For the first time Amazon has released two distinctly different versions of the basic Kindle. I decided to buy both to see how they compare, and after testing them I’m still not 100% sure which one I like better.
The aluminum version looks classier and it feels like a premium device—it’s very nice for a basic Kindle, the nicest one ever. But the plastic version is noticeably lighter, and for some reason the contrast appears to be a little better on the Ube Kindle than the Alpine Sky aluminum version, even though that shouldn’t be the case since they literally have the exact same screen and front layer—I guess it’s just the E Ink lottery, or manufacturing differences with the front layer. At first I thought maybe it was just an optical illusion, but after further testing I don’t think that’s the case.
The plastic version of the basic Kindle comes in two colors, Ube and Graphite (purple and black), and it sells for $149. The upgraded aluminum version comes in Alpine Sky and Seaglass Green, and it sells for $189. The aluminum versions are ad-free by default, whereas the plastic versions have the option for ads or no ads (ad-free adds $20 to the price).
Another difference, the aluminum versions come with 32GB of storage, whereas the plastic versions come with 16GB.
One thing that Amazon doesn’t seem to specify anywhere, the aluminum version adds magnets to the back that are compatible with Amazon’s new magnetic case. The plastic Kindle does not have those magnets so those cases won’t work (Amazon needs to make that clearer).
The plastic Kindle weighs 140 grams. The aluminum Kindle weighs 162 grams. That’s not a big difference by any means, but when going back and forth between the two it’s hard not to prefer the lighter one. The plastic also has more texture on the back that adds more grip; the aluminum version has some texture too so it’s not super slick, but the metal is colder to the touch than plastic.
Honestly, I’ve never been a fan of the cheap plastic feeling of basic Kindles (and Kobos), so I much prefer the look and feel of the aluminim casing, but if you’re planning on keeping your Kindle in case all the time it’s probably not going to make a big difference either way, unless you want to use a magnetic cover.
The main problem with the new aluminum Kindle is the price. For only $10 more you can get a new Kindle Paperwhite with a bigger screen and a better frontlight. Plus it adds waterproofing and battery life is doubled. But if you want the aluminum Paperwhite with 32GB that adds another $50 to the price. Why does Amazon make choosing a Kindle so confusing?
I definitely prefer the aluminum. But out of these two, the purple is clear winner simply because of the contrast, the difference is absolutely crazy.