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Users find a weird issue with the Kindle 2026: Amazon says it was 'expected'

What you need to know

  • Early Kindle 2026 owners report a "light bleeding" problem with the device when in dark mode.
  • Users state that the edges of the device experience a bright glow while in dark mode, and Amazon says this "was expected."
  • In a statement, Amazon said this "issue" was expected to "achieve a color bezel." Users can limit this problem by lowering the brightness in dark mode.

We're about eight days into Amazon's new line of Kindles, and users are already reporting problems with its display.

While the 2026 Amazon Kindles bring notable improvements over previous iterations, users have started reporting display oddities (via Android Authority). One user on Reddit provided a photo of their basic Kindle, showcasing the "light bleed" effect they're experiencing. The post reads, "I wanted to ask if you think these very bright lights around the edges of the new basic Kindle are normal."

The problem only seems to appear when the Kindle is in dark mode. This "light bleed" is most apparent along the edges of the device's bezels. Since it's in dark mode, the glow mirrors the white text that you'd read. As the user states, their other device doesn't have such an issue, as the black background presses against the bezels. However, this 2026 edition falters in this regard.

Others believe this is not normal, as they recount experiences with a Paperwhite 2024, which didn't have this problem. Users report similar problems with their 2026 Kindle; however, some haven't noticed an issue. Many call for those with this light bleed issue to contact Amazon for a replacement, but that might be easier said than done.

Amazon delivered to Android Authority: "It’s correct that when a device is in dark mode with brightness at max in a dark setting, customers may see a glow around the edges of the book. However, this was expected in order for us to achieve a color bezel, and only appears in certain conditions like when in dark mode with high brightness."

If the light bleed becomes too much of an eyesore, Amazon recommends lowering your brightness in dark mode.

New Kindle problems

Light bleeding in new basic 2026
Β fromΒ r/kindle

Many users on Reddit have voiced their frustrations with this development. Amazon's 2026 Kindle lineup is its most redesigned series in years. The company overhauled its display, delivering a reverse-stack that drops the raised bezels so everything sits flush. As a result, Amazon made the Kindle lighter and thinner.

The six-inch Kindle for $150 delivers 16GB of storage, six weeks of battery, and quickens its book-opening speed by 30%. Consumers will also find a $200 Kindle Paperwhite and a $250 Signature Edition. Another major announcement was the Bluetooth page-turner remote. Amazon calls this the Kindle Click. Many of the current Kindles are available now for shipping.

If you're looking at the Paperwhite and Colorsoft models, you'll have to pre-order them.

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The Amazon Alexa Tablet series runs Android, and turns into a 'sanctuary' for Kindle readers

What you need to know

  • Amazon announced its Alexa Tablet series, consisting of the Tablet 12 Pro, Tablet 11, and Tablet 8.
  • The Alexa Tablet 12 Pro sits at the top with a 12-inch display, quad Dolby Atmos speakers, multitasking capabilities (keyboard, stylus), and vibrant and Nanomatte display variants.
  • Amazon states the Tablet 11 and 8 focus on entertainment and reading comfort, respectively.
  • The Tablet 12 Pro starts at $499 for its vibrant display and $549 for its Nanomatte display variantβ€”Tablet 11 begins at $329.99; Tablet 8 starts at $229.99.

Amazon announced a new direction for its tablets this morning (Oct. 8), introducing a trio of Android-based Alexa Tablets.

Amazon News revealed the Alexa Tablet line, which consists of the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro, Tablet 11, and Tablet 8. For context, the numbers refer to each tablet's display size (and its capabilities). Equipped with a 6.5mm aluminum body, the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro features a 12-inch display (120Hz refresh rate) and a 3:2 aspect ratio. However, Amazon states the 12 Pro offers two display variations: vibrant and Nanomatte.

To achieve this, the company states it partnered with Corning to create a Nanomatte display that retains the sharpness and clarity you'd find on a standard, vibrant screen. The Nanomatte display was "precision-etched" with anti-glare technology to make it easy to use outdoors.

Amazon also hyped up the Alexa Tablet 12 Pro's 4nm 8-core chip, which is reportedly "nearly three times faster processing and nine times faster graphics than any tablet we’ve ever shipped." The post highlights the tablet's following capabilities: graphics-intensive gaming, 4K streaming, quad Dolby Atmos speakers, and up to 16 hours of video playback. What's more, this wouldn't be an "Alexa Tablet" if Alexa were missing. Amazon states the 12 Pro features Alexa Plus in every facet.

Users can call her forward with "Hey Alexa," or they can tap the "Ask Alexa" button. The AI will mimic the assistant you'd find in other products. The AI can help with smart home controls, answer questions, and more. Additionally, On-Screen Intelligence lets users bring Alexa Plus into their activities. You can share your screen with the AI for greater assistance and "more natural" conversations.

The Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro with its keyboard and stylus accessories.

(Image credit: Amazon)

Kindle remains close to Amazon's latest tablet series. According to the company, users can "open a book in the Kindle app, and the device transforms into a distraction-free reading sanctuary." To that effect, the Tablet 12 Pro will silence your notifications and reduce its blue light, which will extend its battery life to ~20 hours.

For longer reading sessions, there's a soft paper tone option, as well as "pure grayscale" and "subtle warmth."

Elsewhere, the Amazon Tablet 12 Pro will launch with two accessories: the Tablet Pro Pen and the Tablet Pro Keyboard.

The Amazon Alexa Tablet 12 Pro is available in Graphite with 8/128GB (RAM/storage). Users can pick up the device starting at $499 or $549 for its Nanomatte display variant.

Tablet 11 & 8... and more for kids

The Amazon Alexa Tablet trio features deep Alexa Plus integration, Android software, and access to Kindle eBooks.

(Image credit: Amazon)

The Alexa Tablet 11 and 8 feature the same thin aluminum body as the 12 Pro. However, the former delivers an 11-inch display, while the latter offers an 8-inch screen.

These tablets fulfill a specific purpose. Amazon states the Alexa Tablet 11 focuses more on the cinematic appeal of watching shows, movies, or playing games. This tablet is equipped with a 90Hz refresh rate and a 16:10 cinematic aspect ratio with dual Dolby Atmos speakers. Consumers will find 15 hours of video playback and the same Alexa Plus integration as the Pro model.

The Tablet 11 is available in Graphite, Amethyst, and Matcha with an 8/64GB configuration for $329.99.

The Amazon Alexa Tablet 8 settles for the eReader crowd. With its smaller build, Amazon is pushing its reading comfort and 14 hours of video playback. Consumers will find the Tablet 8 for $229.99 with a 4/64GB configuration. The device is offered in Graphite, Rosette, and Teal.

Amazon kept the announcement going with a round of Kids Tablets. Parents will find an 8.7-inch and an 11-inch tablet inside a kid-proof case. While these tablets are available today (Oct. 8), Amazon says these won't ship in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada until October 14.

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Forget the Galaxy Tab S12, this $355 discount makes the Galaxy Tab S11 a steal

Samsung may have just launched its new Galaxy Tab S12 series, but you don't need to spend that much to get a great Android tablet experience. Samsung's previous-generation Galaxy Tab S11, which is still a fantastic tablet, is currently 36% off during Prime Big Deal Days, giving you a massive $355 discount.

If you're in the market for a new Android tablet and want a flagship experience with a big AMOLED display, S Pen support, and desktop-level productivity, this Galaxy Tab S11 deal is definitely worth considering.

Samsung's Galaxy Tab S11 is down to just $645 during Prime Big Deal Days, saving you $355 off its usual price. With an AMOLED display, bundled S Pen, flagship Dimensity 9400 Plus chipset, and Samsung DeX support, it's one of the best Android tablet deals right now.View Deal

βœ… Recommended if: You want a premium Android tablet with an AMOLED display, included S Pen, expandable storage, and flagship performance without paying Galaxy Tab S12 prices.

❌ Skip this deal if: You already own a recent Galaxy Tab S-series tablet, need the latest hardware, or specifically want the much larger display of Samsung's Ultra models.

If you look around the Android tablet market, you'll rarely find a tablet around this price that offers an AMOLED display, and that's probably the Galaxy Tab S11's biggest strength. Unlike plenty of cheaper tablets that use IPS LCD panels, Samsung gives you an 11-inch AMOLED display, which means richer colors, deeper blacks, and an overall much better experience when watching movies or other content.

Samsung isn't sacrificing performance either. The Galaxy Tab S11 is still powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ chipset and comes with up to 12GB of RAM, so you can throw pretty much anything at this tablet without worrying too much about performance. Whether it's note-taking, gaming, or even some video editing, there's still plenty of power here.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 and S11 Ultra.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

Speaking of note-taking, Samsung bundles the S Pen in the box, so you don't have to spend extra if you want to use the tablet for drawing or taking notes in class. There's also a microSD card slot if you want to expand the storage later.

But one of my favorite things about the Galaxy Tab S11 is still its design. The tablet is only 5.5mm thin while still offering an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, making it easy to carry around without giving up the durability you'd expect from a flagship tablet.

On the whole, if you're looking for an Android tablet with flagship specs that doesn't burn a hole in your pocket, the Galaxy Tab S11 is probably the one I'd look at during Prime Big Deal Days. It still gives you a portable design, plenty of performance, S Pen support, and, most importantly, an AMOLED display that you'll actually enjoy looking at.

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