Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite - Which Should You Buy?
The basic Kindle versus the Kindle Paperwhite is the most common cross-shop in the whole e-reader world, because these are the two most people actually consider. The good news is that since the basic Kindle got a sharp 300 ppi screen, there is no wrong answer here, only a value question. You are deciding whether a handful of comfort features are worth roughly fifty dollars. Here is exactly what that money buys.
| Kindle Scribe | Kindle Paperwhite | |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 10.2" | 6.8" |
| PPI | 300 | 300 |
| Colour | No | No |
| Frontlight | Yes | Yes |
| Waterproof | No | Yes |
| Stylus | Yes | No |
| Storage | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Weight | 433 g | 211 g |
| Price | $339 | $159 |
| Check price | Check price |
Quick Verdict
Get the basic Kindle if you want the cheapest, lightest reader for plain novels and do not care about waterproofing or a bigger screen. Get the Paperwhite if you want to read in the bath, prefer a warmer night-time light, or like a bit more screen. For most people the Paperwhite is worth the small premium, but the basic Kindle is a genuinely great reader now, not a compromise.
Screen and Size
Both now use the same crisp 300 ppi resolution, so text is equally sharp on each, which was not true of older basic Kindles. The difference is size and light: the Paperwhite has a larger 6.8 inch screen with a warm-light option, while the basic Kindle has a smaller 6 inch screen and a cooler, white-only light.
The basic Kindle's smaller body is actually the more pocketable and one-handed-friendly of the two, which some readers prefer.
Waterproofing and Storage
This is the clearest split. The Paperwhite is waterproof to IPX8; the basic Kindle is not. If you read by the pool, in the bath, or on the beach, that alone justifies the Paperwhite. The Paperwhite also has more storage, which only matters if you keep a lot of audiobooks on the device.
For a reader who stays on dry land and mostly reads novels, neither of these will be missed.
Price and Which to Choose
The basic Kindle lists around 109 USD and the Paperwhite around 159, and both drop on sale. That gap is the whole decision.
Choose the basic Kindle to save money on a light, capable reader, or as a first Kindle or gift. Choose the Paperwhite if waterproofing, warm light or a bigger screen appeal, which for many readers is worth the extra.
Frequently asked
Is the basic Kindle screen as good as the Paperwhite?
For sharpness, yes. Both use the same 300 ppi resolution. The Paperwhite's advantages are a larger screen, a warm-light option, waterproofing and more storage, not sharper text.
Is the Paperwhite worth the extra money?
For most people, yes, mainly for the waterproofing and warm light. But if you only read novels on dry land and want the cheapest option, the basic Kindle is a genuinely great reader.
Which is more comfortable to hold?
The basic Kindle is smaller and lighter, so it is slightly more pocketable and one-handed-friendly. The Paperwhite gives you more screen at the cost of a little size.
Is the basic Kindle waterproof?
No. Waterproofing is a Paperwhite feature. If you want to read near water, that is the single biggest reason to choose the Paperwhite.