It's been a while since Amazon last updated the Kindle Paperwhite, the company's flagship ebook reader. But the time has come. Amazon has announced a new 2021 version of the Kindle Paperwhite, alongside a premium model called Paperwhite Signature, as well as a bundle geared toward kids.
These new models are available to preorder now starting at $159.99, with a shipping date of October 27. Let's look at the details.
Preorder New 2021 Kindle Paperwhite Ebook Readers
If you're interested in preordering any of the new Kindle Paperwhites, click the links above.
Kindle Paperwhite 2021 (11th Generation)
The new Kindle Paperwhite features a handful of new features to set it apart from the previous 2018 model, the biggest of which is probably screen size. While the previous model had a 6-inch screen, this new one sports thinner bezels, allowing for a 6.8-inch display. It offers better battery life (Amazon says you can go 10 weeks between charges), plus 20% faster page turns.
You can now adjust the color temperature of the display as well, and the charging port is USB-C. Aside from those upgrades, it still offers same glare-free, pixel-dense 300ppi reading experience. And it's still waterproof, so you don't have to worry about dropping it in the pool or bath if that's where you like to do your reading.
The 2021 Paperwhite is available with ads for $139.99 or without ads for $159.99. If you buy the version with ads and have regrets, you can pay $20 later to get rid of them.
Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition
The Paperwhite Signature Edition is basically the same as the new Paperwhite, but with a few additional upgrades. For starters, it comes with 32GB of storage instead of 8GB. It also automatically adjusts the brightness based on the lighting conditions where you are. Finally, it's compatible with wireless Qi chargers, so you can set it down to charge rather than having to plug in a cable.
The Signature Edition is only available without ads and costs $189.99.
Kindle Paperwhite Kids
This kid-friendly Kindle Paperwhite bundle includes a new 2021 Paperwhite, your choice of three covers, a year's subscription to Amazon Kids+, and a 2-year warranty that gets you a replacement with no questions asked if your Kindle breaks.
Amazon Kids+ gets you access to thousands of kid-friendly books and hundreds of audiobooks through Audible. Note that your subscription will automatically renew unless you cancel it.
The cover options include an all-black one, a colorful one called "Robot Dreams" one, and "Trees," which is green and features stylized nature art. Kindle Paperwhite Kids costs $159.99.