Why I'm skipping the new kindle release 📖 honest kindle reaction

Overview

Jessica is a longtime Kindle user who reads on an e-reader daily and usually upgrades when new models launch. This time, she plans to skip the new Kindles, saying the higher prices and limited improvements don’t justify replacing her current devices.

New Kindle lineup and features

• Basic Kindle: Available in four colors, including blue, green, purple (“ube”), and graphite. Its screen is now flush with the body, and the device looks slightly shorter than the previous model, though the screen size is unchanged.
• Paperwhite and Paperwhite Signature: The new Paperwhite has 16GB of storage. The Signature model offers 32GB and fewer color choices.
• Kindle Colorsoft: A color-screen model, with a Signature version available in colors including fig and graphite. Jessica returned an earlier Colorsoft because she didn’t like it, though she might reconsider if its issues have been fixed.
• Accessories: Amazon now offers cases with physical page-turn buttons, plus a Bluetooth clicker. The Paperwhite and Signature models also appear to support a charging dock. According to Jessica, chargers are no longer included.

Prices cited in the video

• Basic Kindle: $150 with ads or $170 without ads; a higher-storage option is cited at $190. Jessica paid $90 for her previous basic Kindle.
• Paperwhite, 16GB: $200. Jessica paid $160 for her 2024 Paperwhite, then another $20 to remove ads.
• Paperwhite Signature, 32GB: $250.
• Colorsoft, 16GB: $290.
• Colorsoft Signature: $320.
• Button case: $50 for the basic Kindle or $80 for the Paperwhite or Colorsoft.
• Bluetooth clicker: $35.

A Colorsoft Signature, case, and clicker could total $435 before tax, or more than $450 with tax. Jessica notes that holiday bundles may offer savings, such as a Kindle bundled with a case and clicker.

Pros and appealing points

• Jessica likes the new color choices, particularly ube and fig, and would especially like a soft-pink Kindle.
• She likes the idea of a button-equipped case and the convenience of a Bluetooth clicker.
• The Paperwhite and Colorsoft cases reportedly share a size.
• Some models may be clearer or faster, though she isn’t sure how noticeable those improvements are.

Cons and concerns

• Price increases are her main objection. She considers the basic Kindle’s rise from $90 to at least $150 steep, and the Paperwhite’s increase from $160 to $200 significant.
• She sees little improvement to the reading experience. Her current Paperwhite is already fast and clear, charges quickly, and has excellent battery life.
• The basic Kindle still lacks warm light and, as she understands it, waterproofing. She finds its cool-toned light uncomfortable for reading on dark flights.
• The flush screen may be more vulnerable to scratches. Jessica saw a report of a case getting scratched quickly and already uses a screen protector on her own Paperwhite.
• She dislikes the new models’ metal-like appearance and prefers the soft, lightweight feel of her current Kindle and Kobo. She has also seen concerns about the new material heating in the sun, but can’t confirm them.
• New device sizes mean older covers may not fit, particularly for the basic Kindle. A button case could also prevent her from using the decorative covers she likes, potentially locking users into Amazon’s accessory ecosystem.
• The button case and clicker add considerably to the cost. Jessica prefers built-in buttons, like those on her Kobo, and doesn’t want to read with a Kindle on a stand.
• She questions why the best color options are reserved for certain models and why customers must choose between a very basic model and much more expensive Signature or Colorsoft versions.

User experience and comparisons

Jessica’s current Paperwhite is her everyday reader and remains fast and reliable. Her older basic Kindle has become frustratingly slow, but that hasn’t convinced her to buy the new basic model.

She also uses a Kobo, which she likes for its physical buttons, screen rotation, lightweight material, and color display. She bought it partly because she wanted buttons, but would use it more if it supported Kindle Unlimited. She notes that the Kobo screen is delicate: it picked up a small dent after a light impact, though the damage doesn’t affect reading. She prefers to protect e-readers with cases.

Verdict

Jessica recommends keeping an existing Kindle rather than upgrading, unless a particular color or accessory is especially compelling. In her view, the new lineup offers attractive colors and some interesting accessory ideas, but too little practical improvement for the higher prices.

Speaker perspective

Jessica is the sole speaker. She provides the review and comparisons, drawing on her experience with several Kindles, a Kobo, and a returned Colorsoft. No numerical rating is given.