Kindle Oasis 2: At a Glance
The new Kindle Oasis (2017/2018 model) brings a host of improvements over its predecessor, most of which clearly stem from customer feedback. The most striking update is the larger screen, which now measures 7 inches (17.78 cm) diagonally instead of the previous 6 inches (15.24 cm). Despite this increase in size, the pixel density remains impressively high at 300 ppi, ensuring the new Oasis features a razor-sharp display. Naturally, built-in lighting is once again included.
The device retains its signature asymmetric design, guaranteeing an excellent grip just like before. About a third of the eBook reader is 8.3 mm thick, while the rest measures just 3.4 mm. With the electronics housed in the thicker portion, the weight distribution is (once again) well balanced. As with the earlier model, the page-turn buttons remain an integral part of the experience, making the device easy and comfortable to use.
For the first time on a Kindle, the Oasis now features built-in water protection that meets the IPX8 standard. This is probably achieved, as with its competitors, through a special nano-coating on the electronics. At least, that’s what the Kindle Oasis drying instructions suggest. On the hardware side, the new brightness sensors are another welcome addition. The eReader has two sensors, located about 1.5 cm above and below the page-turn buttons.
One thing that really stands out is the aluminum back, which gives the device a premium feel and instantly brings back memories of classic Sony eBook readers. The Oasis can now also play audiobooks, with output via compatible Bluetooth headphones. To make good use of this feature, Amazon has doubled the storage of the most affordable version to 8 GB. However, the two higher-end models go even further, boasting 32 GB of space.
Despite all these new features, the Kindle Oasis actually comes with a lower price tag, likely because the matching cover is no longer included and must be purchased separately for either 45 or 60 euros. The split-battery system has also been dropped. Prices start at around 230 euros. Just like its predecessor and the Kindle Voyage, the new Oasis is always sold without “Special Offers” (advertisements).
Summary
Amazon has responded to customer feedback, making the new Kindle Oasis a consistent and sensible evolution of last year’s model. The larger screen is a welcome change, as is the built-in water protection. The handy page-turn buttons make a return, and the asymmetric design is still as appealing as ever. The noticeably more even front light and the reduced price are also great news. All in all, the new model is definitely worth a look for avid readers.
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Kindle Oasis 2: Technical Specifications
| General | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Amazon |
| Market launch | 2017 |
| Device type | E-Reader |
| Device category | Premium / Luxury |
| Price (USD / EUR) | 199.99 |
| Available colors | gold, silver |
| Size & Weight | |
| Size (L × B × T) | 159 x 141 x 3.4–8.3 mm |
| Weight (g) | 194 |
| Display | |
| Technology | E-Ink Carta |
| Flexible Display Technology | No |
| Size (inch) | 7 |
| Resolution (px) | 1680×1264 |
| Pixel density (ppi) | 300 |
| Colors | No |
| Color depth | 16 greyscale |
| Touchscreen | Yes, capacitive |
| Built-in light | Yes, single-tone frontlight |
| Flush display | Yes |
| Connections | |
| USB | Micro-USB |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Cellular connectivity | No |
| GPS | No |
| Hardware Specs | |
| CPU Cores | Unknown |
| CPU Type | |
| RAM (GB) | |
| Internal Storage (GB) | 8.00 |
| Internal Storage up to (GB) | 32 |
| Storage Expansion | No |
| Speakers | No |
| Microphone | No |
| Battery (mAh) | |
| Operating system | Linux |
| Features | |
| Text-to-speech | Yes |
| Page turn buttons | Yes |
| Water protection | Yes |
| Accelerometer | Yes |
| E-book store | Yes |
| Supported file types | Kindle Format 8 (AZW3, KFX), Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC; HTML, DOC, DOCX, JPEG, GIF, PNG |
All information provided without guarantee.
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