Amazon has revamped its best-looking e-book reader, with features like wireless charging and a bigger screen.
The Kindle is the absolute reference in the sector of electronic book readers, as it is based on the platform of a giant such as Amazon; Of all the available models, the Paperwhite is the one that has traditionally achieved a better balance between functionality and price, and the one that we have been able to recommend the most.
But it is no less true to say that Amazon has rested on its laurels. The last full review of the Paperwhite was released in 2018, and since then it’s been a long time coming. I’m sure that’s why the new generation of the Paperwhite brings so many new things; for all practical purposes, it has become a completely different product.
I have been able to verify it in person, using the new Paperwhite during these days for my daily readings; specifically, I have had the opportunity to use the Signature Edition version, the top of the range with more functions (although most of the new features are also in the basic version).
New screen, more space
If, like me, you have been using a Paperwhite as your main e-book reader for years, the first thing that will strike you about the new model is the screen. It’s a mistake to think that it’s the same panel as its predecessor, just because the 300 dots per inch resolution is the same; in practice, it is completely different. For starters, it’s much larger, coming in at 6.8-inches versus 6-inches on the previous model; having the same resolution in a larger space doesn’t affect sharpness as much as you might think, and I haven’t noticed much of a difference in the rendering of letters.
The new Kindle Paperwhite (right) has a bigger screen
In fact, I’ve found reading with the new screen to be much more enjoyable and easier on the eyes than the old one, making direct comparisons with the old model.
In illustrations, the difference is even greater. Contrast has been greatly improved, something easy to notice on covers with art, where we can better differentiate the details. This shows that resolution is important, but not the only factor that makes a difference in the experience.
The Kindle Paperwhite can be a good comic book reader
In fact, the screen is so good with illustrations that the new Paperwhite has become a great option for reading my comics; though obviously black and white is better, as Amazon has yet to make the leap to color e-ink displays. The higher contrast, and especially the larger size, makes reading comics and graphic material such as magazines much easier.
What I have noticed is that the screen does not update as often by default, probably to save battery life. The problem with electronic ink screens is that they can leave a ‘trace’ if the system does not reload the page; by default, I have seen that the screen reloads approximately every three page changes, and if we look closely, at the third we can see remnants of the previous pages. Not that it is a serious problem, especially since in the configuration we can make the screen reload with each page turn.
But where we really find more news is in the lighting integrated into the device. The new Paperwhite has a new adjustable warm light, designed to prevent our eyes from getting tired. When it is active, the front light of the screen acquires an orange tone, whose power we can vary to our liking; the idea is that we use this mode before going to sleep, so as not to strain our eyes with conventional light, although tastes also influence when activating this mode: it makes it look like an old book, with pages that have lost their whiteness due to pass of the time.
Kindle Paperwhite’s warm light gives books a ‘vintage’ look
Another aspect related to the screen that has changed are the edges. Not only are they much thinner than the previous generation, the screen is now flush with the edges; so we don’t have that elevation change, and in the hand it looks like a single piece with no edges. It’s much nicer, both to the touch and to the eye, with a more modern design right down to the Kindle logo. We also have the option to activate a dark mode, which inverts colors and shows white letters on a black background; it’s something that many people prefer in their apps, and now it’s possible on the Kindle.
Speaking of touch, the new Paperwhite is slimmer than the model it replaces, and maintains the same weight of 205 grams despite its larger size; so it’s not annoying to have it in your hand for hours, something that personally surprised me.
Faster and more intuitive
The Paperwhite still uses a touch screen, with no physical controls, but the experience has been greatly improved; Mainly, thanks to the new processor that makes the interface go much faster and respond better to our actions.
Amazon has revamped the Kindle interface
From turning pages to using the menus to find our next read, it’s a much faster and easier system to use. It also helps that Amazon recently updated the operating system, with a new interface; It hasn’t changed much, but it’s more pleasing to the eye and the buttons are easier to press.
To unlock the device, and turn it on the first time, we still have a physical button on the bottom; Oddly, I feel like it takes a bit longer to unlock, but only if I haven’t used it for a few hours. If I unlock it immediately after locking it, it’s instant.
USB-C connector on the new Kindle Paperwhite
Next to it we have another great novelty, a very simple one but that we have been asking for for years: a USB-C connector, which replaces the usual microUSB. It is capable of charging with a power of up to 9 W, so it will take approximately two and a half hours to recover the full battery. As usual with electronic ink screens, it will last us a long time: about ten weeks according to Amazon, and although I have not been able to verify it personally, with the consumption I have, it is on the way to complying with them.
Signature Edition, with wireless charging
The new Kindle Paperwhite will be available in two versions, the basic and the Signature Edition, which is the one I have been able to test. Really, there are not many differences between the two, and all the features that I have reviewed so far are present in both.
The Signature Edition differs in that it has a few extra features, but is identical in design and function to the Basic Edition. The biggest novelty is wireless charging, compatible with all Qi chargers; although Amazon is preparing to launch a base specifically designed for this device, which will arrive in December.
Auto light on the Paperwhite Signature Edition improves visibility
In effect, you can now leave the reader on a charging base when you go to bed, and it will recharge itself without the need to connect a cable. It works correctly, although I would have liked a battery indicator on the screen when it is recharging in this way: only a light at the bottom lights up, just like when charging by cable. Also, as I mentioned before, the battery of this device lasts several weeks, so it really is not something that will change your life; It’s not like a smartphone, which you have to recharge every day. But it is a good addition to say goodbye to cables.
Another exclusive function, which perhaps you will take advantage of more, is the automatic light, thanks to sensors that detect the brightness of the area and vary the front light by themselves. Finally, this version has more storage, 32 GB, so it is recommended if we want to take our entire library, including comics, with us.
Big jump to enjoy your books
The new generation of the Kindle Paperwhite is the revolution that many of us have been waiting for. Everything is new, and it is appreciated: the design, the screen, the processor, the lighting, and even the interface have been renewed, and as a result, this model has little to do with the previous one. When we put them side by side, they look like different products, and not the same one with a generation jump.
Of course, the integration with the Amazon platform is complete, and it is easy to find, buy and read books from your store; in addition to using services like Kindle Unlimited to read everything we want with a subscription (three free months are included with the device). But we can also upload books that we have bought on other sites, as long as they are not copy-protected; the possibility of loading them directly into the memory by connecting the device to the computer, or sending them by mail is maintained.
Now, which should you buy, the basic or the Signature Edition? After trying the second, I think it’s a difficult question to answer. The part of the 139.99 euros, and has most of the new features that I have mentioned; while he costs 50 euros more, 189.99 euros, and includes wireless charging, automatic light and more storage. The key is how much space you need for your books, and if you really want to say goodbye to cables. Whichever you choose, the new Kindle Paperwhite won’t disappoint.