Which is cheaper, Kindle Colorsoft 16 GB (newest model) or Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (newest model)?

Kindle Colorsoft 16 GB (newest model) lists at $290 and Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (newest model) lists at $200. Prices change often, so check the current listing before buying.

Head to head · Tablets & E-Readers

Kindle Colorsoft 16 GB (newest model) vs Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (newest model)

Ravvy scores Kindle Colorsoft 16 GB (newest model) at 89.46 and Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (newest model) at 93.71. Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (newest model) takes the overall pick, best for avid readers and travelers who want a distraction-free library.

Amazon

Kindle Colorsoft 16 GB (newest model)

89.5

$290

Graphic novel fans should buy the Colorsoft to finally see art in its intended form, provided they accept the lower color resolution and premium price point.

Ravvy pick

Amazon

Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (newest model)

93.7

$200

Buy the 2024 Paperwhite if you want the best balance of screen size and speed, though you must accept the presence of lock screen advertisements at this price point.

How they score

Factor	Kindle Colorsoft 16 GB (newest model)	Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (newest model)
Value	70	–
Portability	94	94
Battery Life	96	99
Text Clarity	98	–
Color Vibrancy	82	–
Ecosystem	–	95
Performance	–	91
Display Quality	–	96.5

Kindle Colorsoft 16 GB (newest model)

What owners praise

Vibrant yet eye-friendly color E Ink display
Waterproof IPX8 rating for poolside reading
Exceptional 8-week battery life
Seamless color-coded highlighting system
Support for wireless charging

What to know first

Color resolution is lower than text resolution
Significant price premium over monochrome models
Screen brightness is slightly lower than Paperwhite

Skip it if budget-conscious readers who only consume standard text fiction

Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (newest model)

What owners praise

Significantly faster page turns and UI response
Larger 7 inch screen with high 300 ppi clarity
Exceptional 12 week battery life on a single charge
IPX8 waterproof rating for safe poolside reading
Adjustable warm light for comfortable night reading

What to know first

Lock screen includes sponsored advertisements
No physical page turn buttons
Text-to-speech features require Bluetooth headphones

Skip it if users who need a full tablet for apps, video, and web browsing

Specs side by side

Spec	Kindle Colorsoft 16 GB (newest model)	Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (newest model)
Size	5 x 7 x 0.3” (127.6 x 176.7 x 7.8 mm)	5” x 7” x 0.3” (127.6 x 176.7 x 7.8 mm)
Weight	7.6oz (215g). Actual size and weight may vary by configuration and manufacturing process.	7.4 oz (211g). Actual size and weight may vary by configuration and manufacturing process.
Display	Amazon’s 7” Colorsoft display technology with built-in light, 300 ppi B&W, 150 ppi color, optimized font technology, 16-level gray scale. Due to the addition of a color filter layer that creates the easy on the eyes color reading experience, you may notice that the texture or brightness of the Kindle Colorsoft display looks different than the Kindle Paperwhite display.	Amazon's 7” Paperwhite display technology with built-in light, 300 ppi, optimized font technology, 16-level gray scale.
Generation	Kindle Colorsoft (1st Generation) – 2025 release	Kindle Paperwhite (12th Generation) - 2024 release.
Charge Time	Fully charges in less than 2.5 hours with a 9W USB power adapter.	Fully charges in less than 2.5 hours with a 9W USB power adapter.
Battery Life	A single charge lasts up to eight (8) weeks, based on a half hour of reading per day with wireless off and the light setting at 13. Battery life may vary depending on use. Audible audiobook streaming over Bluetooth will reduce battery life.	A single charge lasts up to twelve (12) weeks, based on a half hour of reading per day with wireless off and the light setting at 13. Battery life may vary depending on use. Audible audiobook streaming over Bluetooth will reduce battery life.
Cloud Storage	Free cloud storage for all Amazon content.	Free cloud storage for all Amazon content.
Documentation	Learn more about Kindle devices with our Quick Start Guide and Kindle User Guide.	Learn more about Kindle devices with our Quick Start Guide and Kindle User Guide.
Waterproofing	Waterproof (IPX8), tested to withstand immersion in 2 meters of fresh water for 60 minutes. Learn more about the waterproof Kindle Paperwhite.	Waterproof (IPX8), tested to withstand immersion in 2 meters of fresh water for 60 minutes. Learn more about the waterproof Kindle Paperwhite.
Available Colors	Black	Black, Raspberry, and Jade
On-Device Storage	16 GB; holds thousands of books.	16 GB; holds thousands of books.
Wi-Fi Connectivity	Supports 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz networks with support for WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3 and OWE security using password authentication or Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). Does not support connecting to ad-hoc (or peer-to-peer) wifi networks.	Supports 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz networks with support for WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3, and OWE security using password authentication or Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). Does not support connecting to ad-hoc (or peer-to-peer) wifi networks.