Amazon Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite 2024 in the test: Paperwhite becomes more premium, Kindle progresses by 75 comments
The new Amazon Kindle Paperwhite remains one of the best e-book readers and offers good finish and display. But slight improvements are not enough to justify the big price increase, as many criticisms remain. It’s different from the Kindle in the test, which continues to emancipate itself despite its weak points.
Table of Contents 1 Paperwhite becomes more premium, Kindle advances Design, finish and price 2 Display and format support Slightly larger display on the Kindle Paperwhite Low format support unchanged 3 Library and reading on the Kindle ( Paperwhite) Easy to organize library Few playback options High display quality Audible is still the only audio format 4 Conclusion
Design, manufacturing and price
Amazon updated its Kindle range in mid-October 2024. In addition to the new generation of the Kindle Scribe and the new Kindle Colorsoft, revised models of the entry-level Kindle and the Kindle Paperwhite were also presented. The Kindle Paperwhite 2024 is available at 169.99 euros*, the new Kindle 2024 at 109.99 euros*. While the Kindle Paperwhite represents the first update to Amazon’s bestselling e-book reader since 2021, the pure Kindle received its latest modernization in 2022. In terms of design, both new models are undeniably recognizable as Kindle, but Amazon is more colorful than in the past and, in addition to the familiar black, also offers the new models in jade green and pink (for the Paperwhite) and match green (for the Kindle). .
The Kindle (left) and its big brother Kindle Paperwhite (right)
The two models also differ significantly in terms of body and screen size, reflecting their respective positions in the Kindle lineup – although this has changed significantly over the years. The indirect successor to the Kindle 4 was launched in 2012 without adding a name and offered the cheapest entry into the Amazon e-book universe for 49 euros. However, the low price came with some compromises: the 6-inch screen only had a resolution of 600 × 800 pixels, and the touchscreen, introduced only with the seventh generation of Kindle, as well as the lighting, which was only missing, was added in 2019.
The Kindle Paperwhite, which has long been the flagship product of the Kindle series, has undergone similar development. Launched almost exactly 12 years ago, it also only had a 6-inch screen, although the resolution was initially 758 × 1024 pixels and therefore significantly lower than today’s display quality.
However, over time the position of both models has changed significantly. The market has seen various high-end models with the Kindle Voyage (test), particularly visible due to display problems, and the Kindle Oasis (test), which followed a radically new operating concept. While the Voyage was discontinued after four years in favor of the Oasis, sales of the Oasis ended in early 2024. It currently appears that the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite will rise within the Kindle family and fill the gaps. voids appeared.
In the following generations, the Kindle Paperwhite adopted the flat screen surface of the Kindle Voyage as well as the larger screen size of the Kindle Oasis and thus gradually progressed towards the high-end models – also in terms of price. The situation was similar with the simple Kindle: Although the screen size remained unchanged, the model gradually inherited many important functions of the Paperwhite, such as the higher resolution and the already mentioned lighting. However, Amazon was unable to keep the initially low price.
Prices are rising massively
Due to the circumstances mentioned, the Kindle Paperwhite is increasingly taking the place of the previous high-end models, while the Kindle now represents the original Paperwhite. This is also reflected in the prices: Amazon now charges a starting price of 170 euros for the new Kindle Paperwhite, although this applies to the ad-supported version – the manufacturer is also sticking to this business model for the new devices. However, the price difference of only 10 euros compared to the ad-free model has shrunk considerably and no longer plays a role. This may herald the possible end of ad-subsidized devices. The Signature Edition, which offers 32 GB instead of the 16 GB of the standard Paperwhite as well as wireless charging, costs 200 euros and is only available without advertising. Amazon has thus significantly increased the prices of the successful model; the last generation started at 130 euros, even though it only had 8 GB of memory.
The back of the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite
In the past, interested buyers also had to open their wallets more and more for the pure Kindle: Originally starting at 49 euros, the price has now more than doubled. You now have to pay 110 euros for a model financed by advertising; without advertising it costs 120 euros. However, users now get 16GB of internal storage, showing that the Kindle, as described, now takes on the role of the original Paperwhite, which once started in similar price ranges.
However, buyers will also have to forgo expanding both models using SD cards for the new generation.
Also available again in a children’s version
Both models are also offered again in children’s editions. For the Kindle, Amazon offers cases in a Space Whale, Ocean Explorer, or Unicorn Valley design, while for the Kindle Paperwhite in the Kids Edition, you can choose between a Deep Sea or Unicorn Valley design. cyber horizon. Both editions also include the famous 2-year worry-free warranty, which allows replacement even in the event of self-inflicted damage. However, when it comes to Kids+, curated content, Amazon has changed its mind: the free trial phase, which previously lasted one year, has now been shortened to six months. Prices have nevertheless increased: the Kindle Kids Edition now costs 130 euros, while the Kindle Paperwhite Kids Edition has been increased to 180 euros – a significant increase from the 150 euros previously charged.
As usual, good work
For the prices mentioned, buyers receive two very well-made e-readers, which appear to be made in one piece thanks to their small spaces. However, with the smaller Kindle it could have been a bit more consistent. The simple design of both drives is broken only by the power button and USB-C port at the bottom. This allows devices to be charged and filled with content.
At 7.8mm, the Kindle Paperwhite is slightly thinner, at least on paper, than its predecessor at 8mm, but this is unlikely to be noticeable in everyday use. The test taker’s height is now 127.5 × 176.7 mm and his weight is 211 g. This means that previous generation boxes can no longer be used. The classic Kindle remains identical to its predecessor with dimensions of 108.6 × 157.8 × 8.0 mm and a weight of 158 g.
The power button and USB port on the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite
The Kindle Paperwhite received a moderate upgrade with an increase in screen diagonal from 6.8 to 7 inches. While other manufacturers like PocketBook with InkPad (test) or Tolino have occupied the 8-inch segment for a long time, Amazon still does not pay attention to this class of readers.
Even in the new generation, the flat screen is reserved for the Kindle Paperwhite, while the classic Kindle continues to have a slightly recessed screen and therefore the classic appearance. However, thanks to the thin frame and rounded edges, this should not bother users. Water protection, which Amazon says ensures worry-free reading “in the bathroom, by the pool and everywhere in between”, is also reserved for the Paperwhite.
Both devices fit well in the hand, although the plastic used in the Paperwhite appears to be of slightly higher quality than that of the smaller Kindle. The rear of the flagship could have been a little more “grippy”; it could easily slip from your hand, especially when used in a humid environment.
What the two models have in common are the rare accessories, consisting of a quick guide and a USB-C cable. Amazon hasn’t included a power supply for a long time.
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