HomeMacitye-Book and Books We have always followed the events of Amazon with its Kindle ebook readers with attention and even a little passion. Much of Macity's editorial team doesn't mind reading in this format and currently for a couple of us at least the Kindle is a daily reading tool that we know well.
So when we were given the opportunity to try out the new iteration of the Kindle Paperwhite 2021, the “middle” product of Amazon's ereader collection, we did it with interest but also with a bit of detachment. After all, what could this 2021 generation of the Paperwhite tell us again? Well, as you can read below, we couldn't be more wrong: the Paperwhite can still amaze and, with a price tag of 139.99 (8GB) or 189.99 euros (32GB and wireless charging) depending on the version, yes positions in a premium range but absolutely achievable. Let's see in detail.
The device we tested
We tested the device with 8GB of memory and without wireless charging. To understand for a moment what changes and what improves, let's look at three data: the new Paperwhite 2021 has a larger screen (6.8-inch) with an image density of 300 ppi and with 17 LEDs for lighting.
“Below” him is the traditional Kindle, without adjectives, from 79.99 euros, with a 6-inch screen, 8 GB of memory, 167 ppi and 4 LEDs. It is an inexpensive, entry level, absolutely functional instrument with a good amount of memory.
“Above” instead there is the Kindle Oasis, 249 euros, 7-inch screen, 8GB or 32GB, 300 ppi and 25 LEDs. A premium product, with a more generous screen (but now not that bigger and with the same image rendering) but with more generous lighting. Both Paperwhite and Oasis are water and dust resistant (IPX8), however Oasis also has sensors for automatic brightness adjustment according to ambient light, automatic orientation adjustment, page turn buttons and free network connection mobile phone as an option. 
Kindle Paperwhite 2021 features
As we understand, the positioning of the new Paperwhite is the most complex: in the “basic” version it is a product that rewards and goes above the “entry level” Kindle model, while in the “fully equipped” version it is a competitive product with Oasis a a significantly lower price. Basically, the Paperwhite does all the work for those who have decided that they want to use a Kindle reader, that is, substantially linked to the Amazon store (which also offers Prime users access to many books and even more if you subscribe to a subscription. Unlimited).
The interesting features of the new Paperwhite, apart from the larger screen and flush with the body, therefore with smaller edges, are also the higher refresh speed (20% compared to the previous generation), the brightness 10% higher, the resistance with water and dust, the charge that lasts 10 days, the screen output at 300ppi with manually adjustable brightness tone between white and amber, and the USB-C charging socket. 
What amazed us
Well yes, something as trivial as taking the Kindle really surprised us: using Mac and iPhone, we don't have micro-USB cables except to charge the “old” Oasis, but now we can retire it to use this Paperwhite. It seems like nothing, but there is always a USB-C attached to the transformer and in a moment we have solved any problem, both at home and on the road.
Another aspect that struck us is the rendering of the screen. four-fifths of an inch and a screen with adjustable color temperature and 300 ppi make a huge difference, not to mention that the thinner bezels give a feeling of great lightness to the device. The weight is irrelevant (205 grams), as always for Kindles and the dimensions remain essentially the same: 17.4 cm by 0.81 cm by 12.5 cm.
The rubberized back is easy to handle, the device is light and sturdy, the eight gigabytes of the basic version are enough and advance if you don't want to start reading the comics (which we have done and which is especially worthwhile because now the update of the page is much faster). We have not tested the waterproofness (don't want to, but we don't feel like putting the appliance in a sink to see if it survives) while the “closed model” of Amazon, which uses its own format for ebooks, has some comfort and industriousness.
The greatest convenience is access to many books which, once bought, pass smoothly from one Kindle to another, when you want to change your device. Instead, with software like Caliber it is possible to translate and upload single DRM-free ebooks of other formats (epub) and there is normal compatibility. Even less complex textual PDFs can be converted with good results, and in any case Kindle supports both the viewing of PDFs and the sending of documents (PDF, MOBI and more) even wirelessly using the “secret” address generated with your account. .
In conclusion
We thought that the new Kindle Paperwhite was practically the same thing as the previous ones and instead we have changed our mind. We interpret this enhanced version as an entry level of the excellent Oasis, which is an incredible player (perhaps in the process of being updated) which now has the only flaw of having a price a little too high. During the test we were practically unable to completely discharge the battery because too many days have passed, a testament to how good the intuition and execution of ebook readers in general and this Kindle in particular are.
At a time when the competition tries to present models that do more than just make books read (with various pens and accessories), Amazon is increasing its advantage and offering a level product with substantially improved features at an affordable price. It seems evident that Black Friday and Christmas are getting closer.
Kindle Paperwhite 2021 and Signature Edition: prices and availability
The new Kindle Paperwhite with 8GB of memory is available from this page for 139.99 euros; Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition with 32GB of memory can be purchased from this page at a price of 189.99 euros. List prices are often discounted, as these days for Black Friday promotions, but also for frequent Amazon promotions, both on current models and those of previous generations.
Kindle Paperwhite (Previous Generation) On offer at 139.99 – instead of 229.99 39% discount – until 29 Nov 21 Click here to learn more The basic Kindle with front light on Scontify is also on offer for 59.99 euros instead of 79.99 euros
