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| The Kobo Libra Color is getting a larger battery. |
E-reader enthusiasts looking at the vibrant Kobo Libra Colour now have a new detail to consider: a quiet but significant hardware revision. While the popular color e-reader has been a solid choice for months at prices under $210, a new version is now circulating with one key upgrade. According to a report from Good E-Reader, the latest models are equipped with a larger battery, though getting your hands on the specific new version might require some luck or strategy.
The Upgrade: More Power for Longer Reading Sessions
The core improvement is straightforward but welcome. The new Kobo Libra Colour revision swaps out the original 2,050 mAh battery for a more robust 2,300 mAh cell. This represents a solid 10% increase in capacity, promising to extend the device's already impressive battery life even further. For avid readers who prize going weeks between charges, this is a meaningful step forward.
The discovery of this change, however, highlights a peculiar situation for consumers. As detailed in Good E-Reader's report on the Kobo Libra Colour's larger battery, there is no visible difference on the product packaging or in online listings to distinguish the old model from the new. The only way to confirm which version you've received is to check the device information in the settings menu once you've unboxed it. The new model carries the code N428B, while the original version is labeled N428.
The Purchasing Dilemma: A Game of E-Reader Roulette
This lack of clear identification creates a frustrating scenario for buyers specifically seeking the latest hardware. You won't know if you're getting the new battery until the device is in your hands. This puts customers in a bind, especially if purchasing from a retailer with slower inventory turnover that might still be shipping the original stock.
In theory, one could order from multiple retailers and return the older models, but this is a time-consuming and environmentally unfriendly process. A more practical approach for those eager to get the new version is to order from major online retailers with high sales volume, as they are more likely to have cycled through older inventory. For the most risk-averse, simply waiting a few more months should increase the odds as stock refreshes globally.
Where to buy the Kobo Libra Colour: You can check the latest pricing and availability for the Kobo Libra Colour here on Amazon.
A Familiar Feature Set in a New Light
For readers unfamiliar with the Libra Colour, it shares much of its DNA with other notable e-readers. It is very similar in hardware to the Tolino Vision Color (2024), offering the same 7-inch color E Ink screen, waterproof IPX8 certification, and stylus support for note-taking. Like its Tolino cousin, it runs on a Linux-based operating system, providing a focused, reading-optimized experience distinct from Android-based tablets.
The stealthy battery upgrade reinforces the Kobo Libra Colour's position as a strong contender in the color e-reader space. However, the opaque way this revision is being rolled out serves as a cautionary note. If the larger battery is a priority for you, you may need to arm yourself with a little extra patience—and the knowledge to check for "N428B" as soon as you open the box.