Desk of Contents
Editors’ word: This overview is for the 2021 Kindle Paperwhite Signature Version. A brand new style used to be launched in 2024. For the most recent knowledge, take a look at our overview of the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Version (2024).
The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Version, in spite of the partiality title, is a straightforward instrument. It is precisely the similar because the fifth-generation Kindle Paperwhite, nevertheless it prices $40 extra and has 4 upgrades: 32GB of reminiscence (up from 16GB), wi-fi charging, an routinely adjusting entrance mild, and no commercials.
Since we already established that the usual Paperwhite is a brilliant Kindle but additionally an e-reader, the point of interest of this overview is inconspicuous: To determine whether or not those 4 enhancements are price the additional cash.
A totally nice e-reader
My colleague Alex Perry reviewed the common fifth-gen Paperwhite, however listed below are my elementary impressions (coming from somebody whose number one e-reader prior to now used to be a second-gen Paperwhite).
The brand new Kindle Paperwhite is solely the suitable measurement and sits completely in my hand. It is also beach-ready, with an IPX8 ranking, which is a huge deal to me, particularly when in comparison to my iPad mini, which formally is not water-proof in any respect.
The USB-C charging port at the backside used to be a much-needed improve from the microUSB port on earlier Paperwhites.
Credit score: Stan Schroeder / Mashable
I’ve just one red meat with the instrument’s design, and that is the reason the truth that Amazon moved the ability button to the ground from the highest, which took some being used to. (It is price noting that this variation took place on a prior iteration of the Paperwhite.)
The brand new Paperwhite is so much sooner than my outdated style, nevertheless it might be sooner nonetheless, particularly when surfing via menus. The battery lasts eternally, and having a USB-C port as an alternative of the outdated microUSB connector is a blessing.
In comparison to my historic, third technology Paperwhite, the brand new one is formed a bit of extra like a standard e-book, which is not a nasty factor.
Credit score: Stan Schroeder / Mashable
Something you will not get in this Kindle is commercials. In comparison to commercials on sure different gadgets, commercials at the Kindle’s homescreen don’t seem to be just about as intrusive, however I nonetheless choose 0 commercials on one thing I paid for. You’ll be able to take away the commercials from the bottom style Kindle for an additional $20, however then the associated fee distinction between the 2 is an insignificant $20, this means that you must truly take a look at the opposite extras you get with the Signature Version.
You recognize what they are saying about reminiscence: Extra is at all times higher. That stated, until you are a voracious reader otherwise you continuously ship a number of periodicals on your Kindle, you will not want greater than 8GB. The Kindle Paperwhite SE has 32GB, which is overkill, however it’s comforting to grasp you can by no means have to fret about garage.
When this overview used to be in the beginning printed, the Kindle Paperwhite price $139.99 for 8GB of garage. That configuration is not presented, and the present base style comprises 16GB for $149.99. So, there is an excellent smaller worth hole between the usual style and Signature Version now at $40 in comparison to the former $50, making those bonus options much more definitely worth the improve.
Whether or not wi-fi charging can be price it for you is dependent totally on whether or not you usually use it in different situations. All Kindles have nice battery lifestyles, so you will not be charging them very steadily. I do have wi-fi chargers in my automotive and scattered all over the space, so the power to simply toss the Kindle onto them and feature it price is a pleasant, if marginal, development.
The MagSafe is not one of the simplest ways to price your Kindle Paperwhite Signature Version, nevertheless it works!
Credit score: Stan Schroeder / Mashable
Amusing truth: I attempted to price the Kindle Paperwhite SE the usage of Apple’s MagSafe magnetic charger for the iPhone, and no longer handiest does it paintings, however the charger sticks (even though simply slightly) to the Kindle adore it does to the iPhone. Beautiful nice.
The show, computerized
The ultimate large development at the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Version is the show.
The 6.8-inch, 300ppi show is sharp, crisp, stunning to have a look at, and would possibly not tire your eyes even after lengthy studying classes. The bezels at the facets and most sensible of the instrument are a ways smaller than at the earlier iteration, however there is nonetheless sufficient room to leisure your arms with out by accident flipping the web page.
The show now makes brightness changes by itself.
Credit score: Stan Schroeder / Mashable
Now for the large distinction between the common and the SE model of the Paperwhite: Routinely adjusting entrance mild. The easiest way to provide an explanation for the significance of this selection is to consider smartphones: Actually each unmarried fashionable smartphone has this selection. You do not take into accounts it a lot, but when somebody took the function away, you’ll surely understand.
It is an identical at the Paperwhite. The show routinely units brightness relying at the quantity of sunshine to your atmosphere. I love studying in very dim mild, and the Kindle set the display screen’s brightness just about as I’d do. The instrument helps darkish mode (vibrant textual content on darkish background), and if I switched to that, it readjusted the brightness accordingly. I really like the function, and even though I may are living with out it, I would be somewhat frustrated about having to regulate brightness manually once more.
Kindle Paperwhite Signature Version battery lifestyles
A unmarried price must have the Kindle Paperwhite lasting as much as 10 weeks. Whilst we did not run the e-reader for 10 weeks till it died, we will say it had very good battery lifestyles in accordance with our utilization.
Is the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Version price it?
This can be as a result of I am biased from reviewing Apple gadgets — Apple fees an arm and a leg for upgrades and further options — however I believe just like the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Version is worthwhile.
For $50, you get no commercials (a $20 worth), wi-fi charging, 32GB, and an progressed show. None of it is very important, nevertheless it does really feel like you might be getting a tight worth on your cash.
Mashable’s opinions of the present Kindle line-up
Easy methods to take advantage of your Kindle
Need to be informed extra about your Kindle? Learn via all of Mashable’s guides and explainers and uncover how you can take advantage of your instrument:
