New Kindle Paperwhite 2021: features and comparison with 2018

We have a new Kindle in the family and it is not just any one. It is a renewed and improved edition of the Paperwhite, for many, the most attractive model (for its quality / price ratio) in the catalog. And be careful because the proposal does not come alone: it is accompanied by a Signature Edition version that further adjusts its nuts for the most demanding. Get to know them thoroughly.

New Kindle Paperwhite 2021

New Kindle Paperwhite 2021

It had been rumored for a long time, its characteristics had been leaked and finally … it has happened: Amazon has updated its Paperwhite model with no less than two new versions that improve the performance of the aforementioned equipment. This Kindle is undoubtedly one of the most attractive of the company, being in a middle point between the most basic ebook reader, the Kindle (just), and the most complete and “flirtatious”, the famous Oasis.

Despite being so complete, the current Paperwhite lacked polishing some aspects that now seem to finally fit in this new generation. We find ourselves in this way with a team that increases the size of its screen to 6.8 inches and bets on a resolution of 300 dpi. At the design level, its edges have been reduced (especially in the upper area) and in terms of its lighting capabilities, now you can regulate from a white light to a warm one and even program this change.

Kindle Paperwhite 2021

Inside it houses 8 GB of storage so you can save all the titles you want and finally says goodbye to the microUSB port to give way -it was about time- to the USB-C connector, much more common today.

Kindle Paperwhite 2021

Water resistant (with IPX8 certification), you can use it in the pool, the beach or when you take a nice bath without fear of splashes affecting the device. In fact, it is even capable of withstanding an accidental immersion in fresh water of up to 2 meters (a maximum of 60 minutes) or in salt water up to 0.25 meters (for 3 minutes), says Amazon. Regarding the autonomy, it reaches up to 10 weeks and regarding its performance, it also promises to turn the pages 20% faster than before.

It will be available to fall into your hands from October 27, although it can already be booked on the Amazon website for 139.99 euros (with advertising) or for 149.99 euros (if you prefer without advertising). By doing so, you will certainly enjoy a 3-month free trial of Kindle Unlimited.

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition

In case you want more capacity and with 8 GB you are not satisfied, you can always bet on the other version of the Paperwhite. The so-called Signature Edition has 32 GB of storage, also offering another feature that is undoubtedly one of the great novelties of this generation: wireless charging.

With the Signature Edition, therefore, it will not be necessary to use any cable, being able to use any compatible Qi wireless charging base to reach up to 10 weeks of autonomy again.

The rest of the qualities remain unchanged compared to its new brother, with the same new 6.8-inch screen, the adjustable light in tone or its renewed appearance with thinner frames.

Kindle Paperwhite 2021

The price, of course, rises compared to the lower capacity model, standing at 189.99 euros – it also has the advantage that it does not come with advertising (the option without it is not even available for this edition). You will have to wait until November 10 to get your hands on it.

Paperwhite vs New Paperwhite (2021)

Do you have doubts about what has changed between the “old” Paperwhite and the new model presented this 2021 by Amazon? Well, for this, nothing less than a comparative table where you can make a “face to face” of its characteristics. So you can see at a glance the main differences and similarities that exist after the generational change.

Paperwhite (2018) New Paperwhite (2021) Paperwhite Signature Edition (2021)
Screen size 6 inches without reflections 6.8 inches without reflections 6.8 inches without reflections
Resolution 300 dpi 300 dpi 300 dpi
Front light Front light (5 dimmable white LEDs) Front light (dimmable from white to warm) Front light (dimmable from white to warm)
Capacity 8 or 31 GB 8 GB 32 GB
Connector microUSB USB-C USB-C
Autonomy Up to 6 weeks Up to 10 weeks Up to 10 weeks
Wireless charging No No Yes
(Charging base sold separately)
Waterproof Yes Yes Yes
Weight Starting at 182 grams Starting at 207 grams Starting at 207 grams
Price 129.99 euros Starting at € 139.99 189.99 euros

Which option to choose?

At the moment it is possible to acquire both the new Kindles announced by Amazon and the previous one, launched in 2018. With all three at your fingertips, you may have wondered which is the smartest purchase .

After all, the Paperwhite that we knew until now is one of the most attractive models in the house and this has not changed with the arrival of its new brothers. We also have an extra addition that will surely interest you: at the moment the 2018 model has a significant reduction that leaves it at only 94.99 euros , a considerable drop compared to its original cost and a more than notable difference if we have take into account the cost of the newly introduced models.

You will have to renounce that yes to the USB-C connector (being the common port nowadays, it is likely that you are “forced” not to lose sight of a microUSB cable to charge the Kindle when you need it) and even wireless charging, if you consider purchasing the Signature Edition. The aesthetic changes, with their thinner frames, will not influence your reading (obvious) and you will only have to bear in mind that instead of 6.8 inches, you will be reading your books on a 6 ″ screen (which is equally very comfortable but, of course, not so wide).

Kindle Paperwhite 2021

The lighting on the “old” Paperwhite works quite well and with its 5 LEDs it offers a more than pleasant reading in any situation. The new Paperwhites have the advantage that white light can also get warm , depending on the reader’s tastes, which surely helps to have an even more rested view than what electronic ink already offers -especially interesting if you read for the night.

Kindle Paperwhite 2021

You will therefore have to assess whether the more interesting additions of the new models (USB-C and / or wireless charging, larger screen and warm light) that make the new Paperwhite the perfect Kindle are important and valuable enough for you to compensate the current price difference. If this is not the case, take advantage and buy the 2018 model at 95 euros before the stock runs out; If you think that the new Paperwhite is just what you needed, reserve it now and make sure it will be in your hands in a few weeks.