Image: Amazon
An e-reader works wonders for bookworms struggling with library management. You don’t even have to spend that much either, as today’s entry-level options pack a ton of features. Case in point: Amazon’s latest Kindle, which just launched in mid-October. It offers a 300 ppi display, an improved front light, and audiobook playback.
Still, a higher-end model can bring material benefits. That’s especially so when comparing the basic Kindle against the more luxe Kindle Paperwhite (and its fancier Paperwhite Signature Edition variant), which also got a refresh for 2024. A few key differences exist between the two models that can dramatically tip the scales in favor of one over the other, depending on your situation.
To make it easier to decide between the two, we’ve highlighted the main features of each model. We’ve also included a chart at the end of the article that shows the full spec comparison.
Update 11/26/2024: Once you pick a Kindle, be sure to take advantage of Amazon’s Black Friday deal on a Kindle Unlimited subscription: Just $1 for 3 months access.
Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite
Display
The base Kindle model has a 6-inch, 300-ppi screen with front lighting capable of 94 nits of maximum brightness—a boost of 25 percent brightness over the 2022 model, according to Amazon. The 2024 Kindle Paperwhite upgrades that to a larger, front-flush 7-inch, 300-ppi screen. While the Paperwhite’s front lights have the same max brightness of 94 nits, you can change their color from white to amber for more comfortable nighttime reading.
Dimensions and weight
The Kindle measures 6.2 x 4.3 x 0.32 inches (157.8 x 108.6 x 8 mm) and weighs 5.56 ounces (158g). It’s smaller and lighter than the Kindle Paperwhite, which comes in at 7 x 5 x 0.3 inches (176.7 x 127.6 x 7.8 mm) and 7.4 ounces (211g) for the standard edition. The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition of the Paperwhite is a touch heavier at 7.5 ounces (214g).
Storage
The 2024 models of the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite offer 16GB of storage. You can get even more space by stepping up to Paperwhite Signature Edition, which offers 32GB on-device storage.
Battery life
Voracious readers who are often away from a power outlet will feel the difference between the Kindle and the Kindle Paperwhite. The basic Kindle gets up to six weeks on a full charge, while the Paperwhite gets up to 12 weeks on a full charge. Amazon bases these estimates on 30 minutes of reading per day, with wireless capabilities off and the front light set to 13.
Water resistance
People who read near (or in) water, take note: The basic Kindle isn’t water resistant. For that kind of protection, you’ll want the Kindle Paperwhite, which is IPX8-rated and can survive in up to 2 meters of fresh water for an hour at a time.
Charging
The entry-level Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite both have USB-C charging ports. For wireless charging, you can upgrade to the Signature Edition of the Kindle Paperwhite, which is compatible with Amazon’s new wireless charging dock and Qi charging pads (the latter is slower).
Colors
The 2024 Kindle can be found in two shades, black and matcha (light green). Meanwhile, the 2024 Kindle Paperwhite is available in three hues: black, jade (teal-green), and raspberry (bright pink). The Paperwhite’s Signature Edition comes in metallic versions of the standard Paperwhite’s colors.
Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: Full specification comparison
PCWorld
Author: Alaina Yee, Senior Editor, PCWorld
A 14-year veteran of technology and video games journalism, Alaina Yee covers a variety of topics for PCWorld. Since joining the team in 2016, she’s written about CPUs, Windows, PC building, Chrome, Raspberry Pi, and much more—while also serving as PCWorld’s resident bargain hunter (#slickdeals). Currently her focus is on security, helping people understand how best to protect themselves online. Her work has previously appeared in PC Gamer, IGN, Maximum PC, and Official Xbox Magazine.
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