The 2024 Kindle Scribe starts at $379 for the 16GB model and goes up to $429 for the 64GB version. But what exactly has Amazon added this time? And is the higher price justified? Let’s break it down.
Design
Amazon hasn’t changed much from the previous version. The device still features a large 10.2-inch display, but it’s thin and lightweight enough to hold in one hand for a reasonable amount of time. The thick bezels around the screen make it easier to grip without accidental touches, and the screen automatically rotates depending on which hand you’re holding it with.
It comes in two colors: traditional gray and a metallic green shade (Jade Metallic). The design looks sleek, but the back is prone to fingerprints, so you’ll need to wipe it down now and then.
As for ports, there’s a USB-C port for charging and file transfers, along with a power button. The biggest drawback is that the device isn’t water-resistant, meaning you can’t safely use it near the bath or pool.
Display
The 10.2-inch display packs 300 PPI, keeping text and illustrations sharp. It’s glare-free and works well even under direct sunlight. You can also adjust brightness and color temperature to reduce blue light, which is especially useful at night.
The downside is that the screen only supports grayscale (16 levels), so it’s not ideal for color illustrations or graphic novels. If you’re looking for a color-friendly option, cheaper alternatives like Boox devices are available.
Stylus
The Kindle Scribe comes with the “Premium Stylus,” which is lightweight and comfortable to use. It has a shortcut button and a back end that works as an eraser. Writing feels close to pen-on-paper thanks to the screen texture. The stylus attaches magnetically to the device, but it can fall off if the device is moved abruptly.
You can jot down notes or make simple sketches, but it doesn’t offer the advanced drawing tools found on some other tablets.
Notes and File Editing
You can create digital notebooks and sync them to the cloud for access across other Kindle devices. Notes can be shared as PDFs or text files via email. You can also write directly on eBooks and add annotations easily.
Features and System
The device gives you access to your Kindle library and family-shared books, with sorting options for better organization. There’s also a web browser, but it’s slow and not very practical.
Another drawback is the lack of physical page-turn buttons, which makes one-handed use tricky—especially when lying down.
Battery Life
Battery life is excellent. If you’re only reading, you can get about 25 hours on a single charge. Heavy stylus use, however, will drain it more quickly.
Verdict
If you already own the previous Kindle Scribe, there’s little reason to upgrade—improvements are minimal. If you’re interested in getting one, look for the original version at a discounted price, since it offers nearly the same experience.
What do you think? Would you upgrade? Share your thoughts in the comments!
