Hands on review: The New Kindle Paperwhite 2015

It’s amazing how we seek the comfort of familiarity in some devices and seek out new experiences in some other gadgets. We are ready to write off flagship devices if they resemble their year-old predecessors. It isn’t quite the case with E-book readers where familiarity does not quite breed contempt; especially if you are an avid reader seeking the same comfort as curling up on your couch with your favourite book. Amazon’s new Paperwhite aims to appeal to this very cult of avid readers with an E-book reader that further closes the gap between paperback and E-ink display. It’s big weapon – the 300 PPI screen that significantly improves the screen resolution from the previous Paperwhite, matching it with the top-of-the-line Kindle Voyage.

Let’s face it, the Kindle portfolio is the equivalent of keeping track of the ‘in-laws’ side of your family. New additions all the time and just like all those family members it’s tough for you to tell one from the other. The new Paperwhite lands somewhere between the Old Paperwhite and the more pricey Kindle Voyage which we thoroughly enjoyed using. And then there’s the entry level Kindle that is priced well below Rs 10,000. Not particularly easy if you are considering your first jump from paper to e-book. Price is a good starting point and so is an experience that comes as close to your paperback experience – don’t expect the smell of an old or new book though. 

The New Paperwhite does exactly that without alienating users seeking the comfort of an old shoe. The form factor stays in Kindle territory – superior build with a high-quality rubberised back that makes it immensely comfortable to cling to for long periods of time. At 217g (the Wi-Fi only version weighs 205g), it’s also a lightweight; lighter than most paperbacks that may be on your current wish list. There are no physical buttons except a power button – good luck with trying to spot that, located at the base of the device. The miniscule power button is flanked by the Micro USB charging port at the bottom. The other noticeable change is the Amazon branding (instead of the Kindle) emblazoned across the back of the device. 

The talking point for the Paperwhite 2015 is its display. Amazon has clearly upped the ante with this 300 PPI screen with built-in light and a 16-level grey scale. However, unlike the Kindle Voyage, there’s no adaptive screen. The Carta E-paper technology displays are not about eye-popping visuals but about the sheer crispness of text and this is a big triumph for the Paperwhite. The other enhancement is Amazon’s new Bookerly font that aims to offer a reading experience closer to traditional print with enhanced readability. It is not something you will notice in an instant but Amazon claims that this new innovation will strain your eyes a much less, especially for heavy readers glued to ‘unputdownable’ books. 

The hardware doesn’t get a major bump up and, given that a not lot has changed on the E-book front, there’s no real reason for a major hardware overhaul. The tech-specs are similar to the Kindle Voyage. The ultimate task for every Kindle is page turns and the new Paperwhite passes this test with flying colours, getting a leg up from the presence of a 1GHz processor. There’s 4GB of internal storage, more than enough memory for all the E-books you will ever own. Battery life is a given with all Amazon Kindles and the new Paperwhite does not disappoint; one 4-hour charge and you’re good for weeks on end. The Kindle’s smart features from ‘Wiki look-ups’ to the X-ray feature (that allows you to dig up more), to an exhaustive dictionary, continue to build the case for E-book over paperback.

The new Kindle Paperwhite is a significant jump from its predecessor and offers a seriously good alternative to the more expensive Kindle Voyage. It is not as slinky as the Voyage and doesn’t feature the adaptive light. It’s certainly not cheap – if you are looking at a value for money option, the older Paperwhite and the classic Kindle are better options. But if you’re an avid reader looking to upgrade from a much older E-book reader or a first-time buyer, the new Paperwhite merits serious consideration especially for its laser-sharp display.