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Amazon’s lighter basic Kindle suits readers willing to forgo premium features
Amazon’s redesigned basic Kindle starts at $169.99 and remains the cheapest model in its refreshed e-reader range, whose prices rose by $40 to $50. After several weeks of testing, the reviewer found it worthwhile for readers who favour a compact, light device and can do without premium features.
The 2026 plastic model weighs 140g, 11% less than its predecessor, and is 6.85mm thick; it also has a flush-front screen and opens books up to 30% faster, according to Amazon. It offers 16GB of storage and up to six weeks of battery life, compared with 12 weeks for the Paperwhite. It lacks warm lighting, colour, automatic brightness adjustment, waterproofing and support for a page-turn cover; an aluminium version costs $189.99 and includes 32GB.
In short
- The basic Kindle starts at $169.99 after the lineup’s price increases.
- It is lighter and faster, with a flush-front screen.
- Its compact design comes with fewer features and shorter battery life.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The basic Kindle offers a lighter, thinner and cheaper way to read, with faster book opening, ample storage and long battery life. For readers who mainly want a compact device for books, paying less and carrying less may matter more than premium lighting, waterproofing or other extras.
The case against
At $169.99, the basic model still costs more than before, while its battery life is shorter than the Paperwhite’s and it lacks features that can make reading more comfortable or convenient. Readers who value warm lighting, automatic brightness, waterproofing or longer battery life may find the savings too small to justify those trade-offs.
Explained simply
Kindle is Amazon’s range of electronic reading devices, which use screens designed to display digital books. Readers can buy books through Amazon and store them on a Kindle, so they can carry a library without taking the same number of paper books.
The basic Kindle sits below models such as the Paperwhite in Amazon’s range. The main choice is between a smaller, lighter device and features that some readers may value, such as adjustable warm lighting or water resistance.
The differences matter to people choosing an e-reader for travel, everyday reading or use near water. Comparing weight, battery life, storage and lighting can help show which model fits a reader’s habits.
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by TechCrunch as “Amazon’s new basic Kindle proves you don’t need all the bells and whistles”.