Navigating the world of Kindle e-readers can be confusing, especially when it comes to understanding the different model names. Amazon often refers to their latest devices simply as ‘Kindle’, ‘Kindle Paperwhite’, and ‘Kindle Oasis’, without explicitly stating the generation. This can make it challenging to compare different models and know exactly which device you are looking at.
To simplify things and make comparisons easier, Kindle devices are frequently identified by their generation. This is the approach taken in most comparison guides. However, you might also encounter models referred to by their release year. Adding another layer of complexity, the most affordable Kindle in each generation is sometimes called the ‘Kindle Basic’.
Let’s break down the various names associated with each Kindle model to clear up any confusion:
Understanding Kindle Model Names
Here’s a detailed list that clarifies the multiple names used for different Kindle devices:
Kindle (Basic) Models
- Kindle 11: Also known as ‘Kindle 11th generation’, ‘Kindle 2022’, ‘Kindle Basic 4’, or ‘Kindle Basic 2022’.
- Kindle 10: Also known as ‘Kindle 10th generation’, ‘Kindle 2019’, ‘Kindle Basic 3’, or ‘Kindle Basic 2019’.
- Kindle 8: Also known as ‘Kindle 8th generation’, ‘Kindle 2016’, ‘Kindle Basic 2’, or ‘Kindle Basic 2016’.
- Kindle 7: Also known as ‘Kindle 7th generation’, ‘Kindle 2014’, ‘Kindle Basic 1’, or ‘Kindle Basic 2014’.
Kindle Paperwhite Models
- Kindle Paperwhite 5: Also known as ‘Paperwhite 5th generation’ (referring to the Paperwhite series), ‘Paperwhite 2021’, or ’11th generation Kindle Paperwhite’ (referring to the overall Kindle e-reader generation).
- Kindle Paperwhite 4: Also known as ‘Paperwhite 4th generation’, ‘Paperwhite 2019’, or ’10th generation Kindle Paperwhite’.
- Kindle Paperwhite 3: Also known as ‘Kindle Paperwhite 3rd generation’, ‘Paperwhite 2015’, or ‘7th generation Kindle Paperwhite’.
- Kindle Paperwhite 2: Also known as ‘Kindle Paperwhite 2nd generation’, ‘Paperwhite 2013’, or ‘6th generation Kindle Paperwhite’.
- Kindle Paperwhite: Also known as ‘First generation Kindle Paperwhite’, or ‘Paperwhite 2012’.
Kindle Oasis Models
- Kindle Oasis 3: Also known as ‘Oasis 3rd generation’, ‘Oasis 2019’, or ’10th generation Oasis’.
- Kindle Oasis 2: Also known as ‘Oasis 2nd generation’, ‘Oasis 2017’, or ‘9th generation Oasis’.
- Kindle Oasis: Also known as ‘Oasis first generation’, ‘Oasis 2016’, or ‘8th generation Oasis’.
When you are trying to identify your Kindle model or examining a listing, the most reliable method is to check the model number. You can find this number printed in small letters on the back of your device, usually near the bottom. Comparing this model number with a detailed Kindle comparison chart will give you the precise identification you need.
Ultimately, understanding these different naming conventions will help you effectively compare Kindle models and choose the perfect e-reader for your needs.
