Amazon's New Kindle Colorsoft Starts at $290

Amazon has refreshed its Kindle lineup with a new basic Kindle, an updated Paperwhite, and a second-generation Kindle Colorsoft. The new Kindle Colorsoft starts at $290, while the Signature Edition costs $320.

The base model comes with 16GB of storage. The Signature Edition doubles that to 32GB and is available in graphite or a maroon-like Fig finish with an aluminum back.

Amazon first brought 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 the first-generation Colorsoft, there is little reason to upgrade.

Both models have a 7-inch color E-Ink display, 300ppi resolution for black-and-white content and 150ppi for color. Unlike standard Kindles, which display everything in black and white, the Colorsoft brings your digital bookshelf to life with their original colors. This makes it a particularly appealing option for readers who enjoy comics, graphic novels, or cookbooks, where color makes a big difference. It is also great for readers who like highlighting passages in different colors.

Colors on the Colorsoft are still relatively muted and not as vibrant as what you would see on an iPad. Still, they add a welcome splash of color and make a noticeable difference compared to the black-and-white displays of standard Kindles.

The Colorsoft lets you adjust the screen's color temperature, so you can switch to a warmer, more yellow-toned display that is easier on the eyes when reading at night. There is also an auto-adjusting brightness option that comes in handy.

Amazon says that the Colorsoft can last up to eight weeks on a single charge, compared to up to 12 weeks for the Paperwhite.

One small but welcome improvement on 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 top-right edge, where it is less likely to get in the way.

The Signature Edition supports a magnetic cover with built-in page-turn buttons that connects to the pogo pins on the back of the device.

For those who enjoy reading in the bath or by the pool, the Colorsoft is waterproof, so you do not have to worry about accidental splashes or spills damaging the e-reader.

The biggest drawback of the Colorsoft is its price. It is a steep investment for a device that is just used for reading. That said, if you really want a color display, the Colorsoft is definitely worth considering. For everyone else, it is a nice upgrade, but far from a must-have. 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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This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.