For convenience, battery-life, book selection, and portability, the Kindle remains one of best ereaders on the market. There are currently six models of Kindle offered by Amazon: Kindle (2022 release), Kindle Kids (2022), Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, Kindle Paperwhite Kids, and Kindle Oasis. (See the comparison chart below).
We think the latest-generation base model Kindle (2022 release) offers the most bang for your e-reader buck at $99.99, and you can save $20 by trading in a Kindle. While the device is not waterproof, it does compare favourably to the pricer Kindle models. Here’s a rundown of what’s new on the base model Kindle this year.
Upgraded Kindle display
While the glare-free, touchscreen display keeps to the same size as the 2019 edition, it has increased pixel density, for a sharper, clearer reading experience in a range of lighting conditions, including direct sunlight. The base model Kindle now has a 300 ppi high-resolution display for sharp text and images, matching the resolution offered by the Kindle Paperwhite and the Oasis.
Screen illumination
The screen illumination (also called front light) on the base model Kindle uses a minimal 4 LEDs, compared to 17 on the Paperwhite and 25 on the Oasis. On the flip side, the base model now offers a wide range of features including dark mode and a dimmable illumination. It’s also possible to further customize layouts, fonts, and spacing for a much more comfortable read.
Kindle size and storage
The base model is thin and light at 6.2” x 4.3” x 0.32” (157.8 x 108.6 x 8.0 mm) and 5.56 oz (158 g). It comes with 16GB of storage which is double the storage of the previous version. The device can hold thousands of Kindle books in memory and as many books as you have in your Kindle library. It’s also easier to access ePub books via conversion, relative to the 2019 model.
Charging and battery life
With a welcome couple of changes here, the 2022 base model Kindle benefits from a longer battery life up to six weeks of reading from a single charge. That’s based on 30 minutes of reading an ebook a day, with Wi-Fi off and the light setting at 13.
The new USB-C charging port enables faster, more efficient charging, compared to the 2019 model’s micro USB port.
Audio
The device can read you books via text-to-speech and Audible narration via Bluetooth headphones or speakers.
What’s included?
The device comes with a one-year warranty, USB-C charging cable (but no plug), 4 years of software updates, and an online user guide, here: Kindle (11th Generation) User’s Guide
Kindle base model technical specs
| Display | Amazon’s 6” display with built-in light, 300 ppi, optimized font technology, 16-level gray scale. |
| Size | 6.2” x 4.3” x 0.32” (157.8 x 108.6 x 8.0 mm). Size represents total device measurements. |
| Weight | 5.56 oz (158 g). Actual size and weight may vary by configuration and manufacturing process. |
| System Requirements | None; fully wireless and doesn’t require a computer to download content. |
| On-Device Storage | 16 GB; holds thousands of books. |
| Cloud Storage | Free cloud storage for all Amazon content. |
| Battery Life | A single charge lasts up to six (6) weeks, based on a half hour of reading per day with wireless off and the light setting at 13. Battery life may vary depending on use. Audible audiobook streaming over Bluetooth will reduce battery life. |
| Charge Time | Fully charges in approximately 4 hours from a computer via USB cable; Fully charges in approximately 2 hours with a 9W USB power adapter. |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Supports 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz networks with support for WEP, WPA and WPA2 security using password authentication or Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). Does not support connecting to ad-hoc (or peer-to-peer) wifi networks. |
| Accessibility Features | VoiceView screen reader, available over Bluetooth audio, provides spoken feedback allowing you to navigate your device and read books with text-to-speech (available in English only). Kindle also includes the ability to invert Black and White, adjust font size, font face, line spacing and margins. Learn more about Accessibility for Kindle. |
| Content Formats Supported | Kindle Format 8 (AZW3), Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; HTML DOC, DOCX, JPEG, GIF, PNG, PMP, EPUB, TXT, RTF through conversion; Audible audio format (AAX). |
| Documentation | Learn more about Kindle devices with our Quick Start Guide and Kindle User Guide. |
| Warranty and Service | 1-year limited warranty and service included. Optional 1-year, 2-year or 3-year Extended Warranty available for U.S customers sold separately. Use of Kindle is subject to the terms found here. |
| Included in the Box | Kindle, USB-C charging cable and Quick Start Guide. |
| Generation | Kindle (11th Generation) – 2022 release. |
| Software Security Updates | This device receives guaranteed software security updates until at least four years after the device is last available for purchase as a new unit on our websites. Learn more about these software security updates. If you already own a Kindle, visit Manage Your Content and Devices for information specific to your device. |
Conclusion
All in all: the 2022 base Kindle offers a respectable mid-level experience at an entry level price. It perfect for those new to ereaders or those buying within a budget. For those who love their paperbacks or just don’t want to own a device to read…there are numerous online bookstores that sell deeply discounted paperbacks and hard covers.
2022 Kindle Comparison
| Price | From: $99.99 | From: $139.99 | From: $189.99 | From: $249.99 | From: $119.99 | From: $159.99 |
| Ratings | (87) | (17,898) | (9,578) | (21,237) | (1) | (1,555) |
| Display Size | 6″ glare-free | 6.8″ glare-free | 6.8″ glare-free | 7″ glare-free | 6″ glare-free | 6.8″ glare-free |
| Storage | 16 GB | 8 GB or 16 GB | 32 GB | 8 GB or 32 GB | 16 GB | 8 GB |
| Resolution | 300 ppi | 300 ppi | 300 ppi | 300 ppi | 300 ppi | 300 ppi |
| Front light | 4 LEDs | 17 LEDs | 17 LEDs | 25 LEDs | 4 LEDs | 17 LEDs |
| 6 week battery life |  |
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| Audible (via Bluetooth) | |
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| Parental Controls | |
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| 1-year Amazon Kids+ subscription | Sold separately starting at $4.99/month | Sold separately starting at $4.99/month | Sold separately starting at $4.99/month | Sold separately starting at $4.99/month | |
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| Cover | Sold separately | Sold separately | Sold separately | Sold separately | |
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| Flush-front design | |
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| Waterproof (IPX8) | |
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| Adjustable warm light | |
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| Auto-adjusting light | |
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| Automatic rotating page orientation | |
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| Page turn buttons | |
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| Wireless charging | |
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| Wifi Connectivity | Wifi | Wifi | Wifi | Wifi + Free Cellular Connectivity | Wifi | Wifi |
| Color options | Black or Denim | Black | Black | Graphite or Champagne Gold | Black Kindle with Space Whale, Ocean Explorer, or Unicorn Valley Cover | Black Kindle with Black, Emerald Forest, or Robot Dreams Cover |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty | 1-year limited warranty | 1-year limited warranty | 1-year limited warranty | 2-year worry-free guarantee | 2-year worry-free guarantee |
