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Kindle (8th gen) — 2016
Amazon

Kindle (8th gen)

2016

70
/ 100
From $79
VS
Kindle Colorsoft wins by 16
Kindle Colorsoft — 2024
Amazon

Kindle Colorsoft

2024

86
/ 100
From $279
Specdex verdict

Kindle Colorsoft takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Kindle (8th gen) lands at 70 and Kindle Colorsoft at 86. That puts Kindle Colorsoft ahead by 16 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Kindle (8th gen) if…

  • ✓Weeks of battery
  • ✓Glare-free E Ink
  • ✓Lightweight

Pick Kindle Colorsoft if…

  • ✓Weeks of battery life
  • ✓Glare-free E Ink
  • ✓Lightweight
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Battery

Tie

Compared on the battery sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Ecosystem

Tie

Compared on the ecosystem sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Speed

Kindle Colorsoft

Compared on the speed sub-score

Kindle Colorsoft leads on speed (82 vs 80).

Value for money

Kindle (8th gen)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Kindle (8th gen) more score per dollar ($79 vs $279).

Kindle (8th gen) 70
vs
86 Kindle Colorsoft

Score breakdown

Kindle (8th gen)
70
display 70
speed 80
battery 94
ecosystem 84
Kindle Colorsoft
86
display 86
speed 82
battery 94
ecosystem 84

Specs side-by-side

Kindle (8th gen) versus Kindle Colorsoft — full spec comparison
Spec Kindle (8th gen) Kindle Colorsoft
Release year
2016
2024

Kindle (8th gen)

Pros
  • +Weeks of battery
  • +Glare-free E Ink
  • +Lightweight
Cons
  • −Slow refresh
  • −Ecosystem lock-in (most)
  • −Color options muted

Kindle Colorsoft

Pros
  • +Weeks of battery life
  • +Glare-free E Ink
  • +Lightweight
Cons
  • −Slow refresh vs LCD
  • −Ecosystem lock-in
  • −Color E Ink muted

FAQ: Kindle (8th gen) vs Kindle Colorsoft

Which is better, Kindle (8th gen) or Kindle Colorsoft? +

Kindle Colorsoft scores 86 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 16. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Kindle (8th gen) worth the price? +

At $79, Kindle (8th gen) delivers a Specdex score of 70 — strongest in battery.

Is Kindle Colorsoft worth the price? +

At $279, Kindle Colorsoft delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in battery.

Does Kindle (8th gen) or Kindle Colorsoft last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for speed, Kindle (8th gen) or Kindle Colorsoft? +

Kindle Colorsoft — leads on speed (82 vs 80). Compared on the speed sub-score.

Which is the better value, Kindle (8th gen) or Kindle Colorsoft? +

Kindle (8th gen) — more score per dollar ($79 vs $279). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.