LaBr$_3$:Ce crystals, with photomultiplier or single SiPM readout (up to 3x3 mm$^2$ ) have been
introduced for radiation imaging in medical physics. An R&D was pursued with 1/2" and 1"
LaBr3:Ce crystals, from different producers, to realize compact large area detectors (up to some
cm$^2$ area) with SiPM array readout, aiming at high light yields, good energy resolution, good
detector linearity and fast time response for low-energy X-rays. The study was triggered by the
FAMU experiment at the RIKEN-RAL muon facility, aiming at a precise measurement of the
proton Zemach radius to solve the so-called "proton radius puzzle". The goal is the detection of
characteristic X-rays around 130 KeV. Other applications may be foreseen homeland security and
γ-ray astronomy. Results were obtained with a direct readout based on a CAEN V1730 FADC,
with no need for an amplification stage. At the Cs$^{137}$ peak, energy resolutions up to ∼ 3% were
obtained, using a readout with Hamamatsu SiPM arrays. These results compare well with best
available results obtained with a PMT readout.