Amazon's 2022 Kindle brings many new features over the 2019 edition, but are they significant enough to warrant an upgrade? The latest Kindle may entice buyers to get the new and shiny model, but it may not be entirely worth the upgrade for those who already own the 2019 version. Both devices are capable e-readers and offer great value for their price.
Amazon launched the first Kindle back in 2007. 14 years later, buyers now have several types of Kindles to choose from, from the basic Kindle, to the mainstream Kindle Paperwhite, to the top-end Oasis. Then there are the Kids' versions and Signature editions. Expectedly, the Paperwhite and Oasis cost more and offer some premium features over the basic Kindles. The entry-level model saw a major upgrade in 2019 with the inclusion of a front light. So what new features does the 2022 model bring?
The new 2022 Kindle is objectively better than the 2019 version across various parameters, including weight, screen, storage, and battery life. The 2022 Kindle is slightly smaller and lighter overall, with dimensions of 6.2 x 4.3 x 0.32 inches and a weight of 158g, while the 2019 version measures 6.3 x 4.5 x 0.34 inches and weighs 174g. While both Kindles have the same size 6-inch display, the 2022 Kindle has a higher resolution 300ppi panel compared to the 167ppi screen on the 2019 Kindle. With this display spec bump, the Kindle 2022 has the same resolution as the Kindle Paperwhite.
The Basic Kindle Finally Gets USB-C
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The new Kindle also has double the storage at 16GB, compared to the 2019 model's 8GB. It also has longer battery life that can last up to six weeks, two weeks more than the 2019 Kindle. Amazon has finally made the switch to USB-C on the basic Kindle, a much-needed upgrade that was brought to the Paperwhite in 2021. This is significant given the flagship Oasis continues to use an outdated micro-USB port. The differences between the two Kindles are mainly hardware related, with software features remaining the same across all models.
If you're buying a brand new e-reader, choosing the 2022 Kindle is a no-brainer. The new Kindle is priced at $99, while the older model is currently discounted to $64. However, the 2019 edition is likely to be discontinued once stocks finish. If you already own a 2019 Kindle, there is less of a need to upgrade, unless you need the additional storage for audiobooks. Regular books don't take up too much space, and 8GB is plenty to hold thousands of e-books. The 2022 Kindle's higher resolution display, longer battery life, and USB-C port are much-needed additions, but they might not be reason enough for 2019 Kindle users to make the switch.