The 12th-generation Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024) occupies a unique position, nestled between the entry-level Kindle and the vibrant Kindle Scribe. Having recently transitioned from the color-rich Kindle Scribe, I embarked on a journey back to monochrome with the latest Paperwhite. Does this e-reader strike the perfect balance, or is it an awkward middle ground? Let’s dive in.
Design and Build: Familiar Yet Functional
A person holding the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2024.
My review unit is the black version, a rather understated aesthetic. The Jade and Raspberry color options, or a protective case, offer a welcome splash of personality. A case is recommended regardless, as the soft-touch back is prone to scuffs.
Despite its simplicity, the Paperwhite is ergonomically sound. Its 7.8mm thickness and 128mm width make it comfortable to hold, though those with smaller hands might find the basic Kindle a better fit. The 211g weight is balanced, and the IPX8 water resistance provides peace of mind. One minor gripe is the power button’s placement on the bottom edge, making accidental presses a common occurrence.
A person holding the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2024.
The 7-inch display, a step up from the previous generation’s 6.8-inch and the basic Kindle’s 6-inch screen, allows for more text and fewer page turns. It matches the Kindle Scribe’s screen size, offering a noticeable improvement for owners of older models. The Paperwhite’s matte finish, while reminiscent of classic Kindles, feels less premium than the Scribe.
Display: Crisp, Clear, and Comfortably Warm
A person holding the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2024, showing a book on screen.
The Paperwhite boasts a new high-contrast e-ink screen with a 300ppi density. While the claimed 25% faster page turns are barely perceptible, the overall performance is smooth and responsive. Text and magazines appear crisp and clear, although comics lack the vibrancy of the Scribe’s color display.
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2024 showing a magazine cover.
A surprising difference emerged when comparing the Paperwhite and Scribe side-by-side. The Paperwhite exhibits a warm, paper-like glow, while the Scribe appears cooler with a subtle yellow tint at maximum brightness. While both are enjoyable, the Paperwhite delivers a more traditional reading experience.
A comparison between the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2024 and the Amazon Kindle Colorsoft
The Reading Experience: Simplicity and Speed
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2024 with Dark Mode active on a magazine page.
The Paperwhite’s enhanced speed and reduced flicker make reading a truly pleasurable experience. The seamless page turns and smooth transitions minimize distractions, allowing you to immerse yourself in the text.
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2024 with Dark Mode active on a book page.
The Dark Mode, a welcome addition, offers a comfortable reading experience in low-light conditions. The deep black background and sharp text are a significant improvement over the previous color inversion setting. The absence of automatic front light adjustment, a feature reserved for the Signature Edition, is a minor inconvenience.
A Low-Maintenance Companion
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2024 with Dark Mode active.
The Kindle’s greatest strength lies in its simplicity. Once configured, it requires minimal interaction, allowing you to focus solely on reading. The instant-on functionality resumes your reading precisely where you left off, eliminating loading times.
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2024 showing a magazine page.
An Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2024 on a table.
Seamless Wi-Fi connectivity, effortless setup via the Kindle app, Bluetooth for audiobooks, and the absence of notifications contribute to a distraction-free experience. Battery life is exceptional, with a single charge lasting weeks. While charging is relatively slow at 9W, the infrequent need makes it a non-issue.
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2024
The side of the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2024.
The back of the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2024, showing how it can get scuffed.
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2024
The Verdict: The Sweet Spot Remains
An Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2024 next to a cup of coffee.
The Kindle Paperwhite continues to be the ideal choice for most e-reader enthusiasts. Its enhanced performance, larger display, and comfortable reading experience justify the price premium over the basic Kindle. While the Scribe offers color, the Paperwhite provides a more focused, distraction-free reading environment.
A person holding the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2024, showing the home page.
The Paperwhite strikes a balance between features and affordability, making it the “Goldilocks” Kindle – not too basic, not too extravagant, but just right. While the Signature Edition offers additional features, they are largely unnecessary for most users. For those seeking a pure reading experience without the distractions of a tablet or smartphone, the Kindle Paperwhite remains the ultimate choice.
