Kindle Paperwhite vs BOOX Palma 3: Which E-Reader Is Better?

What's the main difference between the Kindle Paperwhite and BOOX Palma 3?

The Kindle only does books, and the Palma does anything an Android phone app can do, on an E Ink screen. That one difference decides most of what follows.

The Kindle's limits are its strength: there's no app store, so there's nothing else to open. The Palma's Google Play access means you can use Kindle, Libby, Kobo and other reading apps on one device, but you can also install the apps you're trying to avoid.

Which is better for reading books?

The Kindle Paperwhite is better for long reading sessions. Its 7-inch screen fits more text per page than the Palma's 6.13-inch screen, it has an adjustable warm light, and its battery lasts up to 12 weeks.

It's also IPX8 waterproof, while BOOX describes the Palma 3 as water-repellent and not waterproof. If you read in the bath or at the pool, that settles it.

The Palma 3 has a sharp 300 ppi screen with warm and cold front light, and it's easier to read one-handed on a bus. It's the better reader for short sessions in places where you'd otherwise pull out your phone.

Which is better for cutting screen time?

The Kindle, for most people, because there's less to do on it. When reading gets hard, a Kindle offers no escape hatch.

The Palma can work just as well if you set it up with discipline:

• Install only reading apps, like Kindle, Libby and a podcast or audiobook app if you want one.
• Don't sign in to social media or email, even "just in case."
• Leave your phone in another room and carry the Palma in its place when you go out for a walk or a coffee.

If you know you'll cave, the Kindle is the safer buy.

Can you borrow library books on both?

Yes, with a catch on the Kindle. The Palma runs the Libby app directly, so you can borrow and read library ebooks right on it.

On a Kindle, Libby's "Read with Kindle" option sends many loans to your Kindle, but OverDrive says this works with US libraries only. Outside the US, the Palma is the easier choice for library books.

Can the BOOX Palma 3 replace your phone?

No. BOOX doesn't list a SIM slot for the Palma 3, so it can't make calls or send texts over a cellular network. Think of it as a pocket reader that also runs apps over Wi-Fi.

Some people pair it with a basic phone: the Palma handles reading and a few apps, and a dumb phone handles calls and texts. If you want one E-Ink device that is a phone, look at the Mudita Kompakt.

Is the Palma 3 worth $140 more?

Only if you'll use what the extra money buys: the pocket size, Android apps, 128GB of storage with microSD, the camera and stylus support. If your goal is reading more books, the Kindle gives you a bigger screen, waterproofing and up to 12 weeks of battery for less.

The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition costs $249.99, which narrows the gap to about $90. Prices move, so check the retailer for today's price.

Which should you buy?

• Buy the Kindle Paperwhite if you want to read more books, read in the bath, or want the device with the fewest temptations. About $200.
• Buy the BOOX Palma 3 if you want an E Ink device that fits in your pocket, use library apps outside the US, or want several reading apps in one place, and you trust yourself with an app store. About $340.

Still deciding? Our best E-Ink devices guide covers note-taking tablets, an E-Ink phone and a writing device too.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• BOOX Palma 3 product page and specs
• Gizmochina: BOOX Palma 3 brings an aluminum body and Android 16
• Analytics Insight: Amazon Kindle 2026 Paperwhite, Colorsoft and base model launched
• OverDrive Help: Borrowing Kindle Books (US libraries only)