The New Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Review & Reaction | Is It Worth The Upgrade? (2021 Model)

[@aqaljundi174]

Nothing better than drinking a cup of tea and watching a mike video

[@mikesbookreviews]

Always happy to have a cup of joe and speak with you fine folks.

[@CraiuRemusArmand]

Can confirm the water thing, dropped mine multiple times in the tub, works just fine. Fun fact: the original Paperwhite review was how I originally found your channel.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Kindles have brought me a ton of new friends to the channel. I'm thankful for that.

[@tronomagic]

Same here. I keep coming back to this channel for kindle thoughts. I’m sticking around now for book reviews

[@dianemorasco]

The Paperwhite v. Oasis was how I discovered this awesome channel. Mike, you are delightful. I love your content. Thank you.

[@Ghaffar_KH]

Waiting for this to become his top 3 watched videos haha.

[@AnnamariaSedai]

I like my Oasis - and that warm light feature was absolutely transformative! But gosh have I been missing the PaperWhite size, form factor, and feel. Oh man am I excited about this newest Kindle now! This might just have to go on my Christmas wish list, especially since I can re-gift the Oasis to my teen 😃😃😃 THANKU Mike, your reviews are next level as usual! ❤️

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah, using this one for a few hours made me realize how much I missed that.

[@SylviaSilver]

They also give discounts & trade in options. I traded in 2 previous versions of the kindle paperwhite and received a $55 gift card & an additional 20% off towards the purchase of another kindle. It was really well worth it for around $60. The day I received it, I messaged customer service & asked them to please remove ads. They did it no questions asked. I love everything about this new kindle. Great Video!

[@Im_Nier]

Traded it in where?

[@sherryllmitchell5671]

You scored with your new Kindle. Happy reading📚

[@fabsy64]

Traded my old 2013 paperwhite. Got a Voucher for £20 + 20% off.

[@SylviaSilver]

@@Im_Nier Traded it back to Amazon.

[@RaabStephan]

I bought the Kindle Voyage (2014) second-hand for $20, and it's amazing. It has 300ppi resolution, flush front display, ambient light sensor, 5 LEDs, and it even has the button on the back :P

[@crazynikka3]

I still use my Voyage daily and it has been great for everything you mentioned. $20 was a steal for a great device as it was originally the premium model prior to the Oasis.

[@deadleaves3693]

Voyage is still a great model, I'll upgrade when mine dies. Looks like it's hitting middle age (battery life), so a fair few books will be enjoyed before that happens.

[@dianemorasco]

I still love my Voyage. It is a lil' over six years old.

[@techp0p]

Just a heads up, if you're annoyed by the ads you can send Amazon a message and get them removed. I did this a few weeks ago after hating the ads for seven years and no regrets! I just told them I was giving the device to my niece and didn't want her exposed to ads - literally a 30 second conversation.

[@ainedunne412]

Wish they’d improve how you can organise your book collection on the kindle

[@nataliersutton]

Have you tried using the collection feature? It's basically folders. I just do To-Be-Read and Read for the most part, but you could totally do it by Genre etc. I also number the collections (1.TBR, 2. Read, 3. Reference) so that they are in the order I want them to be VS in alphabetical. I do agree that they should have better native options though!

[@ainedunne412]

@@nataliersutton thank you for the suggestion. Yeah, I did try it but it’s too much of a pain unfortunately t

[@Zillawill]

@@ainedunne412 One of things I miss most about my Kobo is the book series, and other info being synced across with sideloaded content

[@kaizacorp]

I'm a Kobo guy, but I appreciate the review Mike! Love the power button passion!

[@bitteralmonds666]

I’d be more into Kobo, if Rakuten still provided support for the Mini 🥷🏽

[@chickie3376]

I might see what it goes for on Black Friday or cyber Monday. The biggest selling feature for me is the warm light. I currently have a 2 year old kindle paper white. I barely read at all before I had my kindle! Now I read almost every day. 😊

[@sherryllmitchell5671]

I read much more since purchasing a Kindle, heaven sent on my train commute to and from work. I use Overdrive /Libby and get my ebooks from my Library and now Kindle Unlimited has 20 books , so I can curb my overspending. Happy Reading 📚

[@nataliersutton]

I've had a Paperwhite 2nd Gen since 2014 and until now there wasn't anything different enough for me to want to upgrade. It's finally time though! The warm light, USB C, wireless charge, turn speed, so many additional LEDs, and screen size upgrades are all enough to make it worth it! Plus I'll finally have those other features newer ones have that mine currently doesn't like the extra waterproofing, flush bezels, software updates (book cover screensavers!), PPI increase, etc. Definitely pumped to have this on the Christmas list!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Treat yourself!

[@fabsy64]

I just upgraded from the PW 2 and it was totally worth it although I must be the only one who had no usb-c devices lol

[@MichaelBrown101]

I already own, and love my Oasis. But I also really love watching all of your kindle videos too. I’m right there with you about waiting for the Kindle Color if that ever happens.

[@Riverpeth]

Calibre and screen covers is a lot smoother now. Got my new Paperwhite about a week ago and after some tinkering it's been flawless, really depends on which format you side load, but it's been great. One quick tip people can try if their artwork disappears is to plug it back into your computer, select update cached data under device, and then unplug, seems to do the trick.

[@Musicteachersheff]

What version do you recommend converting to?

[@oomma5]

It hasn't worked for me!

[@Johnny641]

Great review Mike, I upgraded and IMHO if you use the kindle a lot it's worth it, the warm light is much nicer to use and the added size means I can increase the font size while still having a enough text on the screen. I think I have bumped up it 2 font sizes now over what I used on the previous paperwhite. I feel the new device is the perfect size , the previous gen always felt a little too small. Adverts: Be cautious on this, there are reports on redit etc.. that no matter how much of a good customer you are, Amazon will not remove the adverts for free and may not even remove them if you are willing to pay, if the adverts may bother you it might be better to just stump up the extra. Power Buttom: Yep its in a stupid place but the reason is because of the board location, moving the button up top would require a ribbon extension which would either increase production costs or difficulty (according to the internet), IMHO what they could have done to prevent accidental presses would simply make the button flush.

[@michellebravo9891]

I talked to customer support and they totally got rid of my ads free of charge! I just asked them to and they did it no questions asked. Amazing

[@simranthiara8233]

This paperwhite is going to be my first Kindle, looking forward to using it!

[@kiera_rdh6697]

I’m finally upgrading my like 4th edition kindle that I first got in 2015. So excited and your review made me confident that the upgrade is worth it!

[@charleyboy6942]

My old edition non waterproof paperwhite spent over 45 min underwater, was dead for a fews weeks (I was ready to throw it away!) and it suddenly came back to life and works perfectly since then!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'm convinced they're indestructible.

[@mr1prints]

"Do not eat" is apparently for the dog because my dog ate one. But your right, I don't know why they would put that on their because my dog cannot read.

[@meghanjackson7494]

For me, that warm light and faster processing was well worth upgrading. Appreciate your Kindle videos - thanks for your thoughts. In Canada, we don’t have the ads, but we also don’t have the Bluetooth capability (not a dealbreaker for me) or the Libby download to Kindle option (Rakuten Kobo owns the library software here). My kids have Kobos so they can connect to the library and borrow books.

[@puchi1388]

Do I need it? No… do I want it? Yes! Especially the warm lighting option!!!! I read with my current white paper back at 3-4 brightness but I really enjoy warm setting on my computer, helps my eye strain a lot. Thanks for the video

[@pandora4037]

The new Paperwhite has convinced me to get one finally. I've put it on my Christmas wish list but if nobody gifts it to me I'm definitely going to buy myself one afterwards. I have a Fire tablet and I actually like having the ads because you'll discover books that you wouldn't have known about or looked for.

[@TheMascara89]

I agree! There's been some cool ads that have prompted me to add them to my tbr!

[@davidely7032]

I've had a Paerwhite and I own an Oasis. I prefer the Oasis and was willing to spend the dough to get it, and I have no regrets. As much as I like the options for the light, eliminating the blue light, and as much as I've the asymmetrical shape of the device (one side is thicker which feels more comfortable and satisfying than a uniform thickness a la a Paperwhite) the deciding factor for me is the page turn buttons. With those buttons I can read with one hand and never have to muck up the screen by constantly touching it to turn a page. I recognize that many people will choose to save the money and go without the bells and whistles. A year later I don't miss the money but I'd be missing the buttons every time I read. I mean, people are willing to pay an extra 20 bucks to get rid of the special offers, a passive feature. The buttons improve the experience every time I read. 😊

[@Lina-ht8gv]

Fantastic review! It’s my first time buying a Kindle and I’m decided to get the Paperwhite Signature based on your kindle reviews. Thanks :)

[@mikesbookreviews]

Great pick!

[@s.p.8508]

Just bought a paperwhite on sale, already love it. Used it on a flight and it was a game changer. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@cindymcbride8337]

For the cover art and calibre I found that editing the Metadata on the book file the way you want it, and then converting the file to Azw3 format allows for the custom covers to work on my Oasis. I read fanfiction alot on my Oasis so I make covers. Plus in your kindle with airplane mode off, convert files, send azw3 to kindle, eject, turn on airplane mode, reconnect your kindle, and the covers should be there. Hope that helps someone.

[@Zillawill]

You can also use resize cover (or 1 of the many other similar plug ins) to get them all same shape, I do it as the devices resolution so it matches

[@oomma5]

So I need to keep my Kindle on airplane mode all the time? Cause I download and buy a lot of books and need WiFi

[@Zillawill]

@@oomma5 I never have mine on airplane, and like 99% of my books are sideloaded and haven't lost any covers

[@cindymcbride8337]

@@oomma5 no you don't have to keep it on airplane mode. I just do to conserve battery life 😁

[@AdamThayer]

The power button location issue would be SUCH AN EASY SOFTWARE FIX, and it blows my mind that they haven't figured it out. Instead of forcing two orientations (portrait with the button at the bottom, landscape with the button on the right), provide four orientations (add portrait with the button at the top, landscape with the button on the left). Kobo figured this out years ago, and it would be such a simple coding fix to implement.

[@elainejan]

Thank you for all your excellent kindle reviews.

[@RealHumanBean4U]

This sounds so good but the lack of buttons is such a dealbreaker...especially as a Lefty.

[@EntertainmentEncyclopedia]

Here’s the video I was waiting on as soon as I was made aware there was a new gen paperwhite.

[@radi0aktivetoy]

The bigger screen, warm uniform backlight options, faster performance and USB C are well worth the upgrade. My 2018 model became especially sluggish after the recent OS changes. Picked up the new model with trade in bonus on Black Friday for $60 and I'm glad I did!

[@Im_Nier]

Woah woah woah…trade in? Where did you trade it in at??

[@MrRushworm]

Nice review. Looking forward to the monthly wrap-up to see if the algorithm picks this one up, like the previous reviews! 📈

[@steviepickles9174]

I may have to switch. I love the warm lightning, quick, responsive page turning, and the extra clarity that the Oasis has. But I also would like to put it in my back pocket... I’m torn. I’ve already spent so much on the Oasis, but having a pocket-sized Oasis is tough to pass up. Plus, it’s USB-C! I need someone else to make the call.

[@JAKandtheBookStack]

I just got my Kindle and I’m SO happy! Of course you’re a lot more tech savvy than me… I’m like “I got it because it’s pink!”

[@mmatzick]

I recently took the jump and bought Kindle... I don't like the shape of the oasis so I went with the paperwhite.. so far I love it... never noticed the ads on mine...love your videos...

[@TreySaunders88]

you can trade your old kindle in for the new one. gave me $30 towards the new one and a 20% coupon. brought the price down by $60. it was worth it to me. i talked to customer service and told them i paid to get ads off the kindle i traded in and i asked them to take them off the new one. they did it for free right then with no questions asked

[@Im_Nier]

How did you trade it in and to where?

[@walkerhjk]

I already have the very first Paperwhite from 2012 which has 2Gb and is still going strong. Now I have just bought the 11th generation with 8Gb which did not come with a case or cover. Amazon's covers are out of stock and they say they don't know when or if they will be available again. The new Paperwhite is very slightly bigger than the original, only a matter of 2 or 3 millilmetres in length and about 10 mm wider. The screen is much larger, brighter and clearer to read.and the touch screen is much faster to respond. Ads. I changed the setting so that the cover of the book I am reading is there in place of an ad;

[@bfcalhoun57]

I heart the bump on the back of the Oasis. It aids in holding it.

[@vermadheeraj29]

I had the issue with the power button as well, because I read mostly on the bed. The best solution for me was to get a third-party soft rubber case which has thicker borders and prevents the button from getting hit every other minute.

[@AndrewsWizardlyReads]

Yessss another kindle video!!!

[@bitteralmonds666]

It’s a 5th generation Paperwhite. I might get a Signature Edition years from now 🗓🧐🤔 Bezels are a huge deal. Some people don’t like the Nook because of the HUGE bezel. I love the buttons on both sides and the warm light of the GlowLight 3 and 3 Plus 😎👍🏽

[@laguy8181]

If you are upgrading contact Amazon first, I’ve had them offer to pay me for my old one if I am no longer needing it. It’s not going to be a lot but it will help.

[@patnathan5013]

The reason I upgraded is because of the warm light. I can now read late into the night, and then go to sleep like a baby; which was not the case with my older paperwhite.

[@CK-yl9ep]

I'm still using my Paperwhite 3, and I honestly never even thought about the power button being on the bottom! Too funny. I hold it with my thumb across the bottom bezel and index finger across the side bezel so I don't have that problem of accidentally hitting the button. I'm interested in upgrading but also my Paperwhite 3 is working just fine still and I'm not an audiobook listener so I'll hold out until mine slowest down or breaks. The warm light is definitely what I'm most looking forward to.

[@carolfolger-brown6340]

Just tried the new paperwhite and it is heavier than the Oasis. Went back and got the 2018 Paperwhite...PERFECT!

[@techp0p]

If you rely a lot on sideloading I highly recommend Kobo. The Kindle PW5 is a great device, but nothing beats the ease of an ecosystem that isn't a walled garden.

[@pattic6077]

Just got an early birthday Amazon gift card to go toward this so your review came at a perfect time Mike!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Happy to help!

[@hompen3220]

Gorgeous shirt! 🤘

[@lauragoodrich667]

I love my Oasis. I hope they don’t discontinue it or at have a kindle in their line up with the page buttons. I use the buttons all the time.

[@agapologia]

JNCO ftw. Could float down from a rooftop with those pants on.

[@PhantomJelly]

The fact that Amazon can charge an extra $20 just to remove ads and we are somehow okay with that completely baffles me

[@Ameiirah]

Thank you so much for the idea to contact Amazon to get ads taken off! I’ve had multiple Kindles in the past and have always paid to take off ads. I was just going to deal with them after upgrading to the newest Kindle but figured after watching your video I’d give it a shot and they actually removed them for me! Thanks for the video and the money saving idea :)

[@mikesbookreviews]

My pleasure!

[@LukePlaysUke]

I saw a book tuner with an Oasis and she put a pop-socket on it for easy handling and it seemed to help out quite a bit. I was so impressed that I did the same thing on my PaperWhite and it’s surprisingly comfortable - the kind of comfortable where I’ll get pop-sockets with the purchase of Kindles from here on out.

[@joanhartbanking8096]

I am kind of enjoying the ads.... I prefer looking at a beautiful book cover rather than some random art when my kindle is off... Also ads only show up when then screen is off... Its cool...

[@keithhealing1115]

See, I adore the ergonomic design of the Oasis. I love the way it sits in my hand, I love the page turn buttons, I love the shape, I love the fact that the weight is directly over my wrist. Not going to change it anytime soon.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Folks with bigger hands than mine probably appreciate the Oasis size quite a bit

[@keithhealing1115]

@@mikesbookreviews My hands are wee... Can I just fanboy a little (I'm English so don't expect too much)? I really enjoy your channel - well thought out and considered reviews. And you linked up with Moid:-)

[@MrDfromjersey]

I’m coming from the voyage to the paperwhite seemed like a good value

[@Lady_S]

Oh I've been looking forward to this! Not strange that your wife got the old Paperwhite I don't get people. I got my husbands old gaming computer and was really happy about it.

[@niktsak3171]

See you in 2022 when this has 100k views 😂 Love the edgar shirt

[@MegBookishRamblings]

I love my Kindle Paperwhite which I think came out in 2018 though I am tempted to eventually update to the Signature because so far I've heard good things about it.

[@nicolejusi]

I can’t tell you how stoked I am to see that Mike posted a video on the new paperwhite. Originally found his channel via his switch from iPad to kindle

[@Musicteachersheff]

I actually like the ads. I have found some really great books that way.

[@natasha83196]

I just upgraded my Kindle to the Signature edition - with my trade in I got $25 plus $25% off the purchase so the net was the same as the regular Kindle version. Looking forward to the improved speed as this was the reason why I stopped reading on my Kindle. Thanks for sharing!

[@scottdoshier5702]

I was able to mail my Paperwhite 4 back to Amazon for a trade in value of $25.00 towards the new Paperwhite! I personally think the trade was well worth it.

[@cipriansirbu3699]

Great video Mike.I own a kindle oasis and I'm very happy of it.Next upgrade I'll make will be for the colour version.

[@redbarchetta4]

Great review! Up the Irons!

[@ginabeachy4897]

I still have my first generation kindle. I don't use it of course, but the grandkids got a kick out of it when they saw it the other day. Amazing how quickly our old electronics look like dinosaurs.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Tech is advancing at an incredible rate, for sure.

[@FrostyMourne92]

Great, new video!

[@theoa126]

For people looking for something almost the same as the Oasis but way cheaper with all the same/similar features, no ads and cleaner interface , look at the Kobo Libra H20. Pros and Cons for all, just another option to compare when shopping! Must say, that Paperwhite is sleek, great vid Mike.

[@DaisyXMachina]

Thanks for this. I got the Oasis simply because of the buttons (my fingers got sore from turning pages on the paperwhite!)... though I miss the size and feel of the paperwhite.

[@mohisy5029]

Mike, Daniel Greene, Captured in Words and Merphy Napier are my top 4 booktubers that I always watch their video everyday

[@mikesbookreviews]

Pleased to be in such magnificent company. Thank you.

[@uptown3636]

Yay! Mike, Oracle of Kindles, has spoken.

[@lunacarmin]

happy your wife got a new shiny pw!!! 💃🏻! I love my Oasis but miss the portability of the PW, was thinking of picking one but mine is still good for a couple years.

[@spyridon1971]

Just got it today! It is my first Kindle and i must say i love it!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@bethheller7734]

Well, you convinced me to order it. Also, your shirt is awesome.

[@msj7872]

My first instinct is to want the new. I will continue to use my current Paperwhite till it's no longer supported. It does look nice though.

[@mikesbookreviews]

That's admirable. I usually say this while clicking the "add to cart" button.

[@msj7872]

@@mikesbookreviews I curse the "one-click" buy button.

[@wjamimah7772]

You sold me a kindle oasis last fall! Still love it, sounds like the new paper white is really stepping it up. Also, I read my oasis usually an hours a night and the battery lasts at least 4 weeks.

[@JolienReads]

Thanks for this Mike! I've been going back and forth for months now trying to decide if I need an e-reader... I think I will finally pull the trigger and buy one. Based on everything you said I still think I'll go for the Oasis because I like the buttons a little bit more.

[@mikesbookreviews]

The Oasis is still king of the Kindle castle, IMO. But either would be great.

[@kylefunk546]

Seriously thinking about picking one up i love physical copies but being military don’t wanna move them all the time lol

[@mrcraigface]

Don’t know if anyone has mentioned the trade in deal Amazon do - 20% off new kindle purchase on top of voucher for old kindle value

[@SuperMidge13]

This was so helpful. Gonna wait for Black Friday and pick this one up

[@mikesbookreviews]

Happy to help!

[@mopete9830]

my kobo h20 is about the size of the oasis and ive managed to get it in a back pocket of my larger jeans. I prefer to have it in its crochet case to keep it safe usually but i dont like the smaller kindles now anymore. I wouldnt give up my warm light for anything.

[@tiananesbitt7156]

I don't quit vintage hardcovers for anything!

[@TrafalgarL4wyer]

I use the Oasis but the Paperwhite is amazing too

[@JuanMartinez-ib7mz]

The Kindle Messiah is back!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I've certainly been called worse. Today.

[@JuanMartinez-ib7mz]

@@mikesbookreviews 😂😂😂

[@lostcharge]

Oh boy, I would love for you to review Kobo if they ever send you one! I love mine. Awesome review, the new Paperwhite sounds really nifty.

[@Nanees]

I still like the form factor of the oasis more, the side bezel is wide enough to rest your finger near the buttons, and I love the page turn buttons.

[@steviedee9826]

Love my Paperwhite but the power button is maddening!

[@Guii1]

Very good video. Thanks brother.

[@sterlingpratt5802]

Liking for the JNCOs comment.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Those who know KNOW.

[@chrisconnors7418]

Thank you, Mike. That was helpful. I’d like the warm lighting for bedtime reading; but I’ll probably wait till the one I have now starts failing. But it is tempting to get an upgrade. I keep mine in airplane mode too; mainly to conserve battery but it does explain why I haven’t had trouble with cover art. Never realized that before.

[@chrisconnors7418]

Decided to start Wayward Pines. Figured I’d read a couple of chapters and fall asleep. Am now more than halfway. It grabs you and doesn’t let go. What a tale! Glad you mentioned it in an earlier video.

[@shotsndocs]

Actually, it was that video that I found your channel and eventually bought the older Paperwhite model. 🤣

[@fonzi107]

I use the Kindle Fire(believe that’s the one I have) and love when I decide to read E-Books. I really want the Oasis though since it is made just for reading.

[@andygraf4997]

Where is the new power button? My biggest complaint with the Paperwhite was the power button was on the bottom right were my fingers go.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I talk about it. Probably my biggest knock against it.

[@Ulmo90]

Never read on a Kindle, I've tried ebooks on my phone but I didn't get the thing with ebooks. Great video as usual Mike!

[@kakhak]

My Paperwhite SE is its way to me. Oh, Iron Maiden, my favorite band!

[@beezer81]

I actually returned the new Kindle Paperwhite, which I was not expecting, because I thought I was going to like it. First, I found it to be way too heavy and then add on the case and I really wasn't enjoying the weight of it (my Oasis has never felt heavy even with the case). I don't personally care about the charging mechanism, especially since I only have to charge an e-reader once in a while, so micro-usb or USBC, really don't care. Second, as awkward as the Oasis is to hold, I still love the page turn buttons, which I prefer, and third, the Oasis has all the same features as the new Paperwhite, so, since I am perfectly happy with my Oasis, I didn't see the need to keep the new Paperwhite. If Amazon comes out with a new Oasis, I'd be more interested in that eventually). Thanks for your review! 😊

[@alynam82]

Definitely into the idea of the new signature edition. Right now I'm trying to learn a little more about the trade-in option, so I'm not sitting on unused devices, but also to knock some of the price down on the new device. But hey, at least the option to trade in is there... I can live with the cell phone app for a little while as it's in transition (or just read a physical book as it happens)

[@mikesbookreviews]

From what I saw Amazon would give you like $30 for you old Paperwhite in like new condition

[@alynam82]

@@mikesbookreviews eh, not quite saving a bunch then...

[@Zaguzah]

@@alynam82 I traded in my 2014 PW and I got a $25.00 gift card, and 20% off my next Kindle purchase.

[@alynam82]

@@Zaguzah that's along the lines of what I want to do

[@alwaysreading]

the power button at the bottom drives me crazy too. i just ordered an oasis.

[@piamaebarnido8185]

I also asked the customer service rep nicely if they could get rid of the ads for free and they did. 😅

[@mikesbookreviews]

It's like learning a cheat code.

[@DirePantsDim]

I like the updated interface on the latest Kindle.

[@anthonyloveanthonylove2159]

They make it look like night and day size difference, the actual primitre of the tablet it’s only about half inch difference bigger on the new model but they did a good job in making the screen bigger, so it would fit just as good. And it’s not heavy by much because it’s only they made an half inch difference on the dimension and they used every available space within the tablet to make the screen bigger so you will notice the screen difference good job.