Although I don’t read as much as I ought to, I love my Amazon Kindle. I’ve got the basic version that’s a few years old now, so I’m potentially in the market for a new device upgrade. I was scrolling socials yesterday and creators were popping up showcasing an all-new lineup which is now partly available to buy on Amazon, so I thought it would be the perfect time to go through what’s new, and whether I think it’s worth upgrading.
The all-new 6-inch Kindle
This is the cheapest device in the lineup and often referred to as the standard Kindle. If you’re looking for something that’s small, sort of fits in your pocket, and is ideal for taking with you on trips when you don’t quite have the luggage space, then this device is probably ideal for you. It comes with 16GB storage which holds between 6,000 and 15,000 books - that’s a lot of reading. Battery life is up to 6 weeks, and books open 30% faster than the previous generation. The display now has a flush front design, meaning the bevel has gone! You can buy it in Ube and Graphite colours.
If you’re looking for a different feel to the Kindle, there’s also a slightly more expensive version with aluminium casing. This starts at 32GB and is available in Alpine Sky Aluminium and Seaglass Green Aluminium.
Price-wise, the new Kindle is £149.99, with the aluminium version coming in at £169.99.
Would I buy it? I think it depends on whether you want a neat-looking device or not. A lot of people customise their Kindles with covers and stickers to make it their own, so I’d only recommend upgrading if you feel like your existing device is a little tired or if you want to have the latest gadgets. These devices are really pretty, but the basic version doesn’t come with a warm light, a feature that many users love in the more expensive devices. However, the standard Kindle is still great to read on and it’s perfect if you need to take it on the go without taking up too much space. Oh, and just to call out, this device isn’t waterproof whereas the other versions are.
The all-new Kindle Paperwhite
The new Kindle Paperwhite is lighter and thinner than previous generations. It comes with an adjustable warm light which makes it easier to read at any hour of the day. It has a whopping 12 weeks of battery life from a single charge. It’s also waterproof, so perfect when you’re sitting by the pool on holiday. The screen is slightly larger at 7 inches, compared to 6 inches in the standard Kindle. This is available in Graphite.
There is also a signature edition of this device available which adds aluminium casing, 32GB of storage, an auto-adjusting front light, and a magnetic charging pinpoint.
This device is being rolled out gradually and as of right now, it’s not available to buy in the UK. Prices are expected to start from around £200.
Would I buy it? Potentially. I really like the look of the Paperwhite. It’s a beautiful device. Those additional features are welcome. The only deciding factor I’d have between this and the standard Kindle is the size. I’d probably prefer the small size, to be honest.
The all-new Kindle Colorsoft
If you want a bit of colour in your device from book covers to highlights, the Kindle Colorsoft might be the option for you. This comes with various enhancements to make reading your favourite books feel more natural. There are various technical improvements and a redesigned display to improve your reading experience. There has been a focus on reducing glare and improving clarity. This device comes with a 7-inch display and the standard version comes in Graphite.
There is also a signature edition of this device available which adds aluminium casing, 32GB of storage, an auto-adjusting front light, and a magnetic charging pinpoint. This is available in Graphite and Fig colours.
This device is being rolled out gradually and as of right now, it’s not available to buy in the UK. Prices are expected to start from around £290.
Would I buy it? I haven’t been sold on the Kindle Colorsoft yet, if I’m being honest, however I believe that’s down to my own preference. I can understand why users might want a colour device though, really enhancing book covers and making it easier to see highlights etc. I still need convincing on whether I’d buy this device but I’d probably need to see it in person.
What else is new
In addition to the new Kindle devices, Amazon has already launched some brand new versions and accessories to accompany the range. These include:
All of the Kindle devices come with Kids versions with newly designed cases.
Various new cases per device. Some bring back the iconic buttons for turning pages.
Amazon Kindle Click - Amazon now has its own page turner which connects using Bluetooth. No need for third-party alternatives.
New screen protectors, chargers and cables.
Prime Big Deal Days is 6-7 October
We’re currently in the lead up to Amazon’s Big Deal Days on 6-7 October. It’s unknown whether they’ll reduce the price of these new devices, so check out the website for the latest pricing, before or on the days of the event.
Fire TV Stick anyone?
OK, so this isn’t Kindle-related but I need to mention it. Amazon has launched a new Fire TV Stick 4K, and for the first time ever, it no longer requires a plug and can be powered directly from the USB port on the back of your TV. I’ve just ordered this, so look out for my thoughts on it when I’ve tried it out.
What do you think of the new Kindle lineup? Will you be upgrading? Let me know in the comments.