doesn’t exist as an option in the US hisense phones are literally cheaper as well like the A5 or flagship A9
@@gcbryan89 I'm not disagreeing with you. MKBHD explains in the video that this phone has become incredibly popular and represents the e-reader phone more than the other two everyone wants him to talk about.
I appreciate how direct and simple your videos are.
This is EXACTLY what I want. With one obvious exception. The phone. If I could use this for texting and calls, it would be absolutely fucking perfect! I don't use my phone for watching videos, playing games, etc. I use it to text, do google searches, read news, etc. And I carry a kindle around, because reading books on a lit display sucks - for various reasons.
BOOX, please, please, PLEASE add a sim tray to this thing!
The hisense a9 he mentioned towards the end of the video is exactly this device you described.
You should take a look at the Bigme Hibreak or some of the Hisense Eink Smartphones.
@@cytheh bet you $20 @shawntoadally doesn't buy it.
dude - you can use an esim!
lite phone
6:22 blown out highlights show up as black pixels?
Just finished a AutoFocus video and here I am 8 minutes later...keep these videos pumping!!!!
Wooooo...One of the badass intro.
What a transformation mannnn!! 😳🔥
THESE intros never cease to amaze me 🎉 Blown away as a Product photographer.
"This Phone is Bad... Which Makes it Better?" I'm sorry but it doesn't have a SIM card, how can you call it a phone?
But it may have eSim
@@meekschannel2785 It does not. It does not have any cellular modem.
Starting the video with logic 10/10 🔥
Ideal dumb smart phone list:
1. Calls
2. Texts
3. Music
4. Maps (idk how to go anywhere without maps)
5. Wallet (airport tickets and stuff)
6. Cameras
It would be interesting to see a UI that disallows downloading social media apps but does allow utility apps. It is convenient to be able to check the weather and my bank account.
Apps could have an “addiction” score, we def have the data to create something like that. If the app is above a certain threshold, it has a surgeon general’s warning before downloading, or is not allowed on devices according to your preferences.
Whats the weather Widget that appears at 1:02 ? Thanks
It appears to be Not Boring Weather
@@satelliteimagerymusic thanks mate! Tried it out, but it’s a subscription service, the widget is good looking but I’m not willing to pay a yearly fee to have it 😂
@@satelliteimagerymusic thank you mate! Got a look at it, but it’s a subscription weather app. Dope widget but not going to pay for it 🤣
I probably would have bought one of these by now, if it only had a sim card tray. That's just something I need from a phone.
Hisense a9 for you then
Good thing its not a phone then. Its litearlly just an e-reader which can fit in your pocket. Its not sold as a phone, or marketed as a phone. The only people calling a phone are youtubers who want clicks.
@@AndreVictorGoncalves discontinued, also only sold in Asia... So no
@@DrTheRich Bigme X for you then
I won't be buying this device, but I have an eerily strong sense that I and probably many others will own one of its inspired descendants someday soon.
I’m really happy to see you give some notoriety to companies who make devices that don’t fit the mold of every other product and carve out a niche for themselves. Really interesting review 🤙
The title and a lot of this video frustrate me. This is not a phone and is not intended to be one. If you want an e-paper smartphone, look at Hisense. If you want an e-paper dumbphone, look at the Light Phone II. This device is not meant to be a phone or replace it. Boox has the exact same feature set across all of their e-paper devices. They all run Android instead of being locked into one system or format. Saying this is a bad phone is incredibly misleading and flat-out wrong because it isn't a phone. I like MKBHD videos, but the way this one is set up seems to be intended more for views and the "Gotcha" factor than informing the public about the device. I hope this isn't an indicator for future videos.
At this point of time its better to practice self restraint than to actually buy some expensive yet cheaply made consumer product.
Love the pencil intro ✏️
fr
hey battlefield 4 lover
check my gameplay
Content made specifically for this device (low chance of happening...but possible), and also a clear reflexive incentive to put my smart phone down to pick this up would make this pop off, I think. Having to keep reminding yourself to not press a button to continue reading, but go get another device will keep it from becoming a part of everyday life, even if you want to use it. I love the idea and hope this a direction we see more meaningful innovation in.
What is that alarm clock app I need it!! 7:45
default, can be set in the settings
These intros recently are insane. You have a very very talented team over there.
If it had SIM functionality, I would ABSOLUTELY line up for it. I would love an e-ink phone. Great battery, low distraction, all the real functions of a phone.
You will find that eink devices are funny and you will spend the same tons of time on it.
@@daniele5976at least it’s easier on your eyes
you can try hisense A9
I would say if you're a heavy reader, and I don't mean reading news or articles, but books upon books, then this is gold
EDIT: kind of self-explanatory, but just in case someone looks at it from the perspective of a phone replacement, not an e-reader
0:20 omfg the intro goes so hardd
I have this device. If you enjoy reading books and want to avoid endless doom scrolling while waiting at the dentists, commuting on subway or bus etc… you can read your book in an ereader that fits into a pocket and is a joy to use. Turning pages with one hand by using volume rockers while carrying a bag or holding onto a pole on a bus with your other hand. Having kindle, kobo, pocket, and all reading ecosystems available on one small device with a beautifully sharp e-paper display. Of course I have a smart phone as well but this is just with me in another pocket.
It can hardly cure scrolling addiction if you need a separate smartphone. You will just scroll on your smartphone instead of on your E Ink device.
@@cube2fox it’s more a question of killing time. I think many people choose to glance at their phone and endlessly scroll while waiting for a boarding announcement, bus ride, pick up the kids etc. this simply provides a better option to pick up where you left off on your current book using a ereader which is pocket sized.
Thank you!! I have one and this is exactly why I bought it! I already have 2 Kindles and a Kobo Libra Color but I got this for its small form and portability. It’s great for on the go reading!! And I love having my Kindle, Libby, Hoopla, etc. apps on one device. I only use it for reading. 😀
Does this run Reddit or Twitter or other primarily-text dependent social media apps? If so, how would the e-ink display prevent me from getting distracted through these apps?
@@ceilingfan1177 yes, even Facebook, TH-cam etc. but the choice is yours if you want a distraction free device. This is not a smartphone so since you already have one of those, there I no need to set it up the same way. I have Libby, and various newspaper apps on mine along with kindle, kobo, Koreader etc… the micro sd card I added is filled with music/podcasts. Do as you please.
5:59 the resolution just shifted here
Yeah, bitrate just dipped dramatically
Love how the Boox Palma's minimalist e-ink display gives that distraction-free feel. Reminds me of the simplicity and focus of Yin Yang Launcher for Android - perfect for those looking to reduce digital clutter and stay more mindful while using their devices.
An E-paper phone is exactly what I’ve been looking for, actually.
Check out the light phone 3
why?
@@jocen3 much better battery life. If you don't need a high refresh rate for videos or anything like that, it's perfect
I'm looking into Minimalist phone here in a couple months hopefully but I would rather have Boox make this a phone I'd buy it today
except it's not a phone. no sim card
As a parent of a 9 year old, I keep waiting for something sorta like this to be in a good sweet spot for my son. Something that can call/text me when he's ready to be picked up from practice or something, maybe it lets him stream Spotify music, but isn't too distracting.
but imagine his friends playing games, like all kids do nowadays, and your son with this phone which is cool but probably not for his age.... I get that its the sweet spot of safe
a *wifi+cellular smartwatch is* what you are looking for. he can do everything he needs it for and nothing he doesn't need it. you can locate him, you can talk and text to each other, he can whatsapp, he can pay, use google maps, even listen to podcasts/spotify/ internet radios.
I'm using a Galaxy watch 6 every other day as a smartphone replacement and it's perferct for it
Just buy him a cheap android phone
I would hate to be your son, c'mon
Sounds like you need an android phone and a bunch of parental controls
4:47 shots fired at rabbit R1 😅
Been using and loving my Palma daily for a couple months now. I love the screen!!
0:40 oh I'm definitely in
@@JoshuaLindsey92 There should have been a sim card option though. What do you say?
Me too! Now that MB has profiled it, I better go ahead and grab it before it sells out.
lol
Is it cause you make them in the sweatshop?
I know I’m in, I have a galaxy S2 four and an iPhone 13 and I would totally swap out the iPhone for that
Your intros are world class. Even better than the marketing material of the actual phone manufacturers themselves - yep even better than Apple's intros.
2:40 no SIM card slot?
How is this even a phone lol
@@z97482it isn't one. It's an ereader. Like a Kindle Paperwhite.
But we can see that sim card slot!
it’s not a phone
It's an e-reader that runs full android, that's it's function. It's not intended to be a phone.
Gotta love how much of a logic fan you are :)
Marques, you have to give a raise to your editing team, especially the intro guy. This stuff is what legends are made of! 🔥🔥🔥
6:14 watching a MKBHD video the way Marques intended
The smooth transition of the sketch to the scene with the beat on point..Man this might be one of the best intros on the channel!!🔥🔥
I have the boox go color 7 and while it's not a phone replacement, it works extremely well as an ebook and a note taking device. Occasionally I will use it for other things but I found myself using it more than my tablet. I can definitely see the value in this type of device for people who have problems controlling themselves. Personally I've never had an issue not using my phone for everything but I know a lot of people do.
0:20 it's not a phone, it doesn't have a sim slot. It's technically a tablet
Thank you. That's what I thought as well. 3:17
iPod touch didn’t have a sim slot, would you consider that a tablet?
i don't think you know what a tablet is... You can really only call it a "smart device" it isn't a phone or a tablet.
@@whothou bingo
@@seeleydargo you thought wrong
And the Oscar for best hand acting in a youtube video go to Marques at 3:55
5:39 That Pen Type-C 👀
I gotta say, as a HUGE fan of Ultra 85, hearing Deja Vu and the instrumentals across this album in this video totally caught me off guard. It's awesome!
I was on board until you said no SIM/Cellular. That's the whole point of a phone!
There are others out there that have sim capability, but its an ereader that runs android and lets you use whatever your favourite app is. So people are marketing this as a phone when its not, you know? like marketing an electric bicycle as a motorbike, like technically yes but no you know?
Other than the tech youtubers going for your clicks, I don't see many people marketing it as phone... Boox themselves sell it as a "phone sized" or "pocketable" eink device and most tech websites that reviewed it straight called it an ereader.
Hisense a9 for you then
But it's not a phone
Minimal phone company. It's an E ink phone with a full keyboard.
Edit: I'm talking about a different product by a company named "minimal", it's an E ink phone with all the functions of a phone and has a physical keyboard as well.
And-raid? 3:37
That intro with the ink background slowly becoming 3D was phenomenal. I think these devices work work mostly for people who don’t need a smartphone, which isn’t many but it is an option that exists and I’m glad but I think it needs a little more refining for now till it works for more.
I love watching mk videos because he allow me to watch it on ok background.. ( even when I’m not on TH-cam )
bringing these creative intros back has been such a blessing
If it doesn't have a sim card slot, its not a mobile phone. The world is increasingly moving away from landlines, and sometimes you really do need to make a phone call. A lot of services require you to be able to receive texts for two factor authentication. The primary usecase for a dumb phone is to be able to call and text. If you buy this, you would need to buy a phone as well, which defeats the purpose.
Why did mkbhd whatever, call it a "phone" is what I don't understand.
@@IWillSayMyPeace it's phone sized, and runs the android operating system, so it has a lot of phone-like properties. It does the things most people use their phones for most of the time, so I can see where he's coming from, in saying that it fails fundamentally at being a phone because it's not a phone
That intro and background are goated
Nice to see Boox Palma getting the attention of a big TH-camr!
7:17 what do you mean by "not spoiling the video", I thought this was a review channel xD
Objectively, my bike is a bad skateboard. WTF, Marques?
Having Logic in the intro is GOATED
FRRRR
real ones know that one of Marques' fav albums is the incredible true story
no mention of Remarkable? I love it, its the best distractio- less notepad I've ever used. syncs to everything, you should deff test drive it!
This is the dumbest smartphone, and also the smartest dumbphone at the same time.
Correct
Yes
😂😂
That's smart
It's not a phone bruh
0:12 the most smooth rotoscoping i've ever seen
*i assume
See more things
rotoscoping is with animation, it was just good editing of a drawing of him cutting into an actual scene
**Marques pointing at a washing machine** "This is also a bad phone."
Wow, thank you, Mr. Tech expert...
That thing might (except the inability to be used as a phone) be the perfect device for me, as I mostly view my school's timetable on my phone and do a little bit of internet research (over WiFi as I don't wanna pay extra for data roaming).
With or without a SIM card, this isn't a phone. It can't send or receive calls or texts, therefore it's not a phone; phone is short for telephone after all.
This is a phone-sized e-ink reader that runs androidOS, you can call it a phone-sized tablet if you prefer.
So with a sim it would be a phone