Amazon’s Kindle line dominates the e-reader market, but the Scribe model has always lagged behind. The newest iteration, the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, announced in September 2025 and released in December 2025, addresses those shortcomings with significant improvements. This is the first Scribe model that genuinely delivers on the promise of an e-reader and a digital writing tablet, though its high price remains a major barrier.
Redesign and Specifications
The 2025 Kindle Scribe Colorsoft features a streamlined design, ditching the bulky sidebars of previous models for a narrower profile. Key specs include:
- Display: 11-inch glare-free screen, up to 100 nits brightness, 300 ppi (black and white), 150 ppi (color)
- Storage: 32GB or 64GB options
- Connectivity: USB-C charging, with up to eight weeks of reading or two weeks of writing battery life
- Included: Premium pen with multiple styles (pen, fountain pen, marker, pencil, shader) and adjustable settings
- Integrations: Google Drive and Microsoft One support
- Colors: Fig (purple) or Graphite (dark gray)
- Waterproof: Not waterproof
Performance Improvements
Earlier Scribe models were slow and clunky. The Colorsoft is notably faster, with smooth page turns and minimal lag when switching between reading and writing. While some slowdown occurs when writing or using notebooks, it’s a significant improvement over previous generations.
Amazon has also revamped the interface, prioritizing notebooks on the home screen for quick access. This is particularly useful for students, allowing seamless transitions between textbooks and notes. The brighter front light creates a clearer, more natural white background compared to the muted gray of older models.
Note-Taking and Ghosting
The Scribe excels at note-taking, compiling annotations from books and documents in one place. Users can easily tap to return to the original page, aiding in class discussions or research.
A persistent issue with previous Scribes was “ghosting” – faint traces of previous content lingering on the screen. The Colorsoft drastically reduces this, with minimal ghosting even during writing, and any remaining shadows disappear when the page is refreshed.
The Writing Experience
The included premium pen offers a surprisingly refined writing experience. Users can choose from various styles (pen, fountain pen, marker, etc.), with adjustable width and color. Many reviewers find that the pen makes handwriting appear neater and more elegant.
Color Resolution Limitations
Despite the improvements, the Colorsoft’s color resolution remains a weak point. At 150 ppi, colors appear muted and pixelated compared to black-and-white text. Amazon mitigates this by favoring pastel shades, which look better than darker tones. The lock-screen advertisements, surprisingly, showcase this well.
Price Concerns
The biggest drawback remains the price: the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft starts at $629.99. This positions it alongside competitors like the Remarkable Paper Pro, which offers better color resolution but inferior black-and-white clarity. While the Colorsoft is a capable e-ink tablet, the cost is hard to justify for casual readers.
Conclusion
The Kindle Scribe Colorsoft is a substantial upgrade, finally delivering on the potential of a combined e-reader and writing tablet. If the price doesn’t deter you, it’s the first Scribe model worth considering. However, waiting for a potential sale (like during Prime Day) would make it a far more compelling purchase.
