Having purchased nearly every style of Kindle over the years, I can confidently say most are best served by simply going with the “Kids” version when Amazon offers discounted pricing… as they are now.
Kindle Kids versions feature the same exact Kindle (Basic) and Kindle Paperwhite hardware. They do run a few bucks more, but they’re ad-free and come augmented with fun, funky covers and an extra year of warranty coverage. Plus, if you happen to have a child, you can put that free year of Amazon Kids+ content to use — on the Kindle or some other device. The devices arrive with a scaled down kid-centric interface, that is easily exited for use as a standard Kindle.
The 6.3″ Kindle Kids (2022) is currently down to $95 and the 6.8″ Paperwhite Kids (2021) is down to $135. Unless you prefer the larger display and waterproofed aesthetics, the more pocketable Kindle Kids is the better buy — featuring the same DPI and processor found in the Paperwhite, in addition to outperforming Kobo’s base model.
By trading in an existing Kindle, you receive 20% off the already discounted pricing plus the trade-in valuation itself. Which is how I just replaced our family’s Kindle Kids (2019) with the Kindle Kids (2022) for $61 out-of-pocket. My daughter gets an extra year of content and I have one less microUSB device in the home, as Amazon’s current line-up is all USB-C. And we’ll collectively appreciate the DPI and processor bump.
There are rumors that Amazon may (finally) launch color e-readers in 2025. But the Kindle’s biggest shortcomings are interface design decisions, that they seem unlikely to improve, vs a grayscale presentation. So, unless you’re a comic lover, it seems like a safe time to buy.
Interesting, thanks Dave. I’ve own a few of these and always found that there was something missing. Never considered the kids version, now I will.
It’s been a minute since I’ve looked at replacing my Kindle. Still have an “original” Oasis – about to celebrate its 8th birthday.
Do they still have *any* models with a physical page-turning button? I much, much prefer the button vs. touchscreen. Quick glance at Amazon’s website doesn’t appear to show any, but this is Amazon we’re talking about – good chance I’m missing something.
I dropped off the old Basic (2019) at Whole Foods and have received the new one (2022). It is noticeably more snappy with crisper screen. And USB-C, amen.
For simplicity, I’m keeping it in Kids mode for my daughter to access her prior library books and news Kids+ stuff BUT I’m also sharing to her my “adult” books, which I’ll read and she’ll ignore. She generally reads before school and I read in the evenings, so we’re good to continue sharing for now.
Darren, no current Amazon models have page turn buttons. I so prefer them too. Kobo’s $200+ models still have and so does the larger Nook, but that seems like a dying platform.