Color on a Kindle has been a long time coming. With the launch of the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition, Amazon finally dips into the world of color e-ink—joining competitors like Kobo who got there first. But while the addition of color sounds like a game-changer, the result is more evolutionary than revolutionary.
This model seems clearly aimed at a niche: readers of comics, illustrated books, or those who simply want their book covers to look like they do in the bookstore. If you’re already deep in the Kindle ecosystem, it’s a tempting upgrade. If not, the compromises might raise eyebrows.
Design and Build — Sturdy, Polished, Slightly Compromised
The Kindle Colorsoft doesn’t stray far from Amazon’s established design language. Its 7-inch flush-front screen and matte metallic finish feel premium, but also contribute to a noticeable weight gain over earlier Kindles. We found it comfortable enough for short reading bursts, but during longer sessions the extra heft made itself known.
Still, its waterproofing is a clear plus, and we liked the understated shimmer of the Amazon logo that hints at its color capabilities—though some might find the overall look a little too familiar.
Pros
Clean, understated design
IPX8 waterproof rating holds up in real use
Cons
Heavier than other Kindles
No design changes beyond color branding
Performance and Features — Color Arrives, But Leaves Room for Growth
Seeing color on a Kindle is novel—but not breathtaking. The Kaleido 3 screen adds basic hues to covers, comics, and illustrations, but anyone expecting tablet-like vibrancy may be underwhelmed. Even in Vivid mode, saturation feels muted, and text sharpness slightly drops due to the added color filter.
Page turns were responsive in our tests, and overall navigation was faster than older Kindles. However, black-and-white reading—a Kindle staple—takes a small but noticeable hit in contrast and crispness.
Pros
Color finally arrives to Kindle, functional for light illustration and comics
Snappy interface and quick page turns
Cons
Muted color output, especially for vivid media
Slight clarity trade-off in text-heavy content
Battery and Automation — Reasonable, but a Step Back
We got close to Amazon’s claim of 8 weeks under light reading conditions—but that’s still notably less than what Paperwhite users have come to expect. Wireless charging is a nice bonus, especially for bedside use, and the ambient light sensor worked as expected. But in the tradeoff between power and performance, Colorsoft leans toward the latter.
Pros
Supports both USB-C and wireless charging
Adaptive brightness works well in various conditions
Cons
Shorter battery life than monochrome Kindles
No low-power mode for color reading
User Experience — Familiar, with One Persistent Flaw
The Kindle interface remains clean, fast, and intuitive, with the bonus of color bringing more visual engagement to browsing and content previews. Bluetooth audio support worked well in our audiobook tests.
That said, the yellow band issue—an uneven hue along the bottom edge of some units—was present on our device. It doesn’t affect function, but it’s visible enough to distract. Amazon’s willingness to replace affected devices is a plus, but this kind of issue shouldn’t be present in a premium-tier product.
Pros
Smooth navigation and setup
Audible and Bluetooth support are well-integrated
Cons
Manufacturing defect on some screens undermines polish
A Promising Start That Doesn’t Fully Deliver
The Kindle Colorsoft is a solid but cautious first step into color e-ink for Amazon. It’s best suited for Kindle loyalists who read illustrated or color-dependent content and don’t mind sacrificing some sharpness and battery life.
For others, especially those who mostly read novels or seek vibrant color, the compromises might outweigh the benefits. As it stands, the Colorsoft is a niche tool—not yet a mainstream upgrade.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Details |
| Screen Size | 7-inch color e-ink display |
| Resolution | 300 ppi (black & white), 150 ppi (color) |
| Storage | 32 GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 8 weeks |
| Charging | USB-C, wireless charging compatible |
| Waterproof | IPX8 rating |
| Weight | 219 grams |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz) |
Alternatives
Kobo Libra Colour — Offers a similar Kaleido 3 screen with richer color and OverDrive integration. Physical page-turn buttons add tactile satisfaction.
ONYX BOOX Tab Ultra C Pro — Android-based 10.3-inch e-reader with stylus support and full Play Store access, better suited for productivity and advanced users.
PocketBook Verse Pro Colour — A budget-friendly color e-reader with Bluetooth, waterproofing, and text-to-speech. Ideal for casual readers who want color without a premium price.
