E-readers have come a long way since the first Kindle launched in 2007. Amazon now offers a wide range of models to meet every budget and reading preference. This guide will focus on how their high-end Oasis and popular Paperwhite compare.
Overview
The Kindle Oasis and Paperwhite have a lot in common, including weeks-long battery life, sharp 300ppi displays and massive ebook stores. But the Oasis offers extra touches to justify its higher cost.
Let‘s parse the specs and features of these two outstanding e-readers to help match you with your perfect reading companion.
Brief Kindle History
The first Kindle could hold 200 ebooks and sold for $399. Over the ensuing years, Amazon iterated the line rapidly, increasing storage, improving displays, adding touchscreens and lights and reducing prices dramatically.
The affordable Paperwhite debuted in 2012 with a built-in light and high-contrast E Ink screen. The high-end Kindle Oasis arrived in 2016, radically slim and lightweight.
E-Ink Magic Explained
Both models utilize e-paper or "E Ink" displays. This technology relies on actual ink particles suspended in millions of tiny microcapsules and offers major advantages over traditional LCDs:
- No eye fatigue – Mimics printed paper with ultra-high contrasts
- Sunlight readable – Reflective surface works even in bright light
- Low power usage – Draws juice only when page turns
This makes E Ink perfect for long reading sessions. Its gentleness on the eyes means you can enjoy thousands of pages before needing a break.
Kindle Oasis Key Features
- 7-inch, flush-front 300ppi E Ink display
- Ergonomic thin design with page-turn buttons
- IPX8 waterproofing
- 8GB or 32GB storage
- Weeks-long single charge
- 25 LED frontlight system
- Warm auto-adjusting light filters blue hues
- Aluminum body available in two tones
Dimensions: 159 × 141 × 3.4-8.4mm
Weight: 188 grams
The Oasis contains the fastest E Ink screen currently available, with a processor that redraws pages rapidly. Its flat front bezel allows the display itself to come into full view.
Use page-turn buttons or touch zones to navigate effortlessly through your book. The warm light system employs a color temperature sensor to automatically match ambient lighting. Adjust it manually for maximum comfort.
Kindle Paperwhite Key Features
- 6-inch 300ppi glare-free E Ink display
- 8GB or 32GB storage
- IPX8 waterproofing
- Weeks-long battery
- 5 LED frontlight system
- Touchscreen page turns
- Available in black or twilight blue
Dimensions: 167 × 116 × 8.18mm
Weight: 182 grams
The Paperwhite 5 utilizes the latest generation of E Ink technology for snappy page turns. While its screen is smaller than the Oasis, a compact size makes this model easily portable.
The built-in light employs 5 LEDs to illuminate pages evenly. Use the touch display to flow intuitively through your book.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Kindle Oasis | Kindle Paperwhite |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 7" | 6" |
| Screen Resolution | 1680 × 1264 (300 dpi) | 1448 x 1072 (300 dpi) |
| Front Light LEDs | 25 | 5 |
| Adjustable Warm Light | ✅ | ❌ |
| Blue Light Reduction | ✅ | ❌ |
| Page Turn Buttons | ✅ | ❌ |
| Refresh Rate | 17 ms | 21 ms |
| Storage Options | 8GB/32GB | 8GB/32GB |
| IPX8 Waterproof | ✅ | ✅ |
| WiFi Connectivity | ✅ | ✅ |
| Audiobook Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bluetooth | ❌ | ❌ |
| Dimensions | 159 × 141 × 3.4-8.4mm | 167 × 116 × 8.18mm |
| Weight | 188g | 182g |
Both models support playback of Audible audiobooks. Use Whispersync to automatically sync your place between the Kindle and Audible app.
And thanks to IPX8 waterproofing, don‘t stress about reading in the bathtub or beachside!
Reading Experience Comparison
The Kindle line offers distraction-free reading. But the Oasis nudges the experience up a notch. Its E Ink panel has the highest pixel density available along with a smooth, flush bezel your eyes barely notice.
The adjustable warm frontlight – customizable from white to warmer amber hues – not only prevents sleep interference but allows reading comfortably in any environment.
Its ergonomic design, tapered on one side, feels natural in your grip. Physical page-turn triggers are perfectly positioned for ambidextrous one-handed use.
By contrast, the Paperwhite‘s simpler aesthetics bring you closer to an ordinary print book. For those seeking a digital duplication of old-school reading, the Paperwhite shines. Its compact form slips easily into purses or pockets.
Over weeks of testing, both models deliver on their promised months of runtime. Standby times clock in at spectacular highs. The Oasis and Paperwhite really sip power with those efficient E Ink panels!
Recommendations
For voracious readers wanting best-in-class features, the Kindle Oasis is simply unmatched. Yes, you pay a premium. But the reading quality, customizability and sheer enjoyment this device enables make every penny worthwhile.
If your budget won‘t stretch far, don‘t fret. The Kindle Paperwhite retains plenty to love, including clear text, fluid page turns and that sweet battery life. This middle child offers plenty to bookworms without breaking the bank.
No matter which model you choose, expect world-class digital reading support, access to Kindle‘s enormous ebook ecosystem, and the peace of mind of a trusted brand.
Whichever way you page-turn, happy reading my friend! Let me know if you have any other questions.
