Amazon Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite: Which one is for you?

Amazon has graced us with yet another October Prime Day this year, and book lovers should be on the lookout for Kindle deals.

The default 2022 Kindle is the base model of the bunch, a device we typically see go on sale during Prime Day and Black Friday. The Kindle Paperwhite could also see a price drop during October’s sales event, so we’re here to compare the two for anyone looking for their next reading companion.

Before diving in, it’s probably a good idea to get some things out of the way first. Namely, there isn’t much difference between the two Kindles we’re comparing. Screen and battery specs differ, but core features (more or less) do not. Either way, you’re getting a well-reviewed e-reader, so you can’t lose.

With that in mind, here we go.

Kindle (2022) vs. Kindle Paperwhite (2021): Price

Our first category is the simplest. One number is higher than the other, after all.

In terms of price, the regular Kindle walks away with this one because it’s $40 cheaper than the Paperwhite. Whatever other advantages the Paperwhite may have, it will never have that one.

Winner: Kindle (2022)

Kindle (2022) vs. Kindle Paperwhite (2021): Design

Both devices are imminently recognizable as Kindles, with default black colorways giving way to bulky bezels around Amazon’s signature Kindle displays. While one doesn’t necessarily look cooler or all that different from the other, there are major size differences to consider.

Here’s how the two Kindles stack up in terms of dimensions:

The Paperwhite is a good deal larger than the regular Kindle, which is its main selling point. It also has an adjustable front light with 17 LEDs, compared to the four LEDs on the regular Kindle. If you need a bigger and/or brighter display, the Paperwhite is the one to get. It also allows you to use a “warm light” option for a more pleasant reading experience in the dark.

Just know that you’re going to sacrifice some weight along the way. The regular Kindle comes in at 5.56 ounces, while the Paperwhite is a relatively bulky 7.23 ounces. Still, the Paperwhite has more going for it in terms of design, regardless.

Winner: Kindle Paperwhite (2021)

Kindle (2022) vs. Kindle Paperwhite (2021): Features

One of the all-time great book titles.
Credit: Mallory Minich / Mashable

This would’ve been a much more substantial conversation a few years ago. There was a time when the regular Kindle didn’t even have a front light, which made the Paperwhite much more desirable by comparison. However, times have changed.

These days, the two devices’ functionality is very similar. Both can read books (duh), play audiobooks via Bluetooth, and have screens that should look fine in sunlight due to a lack of glare. Unfortunately, both will display advertisements on the lock screen unless you pay an extra $20 for either Kindle.

Because the two devices’ basic functionality is so similar, this one is kind of a wash. You’ll be fine either way.

Winner: Tie

Kindle (2022) vs. Kindle Paperwhite (2021): Storage

Here is where things get interesting.

Usually, the more expensive device has higher storage. That’s how tech works, right? Not so with these two e-readers. The 2022 Kindle, despite being $40 cheaper before any Prime Day discounts, actually has twice as much storage at 16GB as the 8GB Paperwhite base model. Though, you can upgrade the Paperwhite to 16GB for $149.99 (or $10 extra). There’s a substantially more expensive Paperwhite Signature Edition with 32GB of storage, but that doesn’t help us here.

Winner: Kindle (2022)

Kindle (2022) vs. Kindle Paperwhite (2021): Battery life

Time to normalize things a little bit. This time, the more expensive device is the better option.

Amazon rates the 2022 Kindle for six weeks of battery life on a full charge. As for the Paperwhite, the estimated battery life is a whopping 10 weeks. This is arguably splitting hairs because there’s not much functional difference between having to plug in the Kindle every six weeks versus every 10 weeks, but 10 is greater than six, so the Paperwhite wins.

Winner: Kindle Paperwhite (2021)

Kindle (2022) vs. Kindle Paperwhite (2021): Water resistance

Some people like reading at the pool, at the beach, or in the bathtub. Why not? It’s super relaxing. If you’re one of those people, there’s a clear winner here.

The 2022 Kindle is not waterproof at all. Don’t get it wet. The 2021 Paperwhite, meanwhile, has an IPX8 rating, which, according to Amazon, means it can survive for up to 60 minutes submerged in up to two meters of water. That seems like a fairly unrealistic scenario, so if you accidentally drop the Kindle Paperwhite in the bathtub, you won’t need to buy another device.

Winner: Kindle Paperwhite (2021)