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Amazon is gearing up to release the 2024 Kindle Basic on October 1, 2024, and if you’re into eReaders, this one’s worth keeping an eye on. It’s a solid upgrade to their most affordable model, with some cool new features and a more eco-friendly design.
A Greener Kindle? Yes, Please.
Sustainability is a big focus for this version. The 2024 Kindle Basic is made with 75% recycled plastic and 90% recycled magnesium, and the packaging? 98% recycled or responsibly sourced wood fiber. Definitely a step in the right direction if you’re looking for tech that’s a little easier on the planet.
Amazon has been pushing toward more sustainable designs for a while now. If you’ve been following their moves, the Kindle Oasis Discontinuation is part of that shift—fewer hardware buttons, more streamlined designs, and materials that fit their eco-conscious goals.
Brighter Screen, Better Reading Experience
The new Kindle Basic sticks with a 6-inch, 300 PPI e-paper display, but it’s now 25% brighter, making it easier to read no matter where you are—dim bedroom, sunny park bench, wherever. Plus, dark mode is back, which is great for night owls, and the sunken screen design should cut down on glare in bright light.
And here’s where it gets interesting: there’s talk that Amazon might be using E Ink Carta 1300 for this model. If that’s true, it could mean noticeably smoother page turns, sharper contrast, and an overall snappier experience. No official confirmation yet, but if it happens, that’s a pretty big deal for an entry-level Kindle.
Improved Performance and Usability
The 2024 Kindle Basic is getting some great updates. This makes it a better choice for readers who want to save money. Here’s what’s new:
- 16GB Storage: Finally! You have more space for thousands of eBooks, PDFs, and anything else you want to keep on your Kindle.
- 8-Week Battery Life: That’s a big jump from previous models—great news for anyone who forgets to charge their devices regularly (guilty!).
- USB-C Charging: No more digging around for that ancient micro-USB cable. Faster, easier, and way more convenient.
On top of that, it supports a bunch of eBook formats like AZW3, MOBI, and EPUB, so you’re not locked into just one ecosystem. Flexibility is always a win.
Same Compact Design, Now in Green
Size-wise, nothing has changed—still super portable at 157.8 x 108.6 x 8 mm—but here’s something fun: Amazon has added a matcha green color option alongside the classic black. It’s a subtle but fresh touch, especially for those who like their tech to have a little personality.
If you are still thinking about your choices, look at our guide for the best budget-friendly eReaders. You can see how this Kindle compares to others.
Pricing and Availability
The 2024 Kindle Basic is expected to land at around $119, but we’ll have to wait for the official confirmation. It’s set to launch on October 1, 2024, and will be available in both black and matcha green.
What’s Still Missing?
This update makes the Kindle Basic better, but it still lacks some features. It does not have adjustable warm light and waterproofing. If these are important to you, think about getting the Kindle Paperwhite instead. But who knows? Amazon might add these features in later versions.
Final Thoughts
With better performance, a more eco-friendly design, and a fair price, the 2024 Kindle Basic seems like a great choice for anyone who wants to start using eReaders without spending too much money. Now we just need to wait and find out if it does what we hoped for.
Want to keep up with the latest Kindle news? Check out the latest on the Kindle Scribe 2 or see what’s new with the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition.
