Kindle Paperwhite (2021) : Luxurious Updates Raise the Bar— and the Price

Nighttime reading is much easier on the eyes now.

- By Alaina Yee

The last time Amazon updated the Kindle Paperwhite, the changes were dramatic. Our review of the fourth-generation model (fave.co/3fQn29M) called them a “raft of innovations,” with waterproofing and twice the amount of storage among the more standout upgrades.

The enhancements in the new fifth-generation Kindle Paperwhite are less revolutionary. Outside of the larger 6.8-inch screen, they’re refinements—ones that make the digital reading experience more comfortable…and expensive.

SPECS, FEATURES, PRICE

Storage: 8GB standard version or 32GB Signature Edition

Display: 6.8-inch, 300ppi,16-level grayscale

Front light: 17 LEDs with adjustable color temperature (white/amber)

Dimensions: 6.9x4.9x0.32 inches (175.2x124.6x8.1 mm)

Weight: 7.23 ounces (205g) for 8GB version; 7.34 ounces (208g) for 32GB Signature Edition

Connectivity: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth

Battery life: Up to 10 weeks on a single charge

Charging: Via USB-C port (both versions), or optional 10W Qi-certified wireless pad (Signature Edition)

Special offers: Ad-free versions are $20 extra; same cost to remove ads later on

Price: $140 (ad-supported), $190 (ad-supported Signature Edition)