Kindle Colorsoft Review 2025: Is Amazon’s New E-Reader Worth It?

With the recent release of the Kindle Colorsoft in Australia, I wanted to post my firsthand experience. If you’re anything like me (always searching for the perfect reading device and a kindle case to match) this review should answer that all-important question: is the extra cost actually justified? 

I’ll share my own experience so far, a few early mistakes, and some practical details.

Unboxing the Kindle Colorsoft: First Impressions & What’s New

When my Kindle Colorsoft finally arrived (yes, I reloaded my order page far too often), my initial response was enthusiasm mixed with a pinch of nervousness, not least given my history of tech catastrophes. The 7-inch colour E Ink screen surprised me with the extent to which it changes book covers and graphic novels' appearance. The unit is a bit more refined than the Kindle Paperwhite, with curves that fit well in hand. I went with the 32GB version because my ever expanding library of fantasy, romance, and PDFs keeps expanding, but the base 16GB is adequate if you're mostly working with novels. (The updated Kindle Colorsoft 16GB is also not available in Australia right now)

On packaging, Amazon did the bare minimum but did use environmentally friendly, which I prefer. It's those little touches, like less plastic, that make a difference these days.

On that first day, I nearly dropped the device twice…My regular reminder that a Kindle case for protection isn't just aesthetics - it’s very much about peace of mind.

Kindle Colorsoft Features Tested: Is the Colour Worth It?

The elephant in the room: does the colour e-ink screen really make a difference? If you primarily read novels, maybe, but not massively If you're a comic fan, a children's book reader, or anything illustrated, the difference can be more dramatic. I pulled up a copy of a graphic novel right away, and it just looked that much more immersive than reading the same files on my Paperwhite. I will note that the colour is not as vivid as it is in the pictures you see online, but it is still effective and does the job.

Some things to keep in mind: Battery life is better than ever - though I’m yet to test that fully myself (no issues so far). They say about a month on light every-day usage, which is a welcome respite from worrying that colour would mean more frequent charging.

Water resistance is another plus, although the IPX8 rating is the same as the Paperwhite, so no huge difference.

Highlighting in COLOUR! Yes I love this, not just one colour - we have options! Whether you do this or not, you will want to do it now. We all love options. Full stop.

The Australian price begins at approximately AU$399. That is a big increase over last year's models, but if you need the colour experience (and any excuse to dress it up in a new kindle case), it makes sense. Not everyone might, however, be willing to part with the difference.

Comparison with other Kindle models

Having been a Kindle girl for many years, I did spend a bit of time comparing the Colorsoft to my trusty years-long 11th Gen Paperwhite Signature Edition. For readers of black-and-white material, the greater clarity and lighter weight of the Kindle Paperwhite might still be the choice.

Performance is about the same as it is for page turns and computer speed. Storage capacity on the Colorsoft is ample, especially for someone who gathers masses of books/files. The interface has been tweaked here and there, but few noticeable changes.

Conclusion: Is the Kindle Colorsoft Worth the Additional Cost?

This is the real question, and in all fairness, it's mainly comes down to what you read. Colour is definitely great, I personally love it. It’s great to see book covers in full colour, it motivates you to buy more books as it gives that more tactile experience of having the read book in hand.

However, for everyday fiction or longer novels, I’m not completely sold on (yet!), especially when you can usually pick up a Kindle Paperwhite for much less. I'd say that Kindle Colorsoft is an investment worth making if you want the best possible reading experience, plan to keep it for a long time, and actually make use of its high-end colour features.

If you're a reader of illustrated content or simply someone who wants their e-reader to be just that little bit more special, the Kindle Colorsoft is a winner. If your heart is set on paper novels, you may be best with a budget model and keeping your cash in your pocket.

My advice is to think long and hard about what you read most, and base your decision on that (and your budget). Do I love my new purchase? Absolutely. If you don't need one right away, sit tight as the average Kindle should last you YEARS!

Happy Reading  x