Amazon has launched new Kindle models across its lineup, introducing updated versions of the entry-level Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Colorsoft. The refreshed devices feature new designs and colours, while the entry-level Kindle now adopts a flush-front display instead of the recessed screen used on its predecessor. Amazon says the new 6-inch Kindle is its most pocket-sized Kindle yet. The device measures 6.8mm in thickness and weighs 140 grams, making it 1mm thinner than the previous model. It offers up to six weeks of battery life and is 30 percent faster at opening books compared with the previous entry-level version. The standard model comes with 16GB of storage and starts at $150 with lockscreen advertisements. It is available in Ube, a purple shade named after the Filipino purple yam, and Graphite.
Amazon is also offering the entry-level Kindle with an aluminium back, giving customers another hardware option alongside the standard model. The aluminium version weighs 20 grams more than the regular device and includes 32GB of storage, twice the capacity of the basic model. It comes in Alpine Sky Aluminum and Seaglass Green Aluminum. The Kindle Paperwhite has also received a thinner and lighter design while retaining up to 12 weeks of battery life. The device has 16GB of storage, waterproof construction and an adjustable warm light. Amazon says the new Paperwhite has the largest screen and highest contrast ratio among its Paperwhite models, with the display designed to remain readable under bright sunlight. The standard Paperwhite is available in Graphite and starts at around $200.
For users seeking additional features, Amazon has introduced a new Paperwhite Signature Edition with an aluminium back, 32GB of storage, auto-adjusting front lighting and a double-tap feature for turning pages. The Signature Edition costs around $50 more than the standard Paperwhite and comes in Graphite and Seaglass Green. Amazon has also refreshed the Kindle Colorsoft with a redesigned display that provides edge-to-edge colour and is intended to improve clarity. The standard Colorsoft has 16GB of storage and is priced at $290 in Graphite, while the Colorsoft Signature Edition adds aluminium housing, 32GB of storage, an auto-adjusting front light, dock charging and double-tap page turning. The Signature Edition is available in Graphite and Fig, with pricing starting at $320.
Amazon is also introducing Kids versions of the three refreshed Kindle models, with child-friendly covers and access to an Amazon Kids+ subscription. Pricing for the Kids editions starts at $180. The entry-level Kindle and its aluminium version are available from October 1 in markets including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Poland, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Australia. The new Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Colorsoft are being made available for preorder across the same markets. Engadget’s hands-on preview reported that the Signature Edition models felt thin and light, while page navigation appeared responsive during testing. The updated lineup gives Amazon’s core e-reader range new physical designs, additional colour choices and aluminium options while retaining the long battery life associated with Kindle devices.
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