Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2021 Review | 68 Data compared

The 2021 Amazon Kindle Paperwhite features a 6.8-inch, 300 ppi E-Ink display with thinner bezels and USB-C charging, offering a 20% faster processor for improved navigation. Key advantages include an adjustable warm light for comfortable night reading, IPX8 waterproofing, and up to 10 weeks of battery life. However, the increased size makes it less portable, while the bottom-mounted power button can cause accidental presses, and the interface can still experience lag. For a detailed analysis of this review, visit homeandsmart.de.

The Netzwelt review of the 11th-generation Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021) highlights a significant upgrade, characterized by a larger 6.8-inch display, improved thin bezels, and the long-awaited introduction of USB-C charging. Key performance enhancements include a 20% faster processor that makes page turns smoother and a warm, adjustable light to enhance reading comfort. The device maintains a waterproof IPX8 rating and provides exceptional battery life, lasting up to 10 weeks under normal usage conditions. Despite these advancements, the device faces minor criticisms regarding the lack of physical page-turn buttons, occasional sluggishness in the user interface, and the awkward placement of the power button on the bottom.

The 11th-generation Amazon Kindle Paperwhite features a larger 6.8-inch, 300 ppi display with adjustable warm light and USB-C charging, marking a significant, well-received hardware update. While offering improved, faster performance and an IPX8 waterproof rating, the device faces minor criticism for its awkwardly placed power button and lack of physical page-turn buttons. Despite these, the extensive, long-lasting battery and seamless ecosystem integration, along with a revised, faster interface, solidify its reputation as a premium reading experience, though it retains limitations like a slow web browser and optional lock-screen ads.

The 2021 Amazon Kindle Paperwhite features a larger 6.8-inch, 300 ppi display with thinner bezels and adjustable warm light, along with a long-awaited USB-C port. It delivers faster performance with 20% quicker page turns, offering a more responsive, comfortable reading experience compared to previous models. Key advantages include IPX8 water resistance and an extended battery life lasting up to 10 weeks. However, the increased size and weight make it less portable than the 2018 version, and the higher price point represents a significant jump. The lack of physical page-turn buttons remains a drawback for some, and for many users, the premium features of the Signature Edition, such as wireless charging, are hard to justify. Ultimately, this model is positioned as the best all-around e-reader for most users due to its screen upgrades and ecosystem integration.

The 2024 Kindle Paperwhite (12th Generation) features a larger 7-inch display, improved contrast, and 25% faster page turns, making it the most responsive and capable model yet, according to Literaturcafe.de. Pros include enhanced battery life (up to 12 weeks), a thinner design, and retained premium features like IPX8 waterproofing and adjustable warm light. Despite these improvements, the review notes minor drawbacks, specifically that the power button on the bottom edge can lead to accidental presses and the increased size may feel less comfortable for some users. Furthermore, the review suggests that for owners of the 2021 model, the changes might only justify an upgrade for those seeking the slightly larger screen and increased speed.

PC-Welt confirms that the Kindle Paperwhite 2021 remains the heart of the Kindle range and of the whole e-reader market. The verdict praises the improved screen, the longer battery life and USB-C. The frame grew only slightly to 174 x 125 x 8.1 mm and the weight rose to 205 g, yet the device still sits well in the hand. The 6.8-inch display at 300 ppi shows two more lines of text than a 2015 Paperwhite. The IPX8 rating protects it in the bath, and the warm light is a welcome addition. Criticisms are the short USB cable without a charger and the power button, which stays on the lower edge.

ComputerBase opens its test of the Kindle Paperwhite 2021 by calling it the first update in years that really changes something. The reviewer says a new purchase pays off, provided the user benefits from the larger 6.8-inch display. The much more expensive Signature Edition is likely worth it for only a few buyers. The test describes the fifth generation, which brings a bigger screen than the earlier 6.0 inches and a new Kids version for the first time. The flush front and rounded edges stay, and the device is comfortable to hold. Criticisms are the still narrow choice of content sources and audio from Audible only.

The ComputerBase verdict on the Kindle Paperwhite 2021 sees it as possibly the first Paperwhite in years that justifies leaving the previous model, as long as the 6.8-inch display helps the user. It brings a brighter, more even front light with 17 LEDs and a blue-light filter, while the narrower bezels keep the device portable. Build quality and text rendering remain very good, and Audible titles play over Bluetooth. Weak points carry over: only Audible audio is supported, MP3 is not, and separate Audible accounts cannot be linked. The reviewer adds that anyone who skips the new features can stay with the older model, and calls the package attractive and high-quality.

Mobiflip reviews the Kindle Paperwhite 2021 in the Signature Edition, supplied by Amazon as a test unit. The reviewer likes the larger 6.8-inch display at 300 ppi without reflections and the adjustable colour temperature, which bring it level with the Oasis. The device is quick, the new interface is pleasant, and the battery life stays very good at up to 10 weeks. The reviewer still misses physical page-turn buttons, though that is no tragedy, and notes that the ePUB format is not supported. The Signature Edition is not essential for anyone happy with 8 GB. The verdict is a clear purchase recommendation.

Literaturcafe tests the three variants of the Kindle Paperwhite 2021 under a headline about turning fewer pages and sleeping better. The reviewer notes that the reading area grew from 6 to 6.8 inches for the first time, so seven more lines of text fit on a page. The 300 ppi screen stays sharp, and the colour temperature of the light can now be set from white to amber on every model. Seventeen LEDs light the display evenly. USB-C replaces micro-USB, and the weight rises to about 205 grams. The testers did not check the IPX8 protection. Only the Signature Edition has auto brightness and wireless charging.