Reasons why you should or shouldn't upgrade to the 11th gen Kindle Paperwhite

June 6, 2023 By Sovan Mandal Leave a Comment

Amazon has unveiled the 11th generation Kindle Paperwhite, bringing with it a range of notable enhancements compared to its predecessor. The latest model features a larger and brighter display, offering an even better reading experience. Additionally, users can enjoy an extended battery life for prolonged reading sessions. An exciting addition to the new Paperwhite is the inclusion of a USB Type-C port, making charging more convenient. Performance has also received a significant boost, thanks to the integration of a more powerful chipset. While these improvements are impressive, the question remains whether they are compelling enough to justify an upgrade from the previous model, which still holds its own in terms of appeal. Read on to find out more.

When it comes to e-readers, a larger and more immersive display is always appreciated. The Kindle Paperwhite 11th Gen takes a step forward with its 6.8-inch E Ink panel, surpassing its predecessor's 6-inch screen. While the 0.8-inch increase may not seem significant, the difference becomes evident when comparing the two devices side by side. The new Paperwhite offers a taller and wider display, resulting in a more immersive reading experience and increased screen real estate for books and comics. The larger canvas also improves the scaling of PDFs, eliminating the issue of ridiculously small text. Despite the increase in size, the resolution remains at a crisp 300 pixels per inch (PPI), ensuring sharp text and images.

Concerns about the bigger footprint and slimmer bezels compromising one-handed usability and portability are put to rest with the Kindle Paperwhite 11th Gen. The device remains comfortable to hold and operate with one hand, and although the side bezels are slimmer than the previous model, they are still spacious enough for your thumb to rest without obstructing the on-screen content. Additionally, the new Paperwhite weighs only 205g, a mere 14g more than its predecessor, maintaining its lightweight and portable attribute.

While e-ink displays are known for their sluggishness and lack of responsiveness, the Kindle Paperwhite 11th Gen shows noticeable improvements in these areas compared to its predecessor. Upon booting up the device, users will immediately appreciate its enhanced responsiveness. The performance enhancements are attributed to the more powerful chipset and the upgraded E Ink Carta 1200 panel, which Amazon claims provides 20 percent faster page turns. Activities like waking up the device, system navigation, typing, and taking notes feel notably smoother, with minimal input lag.

For readers who primarily engage in bedtime reading, the Kindle Paperwhite 11th Gen introduces the Warm Light feature, originally seen in the Kindle Oasis. This feature utilizes a series of amber lights to cast a warm yellow tint over the display, creating a more comfortable reading experience. Research suggests that exposure to blue light at night can disrupt our natural sleep-wake cycle, making it harder to fall asleep. Similar to smartphones and laptops, the screen color temperature of the Paperwhite can be adjusted to the warmer end of the color spectrum, reducing harsh blue light.

The Paperwhite 11th Gen boasts a superior lighting system compared to its predecessor. With 17 LEDs instead of the previous model's 5 LEDs, the new Paperwhite offers a 10 percent increase in brightness. Furthermore, the additional LEDs contribute to a more uniform distribution of light across the display, eliminating dark spots that were a concern in the Paperwhite 10th Gen.

In terms of waterproofing, the Paperwhite 11th Gen maintains the same IPX8 rating as its predecessor. It can withstand immersion in fresh water for up to 60 minutes. Neither of the two models come with a dust protection rating though, which might seem odd to many.

Unlike its predecessor, the new Paperwhite is only available in a Wi-Fi variant. Therefore, if you currently own a Kindle Paperwhite with cellular connectivity, upgrading to the latest model would mean sacrificing this feature.

The Kindle Paperwhite 10th Gen already impressed users with its battery life of up to six weeks. However, the Paperwhite 11th Gen takes it a step further, promising up to ten weeks of endurance on a single charge. These estimates are based on 30 minutes of daily reading with wireless connectivity disabled and brightness set to level 13. In theory, users can enjoy up to two months of reading without needing to charge their e-reader.

One of the most exciting changes in the new Paperwhite 11th Gen is the inclusion of a universal USB-C port. Users can now charge their Paperwhite using the same cable they use for their smartphones and laptops. This transition from the previous micro USB port eliminates the need to carry an extra cable while traveling. While a USB-A to USB-C cable is included in the box, any USB-C cable can be used. It's important to note that the package does not include a charging brick, but existing charging adapters should work perfectly fine. For those who prefer wireless charging, the Paperwhite Signature Edition offers Qi wireless charging support, which is not available on the standard Paperwhite 11th Gen.

In conclusion, the Kindle Paperwhite 11th Gen offers a bigger and more immersive display, improved speed and responsiveness, an enhanced front-light feature, and an extended battery life. The transition to a USB-C port provides convenience and compatibility with other devices. Overall, it is a compelling upgrade that enhances the reading experience for Kindle enthusiasts.

Filed Under: Amazon Kindle News