Two minute review
Among Amazon's current e-readers, the new Kindle Paperwhite (2021) is a mid-size model that includes everything you need to read, but the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition has only a little more.
The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition is essentially a rebranded version of Paperwhite's higher storage settings, with the aforementioned extras (wireless charging and auto-sensing screen dimmer). We don't think the added benefits justify the significantly higher price of the Signature Edition, but if someone wanted to pay for more features, this is the model to follow.
The Signature Edition has the same design as the standard Kindle Paperwhite 2021, which is the eReader's first update since 2018. Both versions have obvious improvements over the 2018 eReader, such as smaller borders around the eReader screen and a larger screen. 6.8 inches (up to six inches in its predecessor).
While the 2021 eReader doesn't have a dramatically different visual design than its predecessor, retaining the E Ink front screen and plastic back, Amazon claims the screen is 10% brighter at maximum brightness than the 2018 model. , although it maintains the same 300 pixels per inch density.
Kindle fans will applaud the addition of some long-overdue Paperwhite updates, including replacing the micro-USB with a USB-C charging port. Battery life has also increased to 10 weeks, Amazon claims, which is significantly longer than the six weeks we got with the 2018 Paperwhite.
The Kindle Paperwhite 2021 still starts out with 8GB of storage, which is enough for many books and some additional media. If you want the larger 32GB option, choose the Signature Edition.
The Signature Edition is a slightly more affordable e-reader upgrade than the deluxe Kindle Oasis, especially with wireless charging, a feature that even the most expensive model lacks.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition price and release date 2021
The 2021 Kindle Paperwhite is still Amazon's entry-level e-reader, between the entry-level Kindle and the Kindle Oasis, and the Signature edition is a more expensive version that costs € 189 (about € 139 / AU € 250). For that price, you get more internal storage (32GB) and some premium features like wireless charging and automatic brightness adjustment.
Considering the additional features, it makes sense that the new Signature Edition has a price increase over the 32GB version of the 2018 Kindle Paperwhite, which costs € 159 / € 149 / AU € 249. It still costs more than the standard 2021 Kindle Paperwhite With 8GB of storage, which is priced at € 139 (about € 100 / AU € 190), but if you want more space for books and a bigger screen to read them, the Signature edition. is for you.
Design and display
The new 2021 Kindle Paperwhite hasn't changed much from its predecessor in terms of looks, as it's still a black plastic and e-ink front display. It's still a flat board with no buttons, so you'll have to drag and tap to navigate the screen. This is fine for those who have the patience to put up with slow transitions when turning a page, but it can be boring for faster readers trying to turn a real page.
If you want buttons, you'll want to go for the Kindle Oasis, a more expensive model than the Signature Edition. But you should know that the Oasis hasn't been updated since 2019, so the new Signature Edition has some updates that its more expensive brother lacks (the aforementioned wireless charging and an automatic dimmer).
New in Paperwhites 2021 is a USB-C port at the bottom, which replaced the old micro USB. Next to the port is the power button, which only gets in the way if you hold the eReader upright (for some product photos, for example), so you're unlikely to accidentally hit it and turn the device off.
As mentioned above, the new 2021 Kindle Paperwhite has a 6.8-inch E Ink screen, which is noticeably larger than the 6-inch screen on the 2018 Paperwhite. But don't expect the 2021 screen to get in. it has the same density of 300 pixels per inch.
However, the text is clearly displayed on the e-reader. The Paperwhite's front light allows users to read in the dark without strong blue light. The e-reader also features adjustable warm light and white-on-black dark mode to ease eyestrain for those who read in a dark environment.
The Paperwhite has an IPX8 waterproof rating (but not dust resistance), which means that it can be submerged up to two meters for an hour, long enough to prevent accidental spills or dips in the pool, but don't leave it in the water for too long weather.
Reading
Like most e-readers, the Kindle Paperwhite 2021 has a dull, paper-like e-ink display. This means that reading on a Kindle is more pleasing to the eye than reading books or viewing multimedia content on LCD or OLED tablet screens. The Paperwhite is also easy to hold and quite light at 205g (the Signature Edition is only slightly heavier at 208g). These Paperwhites are only slightly heavier than most smartphones.
The 2021 Paperwhite features Amazon's Kindle operating system and interface, with easy navigation and animation as you turn the pages. Unlike other eReaders that have buttons to move around, you can only slide your finger when browsing the Paperwhite.
Being limited to scanning can be annoying if you are used to different eReader interfaces. Even the Kindle smartphone app has different touch controls - tap the center of the screen and the menu and navigation bars will appear when reading on a phone. With Signature Edition, you will need to touch the top of the screen.
Paperwhite also offers Amazon's variety of reading tools - you can look up word definitions, sync pages between Kindle devices and apps via the Whispersync feature, and track characters and terms with X-Ray. Note that these features are only available for eReader formats, although there are limited format, size, and font options for other file formats, such as PDF.
The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition comes with 32GB of storage, but with the operating system and other basic data taking up space, you'll have around 27GB to store the media. Still, books typically only take about 1MB each, so you may be able to store tens of thousands of works without a problem. We downloaded our entire Kindle library and we didn't even use a single gigabyte (full disclosure, we don't have many large file formats like audiobooks or graphic novels).
Battery duration
Amazon claims that the Kindle Paperwhite lasts up to 10 weeks on a full charge. Whether this is true for you will depend on several factors. In our experience, we were able to consume 4% over a 24 hour period by keeping the screen at full brightness while casually reading. Under these conditions, the battery would not last more than approximately 3,5 weeks without a charge. Battery life may also vary based on other factors, including the length of your reading sessions.
Suffice to say, Amazon's claims are difficult to fully verify, but using power-saving methods like dimming the brightness and keeping the power-saving mode on (default) will definitely help the battery last longer.
The eReader includes a USB-C cable in the box, but not a wall charger; you will need to provide it yourself. The maximum charging speed of 9W is not as fast as other devices, but it may not be necessary to have a faster one since you can fully charge the device in about 2 hours, according to Amazon estimates.
Wireless charging, which is compatible with any Qi charger, is exclusive to the Signature Edition, but it can be difficult to operate. Sometimes we could charge our device on a laptop, but other times we couldn't put it in the correct position to allow the wireless charger to do its job.
Should you buy Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition?
Buy it if...
You want a sleeker e-reader with less bezel
The 2021 Paperwhite's design is a step up from the 2018 model, with slimmer bezels and a larger 6.8-inch screen. The new model also looks a bit sharper.
You want more storage space on your eReader
While you can surely store a ton of books on the standard 2021GB Kindle Paperwhite 8, the Signature Edition's 32GB storage also ensures enough space for a host of audiobooks and graphic novels.
You want more premium eReader benefits at a (relatively) lower price
The Signature Edition has several perks like USB-C, wireless charging, and a self-adjusting screen that even the most expensive Kindle Oasis doesn't have, making it a more attractive option (although it doesn't need button navigation).
Don't buy it if...
You want to read comics (or anything in color) on your eReader
E-ink displays like on the Signature Edition are monochrome, which is great for battery life, but not for media worth seeing in color, like comics. If you like colorful graphic novels and vivid comics, go for a traditional tablet like the Amazon Fire HD 8 or even a cheap iPad.
You want a more premium e-reader
The Signature Edition has smaller bezels, but it's still the same plastic case and back. If you want a more premium e-reader, get the more expensive Kindle Oasis (which has a more refined metal frame).
You want an e-reader that's easier to hold in one hand
The Signature Edition has a symmetrical design that looks great, but can be difficult to operate with one hand. If you like to read on the go or while cooking, opt for the Kindle Oasis or the Kobo Libra H20, both of which have asymmetrical designs that are suitable for holding in one hand.
First review: November 2021