I fell for the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft hype and now regret it — its monochrome sibling is the superior Amazon slate in my book

When Amazon launched the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft in October 2025, the excitement among ereader enthusiasts was palpable. I was particularly intrigued by how Amazon had integrated the E Ink Kaleido 3 screen technology onto the 11-inch note taker, given my previous enthusiasm for the 7-inch Kindle Colorsoft ereader. After a wait of over six months in Australia, I finally got my hands on the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft in June of this year, but my initial enthusiasm quickly turned into disappointment.

The Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, while fast and boasting impressive battery life, fell short of my expectations compared to its monochrome counterpart. The color E Ink display technology, while innovative, simply doesn't deliver the same visual impact as the E Ink Carta 1300 screen found in the Kindle Scribe. The blue hue that dominates the color tablet's wallpaper artwork, which appears in every default setting, is a glaring drawback.

While this may be partially due to the screen's color filter array, it's clear that Amazon should have made more of an effort to ensure vibrant colors across its devices.

The color on the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft appears dull and underwhelming, particularly in comparison to other color E Ink devices like the Boox Note Air5 C. The darker background, combined with the RGB layer integrated into the display, makes colors look less vibrant. While it's true that color E Ink displays face limitations compared to monochrome screens, the Colorsoft's shortcomings are more pronounced.

For those who prioritize color in their reading experience, tablets like the iPad or Samsung tablets might be a better choice. However, for the majority of ereader users who primarily read text-heavy books and take notes, a monochrome device like the Kindle Scribe is a more cost-effective and satisfying option. The monochrome Kindle Scribe, while not as flashy as its color sibling, delivers excellent performance, fast processing, and impressive battery life. In fact, it lasted me about five days on a single charge, compared to the Colorsoft's two days.

If you're looking for a note-taking device, the 2024 release of the Kindle Scribe remains the better choice. It's less expensive, often discounted, and will continue to receive software updates, including new features like Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive connectivity, AI search, and a refreshed homescreen layout. When exploring other E Ink writing tablets, consider the reMarkable Paper Pure or the Boox Go 10.3 series, both of which offer their own unique advantages. Just remember, though, that the Boox devices may come with some ghosting issues.