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

I don’t have many regrets, however shopping for the fundamental Kindle just a few years in the past is one among them. Paradoxically, I hadn’t carried out a lot analysis earlier than buying it. I needed to get again into studying and did not wish to spend a lot—I used to be struggling to complete onerous copies and thought an ebook reader would clear up the issue. I marched onto Amazon and purchased myself the basic Kindle from 2019.

Between the low display screen decision, gradual efficiency, and quick battery life, the irritating expertise saved me from utilizing it as a lot as I needed to. I ought to’ve purchased the Kindle Paperwhite as a substitute, even when it was marginally dearer—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 frightened a Paperwhite would keep lifeless and dusty in a drawer, identical to my Kindle, so I did not purchase it.

And but, a Paperwhite ended up in my lap just a few 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 just a few additional perks corresponding 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.

{Photograph}: Brenda Stolyar

Higher, Sooner, Stronger

Coming from a smaller Kindle, I used to be frightened 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 shortly perceive why so many individuals connect a PopSocket to their Paperwhite.

The show is now 7 inches (up from 6.8) due to 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 do not want to improve if in case you have that mannequin.

{Photograph}: Brenda Stolyar