Discontinued

Updated: 2026/10/16

Rakuten Kobo Forma Comparison

A former flagship model that pairs a large 8-inch display with a flexible Mobius E Ink screen, achieving an astonishingly lightweight build of just 197g. It comes fully equipped with an ergonomic grip, physical page-turn buttons, and IPX8 waterproofing.

✦ An ultra-lightweight 8-inch e-reader utilizing a shatterproof, flexible Mobius E Ink display. This iconic model pioneered the asymmetrical grip and physical page-turn buttons for effortless one-handed reading.

Final Generation Model

Gen 1 (Released 2018)

8 inches197 g

Final ModelKobo Forma

Kobo Forma (Gen 1)

Display Specs: 8" 300ppi; Monochrome
Weight: 197 g; 8.5mm thick
Battery & Charging: Up to 4 weeks; Micro-USB
Waterproofing: IPX8 Waterproof; 2m / 60min Immersion

Reference Price (tax incl.)

$249.99

View Full Specs for this Model →

Kobo Forma vs Other Rakuten Kobo Series

Explore positioning and hardware trade-offs (5-axis radar balance) between Kobo Forma and other series across the Rakuten Kobo lineup.

10 Series in Total

Currently Viewing1 models

Kobo Forma

An ultra-lightweight 8-inch e-reader utilizing a shatterproof, flexible Mobius E Ink display. This iconic model pioneered the asymmetrical grip and physical page-turn buttons for effortless one-handed reading.

Latest: Kobo Forma (Gen 1)Currently Viewing Series

Current3 models

Kobo Libra

Equipped with the highly anticipated Kaleido 3 color E Ink screen, it completely transforms the way you read full-color comics and magazines. This all-in-one powerhouse includes physical page-turn buttons, full waterproofing, and seamless note-taking with the Kobo Stylus 2.

Latest: Gen 3 (2024)Series Details

Current4 models

Kobo Clara

A travel-friendly 6-inch form factor that matches the footprint of a paperback. With an IPX8 waterproof rating, it's completely safe for the bath. The lineup offers the 'Colour' for a vivid reading experience, and the 'BW' equipped with the latest high-contrast Carta 1300 display.

Latest: Gen 3 (2024)Series Details

Discontinued1 models

Kobo Sage

Packing physical page-turn buttons and full waterproofing alongside a crisp 8-inch, high-resolution Carta 1200 display. As the pinnacle of black-and-white E Ink e-readers, it handles two-page manga spreads and magazines with absolute ease.

Latest: Gen 1 (2021)Series Details

Current2 models

Kobo Elipsa

Its A5-sized, 10.3-inch screen lets you read academic papers, professional texts, and magazines at full size. Complete with the rechargeable Kobo Stylus 2 right out of the box, it gives you complete freedom to handwrite notes and capture your ideas.

Latest: Gen 2 (2023)Series Details

Discontinued4 models

Kobo Aura

A landmark series that pioneered waterproofing and blue-light reduction in the e-reader industry. It laid the design foundation for today’s popular Libra and Sage models.

Latest: Gen 2 (2017)Series Details

Discontinued1 models

Kobo Nia

Features a highly portable, lightweight 6-inch build complete with ComfortLight front illumination. By focusing strictly on the essentials, this entry-level model delivers unbeatable value without compromising the core reading experience.

Latest: Gen 1 (2020)Series Details

Discontinued1 models

Kobo Glo

Debuting as Kobo's very first e-reader with a built-in front light, this iconic series quickly became a fan favorite. Thanks to its affordable price tag and sharp display, it stood out as a formidable rival to the Kindle Paperwhite.

Latest: Gen 2 (2015)Series Details

Discontinued1 models

Kobo Touch

The touchscreen pioneer that marked Kobo's arrival in Japan. By stripping away unnecessary extras and hitting an accessible price point, this historic model helped bring e-reading to the mainstream.

Latest: Gen 2 (2015)Series Details

Discontinued1 models

Kobo Mini

Smaller than a standard paperback, this 5-inch ultra-compact e-reader delivers incredible portability at a mere 134g. It’s the ultimate minimalist device designed for effortless one-handed reading on the go.

Latest: Gen 1 (2012)Series Details

All Kobo Forma Historical Models

1 Historical Models

Compare all 1 models across generations of Kobo Forma. Scroll horizontally to view full hardware specs.

Spec	Kobo Forma (Gen 1) 10/2018
📅Release Date	10/2018
📱Display	Monochrome 8" 300 ppi
⚖️Weight	197 g 8.5mm thick
⚡Connector	Micro-USB
💧Waterproofing	IPX8 Waterproof
💡Adjustable Warm Light	Warm / White
🔋Battery Life	Up to 4 weeks
Specification	View Details →

Historical Models

History of Kobo Forma Series

2018

Kobo Forma (Gen 1)

Ergonomic 8-inch premium e-reader using flexible E Ink Mobius substrate with page-turn buttons and IPX8 waterproofing.