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Kindle (8th gen) — 2016
Amazon

Kindle (8th gen)

2016

70
/ 100
From $79
VS
Kobo Forma wins by 10
Kobo Forma — 2018
Kobo

Kobo Forma

2018

80
/ 100
From $279
Specdex verdict

Kobo Forma takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Kindle (8th gen) lands at 70 and Kobo Forma at 80. That puts Kobo Forma ahead by 10 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 Kobo Forma if…

  • ✓Weeks of battery
  • ✓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

Tie

Compared on the speed sub-score

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

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
80 Kobo Forma

Score breakdown

Kindle (8th gen)
70
display 70
speed 80
battery 94
ecosystem 84
Kobo Forma
80
display 80
speed 80
battery 94
ecosystem 84

Specs side-by-side

Kindle (8th gen) versus Kobo Forma — full spec comparison
Spec Kindle (8th gen) Kobo Forma
Release year
2016
2018

Kindle (8th gen)

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

Kobo Forma

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

FAQ: Kindle (8th gen) vs Kobo Forma

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

Kobo Forma scores 80 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 10. 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 Kobo Forma worth the price? +

At $279, Kobo Forma delivers a Specdex score of 80 — strongest in battery.

Does Kindle (8th gen) or Kobo Forma 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 the better value, Kindle (8th gen) or Kobo Forma? +

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