The Kindle Colorsoft, released on October 30, 2024, marks Amazon’s long-awaited entry into the world of color e-readers. While other companies have been experimenting with color E Ink screens since 2020, Amazon has taken its time to perfect the technology. The result? A device that combines the familiar design of the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition with a vibrant color display. But is it worth the hype—and the $279.99 price tag? Let’s dive into the details.
Design and Features
The Kindle Colorsoft shares the same sleek, modern design as the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition. It’s lightweight, waterproof (IPX8 rated), and features a 7-inch display. However, there’s one major difference: the Kaleido 3 color E Ink screen. This screen delivers 300 ppi for black-and-white content and 150 ppi for color, making it ideal for comics, magazines, and illustrated books.
Key features include:
- Wireless charging (charger sold separately).
- Auto-brightness for optimal reading in any lighting.
- 32GB of internal storage—plenty of space for your entire library.
- No screensaver ads, giving it a premium feel.
Unlike other Kindles, the Colorsoft is only available in black, and there’s no ad-supported or kids bundle option.
The Color Screen: A Game-Changer?
The standout feature of the Kindle Colorsoft is its 7-inch Kaleido 3 color E Ink screen. While color E Ink technology has its limitations—such as a darker appearance without the frontlight and slightly lower contrast—Amazon has managed to minimize these drawbacks.
Compared to competitors like the Boox Go 7 and Kobo Libra Colour, the Colorsoft’s screen is more vibrant and clear, with less ghosting and better color saturation. However, the added color filter layer does give the screen a subtle grainy texture, which slightly reduces clarity for black-and-white text.
Performance and Reading Experience
The Kindle Colorsoft delivers fast, smooth performance, making it a pleasure to use. The frontlight, despite a subtle yellow band at the bottom of the screen, is one of the best in its class. It offers a neutral color temperature, giving the screen a clean, white appearance that outshines competitors.
However, the software has a few quirks:
- No full Dark Mode support: While you can invert text for reading, the interface remains in light mode.
- Limited color functionality: Sideloaded PDFs don’t display color unless sent via Send to Kindle.
- No USB mass storage: The Colorsoft uses MTP for file transfers, which can be less convenient.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Superior color quality compared to other color e-readers.
- Smooth performance and access to Amazon’s vast library of color content.
- Waterproof design and long battery life (up to 8 weeks).
- Neutral frontlight with adjustable color temperature.
Cons
- High price: At 279.99, it’s significantly more expensive than the base Kindle Paperwhite (159).
- Yellow band issue: A subtle yellow band at the bottom of the screen has sparked criticism.
- Color E Ink limitations: Darker screen without frontlight, lower contrast, and grainy texture.
- Software limitations: No full Dark Mode, limited color functionality for sideloaded content.
Verdict: Is the Kindle Colorsoft Worth It?
The Kindle Colorsoft is undoubtedly the best color e-reader on the market, with a vibrant display and smooth performance. However, its high price and minor flaws—like the yellow band and lack of premium design—may give some buyers pause.
If you primarily read black-and-white text, the Kindle Paperwhite offers a better experience at a lower cost. But for those who enjoy comics, magazines, or illustrated books, the Colorsoft’s color screen is a game-changer.
Specs at a Glance
- Screen: 7-inch Kaleido 3 color E Ink (300 ppi B&W, 150 ppi color).
- Storage: 32GB.
- Battery Life: Up to 8 weeks.
- Waterproof: IPX8 rated.
- Connectivity: USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).
- Weight: 219 grams.
- Price: $279.99.
Final Thoughts
The Kindle Colorsoft is a bold step forward for Amazon, offering a color reading experience that’s hard to beat. While it’s not perfect, its vibrant screen, smooth performance, and access to Amazon’s ecosystem make it a compelling choice for readers who want more than just black-and-white text. If you’re ready to embrace the future of e-reading, the Colorsoft is worth considering.
