For the past six years the Kindle Oasis has been Amazon’s flagship, most-expensive Kindle, the one with the best build quality and (arguably) the nicest design.
The first generation Kindle Oasis had a 6-inch E Ink screen, but then in 2017 the Kindle Oasis 2 got released and one of the main changes was it featured a larger 7-inch screen—and the Kindle Oasis 3 still uses that same screen.
Up until the Kindle Oasis 2 was released, Amazon had sold nothing but 6-inch Kindles for many years after the 9.7-inch Kindle DX was discontinued, which was released in 2009 and 2010 so that’s going way back.
Last year Amazon released the fifth version of the Kindle Paperwhite, and it has a 6.8-inch screen; it was the first Paperwhite to have something other than a 6-inch screen.
So where does that leave the next premium Kindle? Amazon can’t charge more for a smaller Kindle, right? So whatever is going to replace the current Kindle Oasis is likely to have a screen larger than 6-inches.
It would seem the days of the premium 6-inch Kindle are gone. The Kindle Voyage had a good run, and some still consider it the best Kindle ever released (myself included, because the screen is still better than any Kindle released since). The Kindle Oasis 1 wasn’t as popular, but it wasn’t on the market for very long so that didn’t help its cause any, that and being dependent on a special charging cover.
It seems like most companies are turning 6-inch ereaders into low-cost budget models these days. The only 6-inch Kindle that Amazon sells currently is the entry-level Kindle model, and it has a lower resolution screen than almost every ereader ever released (except the Kindle DX).
It would be great to see a nice premium 6-inch Kindle with a 300 ppi screen available again, kind of like a Kindle Voyage 2. But that almost certainly isn’t going to happen. The smaller size of 6-inch ereaders is an advantage when it comes to portability, but it seems most people favor larger screens these days. I like larger screens too, but the Kindle Oasis is just too wide to fit in my back pocket like the Kindle Voyage, so it always just sits at home.
What do you think? Would you consider buying a premium 6-inch Kindle? Or do you prefer a Kindle with a larger screen?
I would order today a Voyage 2 with a 6″ screen! Along with a butterfly cover!
But I would think a minute if it would be a 7″. It would be a significant change for me, after so many years used to a 6″ screen.
No, I wouldn’t buy another 6in Kindle. Even just the bump up to 6.8 is too nice to consider going back. I don’t see any feature that would warrant that downgrade for me.
Color is kinda useless on a 6in.
And, note taking is too cramped to be desirable.
Addendum: I would buy a 6in reader, used… if I was in a pinch and lost or destroyed my current one. But, definitely not New.
No, not a 6 inch screen. The current 6.8 Paperwhite is nice, but I would like to see a larger sized Kindle. I love my Kobo Elipsa and wish Amazon would match the size.
I still use the 1st gen kindle oasis. It is my favorite. With the cover removed it’s comfortable to hold and the perfect size. I’m not in the everything bigger is better bandwagon..Portability is more important. You can always make the font bigger on a smaller screen but you can never make a bigger screen more portable.. People complain about turning pages more on a smaller screen. Good grief it’s effortless on the oasis. You need not even move a finger.
No, like others, the small screen is a non starter
How do you turn the pages without moving a finger? (Genuinely interested as have one but I have to move fingers )
I think they just mean you don’t have to pick up your finger from it’s comfy spot. Just a tiny movement to click
To have a 6″ e-reader, with ergonomic design, page turning keys and only 130 grams (with an excellent construction material) is a real luxury. The misunderstood e-reader + battery cover design, the shortcomings of its screen illumination and its high price made it a cursed e-reader. If it had been widely accepted, I am convinced that this model would have evolved (better screen, colour temperature adjustment), but instead we have moved on to bigger e-readers, with a supposedly ergonomic design incompatible with its high weight and a very poor battery. And that seems to be what people want. So I doubt very much that we will return to such risky and innovative designs.
As for the Kindle Voyage, it tends to be idealised now, but at the time it had a lot of (justified) criticism. The forums are full of negative comments about its exaggerated vertical gradient (entire shipments were recalled in some countries) and it was also a high-priced e-reader. My Kindle Voyage, unfortunately, was one of those flawed devices and my memory of it is not as fond as it is now. It also had competition from the Kobo Aura H2O, which is arguably the best e-reader Kobo has made to date (this, of course, is a very personal opinion).
To answer the initial question, yes, I would buy a 6″ Kindle Premium, if it had a quality in line with my preferences. But it is very difficult for Amazon Kindle to take the risk again with these models, not even in a limited edition.
I was pretty critical of the Kindle Voyage when it first got released because mine had a blotchy frontlight. I eventually got rid of it but then I wanted to compare some of the newer devices to it so I ended up buying a used one on eBay, and the frontlight is much better on it. It’s still not as even as the new Paperwhite or Oasis, but since I mostly read during the day, often outside, I don’t use the frontlight much anyway, and it never goes above 7 when I do use it.
But the clarity of the Voyage’s screen, the darkness of the blacks, is still unmatched by any ereader today. That’s why I keep going back to it, that and the fact it has page sensors and it fits in my back pocket, even with a cover, very comfortably. I still don’t like having to wipe fingerprints and spots off the flush screen all the time, but that’s really the only thing I don’t like about it. I wish Amazon and other companies would put more effort into making devices with the best-looking screens possible. After the PocketBook Era, I’ve absolutely had it with low contrast, washed out screens. The trend has to end.
No. Even my 7″ Oasis 2 seems small after my 8″ Kobos. That’s the sweet spot for me of large but still small enough to go in my purse. My Elipsa is the one that stays home.
New generation Oasis with an 8″ screen would be the sweetspot for me.
No. That is why I switched over to kobo. I love the bigger screens.
Can you read Kindle books on a kobo?
Only if you remove the DRM and convert it.
The only way I would buy a premium 6 inch Kindle was if it had an indented screen. Everything is a flush bezel nowadays which is inferior in my opinion, so having an indented screen would make it a selling point in contrast to all of the other Kindles.
My preference though is a larger 8 inch Oasis which I feel is in the works and hopefully will be released sometime in October or November. The problem with that though is that it will undoubtedly also have a flush bezel which makes it seem like I’m reading on a tablet and the text doesn’t pop out or the contrast isn’t nearly as good as an indented screen.
For example the screen on my Kobo Libra 2 is waaay better than my Oasis 3 and Paperwhite 5. But I highly doubt that they will release a premium 8 inch oasis with an indented screen which will make it harder to justify buying one. Seriously the Libra 2 has spoiled me.
It wish Amazon would just put a 300 ppi screen on the entry-level Kindle and keep the indented design to maximize contrast.
The reason I keep going back to my Kindle Paperwhite 3 is for that same reason.
Nope. I have the latest Oasis. I have just got a Kobo Clara 2 which is way better than my old Oasis 2 on nearly all points. The only thing missing is a on screen clock 😅.
Yes, I would buy a Kindle with a six inch screen if it had page turn buttons like the Kindle Keyboard or original Basic.
I own the Oasis 3 and rarely use it because it is uncomfortable to hold.
Nope. 6″ is too small for my eyes. I prefer 8″. But my 7″ Kindle Oasis 2 is adequate for those occasions I use it.
FWIW, I owned a refurb Kindle Voyage (no blotches, pretty much a perfect screen) and when I got the Oasis 2, I scrutinized both screens very carefully. As far as I could tell, the Kindle Oasis 2 equaled my Voyage in every way, EXCEPT it had a warmer cast. Which, given the Voyage was a very COLD looking screen, I didn’t mind at all! So for my taste, my Oasis definitely was the superior screen over the Voyage, which was promptly sold on eBay.
Now if Amazon produces an 8″ Oasis, I might be interested in upgrading. But I’d honestly have to think about it, since my Oasis 2 works fine and I only read on it occasionally compared to my Kobos.
I loved the voyage. The only reason I am not currently using it is because the charging port loosened and I couldn’t charge it. I used my older paperwhite, but eventually bought the Signature edition.
I was turned off the Oasis because of the design. I read a lot, and I frequently move my kindle to the other hand; it’s a subconscious move, and that wide thing would screw it up. Additionally, I do most of my reading in bed. I read all night (I’m retired), and the smaller kindles are more comfortable. Many books I read are from the library. Some of those only come in pdf, which can’t be read on a kindle. So, I read them on the iPad mini, and I hate it. I prefer smaller designs.
You can side load PDF books into your Kindle. I read them on my Kindle Paperwhite all the time. I just use my Send To Kindle email.
You can also use the sendtokindle apps. I think the app is much easier than email.
Hmm… After review of my statements below the answer is no, but I would love to have a Paperwhite with buttons. Much easier to use page turn buttons when hands are cold or even slightly damp.
* During the day I prefer reading on a larger device like my iPad Mini. At night or when traveling I prefer my Kindle Paperwhite. On the move I tend to read on my 6-inch phone or the Paperwhite if traveling.
* However, I recently purchased the Fire 10 to read emagazines from my public library and I find I also like reading books on it during the daytime when home.
I would buy a 6” version of the Oasis for the portability if it still had page turn buttons.
I have even looked at EBay for an 8th generation Oasis but the prices that are being asked are too high. I kind of liked the external battery pack as well but it wouldn’t be a deal breaker for a 6 inch Oasis.
They’ve been selling them on Woot lately for around $75 but they’re currently sold out, and they don’t always come with a charging cover unless specifically stated.
I would most definitely buy a premium 6” Kindle. I don’t like bigger screens at all. I have the latest Paperwhite but prefer the previous version for the smaller screen and lighter weight. I also use a Boox Poke 3 which has a 6” screen to read library books, which I like a lot, as it’s lighter than Paperwhite 11. It’s only drawback being that it is fiddly to set up and slower. I’m all for a premium Kindle.
I own an Oasis 3 and a Voyage and despite the portability issues enjoy the 7 inch screen of the Oasis much more. So no, however much I used to like my previous Oasis 1, I would not go back to a smaller screen.
No. I have Paperwhite 4 (6″), Oasis 3 (7″) and PocketBook InkPad 3 Pro (7.8″) and I find 7″ the ideal size, not too big, not too small. However it’s not just about screen size, but also about dimensions of the device. I would either like for Amazon to stick with 7″ or to make Oasis the same size, but with bigger screen and smaller bezzels. I definitely don’t need smaller device or smaller screen.
I’d love a new Voyage.
6″, premium screen AND page turn buttons, because my Voyage is dying and I also think it was the best Kindle to date.
Absolutely agreed. Voyage with origami leather cover is best travel companion.
Waiting for the successor
I own a Voyage, Oasis 2 and 32GB Paperwhite SE. But I want a Kindle Slate.
128GB internal storage (because I know they’ll never offer SD card support).
Capacitive multipoint touchscreen: 8″ 1440×1920 4:3 aspect ratio 300ppi. Choice of 16 greyscale Mobius Carta E-ink with white to amber front light or 16M color LCD display at same price.
Outside bezel hinge connects two Slates in tandem so they fold like a book (similar to the eBookOne manga device); user’s choice of dual E-Ink, dual LCD or one of each. Software optimizes UI for each experience.
3100mAh battery
Two programmable buttons along each side bezel
Home button on bottom and top bezels
Bluetooth 5 for keyboard & audio/microphone with TTS
I most definitely would buy a 6 in. Kindle premium. I’m one of those that liked the smaller screens. I have 2 of the 6.8 Kindle PW’s, my Voyage, and a Pocketbook Lux 5 and Touch HD3. Sadly the Voyage was my favorite,but the charge port loosened and could no longer use. I find myself using the Pocketbook devices the most because I prefer the light weight design. I wish they would at least give people the option. I’d love to see a Voyage 2. They would sell like crazy.
I own a Kindle Paperwhite from 2015, and a Kindle Keyboard from 2010. I also owned a Kindle Fire 8” from 2012 which I guess isn’t considered a reader since it wasn’t mentioned. It had a much bigger screen at 7”, 8” or 10.1” and was released in 2011. That was my favorite though it was also the heaviest. I have since switched to an iPad as I use a multitude of reading apps as well as other functions now that just made sense to switch. I can still enjoy my Kindle app which is nice.
No, I would not consider anything smaller than the current Oasis and it is too small. I’d switch to the 8″ Kobo Sage if they had the vast library of free books I’ve accumulated over a decade plus of Kindle usage.
Cart before the horse. I’ve purchased half a dozen kindles over the years, but recently, amazon has been slowly but surely weeding out dealbreaking features. Free 3g internet, ad-free models, OTA updates, and now the kindle store. Drip. drip. drip.
At this rate, I’m fairly certain that my next “kindle” will be an ipad. They’re comparable pricewise too, at least the premium version.
I replaced my 2017 Oasis with a Kobo Sage and would never go back to 6″. I don’t see myself buying any Kindle likely to be produced in the near future that would interest me away from Kobo. Kobo would have to start really stumbling for me to switch.
I ditched my gen 1 Oasis this year (battery charge was less than 24hr) and replaced with the Paperwhite Signature Edition. I am very happy and it would take a LOT to get me to move. I would move for a larger screen 7-9″
I would love a Paperwhite 11th Gen in 6″. All else the same. Portability important. I don’t know what all this is about buttons. Touch is fine.
I have 6 Kindles and the one that I prefer to read on is my Oasis with the 6″ screen. I would buy it again in a heartbeat. The format is just that good.
My reader is a Voyage and I still like it quite a bit. I have been tempted by the newer models but I mostly read in bed and prefer a light weight Kindle that is easy to hold ergonomically. I am concerned the newer paper whites will be heavier and or more awkward to hold. Also love that that the power button on the Voyage isn’t on the bottom where it might be inadvertently pressed.
It’s funny because I know a lot of people that ‘prefer’ to read on their phones instead of a reader or tablet. I MUCH prefer to read on e-ink readers, unless it is a magazine or otherwise highly visual, like a recipe book with photos, then I prefer a tablet with color.
Eventually I will have to move on from the Voyage if/when it starts to break down, but I’m gonna hold out for now.
I’ve had the K3, PaperWhite, Voyage, 2nd generation Oasis and finally the 6.8″ PaperWhite.
The K3 was my first I loved it but lost it. Loved the Voyage but I have neuropathic issues so I could never feel the haptic feedback. 2nd gen Oasis was amazing but the Amazon case was a joke then within a year the battery life was days not weeks. I switched back to a 6″ PaperWhite until I saw the newest 6.8″ PaperWhite and had to have it. BTW if you’re going to order the newest PaperWhite order the kids version. The warranty is fabulous and you get a free case in the deal.
I would consider anything they make. I’m still sitting on Christmas money hoping they come out with a new premium kindle soon!
I use my Kindle Voyage for hours every day. It is showing its age, the battery doesn’t last too long, the Amazon case has been repaired many times and is now more superglue than anything else(I tried buying a new third party case last year and it was not nearly as good as theAmazon brand).
I will buy the new premium Kindle whenever it will be released. I know it will probably cost too much. But, given that I use it for a few hours each day, it will be worth it. I also hope that it will have page turn buttons, they are the one feature I miss on the Voyage.
I loved my Kindle DX and kept it for years. It was too heavy, but the larger screen was great. I would really like to see an 8-9″ Kindle – like the DX, but lighter and without a keyboard.
No
I am an avid reader and I take my kindle everywhere, reading if I have to wait on an appointment, or in line. So I would buy the smaller kindle in a flash. Size and weight are most important for portability.
. I do wish the screen could rotate 180 degrees . I read lying down and use the partially open cover as a prop, which is only possible lying on my right side..
Also I have a problem with screen sensitivity, Sometimes when I touch the page to turn, the pages go haywire as it may goforward or backwards for several pages and I have to search for the correct one..
I also dislike some aspects of the recent software updates. The back button no longer goes back to the previous page but to the home page. This is very inconvenient especially when searching and browsing as each back page goes back to the beginning and I have to start over.
I have the paperwhite released in 2018 ,I am considering the signature model, because of the slow lag time I now experience.
No, I wouldn’t. My Paperwhite SE is the sweet spot for me. The only thing I don’t love about it is the flushed screen. I vastly prefer recessed screens. I rarely hold my Kindle so I don’t care that it’s larger/heavier than the 10th Gen Basic I upgraded from. I love the bigger screen. I read on size 1 and there’s just so many more lines and words. I’ll never go smaller than 6.8”.
I have a PW1 from 2012 which is still as good as new although the cast is about worn out. I got a PW5 a few months ago, in its case it is about 3mm bigger .than my old PW1.
The new Kindle is perfect for me, not too big and the 6.8 inch screen is ideal
The only thing that is wrong with the Kindle is that it can not scroll…
The reason?
It consumes too much energy, the KindleOS it’s not made for that.
The more I realize that it’s not there, the more I miss it.
For the rest, perfect reading, easy to focus.
If you want a 6inch screen in 2022 then I suggest using your phone. Yes back in 2009 kindles were 6 inches but phones were 4inches. Times change. I want a kindle that’s 8 inches or even 10 inches at this point. I’d like the frame or bezel to be small which would help with portablitity, and it’s about time Amazon get invented and have the reader WRITE also. If they did kids in classrooms would stop using spiral binders it would be world changing.