Kindle Colorsoft vs. Kindle Paperwhite: Which Kindle should you buy?

The Amazon Kindle Colorsoft and Kindle Paperwhite are very similar in design. They have the exact same dimensions, nearly identical weights, and water resistance. But that’s not a bad thing. After all, Amazon was onto a winner when it hit the current design of the Kindle, so why change something that definitely works? Sure, there’s not much to write home about, as both Kindles are basically plastic bodies surrounding a big e-ink display. They’re not lookers, that’s for sure, but they’re lightweight, durable (with water-resistance to boot), and provide an excellent and easy way to read.

However, the Kindle Colorsoft is only available in Metallic Black. In contrast, the regular Paperwhite comes in three colors: Black, Raspberry, and Jade. The Signature edition of the Paperwhite is offered in Metallic Black, Metallic Jade, and Metallic Raspberry. But really that doesn’t offer too much, and doesn’t change this from a solid tie.

Winner: Tie

The Amazon Kindle Colorsoft is the first Kindle e-reader to feature a color display. This 7-inch screen, equipped with a built-in light, utilizes Colorsoft technology, a new color e-paper display based on E Ink Kaleido. Adding a color filter layer to the traditional black-and-white e-ink display, the Colorsoft delivers a more vibrant reading experience, especially for content with images and graphics. The color component of the display has a resolution of 150 pixels per inch (PPI), while the black-and-white portion boasts a sharper 300 ppi for crisp text.

In comparison, this year’s Kindle Paperwhite retains the classic 7-inch e-paper display with a 300 ppi resolution, which is excellent for rendering sharp black-and-white text. While it lacks Colorsoft’s color capabilities, it maintains the exceptional clarity and readability that Kindle e-readers are known for.

The Paperwhite is sharper overall, but the Colorsoft’s color display is a strong advantage. It wins here.

Winner: Kindle Colorsoft

While traditional e-ink devices like the Kindle Paperwhite prioritize power efficiency over processing speed, the Kindle Colorsoft’s color display might change that. It’s logical to assume that generating color requires more processing power, potentially impacting performance. Unfortunately, we can only speculate on the performance differences without access to the devices or information on their chipsets.

However, battery life expectations for each device are already known. The difference in estimated battery life between the Colorsoft (eight weeks) and the Paperwhite (12 weeks) suggests that the color display consumes more power. Other factors could contribute to this difference. Real-world usage and independent testing will provide a clearer picture of the color display’s impact on battery life.

It’s helpful to know that charging times remain consistent between the two models, even with Colorsoft’s added color technology. This suggests that Amazon has optimized the charging process to deliver a similar charging experience across both devices, or has put the same-sized battery in both.

The Paperwhite’s longer expected battery life wins here.

Winner: Kindle Paperwhite (by a hair)

Both devices offer the same software features, including popular Kindle functions like Whispersync, X-Ray, and Vocabulary Builder. Whispersync allows you to synchronize your reading progress, bookmarks, and notes across multiple Kindle devices and apps, enabling you to switch between devices seamlessly without losing your place.

Meanwhile, X-Ray provides detailed information about characters, locations, and terms mentioned in the book, giving you deeper insights into the content. Vocabulary Builder automatically adds any unfamiliar words to a vocabulary list, and flashcards are generated to help you learn these new words.

Both the Kindle Colorsoft and Kindle Paperwhite seamlessly integrate with the broader Kindle ecosystem, offering access to the Kindle Store for browsing and purchasing ebooks, Goodreads integration for tracking your reading history and connecting with fellow book lovers, and Amazon Prime Reading for a rotating selection of free content for Prime members.

Regarding storage, the Kindle Colorsoft offers a generous 32GB, double the 16GB of the regular Kindle Paperwhite. While this difference suggests that the Colorsoft version can hold more books, it’s difficult to quantify precisely how many. Amazon states that both devices support “thousands of titles,” but the actual number varies depending on factors like file size and formatting, especially with the addition of color.

It’s reasonable to assume that Colorsoft can hold significantly more books than Paperwhite, though likely not double, as color content generally requires more storage space than black-and-white text. However, a precise comparison remains elusive without detailed testing and analysis of different ebook file sizes on both devices.

Ultimately, the Kindle ecosystem’s cloud storage minimizes the need to store many books directly on the device. Amazon provides free cloud storage for all your Kindle purchases, allowing you to download and remove titles as needed, freeing up valuable device storage. This ensures you can access your entire library without worrying about local storage limitations.

Winner: Tie

The Kindle Colorsoft has a premium price tag of $280 for the device alone. However, you can opt for a bundle with a cover and a wireless charging dock for an additional $80. The standard Kindle Paperwhite is more budget-friendly at $160, while the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition sits in between at $200.

Interestingly, the Signature Edition offers similar features to the Colorsoft, including 32GB of storage and wireless charging, for a $40 premium over the standard Paperwhite. This makes it a compelling alternative for those who prioritize these features but aren’t ready to invest in Colorsoft’s color display.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that Amazon frequently offers discounts on its Kindle lineup, especially during holidays and Amazon Prime events. Watch for these promotions, occasional trade-in offers, and other deals that significantly reduce upfront costs. By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can snag a Kindle Colorsoft or Paperwhite at a more attractive price.

Both of these Kindles are sure to provide you with years of enjoyment. The standard Kindle Paperwhite is the best choice if you are primarily a non-frills reader and don’t need a color display. However, if you plan to store many books on your device and want the convenience of wireless charging, the decision becomes more complicated.

For an additional $80 over the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, you can get a color display and the same amount of storage. And while the Kindle Colorsoft provides four weeks less battery life, that’s really not a huge problem when the battery life is already so long. We believe $80 extra is more than reasonable for the first Kindle with color — forgo the premium version of the Kindle Paperwhite, if you can afford to.