Amazon has finally entered the color e-reader space with the Kindle Colorsoft, the first Kindle featuring a color E Ink screen. This device shares much of its design and functionality with the popular Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, but it brings a new dimension to e-reading with its vibrant, full-color display!
Design and Features
The Kindle Colorsoft retains the sleek, modern design of its monochrome counterpart, the Paperwhite Signature Edition. Here’s what you can expect:
- Flush Front Screen: A smooth, edge-to-edge display for easy reading.
- Waterproof Design: Perfect for poolside or bath-time reading.
- Wireless Charging: A premium feature borrowed from the Signature Edition.
- USB-C Port and LED Indicator: A familiar setup for Kindle users.
While it has the same hardware and interface as other Kindle models, the standout feature is, of course, the color E Ink screen.
Unlike LCD screens, this display uses a color filter on top of the traditional black-and-white E Ink panel, giving it a slightly darker appearance. However, the color output is impressive—while not as vibrant as LCDs, the Colorsoft delivers more saturation and depth than other color e-readers on the market.
The Power of Color
The Kindle Colorsoft offers a transformative reading experience for specific types of content:
- Comics and Graphic Novels: Colors enhance the storytelling, making them more engaging than grayscale.
- Children’s Books: Young readers benefit from vibrant illustrations that pop on the screen.
- Cookbooks and Magazines: Full-color visuals elevate the usability and appeal of these formats.
The Kindle Store now displays book covers in vivid color, making browsing and purchasing a much more dynamic experience. Overall, the color screen brings a new dimension to reading that will delight users looking for more than just text.
Front Light
The Kindle Colorsoft provides versatile front-light settings, offering both warm and cool lighting that can be blended to suit your preference.
A significant feature is the page color option, which helps reduce eye strain, though the Kindle Colorsoft lacks true dark mode. While text is inverted in dark view, menus and interfaces remain unchanged—a difference from other Kindle models.
The auto-brightness sensor ensures that the screen adapts well to lighting conditions, though users may rely on the front light more than with regular Kindles since the screen is slightly dimmer.
Color Display and Performance
When it comes to color style, there are two different settings.
The vivid mode enhances color vibrancy and is perfect for reading comics, though the standard mode remains sufficient for most users. Colorsoft also supports a full-screen mode for images (long press on the screen!) and offers excellent color reproduction.
Highlighting and Annotations
One of the standout features of the Kindle Colorsoft is its ability to add highlights in multiple colors. Choose from yellow, pink, blue, and orange, making it easier to organize and differentiate highlights. The device also remembers the last color used, streamlining the process for avid notetakers. Like other Kindles, it supports bookmarks, swipe gestures for navigation, and a view to access multiple pages or highlights at a glance.
Content Compatibility
The Kindle Colorsoft excels with visually rich content. Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited library includes optimized magazines and comics that look great on this device. Children’s books and cookbooks also benefit significantly from the color display.
However, for regular eBooks, the color functionality doesn’t add much beyond colorful book covers and illustrations. If text-based reading is your primary use case, a regular Kindle or Kindle Paperwhite might be a more cost-effective choice.
Web Browser and Dark View Limitations
The built-in web browser offers a better experience on Colorsoft compared to other Kindles, as it renders websites and images in color. However, the browser remains slow and jittery, suitable only for occasional use. The absence of a full dark mode is another limitation.
Pros
- Vibrant color display.
- Wireless charging.
- Highlighting with multiple color options.
- Optimized for Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited content.
- Minimal ghosting and smooth page refresh.
- Faster performance during page turns and zooming content.
- No ads.
Cons
- Lacks true dark mode.
- Expensive.
- Dimmer display compared to standard E-ink screens.
- Lacks stylus support and page turn buttons.
- Small screen size may hinder comic readability.
- Shorter battery life than Paperwhite.
- Extra accessories needed for wireless charging.
Verdict
The Kindle Colorsoft is a fantastic device for those who enjoy colorful and visually engaging content. Its colorful E Ink screen elevates the reading experience, especially for comics and magazines.
However, for traditional eBook readers focused solely on text, the added cost and slightly reduced contrast may not justify the upgrade. If you’re a fan of vibrant visuals and need a versatile e-reader, the Kindle Colorsoft might be the perfect choice for you!
Interested in more Kindle-related insights? Check out our other blogs:
- iPad vs. Kindle: Choose the Best Tech for Reading
- How to Use a Kindle
- How to Send EPUB to Kindle: 3 Easy Ways
- How to Read PDF on Kindle and iPad: 3 Easy Solutions
- 5 Best Kindle Settings To Make It Easier To Read At Night
- 10 Best Amazon Kindle Tips Every Reader Should Know
- 10 Best Places to Publish eBooks (2025)
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