The Kindle Colorsoft, Amazon’s first color E Ink e-reader, comes at a price of $280, making it a luxury option compared to other new Kindle models. With a 7-inch color E Ink screen and waterproof design, the Colorsoft is targeted towards users who prioritize color in their reading experience, such as e-comics or colorful content. However, the resolution for color elements is only 150 ppi, half that of black and white content. Despite the lower resolution, the Colorsoft still offers enhanced visuals for e-book covers, comic books, and images, as well as the ability to highlight text in different colors.
Compared to the new Kindle Paperwhite, the Colorsoft offers similar performance benefits, such as improved contrast and faster page turns. However, the battery life of the Colorsoft is rated at eight weeks, compared to 12 weeks for the Paperwhite. The Colorsoft is designed for Kindle power users who value their devices alongside their smartphones, offering a more premium look with its color screen. While lacking physical page-turn buttons like the Oasis, the Colorsoft features wireless charging and an auto-adjusting front light sensor, setting it apart as a luxury option.
When compared to Kobo’s Libra Colour e-reader, the Colorsoft displays slightly better contrast and color saturation, providing a superior visual experience. While the display and performance differences between the two devices are minor, the Colorsoft offers smoother performance overall. The Libra Colour is cheaper, but offers physical page turn buttons and stylus support with an additional accessory cost. Amazon has not confirmed stylus support for the Colorsoft, maintaining its focus on the reading experience rather than note-taking capabilities.
While the Colorsoft may be viewed as too expensive compared to other e-readers, it offers a unique first-generation color E Ink experience that maximizes existing technology. For those invested in Amazon’s e-book ecosystem, the Colorsoft provides a premium reading experience with the added benefit of color content. While other color e-readers exist in the market, such as Boox and PocketBook models, the Colorsoft stands out as a luxury option for Kindle enthusiasts seeking a different reading experience. Ultimately, the Colorsoft may not be the best choice for all users, but for those looking for a premium, color E Ink e-reader, it offers a compelling option worth considering.
