After years of anticipation, Amazon has finally introduced the Kindle Colorsoft, its first-ever e-reader with a color E Ink display. Priced at $280, this premium e-reader aims to redefine the Kindle experience. However, Amazon is entering an already-established market with competitors like the Kobo Libra Colour ($220) and the Boox Go Color 7 ($250), which are already offering similar technology. Does the Kindle Colorsoft justify its higher price, or is Amazon playing catch-up? Let’s find out.
Kindle Colorsoft: Key Features and Upgrades
The Kindle Colorsoft boasts several noteworthy hardware and software enhancements, distinguishing it from previous Kindle models and competitors.
Display Technology
- 7-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 Display with Amazon’s custom display stack for higher contrast and improved speed.
- 24V custom oxide backplane for quicker pigment movement and enhanced contrast.
- Nitride LEDs for improved brightness and color accuracy.
- Custom coating reduces color mixing and enhances clarity.
- Vivid Mode enhances less saturated images for a richer visual experience.
- Pinch-to-zoom functionality, optimized with Amazon’s custom algorithm.
Performance and User Experience
- Quick page turns and smooth navigation, ideal for comics and graphic novels.
- Auto-adjusting front light for seamless transitions between lighting conditions.
- Four color-coded highlighting options: orange, yellow, blue, and pink.
- No lock-screen ads by default.
Notable Concerns and Updates
In late 2024, multiple Kindle Colorsoft users reported a yellow band at the bottom of the screen. Amazon acknowledged the issue and stated that they had implemented software and display adjustments to resolve it. After receiving a replacement unit, reviewers confirmed the yellow band issue was resolved, and the display appeared warmer overall.
Kindle Colorsoft vs. Kobo Libra Colour: Display Comparison
To gauge the Kindle Colorsoft’s color accuracy and readability, we compared it to the Kobo Libra Colour under various lighting conditions.
| Comparison Criteria | Kindle Colorsoft | Kobo Libra Colour |
|---|---|---|
| Color Accuracy | More accurate, but cooler-toned | Warmer display with slightly richer colors |
| Black-and-White Sharpness | Slightly reduced due to extra display layers | Comparable to Kindle Colorsoft |
| Brightness & Warm Light Control | Requires warmth adjustment for a balanced look | Naturally warmer, mimicking paper |
| Pinch-to-Zoom & Refresh Rate | Responsive, but minor full-screen refreshes | Similar performance to Kindle |
Verdict: While the Kindle Colorsoft delivers more accurate colors, the Kobo Libra Colour offers a warmer and slightly more inviting reading experience. Personal preference plays a key role here—some may prefer Amazon’s cooler baseline, while others might favor Kobo’s more natural look.
Reading and Navigation Experience
Despite the addition of color E Ink technology, the core Kindle reading experience remains unchanged:
- Library and Home Screens: Users can easily access their collections, personalized recommendations, and borrowed books.
- Customization: Font size, layout, and themes can be adjusted for comfort.
- Page Turns: It is Faster than older Kindle models, making it more seamless for reading.
- Audiobook Support: Bluetooth-enabled for Audible playback.
- Library Integration: Libby’s “Send to Kindle” feature makes borrowing books easy, though some book covers may not display in full color on the lock screen.
Notable Missing Features
- No Stylus Support: Unlike the Kobo Libra Colour, which supports the $70 Kobo Stylus, the Kindle Colorsoft does not allow handwritten notes.
- No Page-Turn Buttons: Again, Kobo has an edge here for those who prefer physical buttons over touchscreen gestures.
Kindle Colorsoft vs. the Competition
Amazon’s biggest rivals in the color e-reader space are the Kobo Libra Colour and the Boox Go Color 7. Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Kindle Colorsoft ($280) | Kobo Libra Colour ($220) | Boox Go Color 7 ($250) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen | 7” E Ink Kaleido 3 | 7” E Ink Kaleido 3 | 7” E Ink Kaleido 3 |
| Storage | 16GB or 32GB | 32GB | 64GB + microSD |
| Page-Turn Buttons | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Stylus Support | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Wireless Charging | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Library Borrowing | ✅ Via Libby | ✅ Via OverDrive | ✅ Via Android apps |
| Google Play Store | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Bluetooth Audio | ✅ Yes (Audible) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Verdict: If you want wireless charging and a seamless Kindle ecosystem, the Colorsoft is ideal. If you prefer stylus support and page-turn buttons, the Kobo Libra Colour is a strong alternative. For those seeking a more versatile, app-friendly device, the Boox Go Color 7 is a compelling option.
Is the Kindle Colorsoft Worth It?
The biggest question potential buyers must ask is: Is color worth the extra $120 over the standard Kindle Paperwhite?
- If you read primarily novels: The Kindle Paperwhite ($160) offers a sharper black-and-white experience at a much lower price.
- If you read comics, graphic novels, or magazines, The Kindle Colorsoft is the best Kindle for you, but it comes at a premium price.
- If you want better value, The Kobo Libra Colour ($220) provides similar color performance with more features (stylus support, buttons) at a lower cost.
Final Verdict
The Kindle Colorsoft is a premium device, and Amazon has finally filled the gap in its lineup. However, its higher price tag, lack of stylus support, and absence of page-turn buttons may make competitors more appealing for certain users. If you’re already deeply invested in the Kindle ecosystem, this is a solid upgrade. But if you’re seeking the best value, Kobo and Boox might be better options.
Pros & Cons Summary
Pros
- Color E Ink on a Kindle (finally!)
- Quick page turns and faster load times
- Auto-adjusting front light
- Seamless Kindle ecosystem & Prime Reading/Kindle Unlimited support
- No lock screen ads by default
Cons
- Expensive compared to competitors
- Slight loss of sharpness in black-and-white text
- No stylus support or page-turn buttons
The Kindle Colorsoft is an excellent but expensive addition to Amazon’s e-reader lineup. If you’re willing to pay for the convenience of color and a refined Kindle experience, it’s a great buy. However, those looking for the best value might find Kobo or Boox to be better choices.
