The center of December looms proper across the nook, which suggests peak gift-giving season is virtually upon us. After that, it will be time to ring in 2026. If studying extra books is one in every of your (or a cherished one’s) New Yr’s resolutions, I am unable to suggest a tool greater than a Kindle.
Kindles are so fashionable that the identify has finally turn out to be synonymous with the time period ‘e-reader.’ They’ve one mission and one mission solely: to make studying extra handy, on the go or at dwelling. I have been a proud Kindle proprietor since 2009, which suggests I’ve almost 17 years of e-reading expertise beneath my belt. All through that point, I’ve owned numerous fashions, from the second-gen Kindle to the brand-new Kindle Scribe Colorsoft.
I’ve stated earlier than that Amazon would not skimp on any of its e-readers — even the entry-level Kindle throughout all generations units the bar excessive sufficient that I would not really name it a “funds” gadget, even when the worth suggests in any other case. However what do the dearer fashions — particularly the most costly mannequin — really supply in comparison with the fundamental Kindle proper now?
If you happen to’re trying to give the present of studying on the final minute this yr, listed here are the actual variations between the costliest and most cost-effective Kindle, and which one is the higher selection for you.
I’ve excluded the Kindle Scribe traces from this breakdown. They’re note-taking units first and e-readers second, they usually’re considerably dearer than any common Kindle e-reader.
The Kindle Colorsoft Signature Version versus the entry-level Kindle
The distinction is huge…
The most costly e-reader from Amazon is the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Version, which rings in at a hefty $280 (although it is at present on sale for $240). Its hallmark function is the 7-inch shade E Ink show, nevertheless it additionally contains an auto-adjusting entrance gentle, wi-fi charging, and as much as eight weeks of battery life on a single cost. It comes with 32 GB of storage — sufficient to carry 1000’s of books — and has an IPX8 score, making it waterproof.
The Kindle Colorsoft Signature Version is the mannequin with probably the most frills and options, however not each reader wants them. Actually, I’ve argued earlier than that the most cost effective mannequin, the entry-level Kindle, is really the higher e-reader generally for most individuals.
The entry-level Kindle is probably the most inexpensive e-reader in Amazon’s lineup, beginning at $110 (and at present on sale for $90). That is $170 cheaper than the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Version at full value, and $150 cheaper when evaluating sale costs. This Kindle is Amazon’s lightest and smallest mannequin, that includes a compact 6-inch show. Not like the Colorsoft Signature Version, the bottom Kindle’s entrance gentle have to be manually adjusted. Storage begins at 16 GB (half as a lot), and it would not have an IP score — that means no official safety towards water or mud. Maybe the largest distinction is that the bottom Kindle lacks the colour show fully, so all studying is restricted to black, white, and grayscale.
-
- Storage
-
16GB
- Display Measurement
-
6-inch E Ink (300ppi)
- Connections
-
USB-C
- Battery
-
As much as 6 weeks
- Measurement
-
6.2 x 4.3 x 0.32-inches
Amazon’s base-level Kindle ships with 16GB of storage, a 6-inch E Ink show, and a ruggedized exterior shell that may stand up to the weather.
-
- Storage
-
32GB
- Model
-
Kindle
- Display Measurement
-
7-inch Colorsoft Show (300ppi BW, 150ppi shade)
- Connections
-
USB-C
- Measurement
-
5 x 7 x 0.3-inches
Amazon’s Kindle e-reader with a 7-inch shade E Ink show, good for studying magazines, comedian books or graphic novels — with double the storage and wi-fi charging.
Which one must you purchase?
… However the selection is straightforward
On paper, it sounds just like the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Version is taking all of the cookies. And it does, however provided that you are a selected type of reader: somebody who reads graphic novels greater than conventional text-based e-books. The “Colorsoft” ingredient is basically pointless if all you learn are customary novels, and it comes at a premium that is arduous to justify in the event you’ll largely be studying in black and white anyway.
Then there’s storage. I’ve solely ever had 16 GB on my Kindles, and even after loading 1000’s of books, I’ve by no means come near hitting capability. The Colorsoft Signature Version solely wants extra storage as a result of graphic novels take up considerably more room per web page. If you happen to do not learn them usually, you are paying additional for storage you possible will not use.
Auto-adjusting entrance lights are good, however not a hill to die on. The one actual time you’d want to regulate the bottom Kindle’s show is while you’re studying at the hours of darkness. Plus, the interface is so easy that it is comparatively painless — no extra inconvenient than turning on a lamp to learn a daily paper guide, anyway.
Do not get me began on wi-fi charging. It is probably the most ineffective function that any Kindle mannequin has. Actually, I might argue that it is more durable to make use of your Kindle whereas it is wirelessly charging than if it was plugged in by way of USB-C. It is simply one other fancy-sounding premium to jack up the worth.
The one really compelling benefits of the Colorsoft Signature Version are show measurement and water resistance. The 7-inch show is barely simpler on the eyes and suits extra textual content per web page, although you’ll be able to compensate by adjusting font measurement on the bottom Kindle. However in the case of IP-rating, the Colorsoft Signature Version wins in my guide — I prefer to learn poolside and even on the seashore, and a rising tide or sturdy wind kicking up sand might spell catastrophe for a base Kindle.
That stated, if show measurement and waterproofing are your priorities, let me cease you proper there. The common Kindle Paperwhite provides the identical 7-inch show and IPX8 water resistance — and it is my private favourite mannequin. It hits the candy spot between helpful options (not frills) and affordable pricing.
- Storage
-
16GB
- Model
-
Amazon
- Display Measurement
-
7-inch E-ink (300ppi)
Amazon’s mid-tier e-reader with 16 GB of storage to carry 1000’s of books, a 7-inch glare-free show, and as much as 12 weeks of battery life.
What different Kindle fashions can be found?
It is a lengthy record
There are many Kindle fashions obtainable, they usually’re all spectacular — Amazon did not hinder the studying expertise on any of them, even probably the most inexpensive fashions. The frills and options add up as you go up in value:
- Amazon Kindle 16 GB (most cost-effective mannequin)
- Kindle Paperwhite 16 GB (my favourite gadget)
- Kindle Paperwhite Signature Version 32 GB
- Kindle Colorsoft 16 GB
- Kindle Colorsoft Signature Version 32 GB (most costly mannequin)
If you happen to aren’t fearful about show measurement or water-resistance, the bottom Kindle actually is all that it’s good to make studying an much more handy exercise. It additionally travels rather well contemplating its compact measurement.
If you need one thing barely bigger and secure to herald the bath, the Paperwhite is your greatest wager. I do not usually suggest the Paperwhite Signature Version, for the reason that solely upgrades are wi-fi charging and double the storage. However, like I discussed, wi-fi charging is totally pointless, and you will possible by no means hit that 16 GB capability studying conventional, text-based e-books. Neither justify the additional $40.
Subsequent is the distinction between the Colorsofts. I might actually solely suggest shopping for both of these fashions in the event you learn graphic novels usually. The colour show considerably will increase the worth — $50 greater than the Paperwhite Signature Version and $90 greater than the common Paperwhite at full value. The Colorsoft Signature Version follows the identical sample because the Paperwhite Signature: extra storage and wi-fi charging, however no must-have upgrades. You need not pay extra for the “Signature” identify.
