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Kobo Clara vs Kobo Libra
Last updated: July 20, 2023
As of my last update in September 2021, both the Kobo Clara and Kobo Libra are popular e-reader models offered by Kobo. While I cannot provide information on any potential updates or newer models beyond that date, I can highlight the key differences between the Kobo Clara and Kobo Libra available up until that time.
1. Design and Form Factor: One of the most noticeable differences between the Kobo Clara and Kobo Libra is their design and form factor. The Kobo Clara features a more compact and lightweight design, making it highly portable and easy to hold with one hand. In contrast, the Kobo Libra is slightly larger and comes with an ergonomic design that includes physical page-turn buttons on one side, providing a more comfortable reading experience for those who prefer tactile controls.
2. Display Size and Lighting: The Kobo Clara is equipped with a 6-inch E Ink Carta display, offering a crisp reading experience with a resolution of 1024 x 758 pixels. Meanwhile, the Kobo Libra boasts a larger 7-inch E Ink Carta HD display with a resolution of 1680 x 1264 pixels. This larger screen on the Libra provides more surface area for reading and showcases text and images with greater detail. Additionally, the Kobo Libra also includes an adjustable color temperature feature, allowing readers to customize the display's warmth to reduce eye strain during extended reading sessions.
3. Waterproofing: One significant feature that sets the Kobo Libra apart from the Kobo Clara is its waterproof design. The Kobo Libra is IPX8 certified, making it resistant to water and dust. This feature is particularly useful for readers who enjoy relaxing by the pool, reading in the bath, or engaging in outdoor activities without worrying about potential water damage to their device. On the other hand, the Kobo Clara lacks waterproofing capabilities, so users must exercise caution to keep it dry and safe from any water exposure.
1. Design and Form Factor: One of the most noticeable differences between the Kobo Clara and Kobo Libra is their design and form factor. The Kobo Clara features a more compact and lightweight design, making it highly portable and easy to hold with one hand. In contrast, the Kobo Libra is slightly larger and comes with an ergonomic design that includes physical page-turn buttons on one side, providing a more comfortable reading experience for those who prefer tactile controls.
2. Display Size and Lighting: The Kobo Clara is equipped with a 6-inch E Ink Carta display, offering a crisp reading experience with a resolution of 1024 x 758 pixels. Meanwhile, the Kobo Libra boasts a larger 7-inch E Ink Carta HD display with a resolution of 1680 x 1264 pixels. This larger screen on the Libra provides more surface area for reading and showcases text and images with greater detail. Additionally, the Kobo Libra also includes an adjustable color temperature feature, allowing readers to customize the display's warmth to reduce eye strain during extended reading sessions.
3. Waterproofing: One significant feature that sets the Kobo Libra apart from the Kobo Clara is its waterproof design. The Kobo Libra is IPX8 certified, making it resistant to water and dust. This feature is particularly useful for readers who enjoy relaxing by the pool, reading in the bath, or engaging in outdoor activities without worrying about potential water damage to their device. On the other hand, the Kobo Clara lacks waterproofing capabilities, so users must exercise caution to keep it dry and safe from any water exposure.
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Kobo Clara always provides the best light for reading day or night with ComfortLight PRO. You can adjust brightness and color temperature to reduce blue light before bedtime. It has a natural, print-like reading experience on its 6" glare-free high-definition 300 PPI screen. Easily customizable features help you read the way you want to.
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Kobo Libra is the embodiment of your reading style. With more storage, a faster E Ink screen, and Bluetooth wireless technology so you can listen to Kobo Audiobooks, Kobo Libra is an integral part of your rich reading life. Packed with features and personality and storage for all of your eBooks Kobo Libra was made to do more. An ergonomic design keeps your reading life on hand and page turn buttons keep the story going while you sip your coffee, stir your signature pasta sauce, or nurse your newborn so you can read on and on, no matter what.
Kobo Clara vs Kobo Libra in our news:
2024. Kobo releases new firmware for Colour e-readers
Kobo has released a new software update for its three latest e-readers, the Clara Colour, Libra Colour, and the Clara BW, known for their superior performance and affordability. While details about the updates are scarce, Kobo has mentioned stability enhancements and bug fixes. However, this attention to the latest models underscores a prolonged period without updates for other Kobo e-readers. The update rollout begins today, promising availability to all users within a few days. Updating is straightforward - simply press the sync button. Alternatively, for those inclined, the latest firmware patches are accessible on our site. Select your model, download the file to your PC or MAC, connect your e-reader via USB-C cable, transfer the file to the root folder, and reboot your device to access the new features and enhancements.
2024. Kobo has introduced the Kobo Clara BW E-reader
Kobo is introducing the Kobo Clara BW, an enhanced black-and-white e-reader designed for an immersive reading experience. With its 6-inch glare-free E Ink Carta 1300 HD screen and full waterproof protection, reading becomes effortless. Powered by a MediaTek processor MT8113L, the device allows seamless access to Kobo's extensive library of audiobooks and ebooks. Enjoy your favorite titles via Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, compatible with earbuds, headphones, or external speakers. The USB-C port facilitates easy content transfer and charging. With a low-end 1,500 mAh battery, compact dimensions of 112 x 160 x 9.2 mm, and weighing just 174 g, it offers portability without compromise. Priced at $129.99 (USD), the Kobo Clara BW could be your perfect companion for endless reading adventures.
2023. Rakuten unveiled Kobo Libra 2
Rakuten Kobo has unveiled the Kobo Libra 2, featuring a 7-inch HD E Ink Carta 1200 touchscreen display with a resolution of 1264 × 1680 pixels or 300 PPI. This e-reader offers color temperature adjustment and Dark Mode, allowing users to customize their reading experience. Powered by a 1 GHz Processor and equipped with 32 GB of onboard storage, the Libra 2 has a distinctive asymmetrical design, with a thicker right spine housing physical page turn buttons. Additionally, it boasts a fully waterproof construction and is available in Black and White variants. Customers can also purchase optional SleepCovers for $50. The Kobo Libra 2 is priced at $250 and is accessible for purchase through Flipkart and various online retailers in India.
2022. Kobo's new waterproof Clara 2E e-reader takes on Kindle
Kobo is set to release the Kobo Clara 2E, a new waterproof e-reader that poses a strong competition to Amazon's Kindle e-readers. The device boasts an exterior crafted from over 85 percent recycled plastic, with 10 percent of it sourced from ocean-bound materials. Notable features of the Kobo Clara 2E include Bluetooth technology for audiobooks, water resistance for up to two meters for 60 minutes, increased storage capacity of 16GB for eBooks compared to previous Kobo models, a six-inch HD E Ink Carta 1200 screen that is glare-free and equipped with dark mode and blue light reduction, and an extended battery life lasting for weeks. Priced at $150, the Kobo Clara 2E falls in a mid-range bracket, being cheaper than the company's previous Forma model but more expensive than the Nia model. Additionally, Kobo's SleepCovers for the device are environmentally friendly, made from recycled polyester with an inner microfiber lining composed of 40 percent recycled plastic water bottles. The SleepCovers are available in various colors such as Black, Deep Ocean Blue, Coral Reef Orange, and Sea Glass Green.
2022. Kobo Clara HD 2 will be available soon
Kobo is set to launch the Kobo Clara 2, a second-generation e-reader, in the coming months. This new model is a successor to their highly popular 300 PPI e-book reader. It will feature a six-inch E INK Carta 1200 display panel, which will significantly improve page turn speed and overall performance. The Kobo Clara 2 will also have a 300 PPI screen, front-lit display, and a candlelight color temperature system. One particularly intriguing aspect of this model is that it will be the world's first e-reader to incorporate the innovative E Ink ComfortGaze technology. This advanced front light technology effectively reduces the amount of blue light emitted, resulting in a reduced Blue Light Ratio (BLR) and Blue Light Toxicity Factor (BLTF) by up to 60% and 24% respectively. The BLR represents the ratio of harmful blue light to the total blue light output, while the BLTF denotes the ratio of brightness to hazardous blue light.
2019. Kobo brings the Forma form factor to a cheaper model Kobo Libra
The new Kobo Libra H2O brings the sleek form factor of the Forma e-reader to a 7-inch screen device, retailing at a relatively affordable price of $170. Although it may not be the cheapest option in the e-reader market, it's a positive development to witness some of these advanced features becoming more accessible. The device's form factor is highly functional, allowing users to read in both landscape and portrait orientations, with automatic screen rotation thanks to the built-in accelerometer. Kobo has also made software improvements, enhancing menus, book scrubbing, and previews for a smoother reading experience. Additional convenient features include the ability to adjust front light intensity by swiping the screen's side and the device being waterproofed with an IPX8 rating, ensuring protection against water damage.
2018. New Kobo Clara HD is an affordable Kindle competitor
Kobo, the Canadian ebook reader manufacturer, has finally unveiled its highly anticipated device, the Kobo Clara HD, after months of speculation. This new addition to their lineup marks their first budget-friendly model in almost three years, yet it boasts an impressive range of features. The Kobo Clara HD boasts a 6-inch Cara E Ink screen with a remarkable 300ppi resolution, ensuring sharp and clear text. With a generous 8GB of storage, users can store approximately 6,000 ebooks, providing ample space for their digital library. Additionally, the device offers exceptional battery life, lasting for several weeks unless extensively used. One standout feature of the Kobo Clara HD is ComfortLight Pro, which sets it apart from other Kobo ebook readers. Unlike traditional illumination methods for E Ink screens, ComfortLight Pro employs orange and red LEDs, reducing exposure to blue light. While this technology has been implemented in previous Kobo models, the Clara HD is the most affordable option currently available in the market.