(checked 2026-10-14)Small sample (160 ratings); on sale since early October 2026.
The redesigned base Kindle, on sale since early October 2026: thinner and lighter, with books opening about 30% faster and the power button finally moved to the side. It still isn't waterproof, the base model shows lock-screen ads, no full review is out yet, and 28% of its first 160 Amazon ratings are 1-2 stars, with battery drain the main complaint.
Common Amazon Kindle (2026) problems
- Battery drain in early reviews
Amazon's review summary says battery life is criticized for draining quickly, though Amazon claims up to 6 weeks. 28% of the first 160 Amazon ratings are 1-2 stars.
- Not waterproof, ads on the base model
Tom's Guide's hands-on says the basic Kindle is the only new model without IPX8 waterproofing, and the 16GB entry model includes lock-screen ads; the ad-free version is the pricier 32GB aluminum model.
- Pricier than before; mixed screen reports
Tom's Guide says the new Kindles are pricier than their predecessors. Amazon's summary says screen quality gets mixed feedback, with some owners reporting issues.
What owners like
- Thinner, lighter, faster
Tom's Guide noticed the thinner build in hand and the roughly 30% faster book opening right away. Amazon owners call it faster and more responsive than previous models.
- Power button moved to the side
Tom's Guide calls the relocated power button the biggest game-changer, since the old bottom button was easy to press by accident.
- Portable, with new colors
Amazon owners praise its light weight, purse-friendly size and the new colors; Tom's Guide says the colors are engineered not to bleed onto the screen.
- You read in the bath or by the pool (not waterproof)
- You want a proven model (early ratings are rough)
- You don't want lock-screen ads (the aluminum version is ad-free)
- Kindle readers who want the newest, lightest 6-inch model
- Pocketable travel reading
- Readers annoyed by the old bottom power button
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Tom's Guide: Hands-on (2026-10-01), no full review yet: meaningful upgrades (thinner, faster, side power button), but higher prices.
- Tom's Guide: Its best-Kindles guide (updated 2026-10-07) still recommends the 2024 models and says it will update once its reviews of the 2026 Kindles are in.