Boox just dropped pricing for its new P6 Pro e-readers in China, and the sticker shock is real. The smartphone-sized devices start at $393 for the black-and-white model and climb to $463 for the color version - a steep jump from the $300 Palma 2. The price hike comes as Boox adds 5G connectivity to its pocket-friendly e-reader lineup for the first time.
Boox has officially launched its P6 Pro and P6 Pro Color e-readers in China, and the pricing signals a significant shift for the company's pocket-sized device strategy. The P6 Pro starts at 2,799 Chinese yuan (approximately $393), while the color variant jumps to 3,299 CNY ($463) - marking substantial increases over the previous generation.
The pricing represents a 30% jump from the Palma 2's $300 retail price, putting pressure on consumers who've grown accustomed to more affordable e-readers. According to Liliputing's coverage, Boox is offering launch discounts that bring prices down to 2,516 CNY ($353) and 2,991 CNY ($420) respectively, but these promotional rates won't last forever.
The price increases align with broader tech industry trends in 2025, where companies are passing manufacturing and component costs onto consumers. But Boox has added meaningful hardware upgrades to justify the premium positioning.
Both P6 Pro models feature upgraded 6.13-inch displays - the standard version uses Carta 1300 E Ink technology that improves contrast and refresh rates over the Palma 2's screen. The P6 Pro Color incorporates E Ink's Kaleido 3 color technology, similar to what powers Kobo's color e-reader lineup. This puts Boox in direct competition with established players like Kobo and Amazon in the color e-reader space.
The most significant upgrade is 5G connectivity through an integrated SIM card slot - a first for Boox's compact e-reader category. This feature transforms the devices from Wi-Fi-dependent readers into truly mobile-connected devices that can sync libraries, download books, and access online content anywhere with cellular coverage. The 3,950mAh battery should provide enough juice to maintain connectivity without frequent charging.
Storage gets a boost to 128GB standard, expandable to 2TB via microSD card - addressing one of the main limitations of previous models. Both versions include a 16MP camera and run Android 13 with Boox's custom interface layered on top. The P6 Pro Color adds extra functionality with 8GB of RAM (up from 6GB) and stylus support for note-taking and markup.
However, unlike the Bigme Hibreak Pro that launched earlier this year, Boox hasn't positioned the P6 Pro models as smartphone replacements. There's no calling functionality, which limits their appeal as all-in-one devices despite the 5G connectivity.
The China-first launch follows Boox's typical rollout pattern, but US consumers might face even steeper pricing when these devices eventually cross the Pacific. Current trade policies and tariffs could push the final US retail prices well above the $400-460 range, potentially pricing out budget-conscious readers who made the Palma series popular.
Industry observers are watching whether consumers will embrace the premium positioning or gravitate toward more affordable alternatives from Amazon and Kobo. The 5G feature adds genuine utility for mobile professionals and frequent travelers, but it remains to be seen whether that justifies the price premium over Wi-Fi-only models.
Boox's pricing strategy for the P6 Pro series reflects the company's push toward premium positioning in the e-reader market. The 5G connectivity and improved displays justify some of the cost increase, but the 30% price jump over the Palma 2 puts these devices in a challenging middle ground - too expensive for casual readers but lacking the smartphone functionality that might appeal to power users. Success will depend on whether mobile professionals value always-connected e-reading enough to pay the premium, especially once US tariffs potentially drive prices even higher.
