Is the Basic Kindle Worth Buying? [User’s Honest Review!]
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The basic Kindle is the most affordable variant in Amazon’s line up of e-ink devices! This makes it a popular option amongst people looking to purchase a Kindle with a small budget. But, is the Amazon’s basic Kindle even worth considering?
Amazon’s basic Kindle is worth buying especially since the launch of the all-new Kindle in 2022. It now comes with a 300 ppi display resolution that is at par with other Kindle variants, 16 GB storage space, and audiobook support. The basic Kindle is also at least $40 cheaper than any other model.
In this article, we will do a complete first hand review of the basic Kindle model from Amazon. Plus, we shall also review some of the new features added to the all new Kindle basic model that was introduced in 2022 compared to its predecessor i.e. the Kindle Basic 10th gen (2019).
At the end, I’ll talk about why the basic Kindle has now become a worthy contender and who is it best suited for. So, let’s get started!
Kindle Lineup: Quick Overview
If this is the first time you are considering purchasing a Kindle, then perhaps it is best to at least know the various Kindle models offered by Amazon.
Primarily, the Kindle lineup consists of four different options. These are as follows:
The basic Kindle is the simplest, most basic variant in the Kindle lineup. It offers the least number of features. It also costs the least amongst all the Kindle models.
Kindle Paperwhite has traditionally offered better reading experience with a few added features. It also comes at a higher price than the basic Kindle. The difference in the tech specifications between the basic Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite is vast making Kindle Paperwhite a popular choice.
However, with the all new basic Kindle 2022 model, things have changed a bit. More on that later in the article.
The Kindle Paperwhite also comes with a Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition with a minor variance.
The Kindle Oasis is the more premium category Kindle. It comes with a better form factor, and features that are quite unique to the Kindle Oasis model. This variant of the Kindle also comes at a premium price tag.
The Kindle Scribe is the latest addition to the Kindle lineup by Amazon. It comes with the biggest screen size, a stylus-type pen and annotation capabilites, and caters to a completely different target audience. It is the most expensive variant of the Kindle product line.
There are also the Kindle Fire Tablet series that comes with color display instead of the e-ink screen, and the Kindle Kids range targeted specifically towards kids.
With so many different Kindle options, it is often easy to confuse which Kindle is best suited for your needs. Thus, I created a complete article that highlights the exact Kindle you should use based on your needs! Make sure to check out that article before you buy a Kindle!
In this article, we shall be focusing on the basic Kindle model.
All-New Basic Kindle
Amazon’s most affordable Kindle now comes with a 300 ppi pixel density and 16 GB storage space! It is the perfect Kindle for a budget!
Features and Specifications of the Basic Kindle
Amazon recently released its newest generation of the basic Kindle in 2022 called the all new Kindle.
The basic Kindle is the lightest and the most compact Kindle from Amazon. This makes the basic Kindle a perfect companion for city travel as it easily fits in your purse or along with your laptop in the sleeve.
It comes with the screen size of 6 inches. The newly added 300 ppi display resolution is a much needed boost from the 167 ppi in the previous generations. The text on the all new Kindle is now much crisp due to the increase screen resolution.
The basic Kindle now also comes with a 16 GB on-board device storage making the possibility of storing more ebooks on the device for easy access. The increased storage capacity on the new Kindle also means you can also store audiobooks in addition to the ebooks.
Speaking of audiobooks, the all-new basic Kindle from Amazon now comes with audiobook support. This means, you can now listen to audible version of Kindle books and other audiobooks directly from your basic Kindle via bluetooth; a feature that was desperately needed with evolving times!
Interestingly, you now also get the dark mode with the new basic Kindle. Sadly, you don’t get the option to adjust the warm light of your device. The basic Kindle is lit with the front light (as is the case with most e-ink displays including the other Kindles), however, it now remains the only variant that comes with just 4 LED lights.
Here are some of the key features and technical specifications of the all new Kindle:
All New Kindle (2022) vs Basic Kindle (2019): What Has Changed?
It used to be difficult to recommend the previous versions of the basic Kindle prior to the all new basic Kindle launched in 2022. But, a lot of changed with this newer basic Kindle variant. Amazon has managed to bridge the gap in terms of the features offered between the basic Kindle and the Kindle Paperwhite.
Let’s take a look at some of the key features that have been added to the basic Kindle in the 2022 variant as compared to its predecessor.
1. Screen Display
Previously, one of the biggest drawbacks of the basic Kindle was the text on the screen was just not crisp enough as compared to the other Kindle variants.
Perhaps one of the major features of the all new basic Kindle is the display resolution. The new Kindle now comes with a 300 ppi pixel density which is now at par with the display resolution of all the other Kindle variants.
The previous generation of the basic Kindle only had half i.e. 167 ppi screen resolution, and was often a bone of contention forcing budget buyers to go with the Kindle Paperwhite. The all new Kindle will surely draw grab the attention of more budget buyers now.
2. Storage
Another major improvement in the basic Kindle has been the on-device storage offered on the device.
The previous generations of the basic Kindle only offered 4 GB or 8 GB of storage space. However, the new Kindle basic now boasts 16 GB of storage space on the device.
This will allow users to hold even more books on the device in addition to the audiobooks.
3. USB-C Charging
Another major upgrade has been the charging port offered for charging the Kindle.
With the previous Kindle basic generations, it used to be really annoying to own a micro-USB charger for just one device as most modern gadgets come with a USB-C charging port.
But now, with the all-new Kindle basic, you don’t need to buy or carry a separate charger just for your Kindle. You can simply use the charger from your phone to charge your Kindle (although I’d always recommend using the official charger that comes with the Kindle).
4. Audiobook Support
In addition to the added storage space, the all new basic Kindle now also offers the much needed audiobook support!
This was inevitable as Amazon has been pushing really hard to drive more users to Amazon’s audible platform. Adding the audiobook support to the basic Kindle will only remove any resistance and make it easier for users to access and listen to audiobooks via bluetooth.
Verdict: Is the Basic Kindle Good Enough for Buying?
Overall, the all new Kindle offered by Amazon provides buyers a great budget e-ink reader. Several key features have been upgraded with the new basic Kindle that enhance the overall reading experience.
The on-par 300 ppi display resolution and the 16 GB of device storage make it a worthy contender especially at the price point at which the all new basic Kindle is offered. It is perfect if you are looking to buy a Kindle on a budget.
The basic Kindle is perfectly suited for those who are first-time Kindle buyers or are looking to dip their toes into the world of e-readers. It is also a great choice for casual readers.
That said, if you do have an extra $40 to spare, I would still encourage you to consider buying the Kindle Paperwhite instead as you get a few additional features such as a better front light, adjustable warm light, IPX8 water resistance, among other things.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some additional questions that you may have (just as we did) while purchasing or using the all new basic Kindle:
How Long Does the Basic Kindle’s Battery Last?
According to Amazon, the battery of the all new Kindle can last upto 6 weeks on basic usage of upto 30 minutes a day.
However, in our usage, we noticed that the Kindle can easily last a month. So, you can definitely expect a battery life of about 4 weeks on a single charge in the real world scenario.
Is the All New Basic Kindle Waterproof?
The all new basic Kindle is not waterproof or water-resistant. If you accidentally drop your Kindle in water, do not panic. Use a tissue or a dry clean cloth to remove the water. Do NOT charge your Kindle if you are unable to switch on your device.
If you are unable to troubleshoot, feel free to reach out to Amazon’s customer support team for further guidance.
How Many Books Can the Basic Kindle Hold?
The all new basic Kindle can hold about 3000 to 4000 ebooks. The basic Kindle now comes with a 16 GB storage space. The number of ebooks may vary based on the number of audiobooks stored on the device.
Is the Basic Kindle Good For Your Eyes?
The basic Kindle is not as effective as the other Kindle variants as it only offers 4 LEDs in the front light. Furthermore, the basic Kindle also doesn’t have the option to adjust the brightness of the screen. This can affect your eyes as it can be difficult to read on the basic Kindle under poor lighting.
Which is Better: The All New Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite?
The Kindle Paperwhite is certainly better than the all new basic Kindle as it offers additional features that enhance the overall reading experience at a marginal increase in cost.
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