Kobo Clara BW vs Kobo Clara Colour Comparison

[@boboblueblue2]

I’m returning my Kobo Clara Colour because I just couldn’t get over the slight graininess to the screen. I think it’s the colour filter. It was impressive with a better speed and different highlight colours but it felt like a downgrade (in my opinion) in screen quality due to the less sharp letters against the grainy background

[@PlayJewel]

Clara color operates at higher resolution when viewing black and white content. Even then the graininess is there? Pls reply

[@rebecca4254]

I feel like 6" is not ideal for color unless you're getting this for small children. Comics and manga feel like they wouldn't fair well on this size

[@iron-mage]

Definitely my boyfriend got a cheap 6" e-ink tablet for like £30 secondhand & it was far too small to see details and a lot of the text was illegible, he ended up upgrading to the kobo libra & it's much better

[@ВиталикВиршин]

6" very small for reading books, you are right, 7" is ideal.

[@mackado]

Manga is fine, comics are small, even on the Libra.

[@pri5044]

I have the new BW and yeah, 6" is way too small to comfortably read comics and manga. You could do manga, maybe, but your eyes strain without zooming, at which point it defeats the purpose. I assume the less sharp Colour version would actually be worse for manga given this

[@levis1956]

I've had the Libra Colour for a week now, and I have to say that the slightly greyer screen hasn't bothered me at all. Once I start doing something on the device I forget that it's technically worse contrast than my previous Kobo (which I used daily for about 8 years, honestly rock solid devices!). That said, I wouldn't have bought it for the colour alone, it was the combo of stylus AND colour AND a faster processor that finally got me to upgrade. Being able to draw on epaper in different colours without distractions is great and I have no regrets whatsoever :)

[@kaylamurphy2739]

This was the comparison that I was searching for. Thank you for your time and effort and making this video!

[@Vimes.]

My Clara BW is proving to be most impressive. I understand the context of when you noted "vivid" for the Clara Colour. I would suggested "muted pastels" being more representative of what the technology used can offer. Nothing wrong with that, if the expectations of the buyer is aligned with what is offered. Good review, emphasising the screen brightness and "moiré" type appearance for the Colour model, with direct comparisons to the BW version, is ideal for those deciding on what will fit their needs. I do like the cover views on the home page being in colour, but I spend a fraction of the time there, hence buying the BW version.

[@yensteel]

I put my iPad in grayscale mode, and the two pictures of the cover were very different at 6:00. The cover title was still readable on the right, and so is the b/w example in the first few seconds of the video . Was there something wrong with the rendering? To clarify, I don't believe it was intentional. It's likely a bug from Kobo.

[@hotelvasthorizon]

Thank you for showing how much backlight is needed to make the screen on the color version just as bright as the screen on the BW version. So it's about 30% or so based on the setting in your example. I appreciate the in depth comparison. I actually don't mind the graininess effect that some people are complaining about, but the brightness is giving me some thought

[@JediLMS520]

The graniess makes it look and feel textured, like paper so personally I kinda like it

[@MasticinaAkicta]

What I hope is that Kobo brings out a Sage Color, or whatever they would call their 8" ebook reader at that point. After all I bought a Sage not only a year ago, and for reading most books that thing is more then fine.

[@iron-mage]

Id love to see the difference in displaying a comic like hellboy where there's massive blocks of colour and pure black shadows

[@jorgeamaral613]

They really should have given us a 7 inch screen with carta 1300

[@RowleyFan2]

Thank you for the detailed review! It addressed all the questions I had since I'm still undecided on which one to get, so I appreciate all the comments about the screens. I probably will get the BW since I don't read manga or comics on my ereader, only books.

[@HenriqueSantosCosta]

Funny... I own a Paperwhite and I never turn off the light. I think it looks better with light on. Plus I never have to look for a light source when reading. So it isn't a big deal to me anyway. That being said, I could be worng but the colour seem to have a bit of a grainy aspect to the screen. Looked a bit off.

[@MrSoFly]

Good to see you're doing all the videos you suggested on your survey. I love how annoyed you sound having to repeat how dark the colour screen is without the backlight. Especially when nobody worried about the brightness on their phones, TV's, tablets, or laptops. For me this is the 2nd time you have mentioned the hazing effect though it did not really show on the video. I've seen other reviews and only one of them mentioned it but said he forgot it was there after constant use. Thanks for the videos you are putting out.

[@aje83774]

Awesome comparison, and thanks for the video. I really like how the colour looks, but for me, who's reading 99.9% b&w material, I think I'd opt for the higher contrast bw version.

[@laquishab2605]

This comparison is spot on. Thank you! I have a Libra 2 and bought the Libra Colour because I was excited to try out a colour device. I returned it the next day. Very disappointing, as the display was so dark. I had to turn the light up to 80% min to get the same brightness as my Libra 2. I bought the Clara BW and am extremely happy with it. Very crisp text and the display is awesome. Don’t even need the light on. If you only read books with text my advice is to get the Clara BW, but if you want the bigger screen, go for the Libra 2. Instead of the Libra colour. You won’t be disappointed! I’m going to keep both Clara BW and Libra 2. The Clara is great because it fits in my small purse and would be great for traveling. I’ll keep the older Libra 2 for reading at night because I love the buttons and it’s more comfortable to hold while reading in bed.

[@marktimbers433]

😁

[@mathieufortier1221]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I have a question. I have the Kobo Aura One which has a 7.8" screen. When you go to Clara BW, do you miss the larger screen? I am thinking about upgrading, but the Libra 2 is out of stock and I don't know if kobo will make them again. And The Clara is very tempting to me, but I am concerned about the smaller screen. If you had to choose just one, would you keep the Libra 2 or the Clara BW?

[@laquishab2605]

@@mathieufortier1221 I think I would keep the Libra 2 if I could only keep one. You can still buy the Libra 2 at Indigo Chapters and also Best Buy.

[@_sunfish]

Hi, how much more comfortable is it than the clara for reading in bed, I don't have clara but i tried it, i'm looking to buy an first e-reader and reading in bed will be a major thing for me, is it more comfortable because of the bigger bezel, the buttons, both ? For bezel aren't there cases/accesories that would fix that for the clara ? Also how are pdfs on these if you ever tried it ?

[@laquishab2605]

@@_sunfish I find the Libra much more comfortable to hold as the bezel lets me have a better grip. The Clara has thin bezel all the way around so I need to make an L shape with my thumb and index finger to hold it up when I read lying down. I also like the page turn buttons because it allows one hand use.

[@MasticinaAkicta]

Ah the great VS Color vs a sharper screen Mmm, I find that 6" might be a bit too small to really enjoy colors. 7 or 8 inch makes more sense. Still nice they offer it. But eh for manga? Bit small.

[@Cezille07]

How fast are the Clara's at typing like when doing a search? (I know it won't be SUPER fast, but I'm hoping that the 1300's are an improvement over a much older ereader.)

[@postnick]

Like I should have bought this Cobo Color - but I got my Kindle Paperwhite for like $50 out of pocket thanks to trade in and discounts... but now i have fomo.

[@awesamart3247]

This is so helpful thank you! I bought my kobo just months before they released a coloured version. Glad to know that i didn't necessarily miss anything i was personally concerned about when reading. .

[@sachadmitriev589]

I don't see the need for color on a 6" reader. For novels, 6" in perfect for novels. When talking about colored Manga, 6" is too small, Libra Colour 7" is much better. I have both the Libra Colour and the Clara BW, and for novels reading, difference is like the night and the day. Pushing the brightness to 40% to be able to read make the eInk display like an iPad. It's light the entire room, unable to read in my bed while my wife is sleeping. And the color layer blur the B&W layer.

[@barnieONYOUTUBE]

Thank you for doing this! Was interested in the speed difference between them, and as you say it looks like they're about on par. Think it's making me now choose between the BW or the Libra Colour, funnily enough!

[@bazboz1988]

I am wondering if Kobo Libra 2 will be discontinued as it's out of stock from many places.. they should keep it as alternative black and white option for who wants a BW screen rather than Kobo Libra Colour, same situation of giving option between Clara BW and Colour

[@justanothernobody7142]

In my country everywhere is listing the BW Libra 2 as discontinued now.

[@coya8coy175]

That was the one I was saving to buy for, but then it sold out. I need to replace my old Clara, but don’t want color nor too big of a size. Might just get a newer BW Clara.

[@guadalupeshardrodel8027]

I have the 7th genaration kindle basic, (it is almost 10 years old) i want to upgrade it but i'm having a hard time choosing, first i only wanted kindle, now, i don't mind trying kobo, i really want to try the colour one, but i see that so manny people disliked it.... idk what to do😪

[@TiagoRamosVideos]

Perfect video 👌 thanks 🙏

[@xxyxxyyyx]

are both screen like with the kindle paperwhite? do they look like a book?

[@user-ro5cn8ih5o]

Technology should be advanced, not a step back. The dark screen sacrificing clarity and reading experience is a deal breaker.

[@ntt2k]

It sucks that KZbin's compression kills most of the difference that are highlighted in this video

[@goodereader]

Unfortunately that is a factor, we try our best to film and upload in 4k, and show you an honest look at these items, but it's going through so many screens, that sometime it just gets lost

[@marrammeffam5720]

Missing landscape function on kobo clara BW. Any solution for landscape?

[@wanderkristel]

Do Kobo ereaders sync books across devices? I currently have Kobo Libra H2O and I am looking for something more portable, so looking into Clara or the basic Kindle. If Kobo doesn't sync, I am tempted to try Amazon ecosystem otherwise, will stick to Kobo as I am used to the interface.

[@Li-ib8lr]

My kobo devices sync my books and my reading progress. Sometimes, I have to press sync manually, but it doesn't feel cumbersome at all (to me). I have an older aura H20 and a newer Libra2 and libra color.

[@cheshirecat200302]

Thank you for this comparison, I am deciding between the BW and Colour at this moment. Still haven't made up my mind though but now I know what the tradeoffs are. 😅

[@purplegum1383]

Did you decide ? Because i am on the same situation

[@necrisro]

I don't get why they bury the sketchpad to deep in settings, I'd like it to have more easily available even if it's not a stylus only thing

[@goodereader]

THANK you. We have been saying that for years when it came to Kobo devices, early pocketbook units, Sony, etc; how they don't really advertise these little tiny features

[@balddog]

Does the cases for the Clara 2E work with the Clara BW?

[@Rylock99]

Yeah, these new devices and your reporting that no other new models are incoming made me finally bite the bullet on the Kobo Sage. Was concerned by the battery life criticism but, so far, it doesn't seem all that bad. I wouldn't recommend manga on a smaller device, text already gets pretty small and would require semi-frequent zooming. I appreciate Kobo's willingness to innovate on their mainstream product lines though. I hope they see massive success in general.

[@MusicProducer808]

I want a small basic device to read books and mark references for further study. I have narrowed it down to the Clara BW or the Kindle basic but I cannot find any side by side comparision - anyone have any input?

[@millernerd]

For that, it may be better to pay more attention to the software and whatnot than the physical device. I just sold my Kindle Oasis and got a Kobo Clara BW and so far I'm liking it better.

[@avrilqueen6703]

If you already have ebooks in several format (pdf, epub) Kobo or Boox might be better. They support several format. Kindle only support azw file.

[@hometechUK]

Roll on gallery 3 eink tablets NO colour filter.

[@DelfimMiranda]

What a nice comparison! Thank you!

[@seratractivo7231]

These colour Kobo’s are a massive letdown. The first impression I got when receiving my Libra Colour was, this is too dark, this sucks. Then you suddenly try to justify reasons for keeping it and then say yourself well it’s not that bad. The reality is that it is that bad. Go with your gut instinct. The other thing is that you have to juice up the battery to 80% to match the Libra 2 and that is an absolute battery killer. All for what? To read black-and-white text? To see your book covers in color? To be able to highlight in yellow, blue and pink? Big deal! I do like color but not at the expense of a dark screen. In that case, I’ll wait for Kobo Colour 5.

[@goodereader]

Honestly if it's your first introduction to color, we can understand your comment, But this is not a new revelation, this has been the inherent technologies limitations since 2009

[@seratractivo7231]

@@goodereader so it hasn’t improved since 2009? Can we continue to expect dark screens moving forward?

[@goodereader]

@@seratractivo7231 no, we said inherent issue. So how it works is that compared to a regular e-paper device, color has an array filter over top, which hinders a lot of the image quality, but allows light to be refracted in a way to produce color Compared to 2019 (the second wave of color, having taken a break since 2013) kaleido has had three generations and it has gotten better with each interval In fact, now, with just a little bit of glow light, it looks absolutely fantastic Remember, epaper is created by little physical particles that move up and down, so there is a great amount of demand on them to produce an image, and people have the expectation that it is supposed to look like lcd, which it cannot Hope this clarifies :-)

[@seratractivo7231]

@@goodereader OK thanks for the clarification. But I have to disagree with it looking fantastic. I purchased a Libra Colour and I thought the screen was way too dark, I had to juice up the battery to about 70 or 80%, especially outdoors. And the text and background was not as crisp, sharp or black as my libra 2. The lighting was also pinkish hue when reading standard text.

[@goodereader]

@@seratractivo7231 within the world of Color e-ink, it looks fantastic, Compared to non-color, it does not look good. Of course

[@BeeldspraakMM]

fijne duidelijke vergelijking. Ik kan nu een keus maken. Dank

[@xZioncar]

Welke Ereader heeft u gekozen? Ik heb zelf de kobo libra color gekocht maar zit toch te twijfelen of ik hem ga omruilen voor de clara BW.

[@mrasibella]

I want to buy a Kobo sage... Is it worth buying the Kobo sage in 2024 in terms of features and price?

[@lg623]

Same here. Im debating between getting a Clara BW or Sage?

[@voradora]

was hoping you would put the bw and 2e side by side

[@goodereader]

No, we're not going to be doing that. There's no time or space on our shooting schedule for that review

[@chicoladogski]

Someone posted a video of this comparison. From what I've seen I'll hold on to my Kobo Clara 2e a bit longer. The 2e's screen is still better than the new Clara BW and Colour.

[@muktobak8498]

What are you talking about? BW is clearly the winner. Who needs a comparison review?

[@muktobak8498]

​@@chicoladogskican you share the link?

[@goodereader]

Yea, that technologically doesn't make sense This is using a better screen.

[@KamilSzczechPoland]

Kobo Clara Coloure has Carta 1300?

[@JoaoAlmeida-xn3ko]

No

[@Welther47]

6:24 the title should just be bright white with a black outline. But that is more of a design thing on that specific cartoon. BTW: I really appreciate your honest, professionel sounding titles. Not something like "will THIS be best...MOST read" or similar clickbait-ish titles.

[@doctor1alex]

I don’t like the plastic casing at all. It feels very cheap and slippery in the hand. Sticking with a Kindle Voyage.

[@ogrejd]

With any luck, you'll some day be able to make the only important comparison: Clara/Libra Colour vs other existing color ereaders...

[@ricarmig]

I find these videos amusing but sometimes too optimistic… the reality is: - less than 7.8” is for most people I know way too small to read books, let alone magazines and manga. I personally like 7.8” to read books, 10.3” for everything else. - color panels are still underwhelming: the colors are muted, the filter makes the screen too dark. It’s far better than before, but for me still too weak. The “gallery” series are better but too slow. Maybe the next gen improves everything and then it’s an option.

[@lordramoth3416]

And I thought Clara BW stood for reading BackWards… 😐

[@ВиталикВиршин]

Color e-ink sucks for reading books. The best device e-ink reader for reading in 2024 - Kobo Libra 2 B/W witch koreader app. All other device very bad in materials or sizes or screen. I have many devices in my collection and expiries, Libra 2 the best now.

[@thanhsonha7009]

I like a BW

[@anpolin]

3 ads just to watch the video!!!!😡

[@goodereader]

Yes, that is how we make money. We need to run ads so we can get money to continue being a business