Kindle Oasis Vs Kindle Scribe – Which Should You Buy?
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Choosing the right Kindle depends on your reading habits, writing needs, and how much value you place on advanced features. The Kindle Scribe and Kindle Oasis are both premium options, but they serve different types of users. The Scribe is designed for those who want a large screen and the ability to take notes, while the Oasis offers a compact design with enhanced reading features like page-turn buttons and a warm light. This article will explore the key differences between the two to help you decide which Kindle is best suited for your lifestyle.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Kindle Scribe | Kindle Oasis |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 10.2 inches | 7 inches |
| Display Resolution | 300 ppi | 300 ppi |
| Front Light | 35 LEDs with auto-adjust | 25 LEDs with adjustable warm light |
| Touch + Input | Touchscreen with stylus input | Touchscreen with physical page-turn buttons |
| Note-Taking | Yes, with Basic or Premium Pen | No |
| Storage Options | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB | 8GB or 32GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 weeks (reading only) | Up to 6 weeks |
| USB Type | USB-C | Micro-USB |
| Water Resistance | No official IP rating | IPX8 rated (waterproof) |
| Weight | 433g | 188g (Wi-Fi version) |
| Design Material | Recycled aluminum with a larger bezel | Slim aluminum body with ergonomic grip |
| Software Features | Write, highlight, sync notebooks | Page turn buttons, warm light adjustment |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Design and Construction
The Kindle Scribe is larger and heavier due to its 10.2-inch display and included stylus functionality. It’s made for productivity, with a sturdy build that supports writing on-screen. The Kindle Oasis is compact and lightweight, with a sleek aluminum body and an asymmetrical design for one-handed use. Its physical page-turn buttons are also a standout design feature for readers who want tactile control.
Display Quality
Both devices feature 300 ppi E Ink displays, offering crisp text and sharp contrast. However, the Scribe’s larger screen provides more space for both reading and writing, which benefits users who prefer margin notes or larger fonts. The Oasis, while smaller, has an advanced front light system with a warm light option for comfortable night reading.
Note-Taking and Writing
The Kindle Scribe is the first Kindle to allow users to write directly on the screen using a stylus. It’s ideal for journaling, annotating PDFs, or taking notes during reading. The Oasis lacks any writing capability and focuses solely on reading, which may limit its usefulness for students or professionals who want a two-in-one experience.
Portability
Kindle Oasis is significantly lighter and smaller, making it much easier to carry in small bags or hold for long periods. The Scribe, on the other hand, is closer to a small tablet in size and weight, which might not be ideal for travel or one-handed use.
Battery Life
The Scribe offers up to 12 weeks of battery life for reading, but actual usage may vary when writing features are used frequently. The Oasis has a shorter battery life, averaging around 6 weeks, but this still provides weeks of use on a single charge. Scribe also supports USB-C charging, which is faster and more modern than the Oasis’s micro-USB port.
Performance and Responsiveness
The Kindle Scribe feels more modern with smoother interactions, especially when flipping through pages or writing. The processor appears to be more robust, although Amazon does not officially list it. The Oasis performs well for standard reading but may feel slower compared to the Scribe when switching between menus or loading content.
Software and Ecosystem
The Kindle Scribe runs an enhanced version of Kindle’s software that supports folders, notebooks, handwriting conversion (in updates), and PDF markup. It integrates with Amazon’s cloud services for syncing notes and documents. The Oasis, while excellent for reading, lacks these advanced features and does not support handwriting or PDF annotation.
Durability and Water Resistance
The Oasis has a clear edge here with its IPX8 water resistance, allowing it to survive splashes and brief immersions. The Scribe is not officially water-resistant, making it a less secure choice for use near water or outdoors in wet conditions.
FAQ
Can I take handwritten notes on the Kindle Oasis?
No, the Kindle Oasis does not support handwriting or stylus input. It is designed exclusively for reading eBooks.
Does the Kindle Scribe come with a stylus?
Yes, the Kindle Scribe includes either a Basic Pen or a Premium Pen, depending on the version you purchase.
Is the Kindle Oasis better for travel?
Yes, due to its compact size, lightweight design, and water resistance, the Kindle Oasis is easier to carry and more durable during travel.
Does the Kindle Scribe support reading and writing on PDFs?
Yes, you can import PDF files to the Kindle Scribe and annotate them with the stylus, making it useful for work and study.
Can I adjust the screen warmth on both devices?
The Kindle Oasis has a warm light feature that you can adjust manually or automatically. The Kindle Scribe does not have a warm light option but uses a front-lit display with auto-adjust brightness.
Which device has better battery life?
The Kindle Scribe has a longer battery life for reading only, with up to 12 weeks per charge, while the Oasis offers up to 6 weeks depending on usage.
Does either Kindle support USB-C charging?
Only the Kindle Scribe uses a USB-C port. The Kindle Oasis still relies on the older micro-USB standard.
Can I use the Kindle Scribe for one-handed reading?
Due to its size and weight, the Kindle Scribe is not ideal for one-handed reading. The Kindle Oasis, with its lightweight build and ergonomic grip, is much better suited for that.
Is there a difference in display sharpness between the two?
No, both devices feature 300 ppi displays, which offer the same level of text sharpness and clarity.
Which Kindle is better for students?
The Kindle Scribe is more suitable for students because it supports note-taking, PDF annotation, and has a larger display for reading textbooks and study materials.