KINDLE
Current Series
Updated: 2026/10/16

Amazon Kindle Comparison

The lightest and most compact model in the lineup. It’s the definitive entry-level e-reader that perfectly covers all your reading essentials.

✦ The most affordable and lightweight entry-level model in the series. It packs core reading capabilities into a sleek design, complete with a crisp 300 ppi high-resolution display.

Latest Current Model

Gen 12 (Released 2026)
6 inches154 g
CurrentKindle (Basic)

Kindle (Basic) Gen 12 (2026)

Display Specs
6" 300ppi
Monochrome
Weight
154 g
8mm thick
Battery & Charging
Up to 6 weeks
USB-C
Waterproofing
Non-waterproof
Daily splash resistant
Reference Price (tax incl.)
$129.99 〜 $149.99

Kindle (Basic) vs Other Amazon Kindle Series

Explore positioning and hardware trade-offs (5-axis radar balance) between Kindle (Basic) and other series across the Amazon Kindle lineup.

7 Series in Total
Currently Viewing7 models

Kindle (Basic)

The most affordable and lightweight entry-level model in the series. It packs core reading capabilities into a sleek design, complete with a crisp 300 ppi high-resolution display.

Display SizeStoragePriceCompactnessWeight
Latest: Kindle (Basic) Gen 12 (2026)Currently Viewing Series
Current7 models

Kindle Paperwhite

Boasting a generous 7-inch display and snappier page turns than ever before. Complete with full waterproofing, it’s the most well-rounded and beloved e-reader in the series.

Display SizeStoragePriceCompactnessWeight
Latest: Gen 13 (2026)Series Details
Current2 models

Kindle Colorsoft

The Kindle experience, reimagined in vibrant color.

Display SizeStoragePriceCompactnessWeight
Latest: Gen 2 (2026)Series Details
Current3 models

Kindle Scribe

Pairs a spacious 11-inch display with a natural, paper-like writing feel. As the top-tier model in the lineup, it's the ultimate Kindle fully equipped for digital note-taking.

Display SizeStoragePriceCompactnessWeight
Latest: Gen 3 (2026)Series Details
Current1 models

Kindle Scribe Colorsoft

The ultimate device that seamlessly blends a spacious 11-inch color display with a natural, paper-like writing feel.

Display SizeStoragePriceCompactnessWeight
Latest: Gen 1 (2026)Series Details
Discontinued3 models

Kindle Oasis

Pairs a crisp 7-inch high-resolution display with physical page-turn buttons for effortless one-handed reading. An ultra-thin premium model crafted from a sleek machined aluminum body (*currently discontinued).

Display SizeStoragePriceCompactnessWeight
Latest: Gen 10 (2019)Series Details
Discontinued1 models

Kindle Voyage

A legendary model packing a crisp, high-resolution display that easily rivals today's premium devices, complete with innovative pressure-sensitive page-turn buttons.

Display SizeStoragePriceCompactnessWeight
Latest: Gen 7 (2014)Series Details

All Kindle (Basic) Historical Models

7 Historical Models

Compare all 7 models across generations of Kindle (Basic). Scroll horizontally to view full hardware specs.

Spec
Current
Kindle (Basic) Gen 12 (2026)
10/2026
Kindle (Basic) Gen 11 (2024)
10/2024
Kindle (Basic) Gen 11 (2022)
10/2022
Kindle (Basic) Gen 10 (2019)
4/2019
Kindle (Basic) Gen 8 (2016)
6/2016
Kindle (Basic) Gen 7 (2014)
10/2014
Kindle (Basic) Gen 5 (2012)
11/2012
📅Release Date
10/202610/202410/20224/20196/201610/201411/2012
📱Display
Monochrome
6"
300 ppi
Monochrome
6"
300 ppi
Monochrome
6"
300 ppi
Monochrome
6"
167 ppi
Monochrome
6"
167 ppi
Monochrome
6"
167 ppi
Monochrome
6"
167 ppi
⚖️Weight
154 g
8mm thick
158 g
8mm thick
158 g
8mm thick
174 g
8.7mm thick
161 g
9.1mm thick
191 g
10.2mm thick
170 g
8.7mm thick
⚡Connector
USB-CUSB-CUSB-CMicro-USBMicro-USBMicro-USBMicro-USB
💧Waterproofing
Non-waterproofNon-waterproofNon-waterproofNon-waterproofNon-waterproofNon-waterproofNon-waterproof
💡Adjustable Warm Light
White only (4 LEDs)White only (4 LEDs)White only (4 LEDs)White only (4 LEDs)White only (- LEDs)White only (- LEDs)White only (- LEDs)
🔋Battery Life
Up to 6 weeksUp to 6 weeksUp to 6 weeksUp to 4 weeksUp to 4 weeksUp to 4 weeksUp to 4 weeks
SpecificationView Details →View Details →View Details →View Details →View Details →View Details →View Details →

Historical Sale Prices & Price Track Record

Historical discount record and lowest price benchmarks across major seasonal sales and campaigns.

DateEventModels & VariationsSale Price (From)Max Discount / Savings
2026-10-06
Amazon Prime Big Deal Days 2026 (US)
〜 2026-10-07
Kindle (Basic) Gen 11 (2024)Standard 16GB$103.99 -39%
$103.99
$169.99
39% OFF
2026-08-21
UPUS Price Revision (+$40)
Kindle (Basic) Gen 11 (2024)Standard 16GB$169.99 +$40
$169.99
$129.99
+$40
2026-06-23
Amazon Prime Day 2026
〜 2026-06-26
Kindle (Basic) Gen 11 (2024)Standard 16GB$84.99 -50%
$84.99
$169.99
50% OFF
2026-03-25
Amazon Big Spring Sale 2026 (US)
〜 2026-03-31
Kindle (Basic) Gen 11 (2024)Standard 16GB$99.99 -41%
$99.99
$169.99
41% OFF

History of Kindle (Basic) Series

2026

Kindle (Basic) Gen 12 (2026)

Redesigned with a flat front, top-right power button, 154g ultra-lightweight body, 30% faster reading, and a new 32GB aluminum edition.

2024

Kindle (Basic) Gen 11 (2024)

Added Matcha green color, boosted front light brightness by 25%, and featured USB-C and 16GB storage.

2022

Kindle (Basic) Gen 11 (2022)

Major update featuring a sharp 300 ppi display, double the storage at 16GB, and the introduction of a USB-C charging port.

2019

Kindle (Basic) Gen 10 (2019)

The first entry-level Kindle to feature a built-in adjustable front light for reading in dark environments.

2016

Kindle (Basic) Gen 8 (2016)

11% thinner and 16% lighter than the previous generation, featuring a more rounded design and a new white color option.

2014

Kindle (Basic) Gen 7 (2014)

The first basic Kindle to include a touchscreen display, removing physical buttons for more intuitive navigation.

2012

Kindle (Basic) Gen 5 (2012)

Updated with a black finish, 15% faster page turns, and a lightweight design relying on a 5-way controller.