Is the new-look Kindle Colorsoft 2026 worth buying? Here's what you need to know

Date:
Mon, 19 Oct 2026 20:30:00 +0000

Description:
Is the upgraded Colorsoft a good buy? It depends what kind of reader you are...

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter The Kindle Colorsoft is Amazon 's cheapest color e-reader, and it just got a 2026 update. The new version is thinner and lighter than its predecessor, the Kindle Colorsoft (2024) , and features an edge-to-edge 7-inch color display. It's pricier than the black-and-white Kindle Paperwhite, and the color display shortens battery life, but these compromises are worth it for fans of graphic novels and
manga.

If you're wondering if a Kindle Colorsoft is the best e-reader for you,
you're in the right place. In this article, I'll cover all the key info worth knowing, including what's changed compared to the 2024 version, how the regular and Signature editions differ, and the key pros and cons of this specific e-reader. I've also rounded up all available versions and their current pricing, so you can easily browse your options. Let's go... Kindle Colorsoft overview The Kindle Colorsoft is essentially the same as the Paperwhite, except it can also display color. The display is 300 ppi for
black and white and 150 ppi for color, the same as basically every other e-reader. It comes with a 7-inch display, waterproofing to IPX8, and the option of cool- or warm-toned backlighting.

As with the Paperwhite, you can choose between a regular or Signature
version. The latter has double the storage (32GB) it's worth prioritizing this if you want to read a lot of graphic novels, as the files will be significantly bigger than standard books. It also boasts a more premium aluminum back, automatic backlight adjustment and wireless charging. It is heavier than the regular version, though.

There's also a Kids version. This one is hooked up to a Parent Dashboard,
from which the parent can do things like view reading progress, adjust age filters, set a device bedtime, and add books from their own account. The
price includes a 12-month subscription to Amazon Kids+, which provides unlimited access to a library of thousands of books for children aged 3-12. 2024 vs 2026 Kindle Colorsoft: what's new? All the 2026 Colorsofts are
thinner and lighter than their 2024 counterparts. The display has been
tweaked to offer 'edge-to-edge color,' and the power button has been shifted to a more convenient spot on the upper right edge, where it's much less
likely to be accidentally triggered. The adult versions now come in a new 'Fig' colorway, and the Kids model has new cover options. Here's how all the main specs compare. Swipe to scroll horizontally

Model:

Colorsoft (2024)

Colorsoft (2026)

Colorsoft Signature (2024)

Colorsoft Signature (2026)

Size (W x L x D):

127.6 x 176.7 x 7.8mm

126.8 x 174.7 x 6.8mm

127.6 x 176.7 x 7.8mm

126.8 x 174.7 x 6.8mm

Weight:

211g

204g

219g

229g

Display:

7-inch glare-free w/ color display

7-inch glare-free w/ color display

7-inch glare-free w/ color display

7-inch glare-free w/ color display

Resolution:

300ppi (black and white) / 150ppi (color)

300ppi (black and white) / 150ppi (color)

300ppi (black and white) / 150ppi (color)

300ppi (black and white) / 150ppi (color)

Storage:

16GB

16GB

32GB

32GB

Battery life:

8 weeks

8 weeks

8 weeks

8 weeks

Warm light option:

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Auto brightness adjustment:

No

No

Yes

Yes

Waterproof (IPX8):

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Writing capability:

No

No

No

No Most of the 2024 Kindle Colorsoft range is still available, but if you
were thinking of picking up the older model to save a bit of cash, I have bad news. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Not only are the 2024 models no cheaper than their 2026 equivalents, but Amazon has actually bumped up the older models' prices to match the new range's higher list price. Right now, there's no real reason to pick a 2024 model over a 2026 model. Image 1 of 5 (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future) (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future) (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future) (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future) (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future) Image 1 of 5 View Original Image 2 of 5 View Original Image 3 of 5 View Original Image 4 of 5 View Original Image 5 of 5 View Original US: Kindle Colorsoft range 2026 models Hop down to the UK Colorsoft options Kindle Colorsoft 16GB (2026) Graphite Amazon US $289.99 Shop Now Kindle Colorsoft Signature 32GB (2026) Graphite Amazon US $319.99 Shop Now Kindle Colorsoft Signature 32GB (2026) Fig Amazon US $319.99 Shop Now Kindle Colorsoft Kids 16GB (2026) Enchanted Woods Amazon US $299.99 Shop Now Amazon Colorsoft Kids 16GB (2026) Desert Dash Cover Amazon US $299.99 Shop Now 2024 models Amazon Colorsoft 16GB (2024, no ads) Black Amazon US $289.99 Shop Now Kindle Colorsoft Signature 32GB (2024) Metallic Black Amazon UK 289.99 Shop Now Kindle Colorsoft Kids 16GB (2024) Fantasy River Amazon US $299.99 Shop Now Kidnle Colorsoft Kids 16GB (2024) Starlight Reading Amazon US $299.99 Shop Now UK: Kindle Colorsoft range 2026 models Hop back to the US Colorsoft options Kindle Colorsoft 16GB (2026) Graphite Amazon UK 259.99 Shop Now Kindle Colorsoft Signature 32GB (2026) Graphite Amazon UK 289.99 Shop Now Kindle Colorsoft Signature 32GB (2026) Fig Amazon UK 289.99 Shop Now 2024 models 8% OFF Kindle Colorsoft 16GB (2024) Black Amazon UK 239.99 259.99
Shop Now Kindle Colorsoft Signature 32GB (2024) Metallic Black Amazon UK 289.99 Shop Now Who should buy a Kindle Colorsoft? Buy a Kindle Colorsoft if... You read a lot of graphic novels: For graphic novels or books with
lots of images, you really need a color screen. The standard version will
hold about 30-50 graphic novels (depending on size), while the Signature version will store 60-100, so it's probably worth stumping up for the latter.

You want color highlights: You can color-code your highlighted text on Colorsoft Kindles, which is useful, for example, if you're studying and want to be able to link themes in your reading material. Don't buy a Kindle Colorsoft if... You're just reading text-based books: The Colorsoft is basically the color version of a Paperwhite aside from the color
capabilities and resulting shorter battery life, the design and specs are the same. If you're just reading text-based books, you could save yourself a bit of cash and enjoy longer runtimes by opting for the black-and-white Paperwhite.

You want to use your Kindle for note-taking: The Colorsoft doesn't have stylus support. If you want to be able to scribble down notes on your e-reader, you'll need to opt for one of the larger, pricier Scribe models. If you opt for the regular Kindle Scribe, you won't have a color screen, and if you opt for a Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, note that you won't be able to take notes on graphic novels. Specs compared Wondering how the Colorsoft compares to the wider Kindle range? Here are the key specs for the full lineup (newest models only)... Swipe to scroll horizontally

Model:

Kindle (2026)

Paperwhite (2026)

Paperwhite Signature (2026)

Colorsoft (2026)

Colorsoft Signature (2026)

Kindle Scribe (2024)

Kindle Scribe Colorsoft (2026)

Display:

6-inch glare-free

7-inch glare-free

7-inch glare-free

7-inch glare-free w/ color display

7-inch glare-free w/ color display

11-inch glare-free

11-inch glare-free with color display

Size (W x L x D):

108 x 152.8 x 6.85mm

126.8 x 174.7 x 6.8mm

126.8 x 174.7 x 6.8mm

126.8 x 174.7 x 6.8mm

126.8 x 174.7 x 6.8mm

196 x 230 x 5.7mm

189 x 245 x 5.4mm

Weight:

140g

204g

229g

204g

229g

433g

400g

Resolution:

300ppi

300ppi

300ppi

300ppi (black and white) / 150ppi (color)

300ppi (black and white) / 150ppi (color)

300ppi

300ppi (black and white) / 150ppi (color)

Storage:

16GB

16GB

32GB

16GB

32GB

16, 32 or 64GB

32 or 64GB

Battery life:

6 weeks

12 weeks

12 weeks

8 weeks

8 weeks

12 weeks reading / 3 weeks writing

8 weeks reading / 2 weeks writing

Warm light option:

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Auto brightness adjustment:

No

No

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Waterproof (IPX8):

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

Writing capability:

No

No

No

No

No

Yes

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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/tablets/ereaders/the-kindle-colorsoft-just-got-revam ped-for-2026-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-about-amazons-color-e-reader


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