Amazon Kindle Oasis Review | Is It Worth The Price?
I’ve had a Kindle Oasis since early 2019 and use it daily. While the Oasis is one of Amazon’s priciest versions of the Kindle, I’ve found that my money was well spent on this device. In this post, I’m highlighting some of the great features available on all Kindle e-readers, the unique features of the Kindle Oasis, and why I ultimately chose the Oasis over the other Kindle models when deciding which e-reader to purchase.
Keep reading for a detailed review of Amazon’s Kindle Oasis e-reader and why I think it’s worth the price.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I may earn a commission should you choose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
How Does the Oasis Compare to Other Kindle Models?
If you’re looking into purchasing a Kindle e-reader from Amazon, then you’re likely wondering how each model compares to the others and what sets the Oasis apart. The biggest difference between the Oasis and the other models is the device’s design.
Unlike the Kindle, the Kindle Paperwhite, and the Kindle Paperwhite signature – which all have similar designs – the Oasis is designed with a one-handed grip and automatic rotating page orientation (so you can hold it in your right or left hand). Another important distinction between the design of the Oasis and the others is that the Oasis is the only device with page turn buttons (on the other models, you can only turn the page by swiping your finger on the screen – on the Oasis, you can do that or use the buttons).
I’ve highlighted some points of comparison below, but you can also see a detailed chart comparing the most up-to-date product specifications and features for all Kindle e-readers on Amazon’s website.
Great Features Available on All Kindles:
- Long Battery Life
- Multiple fonts and light setting options
- Whisper Sync Technology (syncs your book between your kindle, kindle app on your phone, and audible reading progress)
- Option to Sample Books Before You Buy
- Ability to Store Hundreds of Books
- Option to Add Kindle Unlimited Subscription
Notable Oasis Features:
- Large Glare-Free Screen
- One-Handed Grip
- Automatic Rotating Page Orientation
- Page Turn Buttons
- Waterproof
- Note: Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Paperwhite Signature are available as waterproof devices as well
Why I Chose The Oasis Over The Other Kindle Models:
When I purchased my Kindle Oasis in early 2019 (I have the 32 GB, ad-supported model in Champagne Gold), a few factors swayed me to pick the Oasis over the other models. I ultimately purchased the Oasis because of the larger screen, the page turn buttons, and the fact the Oasis is waterproof.
Of note, when I purchased my Oasis, it was the only waterproof option. Now, the Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Paperwhite Signature are also waterproof. If you are like me and love reading at the pool or beach, then you will want one of the Kindles with this feature. It is so nice to have the peace of mind that you can bring your current read with you, but the device won’t be harmed by being splashed or even by being dropped into the water!
However, even though there are other waterproof options available now, I would still pick the Kindle Oasis again over a Paperwhite or Paperwhite signature if I were looking to buy today because I really like the design of the Oasis and the page-turn buttons.
I’ll admit, the one-handed grip felt a little odd when I first began using the Oasis, but I quickly got used to it would definitely miss that design and the page turn buttons if I didn’t have them.
Is The Kindle Oasis Worth The Price?:
Short answer, YES!
My Kindle is one of my favorite possessions, and I use it daily. I’ve found that when I read a book on my Kindle versus a physical copy, I tend to get more reading done. As someone who spends an entire workday staring at computer screens, I appreciate all the light and font adjustment options available on my Kindle to reduce eye strain. Additionally, I love Amazon’s whisper-sync technology, which allows me to seamlessly transition back and forth between listening to my book, reading on the Kindle app on my phone, and reading on my Oasis.
If you’re an avid reader looking for the best e-reader from Amazon with the most features, then I believe you’ll want this model, too. However, if you’re on the fence, I’d compare the price and features of the model you’re considering to how much you think you’d use it per week to help you determine which version may be the best value and fit for your lifestyle.
If you like the idea of a Paperwhite or Paperwhite signature and the only thing holding you back is wondering if you’d be frustrated is not having page turn buttons, there are some third-party devices out there that allow you to use a remote control to turn the pages.
Is It Worth Paying Extra to Remove Ads?
There are a couple of options when buying a Kindle: you can pick one that allows ads, or for a bit more money, you can have one that does not show ads at all. I opted to save some money and get the version that allows ads.
If you chose the ad-supported option, you’ll see ads for Amazon services such as Kindle Unlimited or books related to your current read. The ads are shown as a screen saver when your device enters sleep mode and as a small banner on your home page. Once you open your book, the ads disappear, and you just see the text of whatever page you’re on.
If you want a Kindle, I recommend using the version that allows ads, as I don’t believe it makes a noticeable difference in your reading experience.
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