The contrast to Kobos own products is less important than how the Nia matches up against Amazons Kindle lineup. And while the $99.99 Nia expenses $10 more than Amazons $89.99 entry-level Kindle, it does use a much better bang for your dollar. The base Kindle still has a sadly low-resolution screen (at 147 ppi) and provides just half the storage of the Nia (which has 8GB of onboard memory, versus 4GB on the 2019 Kindle).
Image: Kobo
Kobo is introducing a new entry-level e-reader to its lineup, the $99.99 Nia, which slots in beneath the $119.99 Clara HD design (which is staying). While both designs have a 6-inch display, the Nias $20 savings come with somewhat even worse specs in a few locations compared to its somewhat more expensive brother or sister.
Its a harder option compared to Amazons latest Paperwhite design, however, which matches the Nia on storage, has an even much better 300 ppi display screen, and provides IPX8 waterproofing. At $129.99, its considerably more expensive than either the Nia or the Clara HD, but it can routinely be found on sale for as low as $84.99, that makes the option a bit harder.
Particularly, the Nia has a slightly lower-resolution display (212 ppi, versus 300 ppi on the Clara HD), a standard backlight (versus the Clara HDs color temperature-changing options), and weighs 8 grams (about a quarter of an ounce) much heavier. The Clara HD likewise has a painted surface, while the Nia does not.
The Kobo Nia will be available on July 21st, with preorders beginning today.
