In the shadow of tablets, AI-powered note devices, and foldable phones, e-readers might seem like a relic. But Amazon, and a loyal niche of book lovers, aren’t ready to give up on them. In fact, Amazon just expanded its lineup of Kindle Colorsoft models, adding a cheaper version and a kid-focused edition to its premium color e-reader offering.
The question is: in 2025, do these devices still make sense?
The New Kindle Colorsoft Models
Last fall, Amazon launched its first color Kindle, the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition, at a steep $280. While it got high marks for its warm lighting, speedy performance, and crisp text, many users balked at the price, and some complained about display issues like yellow banding at the screen’s base. Amazon paused shipments, addressed the problem, and now the Colorsoft is back with more choices.
As of today, July 24:
- Kindle Colorsoft (16GB) – $249.99
- No wireless charging
- No auto-adjusting front light
- Includes 3 months of Kindle Unlimited
- Kindle Colorsoft Kids – $269.99
- Same hardware, but bundled with:
- A kid-friendly cover
- 1 year of Amazon Kids+
- 2-year “worry-free” warranty
- Child reading tools like Word Wise and OpenDyslexic font
- Same hardware, but bundled with:
Both models feature color E Ink, capable of rendering comics, highlights, and book covers in full color albeit at just 150 ppi for color (compared to 300 ppi for black and white).
Related: Prime Day Is a Price Trap — But These Deals Might Actually Be Worth It
Why E-Readers Still Matter
It’s not about features. It’s about focus.
In a world of ambient distraction, there’s still a place for a device that just lets you read. E-readers offer:
- Weeks of battery life
- Eye-friendly E Ink displays
- Lighter, smaller form factors
- Zero notifications, apps, or social noise
Tablets may do more, but they rarely help you do less. Honestly, there’s an argument to be made that tablets have less of a place than e-readers, but that’s a post for another day.
Is Color E Ink Ready for Prime Time?
Depends who you ask. For some, the Kindle Colorsoft is a revelation: once you’ve seen your comics or academic PDFs in color, it’s hard to go back. For others, the duller tones and lower resolution are a letdown compared to tablets.
Still, color adds value in specific ways:
- Kids’ books look more engaging
- Graphic novels and manga are now readable on E Ink
- Text highlighting is more intuitive and versatile
Color E Ink isn’t trying to be an iPad. It’s trying to be a better book.
E-Readers for Kids?
Yes, and this is where Amazon may see the most growth. The Kindle Colorsoft Kids taps into an underserved space: a distraction-free, visually rich reading device for children. With Amazon Kids+, learning tools, and a two-year replacement policy, it’s a safer bet than handing your child a YouTube-enabled tablet.
So… Should You Buy One?
Buy a Kindle Colorsoft if:
- You read a lot and want something calmer than a tablet
- You love comics, textbooks, or colorful books
- You want an e-reader that feels just a little more fun
Stick with the Paperwhite if:
- You mostly read novels
- You don’t care about color
- You want better battery life and a lower price
Skip entirely if:
- You prefer multitasking or multimedia experiences
- You already use an iPad or Android tablet for reading
- You expect vibrant, tablet-quality color (you won’t get it)
E-readers are a niche—but they’re a resilient one. I remember when I first got the Barnes and Noble Nook in 2009 and thought that there was little chance the tech would take off. Amazon’s push into color shows there’s still a market for distraction-free, eye-friendly reading tech. The Colorsoft models aren’t perfect, but they offer a glimpse into what e-readers could become: not just cheaper than tablets, but better for one specific thing—reading without interruption.
That’s a feature we could use more of in 2025.
