The "1-Minute" Review
Verdict
A color e-reader with a high price, familiar design, and mixed performance.What's good
- Colorful reading experience
- Fast page turns
- Waterproof design
- Strong battery life
- Large book library access
What's bad
- High price
- Uneven screen lighting
- Lacks page-turn buttons
- No stylus support
- Color images lack sharpness
Design
The Kindle Colorsoft adopts the same design as the Paperwhite, which feels familiar and comfortable in the hand. This design choice means you'll find the eReader light and easy to hold for long periods. Yet, it lacks the innovation some may expect from a premium device.
Some reviewers, like those at PCMag, note the absence of physical buttons: "Most competing 7-inch ebook readers have these buttons... flanked by USB-C port and a sometimes inconvenient power button." This can affect your reading experience if you prefer tactile controls over touchscreens.
The classic black color and understated design might not stand out, but its practicality ensures it holds up well with frequent use. Its IPX8 waterproof rating ensures reliability near water.
Screen
The Kindle Colorsoft introduces color to its display, adding richness to comics and books with colorful illustrations. Despite this benefit, the clarity of the text isn't as sharp due to the lower resolution used for color content, dropping to 150ppi from the usual 300ppi for black and white reading.
Both reviewers from Trusted Reviews and Stuff highlight the display's tendency to have a patchier, uneven appearance with "a yellow tint crossing the bottom," which compromises the reading clarity for some users.
Nonetheless, you will enjoy adjustable warm and cool lighting settings to help reduce strain, making it versatile for different environments.
Storage
With 32GB of storage, you'll comfortably store thousands of text-based novels.
Graphic novels and magazines, which require more space, fit nicely, allowing room for variety in your library.
Reviewers noted the storage isn't expandable, urging potential buyers to consider their needs before purchasing.
Battery Life
Enjoy lengthy reading sessions without frequent interruptions, as this e-reader boasts a commendable battery life of up to eight weeks on light use, according to experts. Yet, keep in mind that engaging with color content may have you charging more often.
Charging is a breeze with both USB-C and wireless options. USB-C charges swiftly in about an hour, while wireless charging is ideal for overnight top-ups.
While the battery life falls short compared to the non-color Paperwhite, the convenience of flexible charging keeps your reading seamless.
Software & File Format Support
You can easily access Amazon's extensive library of ebooks, audiobooks, and comics right from the device, keeping your reading material fresh and varied.
While Amazon encourages book purchases through its store, you are not limited to it. You can transfer EPUB, AZW, PDF, and more by connecting to a computer or using the 'Send to Kindle' service.
Experts note, "The ecosystem has some glaring gaps. You can't directly access major comic platforms like Marvel Unlimited or DC Universe Infinite," indicating potential limitations for avid comic readers outside of Amazon's services.
Extras
The Kindle Colorsoft's wireless charging tray keeps it topped off without fuss. A protective case or folio helps prevent accidents while reading by water.
Reviewers like keeping their Kindle safe when near pools or the beach. "It's supremely portable and easy to hold for long reading sessions," shares a review from Stuff.
Consider cases that offer enhanced grip for a more comforting hold, plus add color and style.
The Bottom Line
The device introduces a color screen, enhancing the reading of comics and illustrated books, but the experience feels unfinished due to screen sharpness issues and inconsistent lighting. "The display does have its problems," experts note, with complaints of a yellow tint affecting some units.
The familiar design mirrors past models, lacking innovation in features. Despite its novelty, many readers may find the cost unjustifiable compared to cheaper alternatives with better monochrome displays.
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Andrew Cunningham, Ars TechnicaMy main takeaway is that I don't mind the Colorsoft, but it also doesn't solve any problems I was having with the monochrome Kindle Paperwhite, and it doesn't meaningfully solve the big problems with color E-Ink. It also makes the experience of reading regular text subtly worse, which accounts for t...
- Samuel Gibbs, The GuardianDespite its troubled start, the Colorsoft proves that colour e-ink can be great. It feels like it will eventually be the norm for e-readers, replacing black and white for books, not just comics and graphic novels. Seeing your covers and in-book pictures in colour immediately lifts the experience wit...
- Max Parker, TrustedReviewsFinally, Amazon has launched a colour Kindle. The Colorsoft mirrors the design of the Paperwhite, adding in a colour display to add some extra immersion to books and graphic novels. It’s not a complete success though, as the switch to colour comes with some frustrating issues and a hefty price tag.
- Connor Jewiss, StuffI’m pleased a colour Kindle is finally here, but the high price and few extra features hold the Colorsoft back – especially compared to a tablet’s popping hues.
- Andrew Liszewski, The VergeWhile I’m glad to see that Amazon attempted to improve the current generation of color E Ink technology, it’s still a bit disappointing, with washed-out colors and lower resolutions. If you’re already a happy Kindle user, consider the 12th-gen Paperwhite instead. A color screen just isn’t a must-hav...
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