Best Kindle 2022: Basic Kindle vs New and Old Paperwhite vs Oasis

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(Pocket-lint) - There's nothing quite like going on holiday without having to weigh down your luggage with piles of books. Now, however, there's also a lot to be said for being able to access an almost unlimited number of books without having to go to a store to buy more. The Kindle reader is one of the most popular choices for reading eBooks, allowing you to read your favorite books on a digital device without the hassles of using a tablet or smartphone.

Not only is the Kindle energy efficient, but it's also well-connected, which means you can easily download new books. It's also incredibly easy to use with seamless integration with your Amazon account. The best prices are usually available on days like Prime Day or Black Friday, but there are regular discounts throughout the year.

The real decision is which model you should buy. There are currently seven Kindle models offered by Amazon: the new Kindle Paperwhite, Paperwhite Kids and Paperwhite Signature Edition, the Kindle with front light, the old Kindle Paperwhite, the Kindle Kids Edition and the Kindle Oasis. Here's how they break down.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2021 Family

In 2021, Amazon announced a new family of devices, consisting of the Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Paperwhite Kids, and Kindle Paperwhite Signature. These devices are currently up for pre-order, so we're bringing them to your attention alongside existing Kindle models.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021)

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Amazon's new Kindle Paperwhite, refreshed in 2021, brings significant changes over the older model. The bezels have been reduced slightly, but there's now a larger 6.8-inch display, larger than other Kindles - except the 7-inch Oasis.

This model is actually a bit wider and taller than the 2018 model it replaces, and heavier at 205g. There's 8GB of storage and it's limited to Wi-Fi connectivity only - there's no option for cellular connectivity.

As before, there's a front lighting system so you can read in the dark, but you can also adjust the color temperature of this, as you can in the Kindle Oasis (2019).

There's now a USB-C port for charging, with the battery said to last up to 10 weeks - that's 4 weeks longer than the old Paperwhite. It is waterproof with an IPX8 rating.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite for Kids

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The Kindle Paperwhite Kids is the same model as the Kindle Paperwhite (2021), so it has exactly the same features as the model above - but it comes in a package designed for kids.

That includes a cover to protect it, a subscription to Kindle Kids+, and a 2-year warranty, so if your kids break it, Amazon will replace it.

The best thing is that when your kids outgrow the kids content, they can use the Kindle like a normal adult Kindle.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition

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The Paperwhite Signature Edition is based on the Kindle Paperwhite 2021, but makes a few changes to make it slightly more premium.

Although it's the same exterior casing and design, it offers 32GB of storage, 4 times more than the standard Kindle Paperwhite. It also offers auto-adjusting front lighting to match the reading conditions you find yourself in.

There's also wireless charging, with a wireless charging station designed specifically for this model (an optional extra), so you don't need to plug it in. All of this will make for a bit more premium experience overall.

Existing Kindle Models

The following models are older, but still widely available and might give you better value for money if you're looking to buy a Kindle.

Amazon Kindle with front light

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Amazon's standard Kindle got an update in 2019, with the big addition being front lighting. This makes this cheapest Kindle practical, while offering the same storage space as the latest devices.

The design isn't as advanced as one of the Paperwhite models, however, with a raised bezel around the screen and this display is a lower resolution, so it's not as crisp as older or new models. Paper white.

That said, the experience is much the same when it comes to accessing books, and reading these books is still a pleasure.

Amazon Kindle Children's Edition

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The Kindle Kids Edition is, of course, aimed at children and offers some services that other Kindles don't.

Beneath the surface, however, it's the same as the standard Kindle above. The extra bits are a case that comes standard and a worry-free guarantee that the Kindle will be replaced even if it's accidentally damaged.

It also comes with a year of free kids content from Audible audiobooks and Kindle books, thanks to Amazon Kids+.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2018)

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When the Paperwhite was launched, its unique feature was lighting, meaning you could read it without the lights on. It's now a standard feature, leaving the Kindle Paperwhite (2018) in a mid-range position.

The 6-inch E-Ink display boasts 300ppi and offers better contrast than the regular Kindle, which means whites are brighter and blacks deeper. Again, this is a touchscreen device with a battery that lasts for weeks. In this design (2018) it's thinner and lighter than before, while now offering IPX8 waterproofing, with a flat front - so no ridge on that bezel like the base Kindle.

The Paperwhite is available in Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + 3G options. The 3G option costs a little more to purchase initially, but there are no ongoing charges, it's a free connection thereafter.

It's now been updated with the 2021 Paperwhite, but got a healthy price cut to reflect that.

Amazon Kindle Oasis

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Bigger and better, Kindle Oasis is designed to be the ultimate reading device.

This model has a 7-inch screen - bigger than any other Kindle device - and includes all the main features. It offers lighting, but with more LEDs to spread things out better. It also features auto-brightness, as found on the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition.

The Kindle Oasis is waterproof, while maintaining a thin and light design, so it's easy to slip into any pocket. With a 6-week battery life, it's a premium reader and the top of the Kindle family.

As with Paperwhite, there's a choice of Wi-Fi or 3G models, with the 8GB Wi-Fi model being the most affordable of the selection and the 32GB 3G version seeing the price skyrocket. The Oasis is by far the most accomplished Kindle - if you read every day, you'll appreciate the extra skills it offers.