Kindle Scribe vs Remarkable 2: Which should you buy?

THE Kindle Scribe and Remarkable 2 are prominent digital notebook tablets in today’s market. But which one is the right choice for you?

In my Kindle Scribe vs Remarkable 2 explainer, I’ve taken a look at both devices to help you decide which aligns best with your needs.

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Amazon Kindle Scribe, from £329.99

Remarkable 2, from £379

Digital notebooks, like Amazon’s Kindle Scribe and the Norwegian-made Remarkable 2, offer a writing experience akin to paper, perfect for note-taking and reading.

These devices store everything digitally, which is a huge win for sustainability because it reduces the need for traditional pen and paper, and the significant waste that comes with it.

But, despite initially seeming like niche pieces of kit, these devices are gaining traction, especially among students and creatives.

Both the Kindle Scribe and Remarkable 2 provide a convenient solution for note-taking, storing notes, and reading PDFs and e-books all in one attractive device.

Now, the big question is: which one should you go for?

To help you decide, I’ve taken a closer look at both devices, comparing their features and performance head-to-head to see how they fare.

If you’re on the hunt for a wallet-friendly e-reader, I’ve done a little digging into the Amazon Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite.

And if you’re curious about Amazon’s Fire Tablets, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with a comparison of the Amazon Fire tablet and Kindle too.

Kindle Scribe vs Remarkable 2: At a glance

The Kindle Scribe and Remarkable 2 are two excellent options in the digital note-taking landscape.

The Scribe provides a more budget-friendly alternative compared to the pricier Remarkable 2; though both offer stylus upgrades.

If sleekness and portability are your priorities, the Remarkable 2 is your best bet. Whereas, for those prioritizing durability, the Kindle Scribe boasts a sturdier build.

Regarding screen size and quality, the Remarkable 2 features a slightly larger display, offering a pen-and-paper feel. But, only the Kindle Scribe comes with integrated front lighting.

The Remarkable 2 offers extensive integration with platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox. On the other hand, the Kindle Scribe provides seamless integration with e-books, along with ample onboard storage.

In summary, if your priorities are portability and display quality, the Remarkable 2 is your best bet. However, the Kindle Scribe is a solid option for cost-conscious shoppers looking for reliable note-taking capabilities.

Kindle Scribe vs Remarkable 2: Prices

Both devices offer a range of options, but the Kindle Scribe edges ahead with its more budget-friendly choices compared to the Remarkable 2.

For the Kindle Scribe, prices start at £329.99 for 16GB with the Basic Pen and £359.99 with the Premium Pen. If you need more storage, it’s £379.99 for 32GB with the Premium Pen and £409.99 for 64GB with the Premium Pen.

On the other hand, the Remarkable 2 is priced at £379 with the Marker and £419 with the Marker Plus, which comes with a built-in eraser, unlike the standard Marker.

You can pick up the Kindle Scribe at places like Currys, John Lewis, and Very. The Remarkable 2, on the other hand, is only sold directly from the Remarkable website or at Currys.

Those savvy at playing the waiting game often pick these devices up significantly cheaper during Prime Day and Black Friday, so it pays to wait for the sales events.

Kindle Scribe vs Remarkable 2: Design

It has to be said that both the Kindle Scribe and the Remarkable 2 rock a sleek and modern aesthetic, but the Remarkable 2 steals the spotlight with its ultra-thin and feather-light design, making it a breeze to tote around.

The primary aim of these devices is to enhance portability and minimize what you need to carry, and the Remarkable 2 nails that perfectly.

At just 4.7mm thick and weighing 403.5g, it’s lightweight, while the Kindle Scribe is slightly bulkier and heavier at 5.8mm and 433g.

On the other hand, the Kindle Scribe offers a sturdier build, which some users may find reassuring, especially considering we’re all guilty of the occasional accidental drop.

Kindle Scribe vs Remarkable 2: Display

When it comes to these devices, the display is the key player, but your choice largely hinges on what you prioritize.

The Remarkable 2 shines with its 10.3-inch E Ink display, boasting higher resolution and superior contrast, resulting in a reading and writing experience that’s said to feel remarkably close to pen and paper.

The Scribe closely trails the Remarkable 2 with a slightly smaller 10.2-inch screen but compensates with a sharp 300dpi resolution, and integrated front lighting for optimal visibility in all lighting environments.

That’s the key disparity between these two devices, as the absence of a backlit display in the Remarkable 2 hampers its usability in low-light conditions, despite claims that it reduces glare.

With that said, the Remarkable 2’s stylus offers paper-like friction, low latency and pressure sensitivity, which all lend to more realistic note-taking.

Ultimately, if the tactile experience of writing or drawing is paramount, the Remarkable 2 is likely your best bet. But if a clear, well-lit display for all reading situations is what you’re after, the Kindle Scribe has you covered.

Kindle Scribe vs Remarkable 2: Performance

To be frank, when it comes to performance, you can’t expect lightning-fast speeds here, as E-ink technology is a different ball game compared to your flashy LCD or OLED displays.

These tablets are built for reading and note-taking, not running heavy-duty apps. That means you may experience slight lags during tasks, such as scrolling or dragging and dropping.

But, while they may not win any speed races, both these tablets do an excellent job of what they’re designed for.

So, if you’re after functionality over speed, you’re in good hands with either the Scribe or the Remarkable tablet.

Kindle Scribe vs Remarkable 2: Features

Looking at the distinctive features of the Kindle Scribe and the Remarkable 2, it’s clear each offers unique advantages.

As a Kindle device, the Scribe seamlessly integrates with e-books and provides built-in templates and annotation capabilities. But, it lags behind the Remarkable 2 in terms of note-taking functionalities.

On that front, the Remarkable 2 provides a tactile writing experience, replicating the feel of pen-to-paper writing. Better still, it offers more integration with Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and Dropbox, all essential for file sharing.

But credit where it’s due, the base model of the Scribe offers 13GB of internal storage compared to the Remarkable’s 8GB, with options to expand to 32GB or 64GB.

And let’s not neglect the pens of the Kindle and Remarkable tablets, as both deliver a paper-like writing experience and offer basic or premium stylus options.

The Kindle Scribe provides a base pen with the option to upgrade to the Premium Pen if you fork out an extra £30; featuring a shortcut to switch between pen “tips” like a highlighter and eraser. Similarly, the Remarkable 2 offers the Marker Plus for an additional £40, which includes a built-in eraser.

Kindle Scribe vs Remarkable 2: Battery life

When choosing a portable device, considering battery life is crucial, and fortunately, both the Kindle Scribe and the Remarkable 2 deliver on that front.

On paper, the Kindle appears superior and claims it can last up to three weeks on a single charge, while the Remarkable 2 clocks in at about two weeks.

That said, don’t make your decision based on those numbers alone, battery life can be a bit tricky, and it all depends on how you use the device and your settings.

The Kindle’s numbers are based on using it for just 30 minutes a day with low brightness. As for the Remarkable, they’re not as clear about how they measure their battery life.

Either way, you can count on getting some solid usage out of these devices without having to plug them in constantly. That’s perfect for those marathon work or study sessions.

Kindle Scribe vs Remarkable 2: Verdict

When it comes down to it, both the Kindle Scribe and the Remarkable 2 have their own perks, suiting different tastes and requirements.

If you’re aiming for a budget-friendly choice, the Kindle provides a wider array of options to suit your needs and boasts a vast library of ebooks.

On the other hand, if you’re all about creative note-taking without any distractions, the Remarkable 2 wins with its sleek design and focused functionality.

Choose the Kindle Scribe if:

• Seek a budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential features.
• Prefer a tablet with a sturdy build and design.
• Prioritize access to a wide library of e-books and digital content.

Choose the Remarkable 2 if:

• Prioritize an exceptional writing and reading experience with a high-resolution display.
• Value ultra-portability and sleek design.
• You want more integration with cloud services like Google Drive.

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