BOOX Picco: A Pocket-Sized 3.97-Inch eReader Unveiled

Onyx BOOX has announced the launch of its ultra-compact eReader, the “Picco,” which fits comfortably in your pocket. According to a report by Brad Linder of Liliputing, this new device features a 3.97-inch monochrome E Ink display, a front light, and a microSD card slot. Described as having an “accessible price point,” the Picco is expected to be more affordable than the company’s existing products.

So far, Onyx BOOX has been targeting the smartphone-sized eReader market with its 6.13-inch BOOX Palma 2. The Palma 2 boasts an 824 x 1648 pixel display with 300 ppi and is priced around $400. However, the Picco is designed to be even smaller and positioned at a more affordable price range.

Currently, the details about the Picco’s specifications are limited. What’s known is that the device will have a 3.97-inch monochrome display with a front light and a microSD card slot. Other key details, such as screen resolution, pixel density, processor, RAM, and operating system, remain undisclosed. While Onyx BOOX’s existing products run on Android-based software, it is unclear if the Picco will use a similar platform.

The New BOOX Tile Category

According to Liliputing, Onyx BOOX positions the Picco as the first product in a new category of ePaper devices that go “beyond traditional eReaders and eNotes with diverse form factors.” This new product line has been named “BOOX Tile.”

The name “Tile” evokes the image of small, modular devices that could potentially be used together. While the Picco is currently the sole product in this category, it hints at the possibility of future releases of even smaller devices or ePaper products with unique designs. Onyx BOOX seems to be exploring innovative use cases that leverage the low power consumption and high readability of E Ink displays.

The Context of the Pocket eReader Market

In recent years, there has been a surge in the release of eReaders smaller than the conventional 6-7 inch size range. Xteink, for instance, sells several devices like the X3, X4, and X4 Pro, all with screens under 4.3 inches and priced under $100. Despite their low resolution (400 x 840 pixels), these devices achieve a pixel density of over 200 ppi due to their small screens.

However, compared to the Palma 2, Xteink devices fall short in performance. Many users resort to installing third-party firmware such as Crosspoint Reader or Witch Reader, indicating challenges with the native software quality.

Against this backdrop, the entry of a well-known brand like Onyx BOOX into the ultra-compact eReader market could potentially shake up the market structure. Known for its Android-based software and relatively high screen quality, Onyx BOOX is well-positioned to offer a product that slots between the affordability of Xteink devices and the high functionality of the Palma 2.

Comparison with Competitors

The Picco’s primary competitor is expected to be Xteink’s X4 Pro series. While Xteink’s products stand out due to their sub-$100 price point, they face challenges in screen quality and software experience. On the other hand, the Palma 2, priced at $400, occupies a higher price bracket, leaving room for a mid-priced product like the Picco.

Given the description of an “accessible price point,” the Picco could be priced around $200 or less. Depending on its screen resolution and the quality of its operating system, the Picco may attract users looking to upgrade from Xteink products.

However, Xteink products have strengths in their low price and ultra-compact form factor, along with an emerging ecosystem of community-developed third-party firmware. For the Picco to outperform Xteink devices, it will need to offer a compelling value proposition beyond just price.

The choice of processor and operating system will be critical. Xteink devices utilize ESP32 chips and run on lightweight firmware, while Onyx BOOX’s existing products run on Android. If the Picco also adopts Android, it could support app installations from the Google Play Store, broadening its use cases beyond reading. However, this could also lead to higher costs and increased power consumption. Additionally, whether the Picco will maintain the 300 ppi standard or opt for a resolution similar to Xteink devices will significantly impact the user experience.

Editorial Opinion

In the short term, the announcement of the Onyx BOOX Picco is likely to draw significant attention to the ultra-compact eReader market. This segment has so far been dominated by emerging players like Xteink, but the entry of a recognized brand like Onyx BOOX could lead to market expansion and heightened competition in quality. If the Picco is indeed priced accessibly, it could attract casual users who have been dissatisfied with traditional eReaders.

From a long-term perspective, the establishment of the BOOX Tile category has the potential to accelerate the diversification of E Ink device form factors. With their low power consumption and eye-friendly displays, E Ink devices have the potential to serve purposes beyond eReaders, such as informational display terminals. How Onyx BOOX expands the BOOX Tile lineup will be a key point of interest moving forward. For now, the editorial team considers the details of the Picco’s operating system and pricing to be the most critical factors for evaluating its potential impact.

References

• “Onyx BOOX Picco is a pocket-sized eReader with a 3.97 inch ePaper display”, by Brad Linder — Liliputing, 2026-07-26T15:33:59.000Z (ARR)
• Source URL: https://liliputing.com/onyx-boox-picco-is-a-pocket-sized-ereader-with-a-3-97-inch-epaper-display/