Amazon Kindle 2024 Review – The Lightest Kindle Yet for Everyday Reading

The Amazon Kindle 2024 (Gen 11) is the lightest and most compact Kindle yet, tipping the scales at just 158 grams. For comparison, my Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition weighs 208 grams, while the Kindle Oasis comes in at 188 grams. If you’re looking for a device you can easily hold with one hand during a crowded train commute, this new Kindle is unbeatable in terms of comfort and portability.

With dimensions of 157.8 x 108.6 x 8.0 mm, it’s about the size of a pocket notebook. While this makes it extremely convenient to carry around or slip into a bag, it might feel a bit small for readers who prefer lounging in bed or reading at a desk. Compactness always comes with trade-offs.

Setting up the Kindle is straightforward. I used my iPhone and the Kindle app to get it running, and the entire process was done within minutes.

This 2024 model comes with several upgrades, including a 25% brighter front light at maximum settings, a higher contrast ratio, and faster page turns for a more seamless reading experience. Its 6-inch screen with a 300 ppi display is impressively sharp and bright, even outdoors under direct sunlight. Thanks to its glare-free display, it remains one of the most comfortable ways to read for long periods.

Reading on this Kindle is a joy. It’s easy on the eyes, and the Dark Mode feature (white text on a black background) makes it an excellent choice for bedtime reading. Unlike traditional tablets or iPads, which can strain your eyes over time, the Kindle’s technology provides a paper-like reading experience that’s gentle on the eyes and immersive. If you’re still reading ebooks on a tablet, it’s time to make the switch—your eyes will thank you.

The Kindle’s user interface is intuitive and easy to use too. Swiping down from the top of the screen provides quick access to settings like brightness adjustment.

The 2024 Kindle comes in two colours: classic Black and a new Matcha hue. While my review unit is Black, the Matcha variant looks like a refreshing alternative if you want something different.

It charges via USB-C and offers up to six weeks of battery life, depending on usage. With 16GB of storage, it can hold thousands of books—far more than most people would ever read. And if you somehow run out of space, removing old books is a simple process, though you’ll likely never need to.

Amazon’s Kindle ecosystem is extensive, with millions of books to choose from. For hardcore readers, a Kindle Unlimited subscription might be worth considering, offering virtually endless options to explore.

The compact size and lightweight design make it easy to read one-handed, and it’s perfect for commuters and travelers alike. Its small footprint means it can even slip into a jacket pocket. However, it lacks waterproofing, so you’ll need to avoid reading in the rain or near pools without extra caution.

Whether this Kindle is an upgrade depends on your needs. If you’re content with your current Kindle and don’t often max out brightness or find page-turning speed to be a concern, this upgrade might not be essential. Additionally, it doesn’t offer waterproofing or wireless charging, features available on higher-end models. However, if you’re upgrading from an older device or find the sluggish page-turns of earlier Kindles a minor annoyance, the improved performance here is probably a big plus.

For first-time Kindle buyers, the 2024 model is a great entry point. While premium models like the Kindle Paperwhite or Scribe offer additional features, this affordable option is perfect for casual readers who just want a straightforward device for their books. Priced at A$199 RRP (currently A$167), it also makes an excellent gift for loved ones.

AMAZON KINDLE 2024 REVIEW CONCLUSION

The Amazon Kindle 2024 (11th Gen) is a fantastic option for readers looking for an affordable, lightweight, and highly portable e-reader. Its compact size and improved performance make it an excellent device for reading on the go, and the display continues to offer a superior reading experience compared to traditional screens. However, the lack of waterproofing and some premium features like wireless charging may make it less appealing to those upgrading from higher-end models like the Kindle Paperwhite.

For first-time buyers or casual readers, this Kindle hits a sweet spot in terms of price and functionality. Its excellent battery life, sharp display, and ease of use make it an easy recommendation. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it offers enough upgrades to justify its place as the go-to entry-level Kindle.