The new Kindle Paperwhite e-reader has just been announced, and the least we can say is that Amazon has decided to step up its efforts for this release, which is likely to be talked about a lot.
We start with the standard version, which has a 7-inch black and white e-ink screen comparable to the one on the previous version. It is therefore a very good screen, ideal for reading novels and, possibly, manga.
Amazon announces these new features for this 2026 version of the Kindle Paperwhite:
- A new thinner and lighter case
- Up to 12 weeks of battery life (which seems higher to me than for the previous model)
- A “flush” type screen with glass that covers the entire surface (which does not change)
- Compatibility with the Kindle Click remote, which lets you turn pages remotely
So we keep the same type of screen (apparently): touchscreen, black and white e-ink, and with a front light (+ color temperature adjustment to limit the effects of blue light).
The Kindle Paperwhite is also waterproof with an IPX8 certification (which is not new).
This version really offers few new features if you set aside its new design, which makes the e-reader lighter and thinner. Note that it is available in two colors: black (Graphite) or green (“Seaglass Green”, a strange color name in my opinion).
At $199.99 with ads displayed on the home screen (see on Amazon.com), it’s a bit expensive, even if it’s clearly a better e-reader than the basic model that is available (read here).
But there is also a more premium version called the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition. This version offers 32 GB of storage, automatic brightness adjustment, no ads, and an all-aluminum case that seems quite nice.
This version is offered at $249.99, which is quite high since the Kobo Libra Colour, which has a color screen and a design that I find more interesting with its buttons, is sold at about the same price.
These e-readers will be available on October 28, 2026, and you can already order them on Amazon.com. You can view the Kindle Paperwhite product pages by following these links:
- New Kindle Paperwhite 2026 on Amazon.com
- New Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 32 GB 2026 on Amazon.com
My opinion before the hands-on: the Kindle Paperwhite has always been my favorite Kindle, but with the price climbing to about $250 for the most interesting version in aluminum, I’m no longer sure it’s still worth it. At these prices, it becomes difficult for me to test these e-readers quickly, and I think I’ll have to wait for a possible discount to buy them…
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