Our choose for the best Kindle simply received an overhaul. The Kindle Paperwhite now sports activities a bigger display, sooner {hardware}, longer battery life, and the addition of an amber tone for the entrance mild as new standout options, and that’s simply the headliners. (Followers of the USB-C connector can relaxation simple eventually.)
However the new Paperwhite additionally prices extra, particularly in order for you the model with extra storage. To make it simpler to determine if you wish to improve (or which model you need when you see the 2018 edition on sale), we’ve highlighted the important thing variations for you, together with placing the complete specs for every side-by-side.
Key variations
Dimension
The 2021 mannequin of the Paperwhite is bigger than the 2018 model. It’s a couple of quarter-inch (7mm~) taller and wider. It does stay about the identical thickness, although.
Display dimension
The brand new Paperwhite has a display dimension of 6.8-inches (172mm), which provides you about one other 3/4-inch of actual property. The 2018 mannequin has a 6-inch (152mm) show.
Weight
The brand new Paperwhite fashions ideas the dimensions by almost a full additional ounce in comparison with its predecessor. The 2021 Kindle Paperwhite weighs 7.23 ounces (205g), and the Signature Version variant weighs 7.34 ounces (208g). The 2018 Kindle Paperweight is a daintier 6.04 ounces (182g) for the Wi-Fi model, and 6.8 ounces (191g) for the Wi-Fi + Mobile model.
Battery life
The seemingly cause for the brand new Kindle Paperwhite’s heavier weight is its longer battery life. Amazon says it is best to stand up to 10 weeks of studying on the 2021 version, up from the 2018 model’s max of 6 weeks. (Each estimates presume half-hour of studying per day, with Wi-Fi off and a setting of 13 for the sunshine.)
Amazon
Brighter display
In line with Amazon, the 2021 Paperwhite’s show is 10-percent brighter at most in comparison with the 2018 model. Additionally associated to display brightness: The Signature Version comes with the flexibility to robotically regulate brightness primarily based on ambient lighting situations.
Entrance mild shade temperature
On the 2021 Kindle Paperwhite, you may change the colour of the entrance mild from white to amber. This new characteristic is supposed to offer higher nighttime studying (and higher sleep hygiene). You may even schedule the change between the cool and heat lighting.
{Hardware} velocity
Amazon doesn’t reveal technical particulars in regards to the processors and screens it makes use of in its Kindles, nor are you able to fairly benchmark the e-readers. However based on the corporate, the 2021 Kindle Paperwhite has 20-percent sooner web page turns in comparison with the 2018 mannequin.
New charging connector
Folks have wished firms to ditch micro-USB connectors for years—and Amazon’s lastly carried out it for the Paperwhite. The 2021 model makes use of USB-C for charging, which implies you gained’t have to consider which solution to plug within the cable anymore.
Wi-fi charging
Those that go for the extra luxe model of the brand new Paperwhite additionally get the choice to make use of wi-fi charging. The Signature Version helps 10W Qi chargers, although you’ll need to buy one individually (and confirm compatibility earlier than doing so).
Worth improve
The upgrades for the Kindle Paperwhite don’t come free, alas. You’ll now pay $140 for the 8GB mannequin (up $10 from the 2018 model), and $190 for the 32GB Signature Version (up $30 from the earlier 32GB model). The Signature Version takes a bigger leap seemingly on account of its help for wi-fi charging and adaptive display brightness—the 8GB model lacks these options.
Full specification comparability
PCWorld