Technical Specifications
- Release Date: September 13, 2022
- Model Numbers:
- G002AP (8GB, Black)
- G092AP (16GB, Black)
- G002AQ (16GB, Denim)
- Original MSRP:
- 8GB: $99.99 (with ads), $119.99 (without ads)
- 16GB: $119.99 (with ads), $139.99 (without ads)
- Processor: MediaTek MT8113 processor
- RAM: 512MB
- Storage Options:
- 8GB (approximately 6.5GB available)
- 16GB (approximately 13.5GB available)
- Display: 6-inch E Ink Carta 1200 display
- 300 ppi resolution (1448 x 1072 pixels) – first Basic model with 300 ppi
- 16-level grayscale
- Built-in front light (4 LEDs)
- Dark mode support
- Dimensions: 157.8 x 108.6 x 8.0 mm
- Weight:
- Black models: 158g
- Denim model: 160g
- Battery: Lithium-polymer, rated for six weeks (30 minutes daily reading)
- Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz
- USB-C port (first Basic model with USB-C)
- Front Light: 4 LEDs with adjustable warmth
- Charging: USB-C, 2 hours to full charge
View previous generation: Kindle Basic 3 (2019)
View Basic 2: Kindle Basic 2 (2016)
View original Basic: Kindle Basic (2016)
Display Technology
Major upgrade to E Ink Carta 1200:
- 300 ppi resolution (major upgrade from 167 ppi)
- 20% faster page turns than Basic 3
- Enhanced contrast ratio
- Improved touch response
- Better text rendering at all sizes
Front Light System
- 4 LED configuration with adjustable warmth
- Enhanced light distribution
- Blue light reduction capability
- 24 brightness levels
- Manual warmth adjustment
Unique Features
USB-C Integration
- First Basic model with USB-C
- Faster charging (2 hours vs 4 hours)
- Improved data transfer speeds
- More durable port design
- Universal cable compatibility
Model Variants
- G002AP (8GB Black):
- Entry-level option
- Sufficient for 3,000+ books
- G092AP (16GB Black):
- Double storage
- Better for PDF/manga storage
- G002AQ (16GB Denim):
- Premium color option
- Unique fabric-like finish
- Same specs as 16GB Black
Storage and Content Management
Storage options provide:
- 8GB model:
- 3,000+ standard books
- 20-25 audiobooks
- Limited PDF/manga capacity
- 16GB model:
- 6,000+ standard books
- 45-50 audiobooks
- Enhanced PDF/manga capacity
File Format Support
- Kindle Format 8 (AZW3)
- Kindle (AZW)
- TXT
- PDF (enhanced handling)
- MOBI
- PRC
- HTML
- Audible (AAX)
- DOC/DOCX (through conversion)
- JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP
Software Features
Reading Enhancements
- New home screen interface
- Enhanced typesetting engine
- Dark mode support
- X-Ray improvements
- Enhanced dictionary
- Vocabulary Builder
- OpenDyslexic font support
- VoiceView screen reader
- Enhanced search functionality
Library Integration
Supports:
- OverDrive with enhanced interface
- Kindle Unlimited
- Audible integration
- Family Library sharing
- Goodreads
- Parental controls
- Amazon Kids+
Value Analysis and Market Position
Original Price Positioning (2022)
- 8GB with ads: $99.99
- 8GB without ads: $119.99
- 16GB with ads: $119.99
- 16GB without ads: $139.99
Current Market Value (2024)
- 8GB models: $70-85
- 16GB models: $85-100
- Denim variant: Commands $5-10 premium
- Retention value: 70-80% (higher than previous models)
Comprehensive Basic Models Comparison
| Feature | Basic 4 (2022) | Basic 3 (2019) | Basic 2 (2016) | Basic 1 (2016) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model Numbers | G002AP/G092AP/G002AQ | G0910L | G000KA | 0DD/90DD |
| Display Resolution | 300 ppi | 167 ppi | 167 ppi | 167 ppi |
| Storage Options | 8GB/16GB | 8GB | 4GB | 4GB |
| Front Light | Yes (4 LEDs + warmth) | Yes (4 LEDs) | No | No |
| Charging Port | USB-C | Micro-USB | Micro-USB | Micro-USB |
| Wi-Fi | 2.4/5.0 GHz | 2.4 GHz | 2.4 GHz | 2.4 GHz |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Weight | 158g/160g | 174g | 161g | 161g |
| Screen Technology | Carta 1200 | Pearl | Pearl | Pearl |
| Base Price | $99.99 | $89.99 | $79.99 | $79.99 |
| Color Options | Black, Denim | Black, White | White | Black |
| Page Turn Speed | Fastest | Medium | Basic | Basic |
Long-term Durability
Initial data shows:
- Improved build quality over previous models
- USB-C port more durable than Micro-USB
- Battery maintains 90%+ capacity after 1 year
- Enhanced screen durability
- Common issues:
- Light bleed (rare)
- Touch sensitivity variations
- Software glitches (fixable via updates)
Personal Assessment
The Kindle Basic 4 represents the most significant upgrade in the Basic line’s history, bringing premium features to the entry-level model:
Revolutionary improvements:
- 300 ppi resolution (matching premium models)
- USB-C port
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Adjustable warm light
- 16GB storage option
The three model variants offer clear choices:
- 8GB Black: Best value for casual readers
- 16GB Black: Ideal for audiobook/manga fans
- 16GB Denim: Premium option with unique aesthetic
Despite the price increase, the Basic 4 delivers unprecedented value, effectively narrowing the gap with premium models while maintaining its position as an entry-level device.
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