Kindle Oasis Vs Kobo Libra 2
Both Kobo Libra 2 and the Kindle Oasis represent the pinnacle of their respective brands, catering to avid readers seeking immersive, portable, and feature-rich reading experiences.
In this comparison, we delve into the intricacies of the Kobo Libra 2 and Kindle Oasis from design and display quality to hardware capabilities and battery life. Both devices are great but target a different audience.
Let’s dive in and find out.
Comparison Table Kobo Libra 2 vs Kindle Oasis
Aspect of Consideration
- Unboxing
- Design
- Display
- Stylus
- Notetaking
- Reading
- Hardware & Software
- Pricing
- Connectivity
Unboxing
Kobo Libra 2: The package offers a USB-C cable, user manual, and a sleep cover. While the included items are functional, the device maintains a sense of familiarity with its predecessor’s accessories.
Kindle Oasis: In comparison, the Kindle Oasis provides minimal paperwork, a USB charging cable, but without an AC power adapter. The availability of different tiers with or without special offers, cellular connectivity, and diverse storage capacities offers varied choices to users.
Overall Kindle Oasis offers more variants and additional features like cellular connectivity, providing greater flexibility and options in accessory choices.
Kobo Libra 2
- User manual, USB-C cable, and a sleep cover included
- Practical and functional accessories
Kindle Oasis
- Basic model includes “special offers” (ads on screensaver) or ad-free version for a higher cost
- Options for cellular connectivity for ebook downloads on-the-go
- Two storage capacities: 8GB and 32GB
Design
Kobo Libra 2: While both devices have durable builds, the Kobo Libra 2 uses predominantly plastic material with refined curvature and button designs. It’s slightly heavier than its predecessor, which might impact users’ preferences based on ergonomics and long-term use.
Kindle Oasis: In contrast, the Kindle Oasis boasts impeccable build quality with a mix of soft-touch plastic and metal casing. The unique design, including side buttons and an ergonomic hump, enhances single-handed use over prolonged reading sessions. Even with a metallic body its weighs quite less
Kindle Oasis might be preferable for its premium build quality and more comfortable one-handed use.
Kobo Libra 2
- Plastic build with refined curvature and alterations in button shapes
- Slightly heavier and chunkier than its predecessor
- With weight of 215g its slightly heavier then the oasis
Kindle Oasis
- Impeccable build quality with a mix of soft-touch plastic and metal
- Ergonomic design suitable for comfortable one-handed use
- Lighter in weight with 188 g
Display
Kobo Libra 2: The Kobo Libra 2’s display offers impressive image quality with richer blacks and sharper images, especially noticeable in pictures. The device presents a 7-inch HD E-Ink Carta 1200 touchscreen with uniform front lighting.
Kindle Oasis: With a 7-inch anti-glare display, the Kindle Oasis provides 300 PPI resolution, adjustable warm lighting, and ambient light sensors. However, some units reported minor light bleeding issues.
Both devices offer excellent reading experiences, but Kobo Libra 2 slightly outshines in image display, especially for pictures.
Kobo Libra 2
- 7-inch HD E-Ink Carta 1200 touchscreen with 300 PPI resolution
- Impressive image quality with darker blacks and sharper images, especially for images
Kindle Oasis
- 7-inch anti-glare display with 300 PPI resolution and adjustable warm lighting
- Some units reported minor light bleeding issues
Reading
Kobo Libra 2: Integrated with its own library, overdrive and side loading of books the Kobo provides a decent reading experience The device allows for smooth navigation, supports text marking, notations, dictionary lookups, and web searches. The inclusion of Bluetooth support for audiobooks and an expanded ‘Discover’ section integrates audiobooks into the reading experience.
Kindle Oasis: Nothing comes closer to Amazon Ecosystem if you are used to it. With a refined UI for reading books and loads of books to choose from nothing matches the Kindle. It provides a delightful reading experience with a lightweight build and ease of one-handed use, the Oasis includes a page turn button and customizable navigation features.
For people already using the Amazon ecosystem Kindle is a better option whereas for a more feature loaded, versatile device Libra is a good option
Kobo Libra 2
- Supports Onedrive for library books
- Smooth navigation with options for text marking, notations, and web searches using Google
- G Sensor for screen orientation adjustment and dual front light for various lighting conditions
Kindle Oasis
- Part of Amazon Ecosystem
- User Friendly UI
- Lightweight build suitable for one-handed use with a dedicated page turn button
Hardware & Software
Kobo Libra 2: Running on a tailored OS for Kobo devices, the Libra 2 provides essential features for an e-reader. It offers 32GB internal storage, limited Wi-Fi support, and Bluetooth device support for audiobooks.
Kindle Oasis: The Oasis operates on its own refined OS, providing a seamless reading experience. It includes cellular connectivity, Bluetooth support, and water resistance (IPX8).
Kindle Oasis stands out with its cellular connectivity and water resistance features, catering to users seeking enhanced durability and connectivity options.
Kobo Libra 2
- Tailored OS, 32GB internal storage, 1 GHz single-core CPU, 1500 mAh battery
- Wi-Fi limited to 2.4 GHz, waterproof up to 60 minutes in two meters of water
Kindle Oasis
- Cellular connectivity, Bluetooth for Audible books, and water resistance (IPX8)
- 8-32 GB with 11mAH battery
- Improved speed and responsiveness compared to Kindle Paperwhite.
Battery Life
Kobo Libra 2: The Libra 2 showcases excellent battery performance, consuming approximately 1% per hour of reading. It promises prolonged reading hours, lasting weeks on standby and up to 50-100 hours based on settings.
Kindle Oasis: While the Oasis offers a decent battery life lasting up to two weeks with minimal usage, avid readers might need frequent charging, especially without the case.
Kobo Libra 2 excels in battery life, offering extended reading hours on a single charge.
Price
Kobo Libra 2: Priced reasonably compared to similar e-readers, the Kobo Libra 2 package includes the device, minimal paperwork, USB charging cable, and an AC power adapter.
Kindle Oasis: With different pricing tiers based on features like special offers, cellular connectivity, and storage capacities, the Oasis package contains the Kindle, minimal paperwork, and a USB charging cable but excludes an AC power adapter.
Kobo Libra 2 offers an inclusive package at a competitive price, whereas Kindle Oasis provides various tiered options catering to different user needs.
Kobo Libra 2
- Economical pricing compared to similar e-readers
- Package includes the device, minimal paperwork, USB charging cable, and an AC power adapter
Kindle Oasis
- Pricing varies with models and additional accessories
- Package contains the Kindle, minimal paperwork, USB charging cable, but excludes an AC power adapter
Verdict
These comparisons showcase the strengths and differences between the Kobo Libra 2 and Kindle Oasis, catering to different preferences in design, reading experience, hardware, software, and pricing. Users can choose based on their specific requirements for an immersive e-reading journey.
Ultimately, the choice between the Kobo Libra 2 and Kindle Oasis depends on individual preferences for design, reading experience, features, and price points. Both devices excel in different aspects, allowing users to prioritize what suits their reading habits and requirements best.
