This secret new Kindle Paperwhite model could be the best ereader on the market
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Amazon recently launched the new Kindle (2022) alongside a Kids’ Edition version of the slate, but apparently those weren’t the only new eReaders the company had in store. They were all cheated because another Kindle was made.
As noted by avid fans, the 2021 Amazon Kindle Paperwhite has been given a new purchase option on Amazon’s website – you can now buy it with 16GB of storage, instead of just 8GB as before.
Amazon didn’t make much of a song and dance about this new Kindle model – in fact, the news only started making the rounds a few days after its launch.
In addition to 8GB, the current model is also available with 32GB of storage, if you buy the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, but this ereader costs quite a bit more than the 8GB ‘standard’ Kindle.
The new 16GB Kindle Paperwhite costs $149.99 / £149.99 / AU$259, making it only slightly more expensive than the $129.99 / £129.99 / AU$199 8GB model, and a lot cheaper than the 32GB Signature Edition at $189.99 / £179.99 / AU$289.
Storage space aside, this is exactly the same Paperwhite that launched last year – you get a big screen, USB-C charging and 10 weeks of battery life.
Analysis: The Goldilocks Kindle
One of the biggest decisions you always have to make when buying a new device is storage space – how much do you need?
Too little and you’ll find yourself regularly having to delete your files and apps if you want something new. Too much, and you’ll end up paying extra for bytes you never use.
This dilemma has previously been the case for potential Paperwhite buyers – 8GB may not be enough if you’re into comic books, magazines or audiobooks, but 32GB (and the resulting price hike) would be too much for most people.
However, this new 16GB version will probably be just right for most people, with the right amount of storage space at a fair price, and we think it will become the most popular option for Paperwhite buyers in the future.
That’s especially true for those wanting a premium e-reader, as the Kindle Oasis, which was last updated in 2019, is also only available in 8GB or 32GB – and that certainly comes at a high price.
In fact, at 16GB, this could be one of the best eReaders on the market, offering plenty of storage for most people without making the price really high. We recommend trying it out for Kindle power users who don’t want to spend too much.