Kobo Libra Colour REVIEW: The King of E-Readers?!

Rakuten Kobo’s first color e-readers, Kobo Libra Colour and Kobo Clara Colour, are here! In this video, I review the all new Kobo Libra Colour and go over my honest experience. Be sure to LIKE and subscribe!
‪@RakutenSec‬ ‪@KoboBooks‬
#Kobo #ereader #ebooks #KoboLibraColour
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⏱️ Time Stamps:
0:00 Intro
0:49 Design
3:18 Display
5:39 User Interface
8:34 Performance
9:07 Battery Life
10:04 Worth It?
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[@KoboBooks]

👑

[@supasapien]

Please launch in India.

[@dsolis7532]

I have seen a lot of complains about the color that I can’t understand. The “news paper” look actually makes it easier to read. If you want a highly saturated color scheme, buy an iPad

[@FaizAly]

I couldn’t agree more with your comment

[@marianangelie]

I have the color and Im so inlove with it especially when I read graphic novels. Its premium and I can read both outside and inside with no problem. Unlike what other says that you cant read outside in the sun, i tested it, I can read on it pretty well just like how you read a book. It feels like paper.

[@anatolitrafimuk4987]

The Bigme Galy with Gallery 3 provides more vivid colors. But terrible black and slow update.

[@Kevincooper220]

​@marianangelie9358 so it's like kindle? You can read in sun?

[@marianangelie]

@@Kevincooper220 yes! :)

[@aimssssss]

i stopped looking on ebook readers before coz i want to highlight my books in different colors but damn this is a game changer i didn’t know an ebook reader like this would be out soon. thank u for this review!

[@markmoriarty7760]

I appreciate your review as I have viewed and read several others that were critical of the new Kobo Libra Colour mainly complaining about the degradation of the screen compared to the previous model. I had the previous Kobo Libra 2 and found the screen fine but its performance was slugish compared to the Kindle I got to replace it. Unfortunately I disliked the Kindle’s walled garden and wanted something more open. I tried an iPad Mini for 6 months and it was great, the screen was sharp and contrast was higher than e-ink. But, as I did most of my reading at night in the dark, I tired of the brightness of the LCD screen even with night shift, dark mode and brightness at zero! It was still annoying. So I was keen to try the colour Kobo. So I went to a shop and saw one in person and thought, “This is fine and sharp and bright enough without burning out my eyes, what were reviewers complaining about?” I can now read at night using dark mode with a setting of only 2% brightness. It is fine and my eyes enjoy the experience. And the responsiveness of the device is great, very snappy and quick. Much faster than the previous model. I don’t miss the iPad Mini at all. Also I can put whatever epubs I like onto it, not as restrictive as a Kindle. I like reading classic books and most of them are free. So if are hesitant about the new Kobo Libra Colour don’t be.

[@edwarddht]

your habit is like mine. I cannot read ebooks in the dark with dark mode on my ipad's LCD screen. Feel my eyes hurt @@ But my old kindle made me angry with its screen if I forgot to charge it. Finally, it's gone. I will buy a Kobo Libra Colour. I'm falling in love with it

[@Claude-tj6ud]

Wow! Super great video. The best I've seen so far. Many thanks. You comforted my choice to pre-order the Libra Colour. I'm so eager to receive mine.

[@FaizAly]

Thank you so much! You will love the Libra Colour!

[@brichardson7884]

I'm still on the fence. Id like to draw and sketch, but everything points to it not being very good for that

[@DenisHiki]

​@@brichardson7884you should eat monkey soup

[@SubhaReadsBooks]

This is so helpful! Thank you! I ordered my library color tonight!!!

[@FaizAly]

I’m so glad! Excited for you to receive yours 🙌🏼

[@primate90]

Thanks for the review mate. Excellent video. I just preordered after your video.

[@96Sepu]

Great review man! very detailed and thanks for focusing on the comics too! :D

[@Septymus]

Can't wait to get it! Great review, thanks man!

[@mykoc-hx1nx]

The first good review of this 👍

[@FaizAly]

Glad you liked it!

[@marcosv8426]

Great review. Really covered what this eReader is for and its pros/cons vs. the older Readers. Next time I get asked which eReader to buy, I'll refer them to this video as a required data point.

[@FaizAly]

Thank you so much! That means a lot 🙌🏼

[@hannalisss]

I have always used Kobo and i bought my Clara one a few years ago so I have just preordered the Libra 2 Colour!!! CANT WAIT!!🥰🥰🥰

[@FaizAly]

You will love it!

[@dcpowered]

Thanks a lot for this great review! I bought the Kobo Libra a few years ago and i think it's time for an upgrade to the colour version!

[@stephaniehuang5151]

Thank you for the work! Much appreciated.

[@adaml.5355]

Great review! I can't wait to get mine.

[@opal817]

This is the e-reader I've been waiting for. Good color, pen compatible, great OS. Even the screen refreshing looks faster and less strobe-y than its competitors.

[@gillianwhelan]

I ordered this about a week ago, and now I am even more excited. Thanks for a brilliant review

[@FaizAly]

Thank you! You’ll love it!

[@shansaly]

Great review! Now I want one

[@FaizAly]

Go for it!

[@NoahWJP]

Currently using a kobo touch 2 LOL! cannot wait to upgrade to either this or the clara color!

[@CaffeinatedBookwoorm]

Looks like I’m switching from kindle. This is exactly what I’ve been looking for! The scribe was just too big for me and I love taking notes

[@tonigee327]

First!! I can’t wait to get mine, I got it in white

[@FaizAly]

You’ll love it!

[@tonigee327]

@@FaizAly I will definitely start reading Manga now too!

[@pjlacey3990]

Thanks for the review. I’ve always been a Kobo fan over my Kindle. Can’t wait to get one.

[@FaizAly]

You’re welcome! Excited for you to receive yours 🙌🏼

[@contactMW]

Great review Faiz - looks like a top product 🎉

[@smithmal01]

Thanks for this content, it is much appreciated. I love the fact that you got it in black. It really makes the colors pop and reduces the perception of how dark the display is without backlighting due to the inherent darkening that Kaleido 3 technology causes on an e-ink display. Couple of questions: 1. I know you mentioned how good the battery life is for the device, but how about for the stylus? 2. I'm very impressed with how affordable Kobo kept the Libra Colour however I can't say the same for the stylus. Is it really worth $70 or are their cheaper better options? 3. Thoughts about the sleep cover? You didn't really discuss the cover and I was wondering if it can be used as a stand. 4. This is the first I'm hearing that the Libra Colour can only provide sound if playing Kobo audible books. So does that mean if I wanted to side-load some music files that I could listen to in the background it would be a "no-go?"

[@slikedragon]

My understanding is that the only audio format it plays is Kobo audio books.

[@gjhwebb]

Brilliant review, cant wait for mine to arrive tomorrow.

[@FaizAly]

Thank you! You will absolutely love it.

[@saraataollahi]

Your vids make me want to get one now!!

[@KeithsUniverse]

I currently have the Clara and will totally be upgrading to this eventually.

[@heatherdubeart]

Thank you so much for this in-depth review! So well done and helpful. I can’t wait for this one!!

[@FaizAly]

You are so welcome! You’ll love the Libra Colour!

[@davidrutledge6215]

Excellent review. I have the first Libra and it is really perfection in terms of being light weight and easy to hold and easy to change pages with the buttons positioned where they are. Unfortunately, writing on smooth glass or glass-like plastic is a huge mistake in the design of many e-ink devices, and this one falls into that category.

[@nothankyou7357]

Questions - how do older epub files play with the color screen? Do older epub titles have their covers in color? Also, is a higher brightness required to attain the same sharpness for B&W text vs a non-color e-reader?

[@serweilee4064]

Hi hi good stuff there.. Could you cover how the colour would help in reading Libby magazines? Not just the colour of course but the general improvement of colour, shades, zooming text excerpts. Thanks!

[@pspsmallz]

Finally a real review of this, even if it's a short one. Every other video by everyone is just an unboxing one pretty much.

[@FaizAly]

I am dropping the Clara Colour review later today as well. Stay tuned

[@codythep]

Intro said it all 🔥 🌈

[@Tonette926]

You have not address the screen difference if compared to the Libra 2 with the lights off. I have a Libra 2 and a Boox Note Air 3, that's why I'm curious if the Kobo Libra Colour has a much darker screen vis-a-vis the black and white Libra 2 like all color e-readers?

[@rachel_espinoza]

I love kobo for reading!

[@SuperWabo]

Perfect. Thank you.

[@FaizAly]

Hope you enjoyed the review!

[@Nikkilodean19]

@@FaizAlycan you annotate on the page for sideloaded books or only for Kobo purchased books? This will be a deal breaker for me.

[@madmonkey545]

I have all the (basic, PW, scribe) kindles but the oasis, going to pick up the libra colour. I’ve been wanting one with buttons so bad😌 I got the scribe for christmas, and I love it for at work, but it would be nice to have a device that can do both in a pinch that is a little smaller if need arises.

[@FaizAly]

You’re going to love it!

[@ChasingForever]

Thank you for the great review. I’m sure Kindle is working on color, however, if the note taking capability is the same as it is on the Scribe, I’ll take a pass. Since I own several pens for my Boox devices, can they be used on the Kobo? Again thanks for the review.

[@Nikkilodean19]

If they are MPP then yes they will

[@petrina7883]

Great review - thank you.🙏 I think I’m going to cave and spend money on this.😅

[@FaizAly]

Thank you! You will definitely enjoy it ☺️

[@bipo1ar_o4ka]

thanks for the review! one question: can you read manga/comics online, or you need to download them to reader?

[@weirdfi]

Hm, thank you for pointing out it only supports Kobo audio books! I'll have to think on which one I'd still prefer to try

[@alexruffer7244]

Looks like a great device. My apologies if you've covered these questions elsewhere but wondering: 1) Can books purchase on Kindle (or borrowed from Libby/Overdrive) be read on these? 2) Can you make notes with the pen directly on the text in books you own/borrow? Thanks for any insight you can give!

[@st8dtamazone]

On the kobo app you can do a highlighting with stylus or finger. When you want to annotate freely you have to switch to markup tools. You cant use both in the same mode. Is that the same on the device?

[@warnerblair]

I think I’m going to have to give kobo a try and try to get away from Amazon

[@rmportraits1641]

This is an excellent review. Can you annotate side loaded ebooks and PDFs?

[@f.frknkocaaslan4440]

Thanks for review. I'm using kobo libra h2o for 4 years. Do you think it is worth to upgrade for Libra colour? I guess screen resolution and cpu is same:(

[@MedievalMary]

I think Amazon should take note

[@FaizAly]

They definitely should!

[@arm8636]

Nice pun

[@classicappetite]

They definitely have as I'm sure lots of customers would have deregistered their Kindles for Kobor Color, including my 2 Scribe and Paperwhite.

[@sjefhoudoe3553]

I'm curious about the screen contrast of this device. My biggest fear is that it won't be better than other colour ereaders. So that means far worse contrast than B/W ereaders. The Libra 2 has black text on a white background, the Libra Color will have grey text on a grey background, forcing you to almost always have the backlight on, as it is shown in this review.

[@mathieufortier1221]

Very good review. Thank you. I was wondering, how does it compare to the libra 2. I mean, in black and white. Does the color display effect the crispiness of the texte in black and white? That's the only thing holding me back. What do you think?

[@jessydubefortier7469]

Same here!

[@Nikkilodean19]

I’ve watched several reviews and whilst the specs is 150ppi for colour and 300ppi for b&w to the naked eye people are saying it’s unnoticeable

[@seratractivo7231]

Yes it does affect the crispness big time. I received my Libra colour yesterday and compared to my Libra 2 it pales in comparison regarding crispness of text and contrast. The color layer really affects the deep blacks and sharp text you have with the Libra 2. Colour is nice but not at the cost of crispness and deep blacks. Plus, honestly, not necessary since you won’t have any color reading books 99% of the time.

[@lenasophie5455]

Do you know by any chance if this is the same hardware as the tolino is going to have? Since they’ve done that before? Would be super helpful 🙏🏼

[@TarisRedwing]

You should show more shots of readers with the back light off and outside in full sunlight so we can see what that readability would look like and show off it's paper like qualities.

[@danyftw]

Is it really week of battery life on this model? I'd love to know this beforehand buying one :) thank you for your great content!

[@brunobrito450]

Can you describe how it is the response of a colour Libra with sunlight and libra BW with sublight?

[@aargomemnon]

Thank you for the review. How does it compare with BooX GO 7 Color?

[@heidis2330]

I am surprised they did not choose the Sage for the first color ereader due to the size makes it a better fit

[@OnlyTeardrops84]

I am not bothered about the color. I like the idea of a bigger screen with the kobo safe? would you say the libra color is faster?

[@sleepyheaaad]

Any idea if a screen protector hinders the stylus at all?

[@Giusyna83]

Hi, regarding the stylus, have you noticed if the Kobo screen gets scratched during daily use? I bought the stylus 2 and I'm tempted to buy the film for the Kobo but I'm afraid of the reflection effect.

[@bessjli]

Appreciate the review! Can you only highlight text using the stylus? Or can we use our fingers similar to how the Kindle works? Also would like to get your thoughts if you enjoy the Kobo library vs Kindle Unlimited (if you're subscribed)?

[@FaizAly]

Thank you! Nope, you can highlight without the stylus as well. To be honest, I am no longer subscribed to Kindle Unlimited as it just wasn’t worth it for me. I enjoy the Kobo ecosystem more now I must say

[@bessjli]

@@FaizAly Thank you! that's really good to know. I have the kindle paperwhite and am highly considering getting this Kobo for the color + page buttons. 😆

[@mrasibella]

Hey I really like your review, can you make a comparison with the Kobo Sage😢?

[@ReadGameCraftCook]

I preordered for my 6yo daughter, I think the color will make her enjoy reading more. If they ever make a symmetrical design with buttons on both sides like the Nook Glowlight Plus i'll be all over it for myself. I loved the oasis style design until I got a nook, now I can't go back. I love the Avatar series too btw ! 😃

[@FaizAly]

Your daughter will love it. Right now I’m reviewing the Kobo Clara as well which is an asymmetrical design but no page buttons. It’s still a fantastic device. Cheaper too

[@WateryFire]

How about just getting her beautiful colorful books? Poor kids these days with parents shoving devices in their hands...

[@monicaguokas1869]

You know you can flip ot so the buttons are on the other side too.

[@ReadGameCraftCook]

@@WateryFireyou do realize you’re watching a video about ereaders? Regardless, we buy her physical books as well but she reads them too quickly to take a stack of books on car trips. Reading is reading and it’s eink not an lcd display. Poor kids these days, with the option to reading tons of books at their fingertips rather than just carrying one at a time. So horrible for them! My kids are doing just fine don’t you worry!

[@elynlee6816]

Hi all, I'm just curious whether other stylus (microsoft surface pen or etc) would work with the Libra? I've already placed my order for Libra, but am hesitant to buy the stylus due to the price.

[@Pozoe12]

I'm thinking about switching from my Kindle Paperwhite, I think I'm sold!

[@FaizAly]

You’ll love it!

[@lilacaloe]

Thanks for the detailed review! I only cant decide between black or white colour 😅

[@JVJF7]

The black one will heat up alot if you use it in the hot sun

[@Nikkilodean19]

White

[@emanuelef2]

I have a Kobo Libra first edition and the backlight is not very good, as it is coming only from one side one part of the screen is more brighter the the other. Do you know if this problem is also affecting this new Kobo? Thanks

[@digital_harvest]

Thank you for the info, great review! Do you know if the Libra 2 cases will fit?

[@FaizAly]

You’re welcome! Unfortunately it won’t

[@Nikkilodean19]

Yes it does but the charging port doesn’t match so you’ll need to take out of case to charge/

[@Nikkilodean19]

Can you annotate on the page for sideloaded books or only Kobo bought Ebooks?

[@void2258]

Will the libra color fit in libra 2 cases? How does it do with CBR and CBZ, and apps like marvel unlimited or Mihon?

[@teachertool2001]

Thanks for the review! Any more details on the writing capacities of the device? It looks like it is in it's own little niche of the market.

[@TheDrag0nSlayer]

How so? Note taking color ereaders have been around for a while now. Boox has several.

[@FaizAly]

You are most welcome! 😊 Sure! What questions do you have?

[@haticed.5851]

Is it possible to use the stylus for kobo libra 2 (regular)

[@junetang]

Does it need a screen protector? Do you think the screen will have scratch marks if often use the stylus?

[@slikedragon]

Older Kobo ereaders were fairly prone to screen damage if dropped or scratched. They shouldn't be scratched by the stylus, however, and the lifted bezel around the screen also offers protection for the screen itself. Still, probably safest to use a screen protector.

[@ricardias1551]

Great video, bro. But just tell me one thing: Kobo Libra flips the text upside down, like Kindle Oasis? We can change hands and the buttons change too? Thanks.

[@FaizAly]

Thanks! Yes that’s correct

[@ricardias1551]

Thank you for your kind answer.

[@chacha9150]

Is it available to write notes on epub or txt format？

[@alindakal-bab5790]

Do you have issues with the search function in epub books that you transfer from you pc to the kobo libra colour? I am using the libra colour and when I search for a word in the books (that i transferred from the PC to the libra) it gets highlighten in black instead of gray as in libra 2, hiding the word behind the highlight making it unreadable. This does not happen if I search a word in a book downloaded from kobo store, only for those transferred from my pc.

[@j0404t]

Faiz - random question, but i am very curious where did you get that console table behind the sofa at :59?

[@RenaissanceEarCandy]

It's beautiful, I just wish it wasn't so bloody reflective. And not having an SD card slot is pretty much a deal breaker for me.

[@artc.7538]

I have the high end Kindle Scribe and I keep waiting for an upgrade which will allow me to make notes in an ebook within the page just like in a physical book.Don't like the pop up note and the tiny icon which they currently use. I noticed you made notes in Kobo exactly as in physical books. Is that standard with Kobo's? That alone is a game changer for me. Can't understand why Amazon doesn't do this as well as a color screen.

[@Nikkilodean19]

It is in fact standard but I want to know if you can annotate/draw/side note on a side loaded book or can you only do this on Kobo bought books, however it is 💯 the standard for Kobo purchased Ebooks.

[@mike-vh7vt]

does the brightness seem enough when reading outside with a lot of sunshine? i heard someone say he wish for a little more

[@raficusx]

The first significant, comprehensive review! Do you find this to be an acceptable replacement for personal notepad? Also, do you think this would work for commuting (standing) on public transit?

[@FaizAly]

Thank you! Tbh I feel like a larger screen (Scribe size) would have made it the perfect size to have it be a notebook style device. However it’s not bad. Totally comes down to personal preference

[@AA-ws5xk]

I already have 4 ereaders, but I think I need this in my life too. Hey kobo take my money.😂

[@teliciada]

What does “Reduce Rainbow Effect” do? Does it switch back to greyscale?

[@mjorgef]

I bough one by launch day and had to return it because of two dead pixels, went to get the a new one today and it has one dead pixel! 🤦🏻‍♂️ Does anyone got any issues with dead pixel? I’m going to return the second one now, hope to get a good one on the third try.

[@classicappetite]

The only thing you made me diassapointed in this review is I may need to change my pre-order Kobo cover from Black to Sand Beige haha

[@zeracela3045]

i am new to the whole e reader thing like those devics only have e -libraries? do they have research engine? where will you get your e-books?and can i send pdfs to it from other devices like pdfs from my classes? i am new please someone answer

[@xolborstuff8999]

What happens when you place your hand on the screen while writing with stylus? Does it distract note taking?

Kobo at least has color screens! Yay! Thank you for the review :) The Libra Color seems perfect. Lightweight, page turn buttons, USB-C, waterproof (IPX8)... It looks amazing. The only downside for me is that I prefer Android on my e-readers, to install the apps I want. But seriously I could happily use the Libra Color and adapt. And the price is so good for a color device! This is tempting!!

[@Nikkilodean19]

I’m hoping that this will allow on the page annotations for side loaded books too not just Kobo bought Ebooks 😢 this would be a deal breaker

[@jeewanharshanath5057]

is it available to online order?

[@onkichoi7877]

Hello! Can you explain a bit more as to how to transfer books into the device from my computer like from a folder or google drive?

[@safugpac2691]

Very easy, just drag and drop your files from the computer directly into the Kobo's root folder.

[@federicogori9888]

Nice!!!

[@ivanone21]

Does it show the cover of the books as a screensaver? What about if it's a epub book?

[@emeline7274]

It does show it, for an epub book too!

[@moomints]

Do you happen to know if annotating is possible on files you upload yourself? I seem to remember that with the kobo sage/elipsa you could only annotate books you downloaded through the kobo store.

[@GrayHomeVideo]

I have a Sage and I can use the stylus to make notes on side-loaded EPUBS. (I side-load wirelessly via Dropbox.) The catch is that notes on non-Kobo purchased books will NOT be backed up in any fashion, unless you use Calibre to regularly backup your device database.

[@moomints]

@@GrayHomeVideo thank you so much for answering! That's good to know! I don't really care about them being backed up somewhere in the long run, I just like the act of annotating so I wanted to be sure I could even in side-loaded ones.

[@GrayHomeVideo]

@@moomints I've not tried using the stylus with anything other than side-loaded, DRM-free EPUB, so if you read other file types, you should ask regarding those. I'm not a heavy annotator, but I do sometimes mark up typos to correct them later.

[@moomints]

@@GrayHomeVideo I do stick to EPUB format myself! Thanks again!!

[@Nikkilodean19]

@@GrayHomeVideoare the notes on the page though?

[@06cagnes]

Any idea or leak to when Amazon will release its color offers ?

[@sorakira5457]

Great review! I just want to ask can we use third party pen for this? Really curious!

[@andrewpark7242]

Kobo stylus 2 uses microsoft tech so you can use alternative surface pen if you want to save some money

[@FaizAly]

Thank you! Unfortunately not

[@jomateix6218]

When zooming, what's the performance like? If you want, for example, read magazines and zoom on graphics, it can be painful if it's not quick rendering

[@Nikkilodean19]

They’ve rendered the magazine to be like an Ebook so the headlines will have the picture and title but once you click on it, it’s like an ordinary Ebook

[@GolocheSupercaboche]

did they improve the pdf? I have a Clara hd, and the pdf are really bad 😅

[@thefablestudio]

Is the screen darker beacuse of the colors layer if we compare to the no colour version?? Thanks

[@ironinthesoul9680]

I'd like to know too

[@slikedragon]

Yes, the color layer on top of the black and white layer darkens the screen if you don't have any backlight turned on. If using the backlight, however, it will appear just as bright.

[@StephaneDugas-tech]

I feel like you should have mentioned a comparison of how dark /dim it is compared to the libra 2

[@amberbear8071]

So , the kobo app doesn't have as many titles, and the ebooks to purchase are just as much as the actual book. Was I missing something possibly?

[@sr2291]

I see a yellowish screen. Does it come with Bold fonts? Large fonts? Warmer tones hurt my eyes.

[@scottshort3931]

Does the original stylus work on this device?