The Kindle Paperwhite 2021 updates Amazon’s mid-tier ereaders with a few new features and a lot more display area.
In September 2021 Amazon introduced a new trio of Kindle Paperwhite models – a pricier Signature, a kid-friendly model, and the standard version, which hadn’t been updated since the Kindle Paperwhite 2018. The new version has some obvious improvements, like a bigger 6.8-inch display than the 6-inch screen on the 2018 model. There’s also some long-awaited upgrades, including swapping out the micro-USB charging port for USB-C. The Paperwhite still starts at 8GB of storage, which is enough for plenty of books and some media. But now the larger 32GB version has been made into its own distinct model – the Kindle Paperwhite signature Edition – with its own perks, including wireless charging, but the same design. Thus, we’re looking at both devices here, and will specify when we’re only referring to the standard and Signature editions. The new regular Kindle Paperwhite has a bigger 6.8-inch screen (up from 6 inches) and thinner bezels, though it keeps the same 300 pixels per inch density. Amazon has upgraded the display, claiming it gets 10% brighter at maximum brightness than the screen on the older Paperwhite, as well as new capability to auto-adjust the front light based on the brightness of the user’s surroundings. While the ereader doesn’t have a drastically different design than its predecessor, keeping the e-ink front display and plastic back, the bezels surrounding the screen are smaller, allowing for more screen real estate without needing to make the device larger. As such, it’s an improvement in the ways that matter for an affordable ereader. Read on for our early thoughts on the Amazon Kindle 2021, and whether it’s worth it to pick up the Amazon Kindle Signature Edition. The Kindle Paperwhite 2021 remains Amazon’s mid-entry e-reader between the basic Kindle and the Kindle Oasis, and is priced accordingly.
