Kobo Mini vs Kobo Touch

Last updated: July 10, 2023
Kobo Mini and Kobo Touch are two eReader models from the Kobo brand, offering different features and functionalities to enhance the reading experience.

One key difference between Kobo Mini and Kobo Touch lies in their form factor and display size. Kobo Mini features a compact design with a 5-inch E Ink display, making it one of the smallest and most portable eReaders available. Its small size makes it convenient for readers who prefer a lightweight and pocket-sized device, ideal for on-the-go reading. On the other hand, Kobo Touch has a larger 6-inch E Ink display, offering a slightly more spacious reading experience. The larger screen size provides a bit more room for text and reduces the need for frequent page turns. Readers who prefer a more substantial screen size or have difficulty reading smaller text may find the Kobo Touch more suitable for their needs.

Another significant difference lies in their storage capacity. Kobo Mini typically comes with 2GB of internal storage, which is sufficient for storing hundreds of eBooks. While it may have a smaller storage capacity compared to other eReaders, it still offers ample space for most readers' needs. Kobo Touch, on the other hand, typically comes with 4GB of internal storage, providing even more space for a larger eBook library. This additional storage capacity allows readers to carry an extensive collection of eBooks with them. If having a larger library readily accessible is a priority, the Kobo Touch may be a preferable choice.

Additionally, the availability and pricing may vary between Kobo Mini and Kobo Touch. Kobo Mini was initially released as a more budget-friendly option, offering an affordable entry point into the eReader market. However, since it has been discontinued, it may be more challenging to find new units available for purchase. Kobo Touch, being a slightly more recent model, may be more readily available from various retailers. Pricing can also differ based on region and promotions. Readers should consider their budget and availability when deciding between the two models.
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Kobo Mini
Kobo Mini is the world’s smallest and lightest full-featured eReader, so it’s great for reading on the go. Complete with a no-glare natural E Ink touchscreen and built-in Wi Fi, it’s the full Kobo experience at a great value. Access to 1 million free eBooks doesn’t hurt either
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Kobo Touch
Just like reading a book with Real Touch. Contemporary, lightweight, and travel friendly design. Browse and buy on the go with Wi Fi. Earn awards just for reading – with Reading Life. Discontinued.
Kobo Mini vs Kobo Touch in our news:

2022. Kobo now allows to adjust font sizes using a pinch gesture



Kobo has initiated the rollout of software update 4.33.19759 for their range of Kobo e-readers, introducing several new features pertaining to font size adjustment and PDF reading. One notable addition in this update is the ability to dynamically modify font sizes using a pinch gesture. While Kindle devices have offered this functionality for quite some time, it is commendable to witness Kobo implementing it as well. However, Kobo's execution could benefit from further refinement. When utilizing the pinch gesture, a small circular window with a font size preview appears, but it proves challenging to discern the precise size due to its small dimensions. Additionally, at times, the window may appear in a blank section of the page, displaying nothing, and after adjusting, it often leaves an unattractive afterimage. To enhance user experience, Kobo should consider incorporating numerical indicators to clearly indicate the chosen font size, eliminating the need for guesswork, as this aspect has been a longstanding concern for users regarding Kobo's font size settings.


2019. Kobo boosts performance of PDF files



Kobo has recently rolled out a firmware update for their complete lineup of e-readers. This update enhances the performance of PDF files, leading to quicker loading times. Moreover, users now have the option to customize the header and footer of their reading interface. They can opt to showcase page numbers, percentage read, time remaining, or even deactivate the header, footer, or progress bar entirely.


2019. Kobo brings many of the Libra H2O features to older Kobo e-readers



Kobo has released a new firmware update for the Kobo Touch, Kobo Glo, and Kobo Aura, incorporating several features found in the latest Kobo Libra H2O model to enhance eBook navigation. The headers and footers now provide information on both chapter and book progress, ensuring you can easily track your reading position. Additionally, a progress bar offers a visual representation of your progress within the book. For further customization, you can adjust your page layout through the Reading settings. The book scrubber has been improved, now displaying the entire book instead of just individual chapters, allowing for smoother navigation. Lastly, the addition of page previews enables quick referencing and facilitates navigation to different sections of the book.


2017. Kobo makes managing ebooks simpler



Kobo has recently released a firmware update for its e-readers, introducing several noteworthy features. One of the key additions is the "Manage Books" feature, accessible under the "My Books" section. This new feature allows users to select multiple books simultaneously, enabling actions such as marking them as finished or unread, removing them, or adding them to collections. The "My Books" section itself has undergone a visual enhancement, offering a cleaner layout of information, along with the inclusion of convenient Filter and Sort menus. The reading experience has also been enhanced with this update. Now, by tapping the middle of the page, users can easily access reading menus, navigate to the Table of Contents, or adjust Reading Settings. Additionally, the screen will now refresh after each chapter, as opposed to every six pages, providing a smoother reading experience.


2015. Kobo Mini e-Reader available again for a limited time



Kobo is reintroducing its compact 5-inch Kobo Mini e-reader at a price of $49, but this offer is only available until November 7. Unlike the original model released in 2012, which utilized the outdated e-ink Vizplex technology, this new version of the Mini incorporates e-Ink Pearl. With a resolution of 800x600 pixels and support for 16 levels of grayscale, this petite device easily fits into any pocket and is designed to be exceptionally lightweight and portable. While the screen size may appear small compared to larger tablets or e-readers, it proves ideal for those seeking extreme portability, making it a great gift option or backup device. The e-reader is equipped with built-in wireless internet access, enabling direct downloading of e-books from the Kobo bookstore.


2015. Kobo launches the Touch 2.0 eReader



Kobo has recently introduced its second new e-reader of the year, the Kobo Touch 2.0. This updated version revamps the four-year-old Kobo Touch with enhanced features such as increased storage, extended battery life, a faster CPU, and a more affordable price. With a 1GHz CPU, 4GB storage, and Wi-Fi connectivity, the Kobo Touch 2.0 is positioned as a competitor to the basic Kindle, lacking audio capabilities and a card slot. The 6" screen boasts a resolution of 800 x 600 and an IR touchscreen, although it lacks a frontlight. Set to be available on September 9 in the US and Canada, the Kobo Touch 2.0 will retail for $89.99. However, we believe that for just $40 more, opting for the Kobo Glo HD would be a better value proposition, as it offers a significantly sharper screen and includes a frontlight.


2012. Kobo unveiles $80 Kobo Mini ereader



The new Kobo Mini, marketed under the slogan "Small is a Big Deal," is designed to cater to those seeking a compact device. It features an E Ink screen for optimal readability even in direct sunlight and comes equipped with 2 GB of internal storage (although some units may have shipped with 4 GB cards internally, which users can modify at their own risk to access the unpartitioned space, voiding any warranty). Notably, the device stands out with its SnapBacks, removable back covers available in Teal, Ruby Red, and Purple, showcasing the distinctive Kobo quilt pattern. The Kobo Mini is offered in black and white variants, and Kobo claims that its battery can last up to a month with 30 minutes of daily reading and Wi-Fi turned off. Charging the device and transferring documents can be done through the micro-USB connecting port. Positioned as a competitor to the basic Kindle and Nook Simple Touch, it boasts a similar price, screen resolution, and storage capacity, while offering the advantages of smaller dimensions and lighter weight.


2011. Kobo unveils Wi-Fi Touch Edition e-reader for $129.99



Kobo has introduced the Kobo WiFi Touch Edition, a new model of e-ink reader priced at $129.99. As the name suggests, this e-reader incorporates a touch screen utilizing Neonode's infrared technology, which is also present in Sony's 6-inch touch-screen e-readers. Additionally, it boasts E-Ink's latest generation Pearl e-ink screen, enhanced with Neonode's "responsive" zForce infrared touch technology, referred to as "Real Touch" by Kobo. The device offers 1 GB of onboard storage and a microSD card expansion slot, enabling users to add up to a 32GB card for additional storage capacity. The battery provides a charge that lasts up to two weeks. The Kobo Touch supports various file formats including ePub, PDF, and Adobe DRM, while offering color options of black (with a black back) and white (with choices of lilac, blue, or white back). It is also available in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Dutch.