Amazon has finally revealed the Paperwhite 5 and it comes with a host of new upgrades and various model types.
Just like the leaks had suggested, this is a big upgrade for Kindle Paperwhite bringing a number of new additions to the e-reader we’ve been after for a number of years.
The new models up the screen size to 6.8-inches and there are more LEDs too (17 as opposed to 4), giving a more even light. They all also pack the same warm light we first saw on the Kindle Oasis.
Another notable change is the switch to USB-C, the modern connector you’ll find on most new phones, tablets, laptops and cameras. Aside from letting you use your MacBook Pro charger to juice up the new Kindle Paperwhite, it’ll allow for faster charging which is very much welcome.
Amazon says the new Paperwhite should last 10 weeks on a single charge and all models retain the IPX8 rating from before making them ideal for bouts of reading in the bath or by the pool.
Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition
For the first time, Amazon is launching multiple versions of this Paperwhite. There’s the regular version, a Signature Edition and a model aimed at Kids.
The Signature Edition has all the benefits of the regular Paperwhite, including the updated display and USB-C but it also adds wireless charging that’ll allow you to juice up the Kindle on any Qi pad.
Adding wireless charging to a Kindle might seem an odd upgrade, however it makes sense here as Amazon previously updated its Fire tablet with the same feature.
The pricier Signature Edition will also up the 8GB of internal storage to 32GB. While this won’t make much difference for books as they tend to be very small in size, it will allow for more Audible audiobooks to be downloaded and stored on the Kindle.
For the Kids model, Amazon is including a case and one year of Amazon Kids + content.
This launch comes just a week after Amazon announced a whole new UI would be coming to its Kindle models and just a few days after I wrote how much new Kindle hardware was needed.
The Kindle Paperwhite 5 will start at £129.99, with the Signature Edition upping that cost to £179.99. The Kids Edition will sell for £139.99. Shipping starts on October 27 and November 10 for the Signature Edition.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
