Kindle Paperwhite Review (2024): The E-Reader to Get

I don’t have many regrets, however shopping for the essential Kindle a number of years in the past is certainly one of them. Sarcastically, I hadn’t accomplished a lot analysis earlier than buying it. I wished to get again into studying and did not need to spend a lot—I used to be struggling to complete arduous copies and thought an ebook reader would remedy the issue. I marched onto Amazon and purchased myself the basic Kindle from 2019.

Between the low display screen decision, gradual efficiency, and brief battery life, the irritating expertise saved me from utilizing it as a lot as I wished to. I ought to’ve purchased the Kindle Paperwhite as an alternative, even when it was marginally costlier—buy once, cry once, proper? I used to be satisfied that the higher-quality display screen and fancy lighting options would make it extra satisfying. Alas, I fearful a Paperwhite would keep useless and dusty in a drawer, identical to my Kindle, so I did not purchase it.

And but, a Paperwhite ended up in my lap a number of years later. Amazon simply introduced a new version—the Paperwhite and the Paperwhite Signature Version—that are thinner and quicker and have longer battery life. I examined the latter, which has a number of additional perks akin to wi-fi charging and 32 gigabytes of storage (for an additional value). After weeks of use, it is easy to know why that is Amazon’s most beloved Kindle—it is Paperwhite or bust.

Higher, Quicker, Stronger

Coming from a smaller Kindle, I used to be fearful that the Paperwhite would really feel too unwieldy, particularly now that it is barely thinner than its predecessor (7.8 mm versus 8.1 mm) however heavier. It is nonetheless straightforward to carry one-handed, however I typically really feel my arm cramp throughout longer studying seasons—I rapidly perceive why so many individuals connect a PopSocket to their Paperwhite.

The show is now 7 inches (up from 6.8) because of slimmer bezels across the display screen. It additionally has the best distinction ratio of any Kindle, which kind of permits textual content and pictures to look sharper on the display screen. Whereas each adjustments are good, these variations are incremental over the 2021 Paperwhite (8/10, WIRED Recommends), and no, you don’t want to improve if in case you have that mannequin.

{Photograph}: Brenda Stolyar