Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition Review

Nine years have passed since Amazon launched its first generation of Kindle eBook readers in October 2012, and since then the evolution has always focused on improving the reading experience on screens. e-ink. .

In a sense, the changes between one generation and another may not have been so big that you rush to buy a new model if you have the previous one, but if you still have one of the previous generations, it is now is that it is worth updating. .

Design and build quality

If we focus on the design of the new Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, we see that the dimensions compared to its predecessor Paperwhite are very similar, going from 167 x 116 x 8.18 mm of the 2018 model, to 174 x 125 x 8, 1 mm from the current model.

The screen display area remains at 6.8 inches, more than enough to have a satisfying page viewing experience even when you decide to set a large font size for easy reading, without constantly turning pages.

The weight has also increased slightly, to 205 grams against 187 grams for the previous model. However, it won’t be a problem when handling and holding with one hand, even during long reading sessions.

The display power button is maintained located in the lower part of the eReader, next to the USB C connector (new here), for which the corresponding USB A to USB C charger cable is included (the AC adapter is not included in the box).

As you will understand, this isn’t the biggest screen we’ve seen in an Amazon e-book reader (the Kindle Oasis has a top of 7 inches), but it is close to the ideal size that you will feel more comfortable reading your novels with without eye strain.

One of the most popular enhancements to the new Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is wireless charging support, where you can use any 10W Qi-compatible charging base, with a speed similar to what you will get with the usb cable.

Truth be told, it’s a novelty that we all welcome, even if it doesn’t have the same impact that wireless charging can offer on a smartphone. Keep in mind that the Kindle’s battery can last up to 10 weeks on a single charge if you use it for half an hour each day.

Display and operation

Indeed, if we place the new generation next to the previous Kindle, we see that there is not a big difference in size, since both have a 6.8-inch panel that operates at 300 dpi.

However, the repositioning of the screen, due to the now smaller top bezel, makes the screen noticeably larger so you can manipulate it both vertically and horizontally.

In fact, the extra size allowed us to see how by using the same font in both readers, we save two more lines of text in the new template for each page displayed, thus avoiding a few page advances in each book.

And has Amazon notably optimized its interface over the years, so that if you suffer from presbyopia due to age or tired eyesight like I am, you can expand the size of the font to your liking, spacing, alignment, as well as reducing or increasing page margins to gain more viewing area.

Another first for the Kindle Paperwhite 2021 is the warmer temperature control feature, something it inherits from the high-end Kindle Oasis. This allows us to gradually adjust the color temperature of the screen according to individual tastes.

Warmth offers us a total of 24 different dimming levels, with the ability to program an activation time, as well as customize the heat level for each of the play times you program.

Located at the cooler end, the light emitted by the 17 LEDs below the screen is much more bluish. As you move the control, you add more red light so that the typical yellowish tint is displayed, which is nicer for low light situations (night reading).

As we have already mentioned, this is a feature available since 2019 on the Kindle Oasis model, which was first introduced in the cheaper Paperwhite readers, in a way that makes this model a interesting update.

However, it should be pointed out here that the number of LEDs that the Kindle Oasis model has is 25 instead of 17, so it is highly likely that the tone variation levels are better in the high-end reader.

User interface

Amazon has changed the Kindle software so that now when you buy a new device, you can use the Kindle app on your smartphone to set it up with just a few clicks as long as the Kindle app is installed.

Basically, it pairs over Bluetooth and then shares all of the account details so you don’t have to do it on the Kindle itself. While this is something you only do once at startup, it makes things easier and improves the user experience.

The interface has also been redesigned, so that the main screen now offers two options at the bottom of the screen, “Home and Library”, to quickly switch between them. You can also tap the image of the book you are reading to go to the page where you left off.

If you haven’t used a Kindle e-reader for a long time, be aware that they have the option of using dark mode similar to cellphones, so we set up a black background for those who prefer a reading setup like this. .

Regarding usability, Amazon seems to have increased the speed of page rotation by 20% so that the movement forward or backward is instantaneous. It is difficult to quantify this fact, but the feeling is that the answer is immediate.

Autonomy and storage

One of the most notable new features of this model is that it is the first Kindle Paperwhite to support wireless battery charging. It uses any Qi-compatible charger, and while its speed is slow at 10W, it’s a step up to consider.

However, it is more important for me to mention here that this model is more energy efficient speaking. While we didn’t have enough time to drain your battery during the testing period, Amazon says you get 10 weeks of use on a single charge.

To meet these times, you need to turn off Wi-Fi connectivity and set the brightness to a level thirteen, using the player for half an hour a day. Even though the previous models already stood out for their excellent battery life, it is always good to see that there is room for improvement.

One aspect that Amazon could have improved on the new Kindle is implementing some type of faster charging, as we’ve verified that to charge it to 100% capacity you still need an average 2.5 hours connection to the electric current.

One cannot ignore the fact that the storage of the new Kindle Paperwhite has increased considerably, from the 8 GB of the previous generation, to the 32 GB of the model now presented.

The water and dust resistance mode remains in the IPX8 certification, so that we can continue to use it in our moments of leisure and disconnection, such as by the pool or on the beach.

If you haven’t yet used the trial subscription for Kindle UnlimitedYou should know that Amazon offers a free period of 3 months with the purchase of a Kindle Paperwhite e-reader, with access to countless e-books.

Price

New Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition It is already on sale at the recommended price of $ 189.99 without the possibility of currently making some savings by acquiring a model with advertising, as is the case with the Classic white paper.

They’re $ 40 more than the base Paperwhite, which currently costs $ 149.99, but considering the new stuff that Amazon has included in this new generation, it’s a difference worth it if you’re one of those. who do not miss a daily reading time.

Above the parsed here you can still find the Kindle Oasis with the maximum benefits at a price of $ 249.99. And as an input range, there is the Light up elementary for only 89.99 $, with a 6-inch screen, dimmable front lighting but no warm light, and no IPX8 resistance.

Discover our selection of Best Amazon Kindle eBook Readers, where you can find great deals.

Verdict

In summary, we see a technological evolution in this new line of Paperwhite e-book readers, honoring the family of devices that go beyond the basic functions offered by the entry-level Kindle model.

The question is: is this news enough reason to buy it? Frankly yes if you are a regular eBook reader, in the sense that you use the device daily and can afford it.

The new self-regulating warm front light feature is a godsend when it comes to reading in different ambient lighting situations, especially when reading at night before bed.

Other novelties like wireless charging, or the larger storage capacity which reaches 32 GB, frankly I don’t see them as a substantial novelty to justify the purchase if you already have a previous model.

That said, it will all depend on how much time you spend daily addicted to reading and what experience you want to have, with the ability to isolate yourself from any distractions they usually have if you try to read on a tablet or another. mobile device with its ecosystem of applications.