Amazon Kindle (2022)

  • Best: Budget buy
  • Screen size: 6in
  • Screen resolution: 300ppi
  • Screen light: Yes, with 4 LEDs
  • Waterproof: No
  • Storage: 16GB
  • Wifi only: Yes
  • Weight: 158g
  • Dimensions: 157.8mm x 108.6mm x 8mm

$120.00

When it comes to e-readers, the Amazon Kindle has long been the gold standard, and the 2022 edition doesn’t disappoint. I’ve spent several weeks reading everything from novels to academic texts on it, and I can honestly say it’s one of those devices that makes you rethink how you approach reading. Here’s my take on it—the good, the less-good, and everything in between.

First Impressions

Out of the box, the Kindle (2022) feels sleek and lightweight. Holding it in one hand is effortless, even after long reading sessions. It’s compact but not so small that reading feels cramped, and the design is minimalistic, which I personally love. The matte black finish is subtle and doesn’t attract fingerprints, which is a small detail but makes a difference over time. The buttons are minimal too—the touchscreen does all the work, and page turns are smooth and responsive.

One of the first things I noticed was the display. The Kindle uses a 6.8-inch glare-free display with adjustable warm light, which is perfect for both day and night reading. Unlike tablets, this e-ink screen doesn’t cause eye strain or fatigue. I tested it under bright sunlight, and yes, it’s fully readable. No squinting, no annoying reflections—just clear text, which feels surprisingly refreshing if you’re used to reading on phones or tablets.


Reading Experience

I dove straight into a mix of genres: fiction, non-fiction, and a couple of graphic-heavy textbooks. One of the standout features is the adjustable font sizes and typefaces. You can tweak line spacing, margins, and even choose fonts designed for better readability. Personally, I settled on the Bookerly font at a medium size—it felt very natural, almost like reading a physical book.

The adjustable warm light is another game-changer. You can shift the screen from a bright white for daylight reading to a warmer amber tone for evening sessions. I found this especially useful at night—it feels cozy, and you don’t wake up your partner with a harsh blue light. And the auto-brightness option is smart enough to adjust lighting based on your environment without fiddling with settings every time.

Battery life is another aspect worth mentioning. After heavy use—reading for several hours each day over a week—I barely drained 20% of the battery. Amazon promises weeks of battery life, and from my experience, that claim holds. There’s nothing worse than having to recharge a device mid-book, and the Kindle avoids that problem completely.


User Interface & Features

Amazon’s interface is clean and straightforward. You swipe or tap to navigate, and the home screen keeps recently read books front and center. I liked how the Kindle organizes your library—you can sort by title, author, or even collections you create yourself. It’s simple, yet effective.

One of my favorite features is the built-in dictionary and Wikipedia integration. Highlight a word or phrase, and you instantly get definitions or background information. As someone who occasionally reads technical material, this is a huge time saver. It feels like carrying a tiny research assistant with you. Highlighting passages and taking notes is equally seamless. I often highlight important lines, and the “My Clippings” section keeps them organized for easy review.

The Kindle also supports audiobooks via Audible. You can pair Bluetooth headphones and switch between reading and listening seamlessly. I tested this feature on a long commute, and it works well—though it’s worth noting you’ll need to have Audible accounts and headphones ready. Still, it adds a layer of versatility that I appreciated.


Design & Portability

In terms of design, the 2022 Kindle is as portable as it gets. I slipped it into my backpack, my work bag, and even a medium-sized purse with zero hassle. Its lightweight build makes long reading sessions comfortable. The device isn’t fragile, either—the build quality feels sturdy, and I didn’t worry about minor bumps or drops.

If you’re someone who reads on the go, this is a huge plus. The Kindle allows you to carry hundreds of books without the bulk or weight of physical copies. For students or travelers, this alone is a game-changer. I could literally bring my entire reading list anywhere, and I never had to compromise on variety.


Pros

  • Lightweight and comfortable for extended reading sessions.

  • Glare-free e-ink display readable in all lighting conditions.

  • Adjustable warm light for day or night reading.

  • Long battery life that lasts weeks, even with daily use.

  • Integrated dictionary, Wikipedia, and note-taking for seamless learning.

  • Bluetooth support for Audible audiobooks.

  • Compact library management with collections and sorting options.


Cons

  • Limited PDF handling—while you can upload PDFs, navigating them isn’t as smooth as ePub or Kindle format books.

  • No color display—if you read graphic-heavy material, it might feel a little bland.

  • Minimal web browsing—the experimental browser exists but is slow and basic. This is strictly a reading device, which is fine, but don’t expect full tablet functionality.

  • No physical buttons—some readers prefer tactile page-turning buttons; this model relies entirely on touchscreen gestures.


Who Should Buy It

Honestly, if you read frequently, the Kindle (2022) is worth considering. It’s ideal for:

  • Avid readers who want hundreds of books at their fingertips.

  • Students looking to carry textbooks, articles, and reference books without the weight.

  • Commuters or travelers who need a portable, long-lasting reading device.

  • Night readers who appreciate adjustable warm light and e-ink for eye comfort.

On the other hand, if you read books heavily illustrated in color, or you want a device that doubles as a tablet for browsing and apps, you might want to consider a Kindle Fire or another tablet instead.


Final Thoughts

After using the Amazon Kindle (2022) for several weeks, I can say it’s one of the best e-readers I’ve ever used. It hits the perfect balance of portability, comfort, and features for anyone who reads regularly. From the crisp display to the smart library management and integrated research tools, it makes reading easier and more enjoyable.

I particularly loved how it encourages reading anywhere—whether on a sunny patio, a dark bedroom, or a long train ride. The convenience of carrying hundreds of books, the ability to highlight, annotate, and even switch to audiobooks makes it more than just a reading device—it’s a full reading ecosystem.

For anyone who values reading as a daily habit, the Kindle (2022) is an investment worth making. It’s lightweight, intuitive, and thoughtfully designed for readers by readers. While not perfect for every use case, it excels in what matters most: making reading effortless, enjoyable, and endlessly accessible.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)