Amazon’s new basic Kindle proves you don’t need all the bells and whistles

In October, Amazon refreshed its Kindle lineup with its first major design changes in years, including a new edge-to-edge design, thinner and lighter Paperwhite and Colorsoft models, and additional accessories like a Bluetooth remote and magnetic cover. However, due to the global memory-chip shortage caused by the AI boom, the new Kindles also saw a $40 to $50 price increase, making the more premium devices less accessible for the average consumer.

The most affordable entry-level device that caught the reporter's eye was the 6-inch basic Kindle, priced at $169.99 for the ad-free version, offering the best value for new e-reader buyers. After testing the Kindle for a couple of weeks, the reporter concluded that the basic Kindle is worth buying if you're okay with compromising on certain features, such as a warm light, color display, auto-adjusting brightness, and waterproofing, for a smaller, lighter device.

The basic Kindle has seen physical design improvements, such as being 11% lighter and 14% thinner than its 2024 predecessor, weighing 140g versus 158g and measuring 6.85mm thick versus 8mm. Additionally, despite being the "starter" Kindle, it received the flush-front screen update, making it more comfortable to hold during long reading sessions.

The new Kindle also boasts faster performance, with books opening 30% quicker than the 2024 version. Available in both plastic and aluminum versions, the basic Kindle now comes in Graphite and Ube (a purple hue) colors. For those who prioritize eye strain reduction, the basic Kindle lacks a warm light, but for readers who don't mind this limitation, the compact and lightweight device remains a viable option.