Amazon Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: Should you pay more for your e-reader?

An e-reader work 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 have been refreshed 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. 

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