From TechCrunch · Aisha Malik · · 1m 50s
Amazon's Kindle Colorsoft costs $290 for muted colors
Amazon's new color e-reader brings comics and cookbooks to life, but the premium price makes it a tough sell for most readers.
In brief
Amazon's new color e-reader brings comics and cookbooks to life, but the premium price makes it a tough sell for most readers. Amazon's new Kindle Colorsoft starts at $290 with a premium Signature Edition at $320, offering color display and design improvements but limited appeal beyond comic and cookbook readers…
Amazon launches new Kindle lineup
Amazon unveiled a refreshed Kindle lineup including a new basic Kindle, Paperwhite, and Colorsoft. The new Kindle Colorsoft starts at $290.
Signature Edition adds storage and style
The Signature Edition costs $320 and doubles storage to 32GB. It comes in graphite or a maroon-like Fig finish with an aluminum back.
Lighter, thinner design with edge-to-edge display
The new Colorsoft is lighter and thinner than its 2024 predecessor and features an edge-to-edge display. Both models have a seven-inch color E-Ink display.
Color brings comics and cookbooks to life
The Colorsoft displays books in original colors, making it appealing for comics, graphic novels, and cookbooks. Colors are muted compared to an iPad but add welcome splash.
Battery lasts up to eight weeks
Amazon says the Colorsoft lasts up to eight weeks on a single charge, compared to up to twelve weeks for the Paperwhite. Battery life is long relative to everyday electronics.
Power button moved to top edge
Amazon moved the power button from the bottom to the top-right edge, making it less likely to be accidentally pressed when handling the device.
Premium price is the biggest drawback
The Colorsoft's steep price is its main drawback for a reading-only device. Basic Kindle and Paperwhite start at $169.99 and $199.99 respectively.
“It's a steep investment for a device that's just used for reading.”
Worth it only for color enthusiasts
If you want a color display, the Colorsoft is worth considering. For everyone else, it's a nice upgrade but far from a must-have.
What it means
Amazon's new Kindle Colorsoft starts at $290 with a premium Signature Edition at $320, offering color display and design improvements but limited appeal beyond comic and cookbook readers.
