AMAZON asserts its supremacy in the realm of e-readers, with its line of both affordable and premium Kindle devices.
Here we've compared the Kindle Paperwhite versus the Kindle Oasis, representing both ends of the price spectrum to help you make the right choice for you.
- Kindle Paperwhite, £149.99 - buy from Amazon
- Kindle Oasis, £229.99 - buy from Amazon
Since its debut in 2007, the Kindle has emerged as the definitive e-reader and the preferred choice for those in the market for one.
Remaining true to their original design, Amazon's Kindle devices have consistently offered affordability, sustaining their popularity for nearly two decades.
But, as times have changed, so has the Kindle, expanding its line-up to include models with enhanced specifications and higher budget options.
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When deciding between the two most popular Kindle devices, the Paperwhite and Oasis, the question arises: which one is worth the investment?
Both devices offer excellent choices, with the Paperwhite providing a plethora of specifications at a more affordable price, while the Oasis goes above and beyond by incorporating smart features.
To help you decide between the two, we've pitted them against each other in our Kindle Paperwhite vs Kindle Oasis comparison.
We've delved into various aspects, including pricing and their unique features, to help you determine which device aligns better with your needs.
For those seeking a budget-friendly e-reader, I've also conducted a comparison between the Amazon Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite.
And for those of you with an eye on Amazon's Fire Tablets, fear not: I have also compared the Amazon Fire tablet vs Kindle.
Prospective Kindle buyers should explore the Kindle Unlimited UK deals available this month. The subscription is the ideal addition to your new e-reader, with a vast selection of titles.
We also regularly report on the best Amazon device deals, and you'll find the Kindle name among our top picks.
Kindle Paperwhite vs Kindle Oasis: At a glance
Both the Kindle Paperwhite and Oasis boast impressive features, promising to significantly elevate your reading experience.
However, notable distinctions exist between these two devices. Let's explore the common ground they share and the factors that distinguish them:
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Similarities
- Both devices are e-readers developed by Amazon.
- Both feature high-resolution displays for an enhanced reading experience.
- Include built-in adjustable front lighting for comfortable reading in various lighting conditions.
- Both boast incredible battery life.
Differences
- Kindle Oasis generally comes with a higher price tag compared to the Kindle Paperwhite.
- Kindle Oasis boasts a sleeker, premium design with an aluminium body, while Kindle Paperwhite has a plastic build.
- Oasis includes physical page-turn buttons, providing an additional way to navigate through the content, unlike the Paperwhite.
- Oasis is often lighter and more compact, making it potentially more portable.
Kindle Paperwhite vs Kindle Oasis: Prices
The Kindle lineup caters to all users, offering budget-friendly choices for price-conscious readers and premium options for those seeking an unparalleled reading experience.
The clear winner for those seeking a more affordable device is the Kindle Paperwhite, which at £149.99, is significantly cheaper.
For an additional £80, the Kindle Oasis, priced at £229.99, comes with a larger display that offers enhanced features and capabilities.
These prices regularly fluctuate during Amazon's sale periods, so you will likely find them cheaper during a Prime sales event.
With both devices, there is the option to boost the amount of storage you get at an extra cost.
The standard Kindle Oasis comes with 8GB of storage (more than enough for the average reader) while the Paperwhite boasts double this at 16GB.
If you're looking to store a large collection of e-books and audiobooks, the Kindle Oasis offers the option to upgrade to 32GB for just an extra £30.
Likewise, for an additional £30 you'll need to opt for the Kindle Paperwhite (Signature Edition) to earn 32GB of storage.
- Kindle Paperwhite, £149.99 - buy from Amazon
- Kindle Oasis, £229.99 - buy from Amazon
Kindle Paperwhite vs Kindle Oasis: Design
You'll notice some key design variations between the Paperwhite and Oasis. The Oasis, in particular, features unique design elements that may not appeal to everyone.
They meet in the middle with a similar size, with the Paperwhite featuring a 6.8-inch screen and the Oasis a 7-inch display, and both weigh around the 7-ounce mark.
The Oasis earns its price tag with its premium build, showcasing an aluminium case and glass screen while the Paperwhite has a plastic.
But that doesn't mean it's for everyone, as the Oasis features a thin body with a noticeable bump to house the page buttons, which you'll either love or loathe.
The Paperwhite maintains the classic Kindle design but omits the physical page-turn buttons present on the Oasis.
Of course, some love these additions to the Oasis and the high-end feel, while others prefer the Paperwhite's standard design and find it easier to handle.
Kindle Paperwhite vs Kindle Oasis: Display
When choosing between the Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Oasis, the display should be the primary consideration, given the considerable time spent looking at it.
Both the Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Oasis feature sharp displays with 300 pixels per inch, ensuring high-quality visuals. They share common features such as automatic brightness adjustment, adaptive lighting, and LED backlights.
However, the Kindle Oasis excels in display illumination, boasting 25 LED lights compared to the Paperwhite's 17. This results in a more uniform display, especially beneficial for reading in bright sunlight.
Moreover, the Oasis offers automatic adaptive lighting, whereas the Paperwhite relies on manual adjustment, which can be set on a timer for added convenience.
For us, while both devices offer similar features, the Kindle Oasis stands out with its automation and superior display.
Kindle Paperwhite vs Kindle Oasis: Performance
We always take a look under the hood of these devices to see how well they'll perform for you day to day.
Taking a look at the spec sheet for the Paperwhite and Oasis proves these two Kindles deliver comparable performance, despite the price jump between them.
That's because the Kindle Oasis hasn't seen an update since 2019, while the Paperwhite got a significant refresh in 2021.
As a result, they perform similarly, with the Kindle Paperwhite reported to have a minor edge in responsiveness, when turning pages and zooming in and out.
We can't say whether the Oasis will see an update soon, but unless a premium body and automatic adaptive lighting are important to you, the Paperwhite has the edge in our book.
Kindle Paperwhite vs Kindle Oasis: Battery life
If you've been browsing Kindles you will be aware that they come with an outstanding battery life, which will last users weeks.
Where the battery lives of the Paperwhite and Oasis are concerned, the two models are evenly matched.
The Paperwhite boasts up to 6 weeks of battery life, based on around 30 minutes of reading per day. Despite the higher price tag, the Oasis is on par.
The Kindle Oasis features a (somewhat outdated) Micro-USB charging port and will take approximately two hours to fully charge, compared to two and a half for the Paperwhite.
USB-C charging ports are becoming the norm these days though (even Apple has adopted it), so the Kindle Paperwhite takes the lead with this modern addition.
Kindle Paperwhite vs Kindle Oasis: Verdict
When it comes to which Kindle you put your money behind there are a few things it boils down to.
Both Kindles perform similarly, with the Kindle Paperwhite being an ideal choice for affordable, casual nighttime reading.
Whereas the Kindle Oasis offers an outstanding reading experience, catering to avid readers and those seeking a sleek premium device.
Choose the Kindle Paperwhite if:
- You are on a budget and prioritize affordability.
- Premium design and additional features are not a top priority.
- You are content with a basic e-reader but still want adaptive lighting.
Choose the Kindle Oasis if:
- You are willing to invest in a premium e-reader
- Physical page-turn buttons and additional portability are important to you.
- You want the latest display tech, including adaptive lighting and a larger display.
Head to Amazon's Kindles page to see every option of e-reader on offer.
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