Amazon Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite – which e-reader to buy
AMAZON dominates the e-reader market with its renowned line-up of Kindle devices.
Faced with the decision of which one to purchase? Fear not; we've compared two major tablets in our Amazon Kindle versus Kindle Paperwhite explainer, to help you pick the best for your needs.
- Amazon Kindle (2022), £84.99 -
- Kindle Paperwhite, £129.99 (was £149.99) -
Amazon has cornered the market when it comes to its Kindle range, whose name has become synonymous with the e-reader.
The selection includes the enduringly popular Amazon Kindle, which received noteworthy upgrades in 2022, and the Kindle Paperwhite, boasting even more advanced features.
Both stand out as exceptional e-readers and will enhance the reading experience for those transitioning from traditional paperbacks.
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So, it begs the question: which one do you choose?
It can be a tough call between either of these Kindle's, which is why we've pitted these two e-readers against each other.
Our comprehensive comparison covers everything from how much they cost to their battery lives. Let's help you determine which one will best cater to your needs.
And for those of you who also have one eye on Amazon's Fire Tablets, fear not, I have also compared the Amazon Fire tablet vs Kindle, so head there to find out more.
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Prospective Kindle buyers should explore the Kindle Unlimited UK deals available this December. The subscription is the ideal addition to your new e-reader, with a vast selection of titles.
For those of you keeping an eye on Amazon's Fire Tablets, fear not. I've done a thorough comparison between the Amazon Fire tablet vs Kindle as well.
We also regularly report on the best Amazon device deals, and you'll find the Kindle name amongst our list of the best deals on offer.
Amazon Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite: At a glance
The Amazon Kindle and the Kindle Paperwhite are both impressive e-readers, and either will serve you well. But, there are some key differences between these two devices.
Here's a brief overview of where they overlap and what sets them apart:
Similarities
- Both the entry-level Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite have the same 300 ppi high-resolution display.
- Both Kindle's feature anti-glare displays - ideal for e-readers indoors and out.
- Both models come with a built-in light for comfortable reading.
- Both now come with 16GB of storage, thanks to an upgrade on the basic Kindle.
Differences
- The Kindle Paperwhite has a larger display, 6.8 inches compared to the Kindle's 6-inch display.
- The Kindle battery will last up to 6 weeks, the Paperwhite will see you up to 10 weeks of reading.
- The Kindles has four LED front lights, and the Paperwhite has 17 for a more even display.
- The Paperwhite comes with an adjustable warm light, ideal for light night reading.
- The basic Kindle isn't waterproof, whereas the Paperwhite is, making the Kindle Paperwhite the best choice for poolside readers.
Amazon Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite: Prices
The Kindle lineup from Amazon offers a diverse range of options at varying price points, with a Kindle to suit every preference and budget.
If your main priority is price, the basic is the most affordable in the range, coming in at just £84.99.
The is the more expensive of the two, thanks to it's advanced features, and comes with a £149.99 price tag.
Being Amazon devices, the Kindle prices are subject to change as they are always used to lure in punters during sale periods.
This is why, at the time of writing at least, the Kindle Paperwhite is down to just £129.99.
Joining the ranks of the Kindle family — are the larger 7-inch priced at £229.99 and the sophisticated , boasting a generous 10.2-inch display that doubles as a digital notebook, available at £409.99.
These prices are for all Kindle's 'with ads', but there is (a slightly odd) choice to pay an extra £10 on all models to avoid them.
- Amazon Kindle (2022), £84.99 -
- Kindle Paperwhite, £129.99 (was £149.99) -
Amazon Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite: Design
The standard Amazon Kindle and the Kindle Paperwhite are, on the face of it, remarkably alike. You may have to take a double-take to notice the difference.
Both are made from plastic with the iconic E-Ink screens, but the giveaway is the Kindle Paperwhite is slightly larger than its Kindle forerunner.
The biggest design difference between the two is the Kindle Paperwhite comes with a water resistance rating of IPX8, something lacking altogether on the Kindle (2022).
So for those of you who love to read in the bath, or bank some chapters poolside, the Kindle Paperwhite means you can do so without fear of damage.
But if you're an aquaphobic reader, the Kindle is just as sleek and comes in the same Black and Denim colourways as its pricier sibling, while the Paperwhite sports the addition of Agave Green for a pop of colour.
Amazon Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite: Display
For a device that is all about reading, the display is a key player in which model you feel is best for you, after all, you'll spend a long time looking at it.
The standard Kindle features a 6-inch display, and thanks to its upgrades has bumped up from a 167 ppi to a 300 ppi resolution that puts it level with the Paperwhite.
Those of you who value a larger display will lean toward the Kindle Paperwhite, which is the larger of the two at 6.8 inches.
Aside from the difference in size, the Paperwhite is hands down the more advanced contender. To begin, it has 17 LED backlights, compared to just four on the basic Kindle.
It also features an adjustable warm light that transitions from the paper-like white to a warmer amber hue that is perfect for evening readers.
Given its adjustable settings, the Kindle Paperwhite is a winner for bookworms, but for an occasional reader, the standard Kindle will more than suffice.
Amazon Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite: Performance
When it comes to performance, the standard Amazon Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite are pretty much neck and neck.
Under the hood of both these e-readers are the MediaTek MT8113 chip. This won't mean much, but in layman's terms, it means you can expect to get the same performance whichever model you opt for.
When downloading titles from the Amazonstore, both the Kindle and Paperwhite seamlessly download content through Wi-Fi. So as long as you have a secure connection you won't be waiting long to dive into a new book.
Anticipate a less seamless transition between pages on e-readers, as they prioritize functionality over fluidity and Kindle's employ non-LCD displays. Consequently, the page-flipping experience may be more abrupt.
Amazon Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite: Battery life
Now we come to battery life, and with Kindles that's measured in weeks not hours.
The best performer here is the Kindle Paperwhite, which with around 30 minutes of reading per day will earn the user up to 10 weeks of juice in the tank.
The same use on the standard Amazon Kindle will earn you just 6 weeks in comparison. We say just, but with the need to charge most of our tech daily, 6 weeks is not to be understated.
Of course, what you manage to stretch out of your Kindle depends on how long you're reading per day, and the brightness levels, but on average you can expect to get more from the Paperwhite.
When it does come time to charge the Kindle, both the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite use a USB-C cable, a standard across most tech these days.
Amazon Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite: Verdict
The choice between the Amazon Kindle and the Kindle Paperwhite depends on your preferences and priorities.
The standard Kindle is a budget-friendly option with all the basic features you could need, suitable for casual readers.
The Kindle Paperwhite offers a more advanced reading experience with an adjustable frontlight and longer battery life ideal for avid readers.
Choose the Amazon Kindle if:
- You prioritise a budget-friendly option.
- You want a pocket-sized design.
- You only require a basic e-reader.
Choose the Kindle Paperwhite if:
- You want a brighter display and water resistance.
- You want adjustable lighting.
- You want a longer battery life.
For those in search of a new TV, I've compared Amazon's smart TV offerings in my Amazon Fire TV Omni Series vs Fire TV 4-Series comparison.
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And I have faced Amazon's best smart TV against Sky's offering, in my Sky Glass vs Amazon Fire TV Omni comparison, both boasting voice recognition.
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