The journey to merge computer display and paper in one device has come a long way, with reMarkable and Amazon Kindle Scribe leading the way. Today, we go head-to-head with the reMarkable Paper Pro vs. Kindle Scribe. Pencils at the ready.
The mainstream breakthrough for reMarkable came when it introduced the reMarkable 2 in 2020 — a minimalist, distraction and glare-free writing slate.
Four years later, the company is back with its next big offering — the reMarkable Paper Pro. This new model boasts significant upgrades, including a larger display, improved battery life, and — for the first time — a color screen.
With the Kindle Scribe already an established name, reMarkable is out to give Amazon a run for its money in the e-paper tablet space.
Here is an early look at how these two e-paper devices compare, not just in design but overall functionality.
Key Takeaways
- The reMarkable Paper Pro features a larger, 11.8-inch color display, ideal for advanced note-taking.
- Kindle Scribe offers better e-book reading options with access to Amazon’s extensive library.
- reMarkable Paper Pro supports external keyboard hardware, enhancing its writing capabilities.
- Kindle Scribe is more budget-friendly, with a starting price significantly lower than the Paper Pro.
- reMarkable Paper Pro provides a more visual appeal with a Canvas Color display, while Kindle Scribe sticks to monochrome E Ink.
- Show Full Guide
reMarkable Paper Pro vs. Kindle Scribe: Design, OS, Build Quality
The reMarkable Paper Pro and Kindle Scribe are both sleek digital notebooks, but each has a unique flair.
Let’s start with processing power and operating systems. reMarkable opted to bump its specs up from the 1.2 GHz dual-core ARM found in the reMarkable 2 to 1.8 GHz quad-core Cortex-A53 in the reMarkable Paper Pro while maintaining its Linux-based operating system, reMarkable OS.
Amazon Kindle Scribe, on the other hand, is not far off in terms of processing power. It operates on a customized version of the Linux kernel, referred to as Kindle firmware, and is equipped with a MediaTek 2 GHz dual-core applications processor.
Looking at the build, I like that reMarkable decided to go with an impressively slim profile for the Paper Pro at just 5.1mm thick, making it the thinnest device of its kind. This slim build comes at a cost, though, as it tips the scales at a hefty 525g. In contrast, the Kindle Scribe is a bit thicker at 5.8mm but manages to keep things lighter at 433g.
Both devices sport premium designs, with the Paper Pro featuring a minimalist aesthetic, especially when detached from its specialized Folio keyboard pack. The Kindle Scribe, while not as fashion-forward, still maintains Amazon’s signature polished look.
When it comes to display technology, the Paper Pro flexes its muscles with a spacious 11.8-inch screen and a color E Ink display. The Kindle Scribe, while not exactly cramped, offers a more modest 10.2-inch display but does not have a color Ink Display — yet.
Winner: reMarkable Paper Pro
reMarkable Paper Pro vs. Kindle Scribe: Features & Performance
The Paper Pro’s Canvas Color display supports nine distinct writing tools, allowing users to blend colors for a richer visual experience. It also offers multiple templates, editing features like resizing, undoing, and copy-pasting, a search function and room to organize your files in folders, tags, and a powerful search function.
While the above features are great improvements, reMarkable disappointed some of its fans by limiting the document formats supported by Paper Pro to just PDF and EPUB for document import and PDF, PNG and SVG for export — this is where Kindle Scribe offers more.
Amazon Kindle Scribe supports a wider array of file formats, including audiobooks, DOC, PDF, PRC, TXT, and ePub, making it more versatile for content consumption.
Both devices provide cloud syncing options if you want to sync your files on the fly. reMarkable Paper Pro offers file syncing with its reMarkable Cloud and only offers unlimited cloud storage through Connect.
This is different from the Kindle Scribe, which is linked to Amazon’s cloud services and supports Microsoft Office integration.
But make no mistake about it, reMarkable offers an extended ecosystem, with apps accessible from your macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. You also have the option to read on reMarkable extensions available for Google Chrome and Microsoft Office.
Like the Amazon Kindle, the Paper Pro features handwriting-to-text conversion and the ability to share documents via email or screen share during video calls.
Winner: It’s a Draw
Which Offers the Best Reading Experience?
The core purpose of e-paper tablets is to ensure that they are glare-free, and both the reMarkable Paper Pro and Kindle Scribe deliver that at different scales to ensure that your retina is not burnt out while reading.
The Paper Pro’s 11.8-inch Canvas Color display is visually appealing, offering a larger canvas for text and images. reMarkable claims it can render as many as 20,000 colors. Its color capabilities add a dash of vibrancy to PDFs and e-books, making illustrations pop like never before.
On the flip side, the Kindle Scribe’s 10.2-inch screen may be smaller, but it’s still a large display. Amazon’s years of e-reader expertise shine through with crisp text rendering and a warm, adjustable front light that’s gentle on the eyes during late-night reading.
For the first time, the reMarkable Paper Pro is fitted with an adjustable reading light to let you read in dark environments. Before now, this was where Amazon Kindle Scribe reigned supreme over reMarkable.
However, despite the adjustable lighting introduction, I still think reMarkable lacks the Kindle’s extensive e-book ecosystem, which is a treasure trove for avid readers.
All the same, both devices offer a paper-like texture that reduces eye strain compared to traditional tablets.
However, if you read with your ears than you do your eyes, you will surely like the Kindle Scribe due to its easy integration with Audible — that means you can switch between reading and listening effortlessly.
Winner: Kindle Scribe
Which is Better for Writing?
While both the reMarkable Paper Pro and the Kindle Scribe offer digital writing experiences, their approaches differ in a few ways. The Paper Pro, with its optional Type Folio keyboard, provides a more traditional writing and typing experience.
This makes it a strong choice for those who prefer a physical keyboard for note-taking or writing essays.
On the other hand, the Kindle Scribe is designed primarily as an e-reader, with writing capabilities as an added feature. It doesn’t offer external keyboard hardware compatibility, making it less suitable for those like me who enjoy typing away on a physical keyboard.
Winner: reMarkable Paper Pro
reMarkable Paper Pro vs. Kindle Scribe: Battery Life & Storage
reMarkable thought it wise to up the battery and RAM size featured in its Paper Pro. Unlike the reMarkable 2, which ran on 3000 mAh battery capacity and 8 GB internal storage, the Paper Pro offers 5,030 mAh and 64 GB internal storage. reMarkable claims this battery can last up to two weeks during regular use or a staggering 90 days in standby mode.
The Kindle Scribe, not to be outdone, promises “weeks” of battery life on a single charge.
However, Amazon is less specific about exact figures, likely because usage patterns can vary widely depending on factors like screen brightness and wireless connectivity.
Winner: reMarkable Paper Pro
Which E-Ink Tablet Wins on Price?
In the budget battle, the Kindle Scribe emerges as the more wallet-friendly option. Amazon’s offering starts at $339.99 for the 16GB model with the basic pen. This price point makes it more accessible to a wider range of users, especially those dipping their toes into the E Ink tablet waters for the first time.
While packed with new features, the ReMarkable Paper Pro has a heftier price tag. Starting at $579, it positions itself as a premium product in the e-ink tablet market.
While a higher price reflects its advanced features and larger display features, it may be a barrier for some potential buyers.
Winner: It’s a Draw
reMarkable Paper Pro vs. Kindle Scribe: Specs Comparison
Features | reMarkable Paper Pro | Kindle Scribe |
---|---|---|
Display Size | 11.8 inches | 10.2 inches |
Display Technology | Canvas Color E Ink | Monochrome E Ink |
Storage | 64GB | 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB |
Battery Life | Up to 2 weeks (regular use) | “Weeks” (unspecified) |
Thickness | 5.1 mm | 5.8 mm |
Weight | 525g | 433g |
Stylus | Marker or Marker Plus | Basic Pen or Premium Pen |
Adjustable Front Light | Yes | Yes |
Colored Display | Yes | No |
Cloud Integration | reMarkable Cloud, Connect | Amazon Cloud (AWS) |
File Formats | PDF, EPUB, PNG, SVG. | Audiobooks, DOC, PDF, PRC, TXT, ePub. |
Price (starting) | $579 | $339.99 |
reMarkable Paper Pro vs Kindle Scribe: Which Offers the Best Value for Money in 2024?
If you’re stepping into the market to acquire one of these papers with digital powers, your decision should be guided by what you want out of each of the products.
The reMarkable Paper Pro is intended to be a premium e-paper tab, hence its 11.8-inch colored display, improved battery capacity, hand-to-text conversion, and the introduction of an adjustable reading light.
In addition to the $579 price tag, you have to pay an extra $229 for the Folio cover if you wish to use the e-paper tablet with external keyboard hardware.
In contrast, the Kindle Scribe, which starts at a more accessible $339.99, offers a solid reading and writing experience with a 10.2-inch display and built-in lighting, making it suitable for various lighting conditions.
While it lacks in the color display department, the Kindle Scribe benefits from access to Amazon’s extensive e-book library, appealing to avid readers.
For this writer, I would choose the reMarkable Paper Pro if I prioritize advanced note-taking and a premium writing experience.
However, for a well-rounded device focused on reading and basic note-taking, the Kindle Scribe would be my more economical choice.
The Bottom Line
The recent launch of the reMarkable Paper Pro means the e-ink display market is heating up, which could put the Kindle Scribe on the back burner if Amazon does not refresh its features soon.
While reMarkable Paper Pro and Kindle Scribe remain the top dogs in this sector, let’s not forget that other e-paper tablet makers are no-dosers. We have the Supernote X, Onyx Boot Note Air 3, and Kobo Libra Colour as viable alternatives.
FAQs
How does the display technology of the reMarkable Paper Pro differ from the Kindle Scribe?
What is the main difference between the reMarkable Paper Pro and the Kindle Scribe?
Can I use the reMarkable Paper Pro for reading e-books?
References
- Take your thinking further with Connect (reMarkable)