Onyx Boox Palma 3 Gets Aluminum Casing and Android 16 Upgrade

Onyx Boox revealed that the Palma 3 e‑ink tablet will launch featuring an aluminum chassis and will be updated to Android 16, all while keeping the current hardware specs unchanged. This step reflects the firm’s aim to combine sturdier construction with the newest software capabilities without compromising the performance users are accustomed to.

Initially released inside a plastic housing, the Palma 3 will now be available with a brushed‑aluminum shell that delivers a more solid grip and a higher‑end look. This alteration responds to persistent user complaints regarding the delicacy of previous versions and brings the tablet in line with other high‑end e‑readers that have moved to metal casings for greater durability.

In addition to the new exterior, the device will ship running Android 16, the latest OS release at launch. The upgrade introduces features like better power‑management, polished UI components, and expanded third‑party app compatibility, potentially widening the Palma 3’s role beyond reading to cover note‑taking, web surfing, and modest productivity functions.

Although the upgrades are notable, the Palma 3’s internal hardware stays the same. It still sports a 10.3‑inch E Ink Carta screen, a Snapdragon chipset, 4 GB RAM and 64 GB of built‑in storage, positioning it firmly within the mid‑range e‑ink tablet segment. Maintaining the same components allows Onyx to introduce the refreshed model without raising its price, giving current users a straightforward upgrade option.

Analysts point out that pairing a tougher chassis with the newest Android version may boost the Palma 3’s attractiveness to professionals who depend on digital note‑taking in tough settings. The refresh highlights Onyx’s approach of making incremental tweaks—upgrading build quality and software while retaining the tablet’s established performance—rather than executing a complete overhaul. While a launch date remains unconfirmed, the revised model is slated to appear in stores in the coming weeks, providing buyers with a new choice in the crowded e‑ink tablet market.