Amazon Refreshes Kindle Lineup With Thinner Designs And Aluminum Options

New Kindle, Paperwhite and Colorsoft models bring slimmer bodies, more colors and optional aluminum builds, with the entry-level Kindle available now and the others arriving later this month.

Amazon has unveiled new versions of its Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Colorsoft e-readers. The lineup brings thinner, lighter designs, new colors and aluminum options alongside the standard plastic models. The entry-level Kindle is available now in several markets, including the U.S.; the Paperwhite and Colorsoft are available for preorder.

Table of Contents
  1. A flush front for the smaller Kindle
  2. Paperwhite and Colorsoft get slimmer, too
  3. Availability and Kids editions
  4. Sources

A flush front for the smaller Kindle

The six-inch Kindle no longer has a screen recessed beneath a raised bezel. Its display now sits flush with the front of the device, matching the design of the more expensive models. At 6.8 millimeters thick and 140 grams, the standard version is a millimeter thinner and about 18 grams lighter than its predecessor, according to Wired.

Removing the bezel also removes a place to rest a thumb without touching the screen. Amazon told TechCrunch that the Kindle detects where a reader is gripping it and adjusts the touch-sensitive area to avoid accidental commands. Amazon says the new display turns pages 30 percent faster than its predecessor, according to Wired; Engadget and The Verge describe the speed improvement in terms of opening books.

The plastic Kindle costs $149.99 with 16GB of storage and lock-screen ads, while a $189.99 aluminum version has 32GB and no ads, according to The Verge. The standard model comes in Ube purple and Graphite; aluminum colors include Alpine Sky and Seaglass Green. Engadget reports that the aluminum version weighs 20 grams more than its plastic counterpart.

Paperwhite and Colorsoft get slimmer, too

The seven-inch Paperwhite and Colorsoft are also thinner and lighter, while retaining their waterproof designs and adjustable warm reading lights, according to Wired. The standard Paperwhite costs $199.99 with 16GB of storage, and the standard Colorsoft costs $289.99 with 16GB. Their 32GB aluminum Signature Editions cost $249.99 and $319.99, respectively, according to TechCrunch.

Signature Edition features include automatic brightness adjustment and a double-tap gesture for turning pages. Wired also reports that these models can rotate pages into landscape orientation. Both have contacts for an optional charging dock and a magnetic case with physical page-turn buttons. The Verge lists the dock at $59.99 and the case at $79.99. Amazon is also offering a $34.99 Bluetooth page-turn remote; The Verge says it works with Kindles from 2024 onward.

Availability and Kids editions

The new Kindle and its aluminum version went on sale October 1 in the U.S. and other listed markets. The Verge says the Paperwhite and Colorsoft will launch October 28. Kids versions are planned across the lineup, with child-friendly covers and a year of Amazon Kids+, according to Engadget. The outlets’ availability lists do not include Israel.

Sources

This story was compiled by AI from the reports below. Read the originals for the full details.