Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite are very popular products on the market that are very similar, although they have important differences and that, together with their size, make them focused on different types of eBook readers. Making a decision is not that complicated because it will depend on what we want, what we really need and what we are willing to pay for it.
If you are looking for a good reader with an affordable price or you cannot spend more than 100 euros on it, you will appreciate the benefits that the Kindle provides you . If you love reading eBooks and don’t mind paying a little more for more features or need some of the new features of the more complete model, you will prefer one of the Paperwhite models. If you are thinking of a gift, with any model you will be right, although if you opt for the basic model you will not be disappointed.
We will tell you what each of the models offers you, how they are similar, what their differences are and the different aspects that you can look at when choosing between the reference model of the Amazon reader and its advanced model in each one. of their new versions.
Kindle, the cheapest
This is the usual reader , with a clearly differentiated design and 4-LED light on the screen at a very competitive price. The perfect solution for reading books without reflections on the screen. Read whenever you want as if you were with a book in paper version, without eyestrain even in sunlight.
It has a capacity of 4 GB , to store a good amount of titles in your reader, so you should not have problems with it. Another of its strengths is its battery , as it provides excellent battery life so you don’t have to worry about charging it for weeks. It charges in approximately 4 hours by connecting it to the computer.
Its price can approach 90 euros or a little less depending on the moment and the specific offer, which makes it one of the best economic models on the market. It has WiFi connectivity, so you will need this type of internet connection to be able to download the eBooks that interest you.
Kindle Paperwhite, best value for money
Kindle Paperwhite (2021) is a model that stands out for its capacity, resolution, water resistance and new improved features depending on the selected model. The 2018 PaperWhite featured more storage options on a 6-inch 300 ppi display for better contrast in deeper blacks, an improved borderless design, and 5-LED lighting. Its capacities were 8 and 32 GB and it included water resistance and 4G connectivity. It is difficult for you to find this model today, so we will also tell you about the features of the new 2021 models.
It has a 6.8-inch screen and a resolution of 300ppi. With a new design in which the bezels are slightly reduced and the screen is enlarged to get closer to the size of Oasis, it has a capacity of 8 GB. It is somewhat taller, wider and heavier than the previous model, but provides a larger screen. It is waterproof and has a front lighting system to read in the dark with the possibility of adjusting the color temperature.
Its drawback is that it only has WiFi connectivity, just like the basic one. As an important improvement, we highlight that it has a USB-C port for charging and its battery lasts up to 10 weeks compared to approximately 4 of the previous model.
Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, Premium
The Paperwhite Signature Edition is another 6.8-inch model with the same dimensions and resolution as the previous model. It is based on the previous model, although it has 32 GB of storage and an automatic adjustment front light that adjusts to the reading conditions.
It stands out for its wireless charging system with a charging base designed for the model so that you can charge it without plugging it in. Qi-compatible wireless charging pad sold separately.
Charges in approximately 5 hours on a computer, less than 2.5 hours on a 9W USB power adapter, and 3.5 hours on a compatible 10W wireless charging pad. It has both a premium design and features, for the most demanding users.
Similarities
These models often have their similarities, such as the fact that they work with electronic ink on their touch screen to read without eyestrain and that they have light integrated into their screen to read in many more circumstances, despite their differences. In addition, one of its advantages is that you can take notes from it, rate the reading to know your tastes or look up words in the dictionary.
All of them provide several weeks of duration with a single charge, although in the most recent models the autonomy exceeds the previous ones. Its software is similar, so you will receive the same features even with the advantages provided by each model.
All of them have the same format and are compatible with AZW3, AZW, TXT, PDF, MOBI, HTML, DOC and DOCX, JPEG, GIF, BMP, PNG or PRC, so you won’t have any big problems with them. Many eBooks are in EPUB, which in principle is not compatible with this device, but there are programs like Caliber that allow you to convert the format and send it to your reader by email or cable, so this is not a big problem either.
In all of them you will also have full access to the Amazon eBook store to be able to send the books purchased by email to a dedicated mail that we have associated with the device or with cable through specialized programs such as the aforementioned Caliber, among others.
All of them have WiFi connectivity to be able to send electronic books directly without cables, although some have other connectivity options as we will highlight later.
And their differences?
Although they are all models that have advanced features to read from them, they have their differences that make them unique and that can make you opt for one or the other, so we are going to tell you what they are and what each of them gains for so you can make the best purchase decision.
Design
Kindle stands out for being a lighter and lighter model, although the Paperwhite is thinner. While the classic model has dimensions of 160 x 113 x 8.7mm and weighs 174g, the 2018 Paperwhite has dimensions of 167 x 116 x 8.2mm and weighs 182g.
The new Kindle Paperwhite models have larger dimensions , but again they’ve been designed to be slimmer than previous models. Its dimensions are 174 x 125 x 8.1 mm. Due to their dimensions, they also have a weight of 205 g. They do not differ much in other aspects of the design, although it can be seen in certain details such as the logo, material and color intensity. The new models have a borderless front design, something that is not seen in the first reader of the brand.
Resolution and screen
Kindle Paperwhite wins in resolution in all its models because it has a resolution of 300 dpi that gives it great sharpness compared to only 167 dpi of the first eBook reader. When reading PDFs, illustrated stories, comics and others, the difference is very noticeable. The new Kindle PaperWhite models have increased their display to feature a new 6.9-inch screen.
Although both have a front light for reading in the dark and give very good results, another difference is that the Paperwhite improves on the previous model by having 5 LEDs spread over the screen instead of the 4 of the basic model. You won’t notice much of a difference, but it’s something to keep in mind. Of course, if you go to the 2021 models, which are the Paperwhites that you can buy now, you will find a screen with no less than 17 LEDs for a more improved experience. The basic model also does not have adjustable warm light .
Storage and connectivity
The Paperwhite reader has a more complete hardware configuration than the previous model, but we must especially highlight its storage. While the Kindle has 4GB of storage, you’ll be able to get the Paperwhite in 8GB or 32GB depending on the model selected.
Regarding connectivity, in addition to WiFi , the most advanced Paperwhite has its own version with WiFi and 3G and 4G mobile connectivity . In the first it only supports WiFi, just like the Paperwhite (2021). This is usually not a big problem since you can download the e-books before leaving home with your connection, or on a private network that you have access to or a trusted public one.
The new Paperwhite 2021 has more current technologies, such as charging and data transfer via USB Type C to be able to do it if you want even with your mobile charger at some point of urgency, while in the other models it was via micro USB . In addition, the most modern has wireless charging.
Waterproof
The Paperwhite is waterproof with IPX8 resistance, which allows accidental submersion to a depth of 2 meters for up to 60 minutes. Thus, you will not have to worry if you go to the beach, the pool or if you are going to take a relaxing bath and you are afraid of splashing water.
It will also protect you in the event that it unexpectedly starts to rain while you were reading in the street. There may be more situations than you imagine in which you want to have that peace of mind that the brand’s new models allow you.
Price
The basic model is cheaper than the previous ones. Its price is around 90 euros in Spain, a little less sometimes or more depending on where you buy it. You can find it on Amazon at a good price with the guarantees of the platform.
Which model is better?
The basic model , Kindle, is ideal if you are looking for a reader at a low price and with smaller dimensions , to easily take it with you and read wherever you want. You will be able to read perfectly even in low light conditions, with excellent battery life so you can practically forget about charging it. If you have not tried the new models you will not miss anything.
The Paperwhite models stand out for their larger screen size so that you can read more comfortably on them and that they are somewhat thinner. Aesthetically they improve a bit, although this is a matter of taste. They are better for their resistance to water, remarkable autonomy and greater storage capacity. If you can afford it Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition has advanced features, longer battery life, wireless charging, and auto-adjusting front light.
Depending on your budget and what you need, you can evaluate one or another model, although our winner in practically all areas is the advanced model. Of course, you will have to pay about 100 euros more for it, so if you are not going to notice much improvement because you do not need it, the first model launched is still an excellent option.