Is Amazon creating a less expensive version of its color display Kindle?

As per allegedly leaked images circulating on Reddit, the response appears to be affirmative. On Wednesday, a Reddit user shared pictures of what they assert is a prototype of a compact Kindle with a color display, as highlighted by The Verge. The user, writing in Portuguese, characterized it as a smaller iteration of the Kindle 11, Amazon’s most recent e-reader. The prototype boasts a color display akin to the Kindle Colorsoft that was launched in 2024.

The primary critique of Amazon’s initial color e-reader is its cost. The Colorsoft debuted with a premium version known as the Signature Edition priced at $279.99. In July, two additional models were introduced at somewhat lower price points: the Kindle Colorsoft for $249.99 and the Kindle Colorsoft Kids for $269.99. In contrast, the standard black and white Kindle is available for $109.99 and the Kindle Paperwhite for $159.99. Consequently, the Kindle Colorsoft signifies a considerable price hike solely for color reading.

In the visuals of the alleged prototype, the device is labeled as the Kindle Petit Color. However, the user notes that the title is not definitive and may be subject to change. The user also remarked that the device incorporates “progressive” color, where the text and status bar alter color as you move forward, and the color quality is notably superior to the existing Kindle Colorsoft.

The claims made by the anonymous user remain unverified, so this leak should be approached with skepticism. Nevertheless, if this indeed proves to be a legitimate prototype for an upcoming cost-effective iteration of the Kindle Colorsoft, it would likely delight numerous Kindle enthusiasts.