I've been using the 300 dpi Paperwhite for over two years and decided to spoil myself with the new 32 GB WiFi Kindle Oasis E-reader. I'm an avid reader with over 500 books just on Amazon.
The Kindle Oasis arrived well-packaged in an attractive sealed black box. The first thing I noticed was the sleek glassy surface and thin asymmetrical aluminum construction. Unfortunately, while the Oasis is lighter, the larger size makes it awkward to carry or slip in a pocket. The first thing I did was to buy a MoKo Case to avoid dropping and trashing my expensive new toy. The smaller Paperwhite sports a rubberized exterior providing a far more secure grip.
The Oasis already had a half charge on it so it was good to go right out of the box. But there is no charger! Let me repeat that--my $300 ultra-luxury E-reader came without the standard ten dollar charger, only a short USB cord.
It took five minutes to link up to my WiFi and Amazon account, adjust the local time and resurrect my library. The only instructions are on the device itself, but it's a no-brainer. Amazon had a software update available that only took a few minutes to download and reboot.
The display on the Oasis has a slightly creamy tone when compared to the bright white Paperwhite. The Oasis display is perfectly even across the entire screen; the Paperwhite has a very slight "shadow" at the bottom. The 7-inch screen is significantly larger than the 6-inch Paperwhite screen. I examined the typeface through a loupe and the letters themselves appear identical on both devices.
I bought my Oasis with the "special offers," but I quickly found them annoying. I removed the special offers by linking to my on-line Amazon account and coughing up an additional $20.
Reading is a joy on the new Oasis. The larger screen and physical page-turn buttons allow you to read one handed and avoid the usual screen taps. The software is almost identical on both devices, though the Oasis allows you to (finally!) access audio books though Bluetooth. I couldn't get my earbuds to link, but Bluetooth is kinda touchy and I'll try it on other stuff, especially my car.
One HUGE improvement is that the Oasis is waterproof! This is key for me as I read even while soaking in the tub (TMI). The Paperwhite hates even a droplet of water. One workaround for the Paperwhite is the tough Meritcase Waterproof Case, though it makes screen operation a bit clunky.
IN CONCLUSION:
Both the 300 dpi Paperwhite and new Kindle Oasis are terrific E-readers. If you have some "stupid money" to throw around, the Oasis is the Rolls Royce of the e-reader world, sporting an elegant waterproof construction and Bluetooth connectivity. But for normal folks, the 300 dpi Paperwhite is an excellent purchase, nearly as good with some superior features at a fraction of the price. I'm dinging the Oasis one star for the over-the-top price tag, mediocre battery life and not including a charger.
One of the first things you notice, after the size increase, is the total look and feel of quality:
Refined aluminum outer shell that will resist scratches.
Page turn buttons-similar to the last Oasis version.
Well balanced when in the hand.
The lighting seems to be the best that the Kindle team has put forward yet- It seems they have taken prior criticism to heart and made a focus on making the lighting as flawless as possible.
Overall fit and finish-this thing looks and feels refined. You get the same sense of quality you get when you pick up an Ipad (whether you like Apple or not).
Faster page turns.
Lighting/ Screen quality:
Amazon must have taken poor reviews on some other models to heart and focused on eliminating these issues. Now with 12 LED bulbs, the lighting is more uniform than any prior unit. Far better than the Paperwhite (while decent for the money- the Oasis is far better). I would rank the Voyage as having a more even screen than my 2016 Oasis-The 2017 OASIS HAS THE BEST SCREEN YET).
The screen has a warmer hue than the Paperwhite, Voyage or Oasis 1.
No visible light cones.
7” screen displays more text for less page flips.
Graphics look better-small print displayed better.
Inverted White/ Black option is nice change that displays less light...good for some that read in bed with partners.
The Kindle team set the reading plane lower in the device(the glass is thicker) the eliminate light cones. The addition of 2 more LED units makes for the most even lighting possible. A one inch screen size really makes a difference in the reading experience-I stopped reading on my Old Oasis and Voyage after getting this unit...ABSOLUTELY FLAWLESS! While the other Kindles are fine, when you put them side by side with the Oasis...NO COMPARISON...OASIS WINS!
Font boldness control, size options and Black /White color conversion
Kindle added more font sizes and boldness control-great for all readers-available on software update on other readers.
Black /White inversion is a neat new reading option-exclusive on the Oasis.
For the visually challenged:
THIS IS THE DEVICE FOR YOU. Large fonts look more normal on this larger screen.
Less page flips-really noticeable on larger fonts.
Bold font options….about time!
White /Black color inversion option. Great for nighttime readers with a partner.
Magazines:
This is an area that many will overlook...Magazines look better on a 7” screen than 6”
Weight
At 194 grams it is slightly lighter than the Paperwhite at 205grams and slightly heavier than the Voyage...In reality you can hardly feel the difference. It is however, significantly heavier than the prior Oasis model without the cove that only weighed 131 grams.
Page turn buttons:
Similar to last year’s model
Much better than the Voyage- you can easily feel these, even in the dark.
A slight click when the buttons are pushed leaves no doubt that the page will turn. These buttons really make it easy to stay focused on reading-no need to swipe the page, just klick the button. Once you get used to the buttons it is hard to go back to a Paperwhite.
Asymmetrical Design:
Very similar to last year’s model; they expanded the gripping area on the bezel to allow for wider thumbs that don’t overlap the screen while in use. One the Voyage, my thumb is half on, half off the device when in use.
The screen and button function auto flip when you change hands.
Well balanced and secure in the hand while holding.
Storage:
8 gigs is plenty for most ebook readers, however if you plan to use Audible or have a large library consider paying $30 more for the 32gig model(about 27 gigs in actual use)
Graphic and image heavy books can exceed 200 mg in size Examples are Manga, Comics, Cookbooks, Magazines and How to books.
My library has a little over 2000 items and does not totally fit on any other Kindle device-no problem on a 32 gig Oasis!
Audible:
Seamless switching from reading to Audible if you own the e-book and the Audible version. They offer a 32 gig option for 30 dollars more if you plan on storing a lot of Audible books.
This device does not have speakers. You need to pair it with blue tooth speakers or headphones.
PLEASE NOTE THERE IS NO TEXT TO SPEECH...No e-reader on the market has this.
Amazon E-book/Audible ecosystem:
Simply the most extensive e-book store on the planet.
Almost always the lowest price.
Audible offers membership specials that can save you money.
Kindle Unlimited -a exclusive option that seems to be best for inexpensive fiction books.
Waterproofing:
I tried this just to make sure it works – good addition.
Battery:
Seems to last about the same as the Voyage and charges in under 2 hours.
Optional cover:
Solid protection for the device. The Origami style stand is OK-not great. Consider getting a small tablet stand(Amazon carries a multitude of these).
Portability:
Definitely not a pocket device.
Quality:
10 out of 10! SIMPLY THE BEST
Cost:
Amazon does not need to apologize for cost on this one-Sure it is twice the price of the Paperwhite (and that is a fine choice in it’s price range) but simply put THIS IS THE BEST KINDLE UNIT AMAZON HAS MADE TO DATE.
For $50 dollars more than the Voyage you get a bigger screen, more storage, Audible, page turn buttons, brighter screen and better display of graphics and magazines.
$40 less than 2016’s unit.
Upgrade options:
$20 to remove adds...I did to stop seeing adds and having to swipe the device to unlock it. I read a lot and would rather see the regular screen savers. I included a photo.
$30 for 32 gig storage – I opted for this because I have a huge e-book and Audible library.
44.99 or 59.99 -Honestly I can’t recommend this-the magnets are not super secure-they hold ok...6/10 from me.
4G- In this day and age many of us have wi-fi available-just store all of your books on the device. I passed on this expense.
Pros:
Best display
Great for large font users
No compromises-high quality
Vast storage options
Audible
Page turn buttons
White /Black inversion option
Like all Kindles you get Amazon’s vast ebook ecosystem-titles you will not find elsewhere
Cons:
Portability-This device does not fit most shirt or pants pockets
Cost-still $40 less than last year’s Oasis
In short – The OASIS IS BETTER-NOT JUST BIGGER
Update:
After spending more time with the unit, I would give this device 10 out of 10 for the right user. I have owned every unit since the Kindle Keyboard and the Oasis 2 is by far the best. I stopped using my other devices after getting the Oasis-It is that much more enjoyable to read on. Let’s take a look at who this device is for:
Don’t buy if:
You want an e-reader that easily fits in your pocket-get the Paperwhite or Voyage.
You are looking for text to speech. None of the current e-readers offer this. I see poor reviews for the device because it does not have this...no current e-reader does.
Budget is a priority. The Paperwhite is a fine budget friendly option.
Do buy if:
You want the finest e-reader available. This Kindle has the reading plane set below thicker glass to eliminate most of the light cones previous models occasionally had. The lighting is phenomenal. Page turn buttons make a difference.
You want a larger reading screen that feels more like a book. E-reading immersion at it’s best.
A visually challenged reader that uses larger fonts.
You need more storage.
If you can swing it -BUY IT-IT DOES NOT GET BETTER THAN THIS
The new Oasis finally brings waterproofing that I wished my Voyage had, and personally I appreciate the Audible integration. I do hope that a software update will bring the option for immersion reading eventually, and perhaps more control over font appearance. I will not do a full review as others have already done a great job covering the Oasis's strengths, with which I fully agree. Instead I want to call attention to the serious quality control issues plaguing this latest generation of Oasis, issues that Amazon should have worked out by now after launching so many Kindles.
I pre-ordered the new Oasis, and since Oct. 31st have had to get two replacements just to have a unit with an acceptable display. The first one I received had a warped case and uneven screen with washed out blurry text. The second unit was also washed out and had a stuck bright pixel. Fortunately, the third Oasis I received finally had acceptable contrast and sharpness, though it's a noticeable step down from the screen on my Voyage. The Voyage has true deep blacks and sharp text that looks like it's printed on a page. The page surface is also whiter (even with the backlight off). All of that works to produce high contrast and an enjoyable reading experience. The Oasis has more of a gray page surface and the text never gets as sharp or as black. It's much more like reading on an lcd than e-ink. I suspect the issue stems at least in part from the increase in screen size without an increase in dpi. Perhaps it could be improved with a software update (I hope!) But I think the slightly different surface of the e-ink screen will always limit the contrast on the Oasis. An additional factor is that the screen on the Oasis seems slightly more recessed from the actual glass, while the Voyage's screen is virtually right up against the glass. I think that the anti-glare coating combined with that slight recess contributes to blurrier text on the Oasis. The bezel also casts more noticeable shadows along the screen edges as a result. It's unfortunate that the R&D team missed these details. While I like the new features the Oasis brings, I don't want to lose quality on the most important element. The screen quality should have come first above anything else!
In the attached image you can see how big a difference it makes if you're lucky enough to get a "good one." The last unit I received, with the good screen, is on the left, and the previous unit is on the right. They are both on the same book, same page, same font and brightness settings (auto brightness off), but there is a major difference in brightness, evenness, and contrast.
This isn't unusual for a new product, but it is extremely disappointing and frustrating if you end up with a poor quality device, especially when the replacement is crappy too! If you don't want to risk having to spend hours coordinating replacements, I would suggest waiting until Amazon improves the manufacturing and quality control for the new Oasis.
SEE MY UPDATES AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS REVIEW
I received my Kindle Oasis a day before the official release date (thanks UPS!) so I’ve had some time to explore it already. I’ve owned many Kindles throughout the years starting with the very first one (the white model with the funky liquid crystal scroll bar). I can already tell that the new Kindle Oasis is a keeper! I won’t go over all of actual interface details and how the Kindle works as these are pretty similar between models. Instead I want to focus on the hardware itself and what makes the Kindle Oasis the Kindle to get!
Style
The Kindle Oasis is a high-end device and it looks like it! The front is a nice matte texture that extends all the way to the outer edges of the device and is framed by the aluminum back that creeps in from the sides to form a slight border. The screen itself is beneath this textured front so there’s no edge on the screen where you can see the separate of the screen from the bezel. It’s all smooth across the entire point other than the two small page turn buttons.The only other button on the unit is the sleep/wake button along the top edge.
The back of the unit is a very nice dark silver aluminum with the Amazon logo printed tastefully on it. There is a slight hump on the back that takes up about a third of the total width. I’m sure this is where Amazon has stashed the battery and other electronics, and it makes for a great grip for holding the unit with one hand.
Control
As I mentioned above, you can easily grip the unit with one hand using the hump on the back and then use your other hand just to support the other edge. This allows you to access the page turn buttons with your thumb. You can also flip the unit upside down if you’d like to hold it with your other hand and the display will flip accordingly so your book is always right side up. The page turn buttons feel very nice and emit a very slight click when depressed. This isn’t very loud but if you feel that your significant other may get annoyed with it if you’re reading in bed you can always just tap the left or right side of the screen for silent page turning.
The touch screen on the Kindle Oasis is very responsive and makes entering text a breeze. When you initially setup the unit you will need to enter your wi-fi password so this gives you a taste of how easy it is to enter text.
Adjusting settings such as the screen brightness via the touch screen seems more responsive than on earlier models and the entire interface feels more like a tablet now. You won’t get super smooth animation like with a traditional LCD display but you also won’t get the eye strain either, and that tradeoff is just fine with me!
Tapping the top of the display brings up the menu from any screen. From here you can quickly return to the home screen to switch books or go to the store to buy more books. You can also quickly access the most commonly used settings such as light brightness and airplane mode.
Pushing the button on top of the unit puts it to sleep and, as you guessed, wakes it back up. When you wake the unit you have to do a Apple-esque swipe to unlock it. This prevents accidental button presses from waking the unit while it’s in your bag, purse, carrying case, etc.
Overall the controls are just perfect. Amazon has put just what you need and nothing else. I really like that they have included the small physical page turn buttons rather than going with touchscreen-only controls. This gives you the option to page through your book in whichever way feels best to you.
Display
The display is a great size and really feels like you are ready a small paperback book. The text is super crisp and looks more like paper than ever before.
There are still the page refresh flickers from the eInk technology but compared to previous models they seem to be optimized now to only refresh the area of the screen that is actually changing rather than the entire page. So when you turn the page while reading the flicker is almost nonexistent unless you are changing to or from a page that has things other than standard text on it (for instance, the beginning of a new chapter that has larger fonts or stylized lettering).
The lighting on the display is very even now. I had the original Kindle Paperwhite and always felt that the lighting on that model showed obvious signs of where the individual LEDs were positioned along the side of the screen. With the new Kindle Oasis you can’t tell at all where the LEDs are placed. You get a very consistently even glow across the entire screen. I have noticed a VERY slight area that seems a tad brighter in one area but it isn't enough to bother me. I'll update this review if it gets worse. The display can get very bright, but more importantly it can get very dim but still be usable. This is great for reading in bed with somebody else who’s already gone to sleep as you can have all the lights off in the room and have the Kindle Oasis at a brightness level that won’t disturb the other person but yet still be bright enough for you to read.
The one issue I have with the light is the control to adjust the brightness. Tapping the on-screen brightness control sometimes isn’t very responsive. You also have to be careful if you are in the dark because if you adjust down too far the light will turn off completely and you won’t be able to see the button on the screen to turn it back on.
Of course if you are reading in daylight there’s no need to even use the light and as always the eInk display is as easy to read in direct sunlight as paper.
I really couldn’t ask for anything more from the display (other than color eInk but it doesn’t seem like we’ll be getting that anytime soon). Reading on it is delightful, day or night.
Battery
The Kindle Oasis is claimed to have weeks worth of power from a single charge and although I haven’t been able to test this since I just got the unit I have no reason to doubt this claim based on past Kindles. The display technology is very power efficient and it’s this battery longevity long with the superior display that really make the Kindle Oasis a great alternative to reading books on your phone or tablet.
The unit charges through a standard micro-USB connection so if you already have cables and chargers for micro-USB you can use them with your Kindle Oasis as well.
Weight
Despite having a gorgeous metal back the Kindle Oasis still manages to feel light in the hand. Holding it for reading is no problem. Holding it with one hand may get a little tiresome after awhile but you can comfortably hold it with two hands with hardly any effort at all.
Waterproofing
Of course one of the big new features with the Kindle Oasis is its waterproofing. I haven’t tried this and hope not to, but it’s nice to know that it should survive an accidental dip in the pool or splash from the ocean when you’re reading on vacation. One of the few actual printed instructions that comes in the box is a note explaining how to drain the unit if you get it wet and how to wash it out with clean water if you happen to get it in salt water or some other potentially damaging liquid. The note stresses that just because it’s waterproof doesn’t mean that you should use it underwater, so any dreams of reading while snorkeling are going to have to remain dreams for now.
Summary
This is a premium device and it shows. If you are looking for a Kindle and can afford the extra cost for this one then don’t hesitate. There’s no better way to read eBooks. Amazon has taken all my wishlist items such as premium materials, touchscreen while still having physical page turn buttons, high resolution display in a great size and aspect ratio, very even and controllable lighting, waterproofing, and good overall design, and cranked out their best product ever.
Verdict: Buy it now!
UPDATE 11/8/17: After reading with the Kindle Oasis for a week the bright spot in the lower right corner is really bugging me. It seems to persist regardless of which level of lighting I select. It's noticeably brighter in a circular area and then the light seems to fall off gradually to match the rest of the screen. Because of this I'm considering returning the unit and just getting a Voyage or Paperwhite. Stay tuned.
UPDATE 11/10/17: The bright spot on the screen really bothered me, especially with this being a premium device. If it wasn't so expensive I could excuse the bright spot, but at this price level I really expect it to be flawless. I could attempt to exchange for a different unit but my experience in the past is that the replacement unit may have even more screen flaws and Amazon will not continually replace the device when the issues fall within what they consider acceptable (I may just be super sensitive - most people may not even notice a difference). I have instead opted for the Kindle Paperwhite for less than half the price of the Oasis. The Paperwhite definitely has light issues as well, but they are mainly along the bottom of the screen and in specific areas that don't really bother me since they bright spot doesn't overlay the text area. I have also found that the Paperwhite display is actually "whiter" than the Oasis (see attached comparison picture). I had both units set on the same brightness and to me the Paperwhite is a more pleasant shade for reading.
Sure, the Paperwhite isn't waterproof, isn't quite as zippy when turning pages (talking milliseconds difference), is a little smaller, doesn't have as much storage (which doesn't really matter unless you need a ton of books available when you are away from wi-fi) ,and weighs a measly 5 grams more, but for my money the Paperwhite is the better device when you factor in the cost. I also like that the Paperwhite has the rubberized back and that the back is the same thickness on both sides. It feels easier to hold.
So, while I stand by my original review that the Oasis is the best Kindle yet, the light bright spot coupled with the much higher price lead me to suggest the Paperwhite for most readers.
Like the original Oasis this is Amazon’s most expensive model, but in my opinion the new features of this Oasis do justify the higher price. Customers asked Amazon for a larger display, for a waterproof Kindle, for audiobook capability – and this new model has all of those features, and more.
WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT THE NEW OASIS?
The larger display may be the most immediately noticeable difference, and the waterproof capability may be the most significant for many users, and many users will cheer that they can finally play their audiobooks with this Kindle, but for me the biggest difference is that unlike the original Oasis (https://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Oasis-reader-Leather-Charging/dp/B015YKFBC2/) with the battery contained in both the Oasis and the cover, the battery for this new model is fully enclosed in the Oasis itself.
This means that you can use any cover you want, and finally I have an Oasis that has a cover that folds ‘origami’ style so I can read when eating or at my desk, just like my trusty old Voyage (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IOY8XWQ/).
The key differences are the following:
-- larger display, 7” vs 6” for all other current Kindle models (the early Kindle DX, discontinued in 2014, had a 9.7” display).
-- the display has more elements (12 vs 10 LEDs in original Oasis) for better lighting uniformity
-- display brightness range is about 10% greater (brightest level is higher)
-- lighting is adaptive with 2 ambient sensors (the Voyage has this capability too, but not the original Oasis)
-- waterproof (first time for any Kindle)
-- audiobook capability (see more detailed discussion later in this review)
-- greater storage capability for both Kindle books and audiobooks – 8 or 32 GB (vs 4 GB for other Kindles)
-- beautiful metal (aluminum) construction, looks and feels great
-- covers now provide ‘origami’ folding capability for reading
-- software updates provide greater variation in font sizes (14 sizes vs 8 previously) and boldness can now be varied for all fonts (5 levels of boldness; previously Amber Bold was the sole font available with Bold)
-- now uses 4G LTE connectivity if that version is purchased (previously 3G)
-- Amazon says this new Oasis has faster page turns (they claim up to 20% faster) due to software and display improvements (and maybe a better processor?)
-- the battery is entirely within the Oasis
USING THE NEW OASIS
The larger size is immediately noticeable and for some people I am guessing that the 6” Kindle models may be more comfortable in the hand. I can barely reach across the face of the Oasis to pick it up, but when holding it in my hand it is comfortable and light weight.
This new Oasis uses the same shape as the earlier Oasis, with a ‘bump’ in the rear of the device that shifts the weight to one side. The page turn buttons are located on that side as well, so the display will automatically ‘flip’ if the Oasis is turned to hold in one hand or another.
HOW GOOD IS THE NEW DISPLAY?
All of the earlier lighted Kindle models have had various issues with uneven lighting and customer complaints that the source of the lighting at the side or bottom of the display was distracting. I have one of the first generation Paperwhite models, a Voyage, and the original Oasis, and I’ve never been bothered by the lighting or had some of the issues that some customers have experienced, but I could detect the lighting sources for those earlier models.
With this new Oasis, I’ve tried very hard to see if the LEDs can be detected and I do not see anything whatsoever. It is terrific, uniformly illuminated and with a glare-free display that works well indoors or outdoors.
WATERPROOF? This Oasis has a waterproof rating of IPX8 which translates to protection against immersion of 1 meter or more (Amazon states up to 2 meters for 60 minutes in fresh water). I have noticed that when inserting the usb cable to charge this Oasis, it requires a more forceful push to fully engage the cable, which suggests to me that there is an internal protection within the charging port to keep water out.
Amazon provides instructions with the Oasis for drying it out if it is submerged or becomes wet.
No, I have not tried soaking my Oasis in the bathtub to see if it still works afterwards! I prefer to take Amazon’s word for it!
AUDIOBOOK CAPABILITY!
Amazon has had Bluetooth built into a couple of recent models, for example the current basic Kindle model has Bluetooth and can be paired with a speaker to use text-to-speech. However this is the only current model to include the ability to download Audible audiobooks onto the Oasis and then play them with paired speakers or headphones / earbuds.
Once the Oasis is paired with a Bluetooth audio device, then the Oasis can be used to store audiobooks and play them whenever desired.
This audiobook capability is the reason Amazon made this Oasis available with significantly more storage space than other Kindles – 8 or 32 GB vs 4 GB for all other Kindles.
EXPENSIVE BUT THE OPTIONS MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
I paid $309.99 for my previous Oasis, which included the leather case, without special offers and wi-fi only.
This new Oasis has a ‘base price’ of $249.99 but depending upon how you configure it, the price can be much higher:
-- $20 to remove special offers
-- $30 to upgrade to 32 GB storage
-- $44.99 for fabric cover
-- $59.99 for leather cover
-- $50.00 for wi-fi + cellular connectivity but if the Oasis is purchased this way then it automatically bundles with the 32 GB storage and removes special offers (separately those total $50)
Some examples of Oasis prices would therefore be:
-- least expensive Oasis = $294.98 (base Oasis, 8 GB, wi-fi only, special offers, fabric cover)
-- least expensive Oasis with leather cover = $309.98 (base Oasis, 8 GB, wi-fi only, special offers, leather cover)
-- most expensive Oasis = $409.98 (base Oasis, 32 GB, wi-fi + cellular, without special offers, leather cover)
A charger / power adaptor is not included. Amazon’s own 5W model is $19.99 and is a bit expensive. An equally capable charger can be purchased here on Amazon for much less.
Feature Product
- Now available in Graphite or Champagne Gold.
- Our largest, highest resolution display- 7" and 300 ppi, reads like real paper without glare, even in bright sunlight.
- The first waterproof (IPX8) Kindle so you are free to read in even more places.
- Now with Audible, listen to the world's largest library of audiobooks. Pair with Bluetooth to take the story with you anytime, anywhere.
- Thin and light ergonomic design with dedicated page turn buttons and adaptive front light so you can read even more comfortably for hours.
- Keep reading-a single charge lasts weeks, not hours.
- Enjoy twice the storage with 8 GB. Or choose 32 GB to hold more magazines, comics, newspapers, and audiobooks.
- Instant access to new releases and bestsellers, or over a million titles at $2.99 or less. Prime members read free with unlimited access to over a thousand titles.
Description
The All-New Kindle Oasis features our largest 7-inch 300 ppi display with a thin and light ergonomic design that lets you read more comfortably for hours. It is the first waterproof Kindle enabling you to read in even more places. Kindle Oasis now has built-in Audible so you'll never have to put down your story, enabling you to listen to the world's largest library of audiobooks. Pair with Bluetooth to move seamlessly from reading to listening. With an adaptive front light, the all-new Kindle Oasis automatically adjusts the brightness of the display based on your environment for perfect reading in any setting.
Our largest, highest resolution display
New—Featuring our largest 7-inch 300 ppi display, Kindle Oasis fits over 30% more words per page for fewer page turns. Crisp, laser quality text reads like real paper without glare, even in bright sunlight.
Read where you choose
New—No more soggy pages with the all-new Kindle Oasis. With a waterproof IPX8 rating, now you can read and relax in even more places.
Enjoy more books
New—Now you can listen to the world's largest library of audiobooks on your Kindle—anytime, anywhere, while traveling, cooking, or when you just want to rest your eyes. Pair with Bluetooth to move seamlessly from reading to listening. Available via a free over-the-air update.
Experience word-renowned performance
Listen to A-list celebrities narrate your favorite titles, enjoy full-cast ensemble performances, discover Grammy award-winning audiobooks, and more.
Larger storage capacity
New—Kindle Oasis is now available in 8 GB or 32 GB. Carry even more titles with you.
Perfect lighting anywhere
Now with an adaptive front light, Kindle Oasis automatically adjusts the brightness of the display based on your surroundings—whether you're in a dimly-lit room or outside in the sun—and can be fine-tuned even further based on personal preferences.
Ideal for one-handed reading
The ergonomic design shifts the center of gravity to your palm, to rest in your hand like the spine of a book. Easily turn the page with either the touch display or dedicated page turn buttons. Whether you choose to read with your left or right hand, the page orientation automatically rotates to match.
Personalized settings for improved eye comfort
Customize your ideal reading experience by exploring more font sizes than ever before, adjusting boldness levels, switching to left-aligned text, and enjoying a larger menu option for easier readability. Available via a free over-the-air update.
I have a Paperwhite and a Voyage and I love them both. When the 2016 Oasis was introduced, I studied it, but the mandatory cover and several reviews made me wait. When I saw that a New Oasis was being released this month, I read the specs and knew I had to have it. The Audible capability wasn’t important to me; I prefer to listen on my phone. Waterproof isn’t a big deal for me either, since I don’t read near water; but it’s nice knowing that a little rain won’t kill it. So I pre-ordered the 32gb...more storage, more books! I selected wi-fi only; if I’m going to be away from home, I download more books than I can possibly read in one trip. I also selected “with special offers”; I’ll remove it later if it starts to annoy me. I did not purchase a cover, because I usually remove them and they end up in the bottom of a drawer. I did purchase a no-glare screen protector, which I installed as soon I opened the box.
Now for why I just love my new Oasis:
*Right out of the box, it was so easy to set up! As soon as I entered my wi-fi password, it connected immediately, greeted me by name, and promptly showed my library.
*The screen is more responsive. When I enter my password, there is no lag time; it responds as quickly as my phone & tablets do.
*The screen size is perfect! And I don’t even notice any lights; it looks like a paper page. And the page turn is immediate!
*I love the feel of it in my hand. Some reviewers mentioned sharp edges, discomfort, can’t hold for too long, too heavy...I notice none of those things. I usually hold in my right hand and it fits perfectly! The side rests comfortably across my hand, with my thumb resting along the edge. On the back, where the thicker portion meets the thin, it curves slightly inward, where my fingertips are completely at home. With both my Paperwhite and Voyage, I constantly shift the device as my hand tires. Not so with this Oasis! I read for hours at a time and don’t tire. And when I do switch it to my left hand, it’s instant and seamless, no waiting for the page to adjust.
*The page turn buttons...some reviews said that the buttons are too loud. Really?! When I read those comments, I had to check mine. It’s a tiny click, not loud at all (mostly felt, rather than heard)! The default setting is page forward on top, page back on the bottom. I left mine at that setting since it works for me. And, if you switch to the opposite hand, those settings stay the same.
*Some reviewers are unhappy with the metal back, it’s too slick, too slippery, too cold...again, I notice none of those things. It feels substantial, certainly classier than plastic.
*I love the new font sizes, and the ability to make them bolder, as well as the capability to switch to white print on black background. I set my Oasis to auto brightness, then adjusted it down to 8. The print on the page is so vivid!
*So far, the battery life is great! I’ve been reading for four days now, several hours per day, and it still has about half a battery remaining. This initial charge may not be indicative of true battery life, since part of it was used in the setting up and downloading, but I’m satisfied with it.
Now for what I don’t like about it:
🤔🤔🤔...Can’t think of a single thing!
This is definitely a keeper for me! If anything comes up that changes my opinion or reinforces my opinion, I’ll update my review.
(Photo shows Oasis on the left, Voyage in the center, Paperwhite on the right, demonstrating the comparative sizes.)
First, I am retired and I am catching up on all the reading I did not have time for when I was working. So, I use and love my kindle. Also,
this review is intended for those of us who need not have the latest and greatest technical advance but keep our devices for a long time.
So, after 7 years of beloved use of my kindle keyboard I decided to upgrade. I had my eye on the Voyage once the screen problems were corrected. I considered the first Oasis but it seemed a bit inconvenient with the charging case and overpriced.
I read all the reviews (Amazon site and online experts). Decided that a Paperwhite would be fine but what the hell I keep my devices seven years and read whenever I get a chance.
I absolutely love it. Now remember much of what I love is available on the Paperwhite and Voyage. But some of what I love is not. The Oasis is remarkably light and easy to read with one hand, especially when sitting. Forget that slippery, cold, sharp edge stuff you read in a lot of the 158 reviews I read. I do not find the edges sharp or the device cold and the metal case is definitely more sturdy than the alternative plastic.
and the lighting blows me away.
For me it is definitely worth the $50 more than the Voyage. Since I plan on another 7 years before I buy another kindle and how much I read it is worth the $130 difference from the Paperwhite.
This needs clarification, because there is a lot of bad information going out on the issue, so I'm putting it at the top of this review. The Kindle Oasis DOES have text to speech. It's now called VoiceView and this is how to get to it: settings / Accessibility / VoiceView Screen Reader. It does NOT require an audiobook to use, but it does require Bluetooth headphones.
And now back to the review.
This review is for those trying to choose between the two more advanced Kindle offerings.
I love my Kindle Voyage. I love it so much I asked for the upgrade for Christmas. I received it. I am now the proud owner of a 32g Oasis 2nd Gen, and I love that too, but not as much. I'm writing this review now, because the flaws in the Oasis 2 have shown me just how perfect the Voyage is as an ereader.
They have the same PPI, but I'm pretty sure the Voyage is clearer. The Voyage definitely has a whiter background. I set them to the same lighting level of 10 and set them side by side in front of a window. The Oasis 2 is more yellow. It took an increase in the light settings of 3 levels to achieve the same look on the Oasis 2.
The devices also have practical differences. The Voyage is symmetrical. There are page press buttons on both sides, so switching hands while reading one handed is no big deal. To do the same on the Oasis 2 or Oasis 1 for that matter requires you to flip the device. No big deal, except that you have to relocate your spot on the page. I suppose I could just wait to switch hands until I'm done with the page, but the Voyage does not make me strategize in order to read. The experience with cases is also different. I have aftermarket cases on both devices. The case on the Voyage makes it easier to hold. It's just too thin for my male hands without it, women's experience may vary. The Oasis 2 however feels twice as heavy once the case is on. I suspect it has something to do with the odd shape or just how wide it is, so I usually end up transporting it in the case but removing it to read. Without a case it feels like you're holding perfection though. I'm awed by how good it feels in my hands. I never get that feeling from holding the Voyage case on or not. Without the case the Oasis 2 actually feels lighter than the Voyage, a nice balancing trick that is pretty impressive. Don't worry about the weight though. The Voyage is extremely light.
So in closing if you are trying to decide between these two devices, the Oasis 2 is only worth the additional cost if
1. You want the 7" screen
2. You want to listen to audiobooks on your ereader
3. You really like physical buttons
If none of the above apply to you, then you're actually better off getting the Voyage.
I really like the size and everything of the tablet. The text looks great and the lights are very clear. My biggest complaint is that it's not very comfortable at all to hold while you're lying in bed. The little indention works great when you're sitting down or standing up, but lying in bed, it puts a lot of pressure on your thumb and fingers and I'm constantly having to readjust it which I've never had a problem with on my old e-readers.
One thing I did that's helped a lot is I got a "popsocket" like people use for their cellphones for it and it helps reading in bed a lot. I see that they also sell some straps that would probably work also. You definitely need something for it if you usually read in bed.
I'm coming from a first generation paperwhite and this is a huge upgrade for me. I've been looking at the voyage and the previous gen oasis as upgrade options but there was never really a standout feature that could get me to bite the bullet. The waterproof feature is what makes all the difference for me. Being able to finally read in the tub or pool is great.
The construction feels great. It's lighter than my paperwhite but what I really notice is how well balanced it is. I can easily support it with a few fingers and this makes it ideal for reading while lying down. The screen is fantastic and displays much better contrast and clarity at the same brightness levels as my paperwhite. I have no use for the Audible feature but the construction, screen quality, and waterproofness are enough for me to justify the significant cost.
Looking at other reviews, I have to wonder if there aren't severe quality control issues going on. Some have had issue with sharpness of the edges. On mine, they are perfectly well rounded and I can't feel any edge at all. I've seen other reviews mention issues with contrast or yellowing of the page due to the backlight. Again, on my device these aren't apparent in the slightest. Looking at a video review from a customer that had these issues, it's almost like we bought different models altogether. I highly suggest that anyone experiencing these issues exchange theirs for another device before settling or returning completely.
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