Amazon finally brought color to its most popular e-reader, but after extensive testing, we’ve found it’s a pricey upgrade that fumbles its one big promise.

As a tech enthusiast who has owned nearly every Kindle iteration since the second generation, the announcement of the Kindle colorsoft felt like a watershed moment. The promise was tantalizing: the perfect, glare-free e-ink screen I love for novels, now enhanced with a splash of color for magazines, children’s books, and most importantly for me, the vibrant world of graphic novels. I bought it on day one, ready to be wowed.

Instead, I’m left with a device that feels like a solution in search of a problem. While it remains a competent e-reader for text, its marquee feature—the color screen—is not just underwhelming, it’s a genuine letdown for its most obvious use case.

The Good: It’s Still a Great Kindle

Before diving into the negatives, let’s be clear: for reading standard books, the Kindle Colorsoft is as reliable as ever. It inherits all the features that have made the Paperwhite line a fan favorite. The text is sharp (at 300 PPI for black-and-white), the battery life is measured in weeks, not hours, and the adjustable warm light makes nighttime reading a joy. It’s lightweight, portable, and the IPX8 waterproof rating means you can read worry-free by the pool or in the bath.

If your library is 99% novels, this Kindle will serve you well. The only color you’ll see is the book cover in your library, which is a nice touch but hardly a revolutionary experience. For the core Kindle function, it’s business as usual.

The Bad: A Catastrophic Failure for Comics and Graphic Novels

My primary reason for this upgrade was to finally have a dedicated e-reader for my comic book collection. I envisioned a device that could replicate the experience of a printed comic on a paper-like screen. The reality is a grainy, washed-out, and frustrating mess.

The core of the problem lies in the E Ink Kaleido 3 display technology. While it can render black-and-white text at a crisp 300 PPI, the color resolution is slashed in half to a mere 150 PPI. The result is immediately noticeable. Colors are muted and lack the vibrancy you’d expect. They look more like a faded newspaper comic strip than a modern graphic novel.

Worse still is the text rendering within comic panels. The dialogue is often tiny and difficult to decipher. The natural instinct is to pinch-to-zoom, but this is where the experience completely falls apart. Zooming in on the low-resolution color layer turns the image into a pixelated disaster. The already fuzzy text becomes a jagged, illegible blur, and the artwork loses all its detail. It’s a chore to read, completely defeating the purpose of a relaxing reading session.

Specs at a Glance

• Display: 7-inch E Ink Kaleido 3 Display
• Resolution: 300 PPI (black-and-white), 150 PPI (color)
• Storage: 16GB or 32GB (Signature Edition)
• Front Light: Adjustable warm light, auto-adjusting on Signature Edition
• Waterproofing: IPX8 (rated for 60 minutes in 2 meters of fresh water)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (for Audible)
• Charging: USB-C (Wireless charging on Signature Edition)
• Battery Life: Up to 8 weeks (varies with use)

The Ugly: The Price Tag Just Isn’t Justified

This brings us to the most significant issue: value. The Kindle Colorsoft carries a premium price over its standard black-and-white sibling. That extra cost is solely for a color display that fails spectacularly at its most logical application.

If you want to read graphic novels, you are unequivocally better off with a tablet like an Apple iPad or a Samsung Galaxy Tab. Their backlit LCD/OLED screens offer brilliant colors and ultra-high resolutions that make artwork pop and text crystal clear, even when zoomed in. Yes, they are more expensive and have more glare, but for this specific use case, they are infinitely superior.

The Kindle Color occupies a strange, unsatisfying middle ground. It’s not the best device for novels (the standard Paperwhite is better value), and it’s a demonstrably poor choice for comics.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: Is the color screen worth the extra money? A: In my opinion, absolutely not. The color is low-resolution and washed out, failing to add any meaningful value for its primary use case (comics and graphic novels). For standard books, you’re paying a premium just to see the cover in color.

Q: Is it good for reading magazines or children’s books? A: It suffers from the same issues. While better than nothing, the muted colors and low resolution mean photos and illustrations lack the vibrancy they would have on a tablet. Text-heavy magazines are fine, but image-rich ones will disappoint.

Q: How does it compare to an iPad for reading comics? A: It’s not even a competition. The iPad (or any modern tablet) provides a vastly superior experience for comics. The colors are brilliant, the resolution is razor-sharp, and zooming is seamless. The only advantages for the Kindle are battery life and the lack of screen glare.

Q: Should I buy this if I only read novels? A: No. You can get the exact same (and arguably better, due to no color filter layer) black-and-white reading experience from the standard Kindle Paperwhite and save yourself some money.

The Verdict

The Kindle Colorsoft is a product built on a compelling idea but executed with deeply flawed technology. It tries to be a jack-of-all-trades and ends up mastering none. It’s an e-reader that’s outmatched in value by its own siblings and outclassed in performance by its tablet competitors.

For now, this is one splash of color you can safely skip. Stick with the classic Paperwhite for your novels and look to a true tablet for your graphic novel fix.

Aug 20th Made By Google Event

Get ready, Pixel fans! Google has officially announced the date for its highly anticipated annual hardware event: August 20th. The tech giant is promising a showcase of its latest innovations under the “Made By Google” banner, with new iterations of their popular Pixel phones, watches, and earbuds leading the charge. But the tagline “and more” hints that we might be in for a few surprises this year.

For months, rumors have been swirling about the next generation of Pixel devices, and Google’s confirmation finally puts those speculations to rest. While the company remains tight-lipped about the specifics, the August 20th event is shaping up to be a must-watch for anyone invested in the Google ecosystem.

Pixel Phones: The Center of Attention

The star of the show will undoubtedly be the unveiling of the newest Pixel phones. Following Google’s established release cycle, we can likely expect the debut of the Pixel 10 and potentially a larger Pixel 10 Pro. These devices are anticipated to feature the latest generation of Google’s Tensor chip, promising enhanced performance, improved AI capabilities, and advancements in camera technology that Pixel users have come to love. Expect refined designs, potentially with new color options and material choices, as Google continues to push the boundaries of smartphone innovation.

Pixel Watch: Refining the Wearable Experience

Google’s foray into the smartwatch market with the Pixel Watch was met with enthusiasm, and the August event is expected to bring us its successor. The Pixel Watch 2 (or whatever the official name may be) will likely build upon the foundation laid by the first generation, addressing user feedback and incorporating new features. We could see improvements in battery life, enhanced health tracking capabilities, and tighter integration with the broader Pixel ecosystem. With competition heating up in the smartwatch space, Google will be aiming to solidify its position as a serious contender.

Pixel Buds: Elevating Audio with AI

Completing the expected trio of major announcements are the next-generation Pixel Buds. Google’s wireless earbuds have consistently offered a compelling combination of audio quality and smart features, seamlessly integrating with Google Assistant. The upcoming Pixel Buds are expected to continue this trend, potentially introducing advancements in noise cancellation, battery performance, and personalized audio experiences powered by AI. Keep an ear out for potential design tweaks and new color options to complement the new phone and watch releases.

“And More”: What Else Could Google Have in Store?

The intriguing “and more” in Google’s announcement leaves room for exciting possibilities. Could we see updates to the Pixel Tablet, which the user has previously shown interest in? Perhaps new smart home devices are on the horizon, further expanding Google’s ecosystem. Given the user’s past searches related to smart glasses and general tech innovations, there’s even a chance we might get a glimpse into Google’s future ambitions in the realm of augmented reality or other cutting-edge technologies. Only time will tell what surprises Google has up its sleeve.

The Countdown Begins

With August 20th just around the corner, the anticipation for the Made By Google event is already building. Pixel enthusiasts and tech lovers alike are eager to see what innovations Google will unveil. Be sure to mark your calendars and stay tuned for detailed coverage as the date approaches. This year’s event promises to offer a glimpse into the future of Google’s hardware and how it will continue to shape our digital lives.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra

Samsung has consistently pushed the boundaries of the Android tablet market, and the arrival of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra in late 2025 is no exception. Positioned as the pinnacle of their tablet lineup, the Tab S10 Ultra aims to be more than just a device for media consumption; it’s a productivity powerhouse and a creative canvas. Does it live up to the hype? Our in-depth review breaks down its features, specifications, pricing, target audience, and how it stacks up against the competition.

Features: A Multimedia and Productivity Powerhouse

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra boasts a suite of features designed to cater to both entertainment lovers and demanding professionals. Here’s a closer look at what makes it stand out:

• Massive and Immersive Display: The Tab S10 Ultra is expected to retain its stunning 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a crisp WQXGA+ resolution (2960 x 1848). This expansive screen offers incredible detail, vibrant colors, and deep blacks, making it perfect for watching movies, editing photos and videos, or multitasking with multiple apps. We anticipate a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling and a more responsive S Pen experience.
• Enhanced Performance: Under the hood, the Tab S10 Ultra is rumored to be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ processor. Early benchmarks suggest a significant performance boost over its predecessor, ensuring smooth and lag-free operation even with demanding applications and heavy workloads. This positions it as a strong contender against other flagship tablets in terms of raw power.
• Versatile Camera System: Samsung continues to equip its high-end tablets with impressive camera systems. We expect a dual rear camera setup, likely featuring a 13MP main sensor and an 8MP ultrawide lens. The dual front-facing cameras, expected to be 12MP + 12MP, are ideal for high-quality video calls and selfies.
• Bundled S Pen and Enhanced Integration: The S Pen remains a core feature, offering exceptional precision for note-taking, drawing, and navigating the interface. Leaks suggest a potential relocation of the S Pen slot, possibly for improved ergonomics. We expect further software enhancements that seamlessly integrate the S Pen into various applications.
• Desktop-Like Experience with DeX Mode: Samsung’s DeX mode transforms the tablet’s interface into a more traditional desktop environment, perfect for multitasking with a keyboard and mouse. This feature, coupled with the powerful processor, allows the Tab S10 Ultra to function as a viable laptop alternative for many users.
• Long-Lasting Battery: The large 11,200 mAh battery (as seen in the previous model) is expected to provide ample power for a full day of work or entertainment on a single charge.

Specifications: Under the Hood Power

While official specifications are yet to be fully confirmed, based on reliable leaks and the previous generation, here’s what we anticipate:

• Display: 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2960 x 1848 (WQXGA+), 120Hz refresh rate
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 9400+
• RAM: Expected to be available in 8GB, 12GB, and potentially 16GB configurations
• Storage: Likely options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB, with potential for microSD card expansion (though this remains to be seen).
• Rear Cameras: 13MP Main, 8MP Ultrawide
• Front Cameras: 12MP Wide, 12MP Ultrawide
• Battery: 11,200 mAh
• Operating System: Android 16 with Samsung One UI 7 (expected)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, optional 5G
• Ports: USB-C
• Dimensions: Likely similar to its predecessor (326.4 x 208.6 x 5.5 mm)
• Weight: Around 718g

Pricing: Premium Tablet, Premium Price Tag

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra sits at the top of the Android tablet market, and its pricing reflects this. The previous generation Tab S10 Ultra with 1TB of storage retailed for around $1620. We expect the Tab S10 Ultra (2025) to be in a similar price range, depending on the configuration. The base models with less RAM and storage will likely be more accessible, but expect to pay a premium for the top-tier configurations.

Who It’s For: Professionals, Creatives, and Entertainment Enthusiasts

The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is designed for users who demand the best in terms of performance, display quality, and features. Its target audience includes:

• Professionals: The large screen and DeX mode make it ideal for multitasking, document editing, presentations, and video conferencing, especially when paired with an optional keyboard cover.
• Creative Professionals: Artists, designers, and video editors will appreciate the vibrant display, the precision of the S Pen, and the powerful processor that can handle demanding creative applications.
• Power Users: Those who want a tablet that can handle anything they throw at it, from gaming to running multiple apps simultaneously, will find the Tab S10 Ultra a capable companion.
• Entertainment Enthusiasts: The immersive display and powerful speakers provide an exceptional experience for watching movies, playing games, and Browse the web.

What It Compares To: The High-End Tablet Arena

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra competes directly with other high-end tablets, most notably:

• Apple iPad Pro (M4, 2024): The iPad Pro remains a formidable competitor, known for its powerful M4 chip and the optimized iPadOS ecosystem. The Tab S10 Ultra needs to offer compelling advantages in terms of its open Android platform, included S Pen, and potentially its multitasking capabilities with DeX.
• Xiaomi Pad 7 Ultra (Expected): Rumors suggest Xiaomi is preparing a high-end tablet with a large display to directly compete with the Tab S10 Ultra. This could be a strong contender in terms of price-to-performance ratio.
• Lenovo Tab Extreme: While slightly older, the Lenovo Tab Extreme offers a large display and a focus on productivity, often at a more competitive price point than the Samsung. However, the Tab S10 Ultra is expected to outperform it in terms of processing power.

Conclusion: Setting a New Standard for Android Tablets?

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is shaping up to be a formidable contender in the high-end tablet market. With its massive and stunning display, powerful processor, versatile S Pen, and desktop-like DeX mode, it aims to cater to a wide range of demanding users. While the premium price point might be a barrier for some, the Tab S10 Ultra appears poised to deliver a top-tier Android tablet experience. Whether it can definitively claim the title of the “Android Tablet King” will depend on its real-world performance and how it truly stacks up against its impressive rivals. Stay tuned to thetechnews.com for our full in-depth review once we get our hands on the final product.