Kindle has become synonymous with the e-book, as it was Amazon that created the category more than a decade ago. Surely that is why they continue to be the market reference. The brand has just presented its latest launch, the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Editionthe first to incorporate a color screen. This alternative may arrive a little late, since its competitors already have their proposals of this kind. After a few weeks of testing it, we will tell you if the brand’s leap lives up to expectations.
On the outside it looks like a classic Kindle, with simple lines, light weight, and a comfortable build for long reading sessions. It is IPX8 certified like the Kindle Paperwhite; This makes it ideal for those who enjoy reading by the pool or in the bathtub. Its minimalist buttonless design looks good, but without surprises.
The 7 inch screen powered by E Ink Kaleido is the heart of this device. By allowing colors to be displayed, Amazon seeks to capture an audience that consumes more visual content, such as comics, magazines and children’s books. However, this is where we find the first limitations, the color resolution is only 150 dpi, while the screens of other black and white Kindles reach the usual 300 dpi, that is, the text resolution is reduced by half . Although it is also true that a resolution of 150 dpi is more than enough for reading, and it is difficult to see the difference. Another negative effect of the screen is the tone of the light, the Colorsoft Signature Edition will give off a bluish color, less neutral than the rest of the Kindles, which is a bit annoying when reading at night.
The color Kindle next to the Paperwhite model
In our tests, the comics and graphics look acceptable, but fall short of the quality you’d expect from a device at this price level. If you are used to tablets like an iPad, you will notice the difference, although electronic ink still has the advantage of being easier on the eyes, the color and sharpness levels have nothing to do with it.
If you are not going to use the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition to consume graphic material, the only place where you will see some color and that is visually beautiful is on the covers of the color library books, but then when you start reading everything goes away. It is in black and white, so it is not worth it.
This model includes some exclusive features, hence the ‘signature edition’, which attempt to justify its higher price (300 euros), such as Qi wireless charging, 32 GB of storage, and self-regulating light.
In terms of autonomy, Amazon promises up to 8 weeks of use with 30 minutes a day and the light adjusted to a moderate level. In our tests the battery held up 6+ weeks with mixed use of color and black and white contentbecause the color screen tends to consume more energy, so if you use this mode a lot you will notice a slight drop in duration. Its autonomy is just one of its great advantages over a tablet.
Is it worth it?
The Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition is a nice attempt to diversify the Kindle line, but it’s not for everyone. If you are a traditional reader who is only looking to read novels there are cheaper options that will do the job just as well, or even better. However, if you consume comics, magazines or books with graphics and value the comfort of a Kindle, this model may be a good option taking into account the limitations of the screen.
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