Kindle Paperwhite vs. Kindle Oasis: Comparison and buying advice for Amazon’s best e-readers
Amazon offers a variety of e-readers to cater to different reading preferences and budgets. In this article, we will compare two of Amazon’s most popular e-readers – Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Oasis – so that you can make an informed decision on which device is right for you.
Design and Build
The Kindle Paperwhite features a sleek and compact design with a 6-inch screen. The device measures 6.6 x 4.6 x 0.3 inches, making it easy to hold and carry around. It is available in Black or Twilight Blue and has a flush-front design with a soft-touch plastic back.
On the other hand, the Kindle Oasis boasts a premium design with a larger 7-inch screen and ergonomic handgrip, making it comfortable for prolonged reading sessions. It measures 6.3 x 5.6 x 0.13-0.33 inches and sports an aluminum back in Graphite or Champagne Gold colors.
Display
Both devices feature e-ink displays providing excellent readability even in bright sunlight. However, the Paperwhite’s display has a resolution of 300 pixels per inch (ppi), whereas the Oasis offers crisp text and detailed images with its higher resolution of 330 ppi.
Waterproofing
Both the Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Oasis come with IPX8 waterproof rating, allowing them to withstand being submerged in up to two meters of fresh water for up to 60 minutes.
Battery Life
Although Amazon does not give specific battery life estimates for their e-readers, user experience seems uniform across devices. Both Paperwhite and Oasis can last for weeks based on half an hour of daily reading time with Wi-Fi turned off.
Storage
The Kindle Paperwhite comes in two storage options: 8 GB and 32 GB, while the Kindle Oasis is available only in 32 GB. This means you can store thousands of books, magazines, and documents on either device.
Price
Price is a significant differentiator between the two devices. The Kindle Paperwhite starts at $129.99 for the 8GB version, while the Oasis starts at a considerably higher price of $249.99 for the 32GB version.
Other Features
The Kindle Oasis offers a few additional features that are unavailable on the Paperwhite:
1. Adjustable warm light: With the Oasis, you can customize the color temperature of the screen’s backlight to reduce eye strain.
2. Page turn buttons: The Oasis has physical buttons for page turns, making one-handed reading more comfortable.
3. Faster processor: The Oasis has a slightly faster processor, resulting in marginally quicker page turns and menu navigation.
Buying Advice
If you’re looking for a high-quality e-reader with essential features at an affordable price, then the Kindle Paperwhite is likely your best choice. It offers excellent display quality, waterproof protection, and enough storage for most users’ needs.
However, if you have a higher budget and prefer premium design elements and added functionality like adjustable warm light and physical page-turning buttons, then the Kindle Oasis might be worth the investment.
Ultimately, both devices provide exceptional reading experiences – it comes down to personal preferences and how much you’re willing to spend on extra features.