Kindle (2019)

Kindle (2019): At a Glance

After remaining unchanged on the market since 2016, the basic Kindle was long overdue for a hardware upgrade.

In 2019, Amazon answered this call by updating its entry-level model and improving several aspects.

While the new Kindle doesn’t go by the name “Paperwhite”, it now also features a built-in front light (with 4 LEDs). This upgrade had already been the subject of much speculation beforehand. Some concerns were also raised that a new illuminated entry-level model might steal sales from the Paperwhite.

Amazon tackles this mainly by keeping the new entry-level Kindle’s pixel density at 167 ppi. So, the 6-inch display still has a resolution of 800×600 pixels. The Kindle Paperwhite and Oasis, by contrast, have 300 ppi.

On the other hand, the Kindle now comes with the latest E-Ink technology for improved contrast. Even though Amazon doesn’t mention it specifically, it’s almost certainly E-Ink Carta. With this, the online giant is sending the previous model’s E-Ink Pearl technology into well-deserved retirement.

The casing gets a slight upgrade (or rather, a downgrade) and now measures 160 x 113 x 8.7 mm (previously: 160 x 115 x 9.1 mm), making it just a bit more compact. However, the Kindle has gained some weight—from 161 grams to 174 grams.

Otherwise, you get the familiar features: Wi-Fi connectivity, two casing colors (black, white), and 4 GB of internal storage (not expandable).

Audible audiobook support (via Bluetooth) is also once again included. However, due to the relatively small storage space, audiobook fans may be better off with the Paperwhite, which includes up to 32 GB of storage. The new Kindle’s Audible support is more geared toward occasional audiobook listeners.

The starting price increases by 10 euros due to the new hardware. Now, the Kindle costs at least €79.90—with special offers. The ad-free version is available for €89.90. Shipping of the already pre-orderable eReader begins on April 10.

New Dynamics in the Price War

The new Kindle is likely to shake up the dynamics of the pricing battle, at least in the German market, in the medium term. For many months, the Tolino partners and Amazon have been locked in a price war in the mid-range segment. The Kindle Paperwhite 3 was frequently available at a discount before it was replaced, and the Paperwhite 4 has also seen several price drops. On the other hand, this has also held true for the Tolino Shine 2 HD and Shine 3.

Now that Amazon has equipped the Kindle with built-in lighting and the latest E-Ink technology, I suspect the eBook reader will become especially popular as a gift and as an entry point for those new to digital reading.

The affordable (and solid) Tolino Page will likely fall behind soon due to its lack of lighting. The Kindle’s debut could also spell trouble for PocketBook’s Lux 4 and Basic Lux 2. For many newcomers, the lower resolution—the key differentiator—may not be a decisive factor.

It’s also possible that Amazon will increasingly shift the price war to the Kindle and no longer offer such deep discounts on the Paperwhite as in the past. The coming months, around Easter and this year’s holiday shopping season, are sure to be interesting.

Kindle (2019): Technical Specifications

All information provided without guarantee.