Amazon Kindle (2022) vs Kindle Paperwhite: Which to choose?

(Pocket-lint) – Amazon has unveiled an updated version of its entry-level Kindle, adding several features normally only found further up the KIndle family – like Paperwhite.

So where is the latest Paperwhite itself? And which of the two should you consider when looking for a new Kindle?

We explain the differences to help you choose.

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Amazon Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite theme

• Amazon Kindle (2022): 108.6 x 157.8 x 8.0mm, 158g
• Amazon Kindle Paperwhite: 125 x 174 x 8.1mm, 205g

In terms of design, the 2022 Kindle and 2021 Paperwhite are similar – they’re both Kindles, after all. However, the Paperwhite is the larger of the two. It’s also harder.

That’s because it houses a larger display and a more powerful front light – you can read about both below. The standard Kindle may therefore be longer comfortable to hold, but honestly, while the extra 47g seems a lot on paper, it won’t be as noticeable as the Paperwhite is still relatively light.

It’s worth noting that the Paperwhite only comes in black, while the new Kindle also comes in denim (blue).

Both use recycled plastics in their construction – if that’s important to you – with the black version of the standard Kindle using 75 percent and the Paperwhite using 60 percent. (The denim version of the Kindle consumes 30 percent).

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Amazon Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite Display

• Amazon Kindle (2022): 6-inch anti-glare display, 300 ppi, frontlit, dark mode
• Amazon Kindle Paperwhite: 6.8-inch anti-glare display, 300 ppi, front-lit, adjustable warm light

The biggest difference between the two devices is the display. The latest Paperwhite has a larger touchscreen at 6.8 inches instead of 6 inches.

However, they all offer the same crisp reading experience, each at 300 pixels per inch.

The Kindle has a dark mode that lets you invert the text and background to make it easier on the eyes, but the Paperwhite has an extra trick up its sleeve, switching its 17-LED front light from a white light to a warm amber can . This is better for reading at night or in the dark.

The light change can also be scheduled in the settings.

Features of Amazon Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite

• Amazon Kindle: Audiobook support (Audible AAX format), 16GB storage, Bluetooth, dual-band WiFi, USB-C
• Amazon Kindle Paperwhite: Waterproof (IPX8), audiobook support (Audible AAX format), 8GB/16GB storage, Bluetooth, dual-band WiFi, USB-C

Both Kindles can play Audible audiobooks through Bluetooth headphones or a speaker. However, only the Paperwhite is waterproof (up to 2 meters for 60 minutes).

There are also two storage options – 8GB and 16GB – while the standard Kindle has 16GB as standard.

File type support is almost identical on both. They are each charged via USB-C.

Amazon Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite battery life

• Amazon Kindle: Quoted at 6 weeks on a single charge
• Amazon Kindle Paperwhite: Quoted at 10 weeks on a single charge

Because it’s larger, the Paperwhite has a bigger battery and therefore offers longer use between charges.

The Kindle offers up to 6 weeks, while the Paperwhite extends this to 10 weeks. Both are given based on half an hour of reading time per day and a light setting of 13.

Some tasks, like listening to audiobooks via Bluetooth, will of course reduce the amount of charge available.

Price Amazon Kindle vs Kindle Paperwhite

• Amazon Kindle: From £84.99 / $99.99 (with ads)
• Amazon Kindle Paperwhite: From £129.99 / $139.99 (with ads)

Amazon offers both devices with or without ads, and you get a discount if you choose to do so.

However, there are quite a few differences between the two readers, even more so if you want the Paperwhite with extra storage. So you have to decide how much a bigger display, better battery life, waterproofing and a few other features are worth to you.

Conclusion

The latest Paperwhite was released in late 2021 and outperformed the standard Kindle in many ways back then. However, the new 2022 model is much closer in specs and offers better value for money in some respects.

It’s smaller, yes, and the lack of water resistance might prove important if you plan to take it to the beach, for example, but you still get a very good reading experience for a little less money.

Written by Rick Henderson.