Now that Amazon has released new Kindle Paperwhite and basic Kindle models for 2024, it’s time for an updated comparison review between the two new Kindles.
Both models are largely the same as the previous models that they’re replacing, so most of the key difference are more or less the same as before. In fact, the changes with the new basic Kindle were so minor that Amazon didn’t even change the generation version.
The new Kindle Paperwhite is considered a 12th generation model, whereas the new basic Kindle is still an 11th gen model like the 2022 version, so now there are two different 11th gen basic Kindles, which is rather odd.
The Screen
The main upgrade with both new models is they use newer E Ink screens with better contrast. The screens on both new Kindles do indeed look better, with a 7″ screen on the Paperwhite and a 6″ screen on the basic, both with 300 ppi, but when compared side-by-side there are some subtle differences.
Sometimes the overall contrast appears a bit better on the Paperwhite’s screen, and sometimes it seems better on the basic Kindle’s screen, depending on the lighting conditions and the angle of the light. With the frontlights off, the background color on the basic is lighter, but the black ink looks darker on the Paperwhite. Under bright light, the screen does look a bit better on the Paperwhite. With the frontlights on, the Paperwhite’s screen looks clearer.
The Paperwhite’s screen is a lot more fingerprint and smudge-prone with the flush layer. Both seem to show a similar level of glare and reflections. I was expecting the basic Kindle to have less glare without the flush layer, but there really isn’t much of a difference in that regard, except the bezel isn’t reflective like it is on the Paperwhite with the flush layer covering the entire front.
The Frontlight
One area where the Paperwhite has a clear advantage is the frontlight. The text stands out more on the Paperwhite’s screen when using the frontlight, and it has the warm light option to control the light temperature color, whereas the basic Kindle just has a cool-colored frontlight.
The frontlight is improved on the basic Kindle. It’s brighter and it seems to be more evenly-lit than than the previous model, but the basic’s light layer kind of has a grittier look to it than the flush screen on the Paperwhite, which has a smoother, clearer appearance.
The Software
One advantage with the basic Kindle is you get pretty much all of the same software and reading features as you do on the more expensive Paperwhite.
There are just a couple of minor differences in terms of software features. The Paperwhite has a page turn animation setting that is oddly missing on the basic Kindle, and the Paperwhite also adds the option to disable the touchscreen for everything but page swipes to avoid accidentally interacting with the touchscreen.
Main Differences
The screen is larger and a bit nicer-looking on the Paperwhite, especially when using the frontlight, and the Paperwhite has a flush screen whereas the basic Kindle has an indented screen.
The frontlight on the Paperwhite adds warm temperature control, and the Signature Edition Paperwhite adds an auto-brightness sensor.
The basic Kindle is smaller and more portable, and it weighs about 50 grams less than the Paperwhite.
The Paperwhite is a little faster and more responsive than the basic Kindle.
The Paperwhite is waterproof, and it has a soft rubbery coating on the sides and back.
According to Amazon’s own battery life estimates, the Paperwhite has much longer battery life (up to 12 weeks), double that of the basic Kindle (6 weeks).
The Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition adds more storage space (32GB) and it has an auto-brightness sensor and wireless charging.
The Kindle Paperwhite sells for $159 and the basic Kindle sells for $109. Both are $20 more without lockscreen ads, and the SE Paperwhite sells for $199, which is ad-free by default.
Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite Video
