Cheapest E-Readers by Price Per Pixels Per Inch (PPPPI?)
I decided to compile a unique and exclusive dataset available here for people to use when purchasing e-readers. This does not take into account any discounts and focusses primarily on the UK market; my observations of this data are outlined beneath the table.
One thing to note is that this table features the most popular devices and does not include any value change based on non-listed features. Most screens will be identical on these devices with the exception of some BOOX models having added 150 pixels per inch (PPI) COLOUR mode included with their black and white 300PPI screen mode.
The Lenovo Smart Paper device is the worst performer here but is a niche product; slightly more focussed on note-taking but notably advertises reading as a standard feature.
The Kindle 2022 comes out on top (nothing sponsored and not owned one myself) but in the affordable second-hand and refurbished markets, the Kindle Paperwhite can be sought cheaper, perhaps making it the best option for affordable screen real estate.
Having a lower than 300PPI might make any content on a display look muddy (unsharp). The advantage of the middle-spot 173PPI, NOOK 9" Lenovo Tablet would be having a 50% bigger display than the 6 inch competition at a reasonable price.
Lastly, I’m making it crystal clear here that British market is not fairly comparable to products belonging to markets more varied and competitive than the UK — like the BOOX brand which has a European and US store that does not show their UK prices that clearly on their website— I used Amazon UK’s prices for these models. Also, the NOOK brand is not available in the UK despite previously having sold e-readers here — these were added for variety.
The cheapest e-reader by price per PPI:
- Kindle (2022)
- Nook GlowLight 4 Plus
- Nook GlowLight 4e
- Kobo Clara 2E