Amazon recently revealed its refreshed Kindle lineup, introducing a new basic Kindle, Paperwhite and Colorsoft. The new Kindle Colorsoft starts at $290, while the Signature Edition, which I’ve been testing in recent weeks, costs $320.
The base model comes with 16GB of storage, while the Signature Edition doubles that to 32GB and is available in graphite or brown-like Fig finish with an aluminum back.
Amazon first introduced color to its Kindle lineup in 2024 with the launch of the original Colorsoft. The latest model is lighter and thinner than its predecessor and features an edge-to-edge display. If you already own first generation Colorsoft, there is no reason to upgrade.
The core reading experience remains largely the same. Both models feature a 7-inch E-Ink color display, 300 ppi resolution for black and white content and 150 ppi for color.
However, if you’re considering a color e-reader, the new Colorsoft is worth considering if you can get past the high price tag.
Unlike standard Kindles, which display everything in black and white, Colorsoft brings your digital library to life with its original colors. This makes it a particularly attractive option for readers who love comic books, graphic novels, or cookbooks, where color makes a big difference. It’s also great for readers who like to highlight passages with different colors.
It’s worth noting that the Colorsoft’s colors are still relatively muted and not as vibrant as you’d see on an iPad. Still, they add a welcome pop of color and make a noticeable difference from the black-and-white screens of standard Kindles.
The Colorsoft lets you adjust the color temperature of the screen, so you can switch to a warmer, yellower screen that’s easier on the eyes when reading at night. There is also an automatic brightness adjustment option which comes in handy.
As for battery life, Amazon claims the Colorsoft can last up to eight weeks on a single charge, compared to up to 12 weeks for the Paperwhite. In my testing, I didn’t have to worry about charging the Colorsoft because, like other Kindles, its battery lasts relatively long compared to other everyday electronics.
A small but welcome improvement over the new Colorsoft is the repositioned power button. On the previous generation, it was on the bottom of the device, next to the charging port, making it easy to accidentally press it when handling the Kindle. On the new model, Amazon has moved it to the upper right edge, where it’s less likely to get in the way. I really like this change and found the new location more intuitive when turning the device on and off.
I appreciated the premium feel of the Signature Edition’s aluminum back. Although Amazon provided a case with my review unit, I rarely used it and the finish held up well. While the slimmer design isn’t a major change, I found the new Colorsoft quite comfortable to hold compared to older Kindle devices.
For those who enjoy reading in the bath or poolside, the Colorsoft is waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about accidental splashes or spills damaging the e-reader.
One thing I liked about the Colorsoft was how often the screen needed to be refreshed, something I noticed more often with the larger Kindle Scribe Colorsoft. I also didn’t experience any noticeable ghosting, where text from previous pages persists on the screen, which is common on some e-readers.
The Signature Edition supports a magnetic cover with built-in page-turn buttons that connect to pogo pins on the back of the device, but I can’t speak to that experience because I didn’t have access to the case.
The biggest downside to the Colorsoft is its price. This is a significant investment for a device used solely for reading. That said, if you really want a color screen, the Colorsoft is definitely worth considering. For everyone else, it’s a nice upgrade, but far from essential. Many readers would be better off with the basic Kindle or Paperwhite, which start at $169.99 and $199.99, respectively.
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