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But for $130, you can get the Kindle Paperwhite e-reader which offers an even better reading experience in terms of contrast and resolution. While it is true that both types have different features and different strengths, there are also many similarities between them. In this Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite guide, we will compare and contrast the two e-readers to help you choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite: Side by Side Comparison

Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite: Seven Must Know Facts

Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite: Key Differences

If you love to read and are in the market for a new e-reader, you may be trying to decide whether you should get a Kindle or a Kindle Paperwhite. Several key differences between these two devices might make your decision easier. Here are the features that set them apart from each other.

Display

Both the Kindle 10th Generation and the Paperwhite have an E Ink display. However, they differ in size, resolution, and lighting. The Kindle 10th Generation has a glare-free 6-inch E Ink display with 167 pixels per inch. The Paperwhite 11th Gen, on the other hand, has a larger 6.8-inch panel with 300 pixels per inch.

Battery Life and Charging

There is also a significant difference between the two devices in terms of the charging port and charging speed. Namely, the Kindle has a micro-USB port and takes approximately 4 hours to charge fully, whereas the Paperwhite has a USB-C port and takes approximately 2.5 hours to recharge.

Because E Ink displays have slow refresh rates by design, you’ll notice some flickering and lagging on both the Kindle and the Paperwhite. This may be especially noticeable if you’re used to a smartphone or tablet with a high-refresh-rate display. Overall performance is much better with the Paperwhite 11th Gen, which has a newer chipset and promises up to 20% faster page turns.

Price

Design

There isn’t much difference between the designs of these two devices. While both e-readers are available in black, the Kindle Paperwhite is also available in Twilight Blue, sage, and plum. Aside from that, the appearance is similar, with both devices having a fairly plain plastic body and large bezels around the screen. The bezels on the Kindle Paperwhite are flush with the screen, while on the standard Kindle, they are raised. As a result, the Paperwhite appears and feels slightly more expensive.

The basic Kindle does not come with such assurances. Both have a power button and a micro USB port on the bottom edge, and that’s it in terms of buttons and ports. The touchscreen handles everything else. Unfortunately, neither model has a USB-C port.

Storage and Connectivity

However, storage space can become an issue if you intend to listen to audiobooks through Audible. Both e-readers support this feature, but it’s far more viable on the Paperwhite – though a smartphone is arguably a better choice. Another significant distinction between the basic Kindle and the Paperwhite is connectivity. While the Kindle is only available in Wi-Fi mode, the Paperwhite is available in both Wi-Fi and cellular modes.

Pros and Cons of Kindle

Pros and Cons of Kindle Paperwhite

Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite: Which is Better?

So, which one should you choose; Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite? The Kindle base model is recommended for casual readers looking for an inexpensive e-reader, as well as those who are just getting started with e-books. While the base Kindle model has a much lower resolution than the Kindle Paperwhite, it still reads like actual paper and can keep you immersed in a book for hours.

  • Purpose-built for reading with a 167 ppi glare-free display that reads like real paper, even in direct sunlight.Adjustable brightness lets you read comfortably—indoors and outdoors, day and night.A single battery charge lasts weeks, not hours.8 GB of storage means thousands of titles on hand all in a compact size.Read distraction-free. Highlight passages, look up definitions, translate words, and adjust text size—without ever leaving the page.

  • Kindle Paperwhite – Now with a 6.8” display and thinner borders, adjustable warm light, up to 10 weeks of battery life, and 20% faster page turns.Purpose-built for reading – With a flush-front design and 300 ppi glare-free display that reads like real paper, even in bright sunlight.More books in more places – Store thousands of titles, then take them all with you. A single charge via USB-C last weeks, not hours.Easy on the eyes – Now with adjustable warm light to shift screen shade from white to amber.Waterproof reading – Built to withstand accidental immersion in water, so you’re good from the beach to the bath.

However, if you simply want to enjoy the benefits of an e-reader without any extras or fancy features, the base Kindle 10th Gen is sufficient. It has the same screen as other Kindle e-readers but with a lower resolution and an adjustable front light for reading in the dark.

The 8GB of storage provided is more than adequate enough for storing thousands of e-books and is only a concern if you intend to listen to a lot of audiobooks. Because of its lower cost of entry, it’s also a good device if you just want to dip your toes into the world of digital reading. So, if you’re not sure you’ll be doing a lot of reading and just want to try out an e-reader, go for the basic Kindle.

But if you have an extra $40 to spend, the Kindle Paperwhite 11th Gen is far superior. That’s because it has a larger and more shapely display with adjustable Warm Light, thinner bezels, faster performance, IPX8 water resistance, longer battery life, optional cellular connectivity, and a USB-C port for convenience.

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