Kindle Paperwhite Review: Is It Still the Best E-Reader?
Kindle Paperwhite: A Comparison of Generations
Amazon launched an updated iteration of its popular Kindle Paperwhite in September. A thorough evaluation of both the previous and current models has been conducted.
This comparison aims to assist you in determining whether upgrading to the newest Paperwhite is a worthwhile investment.
Key Differences and Improvements
We subjected both the 2012 Kindle Paperwhite and the recently released version to rigorous testing. The goal was to identify the specific enhancements and changes implemented in the new model.
The following sections detail a side-by-side analysis, covering aspects such as display quality, performance, and overall user experience.
Display and Readability
The newest Paperwhite boasts a significantly improved display compared to the 2012 model. This results in sharper text and a more comfortable reading experience.
Contrast ratios have also been enhanced, making it easier to read in bright sunlight. The new model’s screen offers a more paper-like reading experience.
Performance and Features
Beyond the display, the latest Kindle Paperwhite includes several performance upgrades. Page turns are faster and the overall responsiveness of the device is improved.
Additional features, such as adjustable warm light, contribute to a more personalized reading environment. These enhancements cater to a wider range of reading preferences.
Is the Upgrade Worth It?
For owners of the original 2012 Paperwhite, the new version presents a compelling upgrade. The improvements in display quality and performance are substantial.
However, if you are satisfied with your current Paperwhite, the upgrade may not be essential. The core functionality of reading remains consistent across both generations.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider whether the enhanced features justify the cost of upgrading.
The Latest Kindle Paperwhite: A Detailed Look
Related: Customizing Your Kindle Paperwhite with Screensavers, Applications, and More
The introduction of the Kindle Paperwhite by Amazon in 2012 was a significant event. A comprehensive marketing campaign, including press events, announcements to existing customers, and prominent placement on the Amazon homepage, ensured widespread awareness of the new device.
The Paperwhite offered substantial enhancements over earlier Kindle models, boasting an improved design, a sharper display, comfortable backlighting, and a range of other beneficial features.
These improvements were readily embraced by consumers, leading to the Kindle Paperwhite’s dominance in the ebook reader market over the subsequent year. It’s widely accepted that the Paperwhite has become the leading device in the ebook ecosystem.
Consequently, anticipation was high regarding Amazon’s announcement of the updated Kindle Paperwhite. The 2012 model received positive reviews and continued to sell well.
Furthermore, the e-ink ebook reader market, unlike the tablet or smartphone sectors, presents limited opportunities for radical innovation.
A complete redesign wasn’t necessary for the Paperwhite; instead, a series of refinements were required, and Amazon successfully delivered on this objective. Let's examine the new features and internal improvements of the latest Paperwhite.
Note: Typically, our reviews include a dedicated section detailing the device setup process. However, the Paperwhite setup is remarkably straightforward.
It involves simply powering on the device, selecting your preferred language, updating the time zone, entering your Wi-Fi credentials, and logging into your Amazon account to synchronize your purchases. Therefore, we have omitted a dedicated setup section.
For specific guidance on setting up your Paperwhite, please consult Amazon’s Quick Start Guide, available here.
Form and Styling
The physical dimensions of the latest Paperwhite remain unchanged from its predecessor, despite a slight reduction in weight from 213 grams to 206 grams. A case designed for the 2012 Paperwhite will seamlessly fit the 2013 model.
The only visible alterations are in the emblems and branding. The Kindle logo on the front bezel features a bolder, more closely spaced typeface; however, this difference is subtle and may go unnoticed without a direct comparison.
A noticeable physical change is located on the device's rear surface. Users who employ a case will not observe this alteration. However, some purchasers of the new Paperwhite have expressed dissatisfaction with the revised back design:
Previously, a subdued, matte Kindle logo was present. It has been replaced by a larger, glossy Amazon logo. While we favor the original logo, criticisms of the new design as being overly conspicuous are somewhat exaggerated; it wouldn't deter us from acquiring the updated Paperwhite.
The New Screen: Enhanced Whiteness, Brightness, and Lighting Uniformity
Let's focus on the most crucial aspect of an ebook reader: the screen. Earlier Kindle models utilized a non-backlit e-ink display, presenting a light grey background with black text.
Related: How to Strip the DRM from Your Kindle Ebooks for Cross-Device Enjoyment and ArchivingThese initial Kindles aimed to replicate the appearance of a paper page, but the digital nature of the display was always apparent, resembling an electronic readout rather than a printed page. The introduction of the Kindle Paperwhite last year significantly improved screen resolution, shifting from text-on-grey to a more authentic text-on-white reading experience. Furthermore, the integrated "lightguide" backlight enabled comfortable reading in any environment without the need for external illumination.
The Paperwhite 2013 refines these advancements, though some are subtle. Amazon asserts that the new Paperwhite boasts increased contrast and a brighter, purer white display, with reduced blue or grey tones. A side-by-side comparison confirms that the older Paperwhite exhibits a slightly more blue-grey tint:
Isolating and photographing other display improvements proved challenging. Comparing illustrations in books revealed minimal discernible differences in contrast ratio or resolution, as both models delivered satisfactory clarity. However, a notable improvement was a significant reduction in ghosting. The e-ink in the new Paperwhite refreshes more cleanly, virtually eliminating lingering lines or images.
Related: How To Transfer Files, Web Sites, Comics, and RSS Feeds to Your Amazon KindleOne area demonstrates a substantial improvement deserving emphasis. Some early adopters of the previous Paperwhite reported imperfections in the backlighting, manifesting as uneven illumination with splotches and hotspots. While not glaring, this effect, once noticed, became difficult to ignore.
Capturing the uneven lighting of the original Paperwhite proved difficult, as the effect was more apparent when holding the device than in photographs. The following image shows both Kindles side-by-side, with the 2013 version on the left and the 2012 version on the right. The contrast has been slightly adjusted to simulate the color cast and uneven lighting of the older model:
Owners of older Paperwhites with this lighting issue will immediately recognize the pattern of hotspots at the bottom. While not critical, once observed, it remained noticeable. The new Paperwhite resolves this uneven lighting, providing perfectly white and uniform backlighting at any brightness level. This was the most significant enhancement we observed.
Finally, touchscreen sensitivity has been increased. This change may be met with mixed reactions. The screen is now more responsive and accurate to touch. However, it is also more sensitive, potentially leading to unintended activations for some users.
Enhanced Performance: A Faster Processor and Refined Software
While the latest Paperwhite model exhibits a slight reduction in weight, the internal processor represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor. The new 1Ghz processor boasts a 25% speed increase, promising quicker page turns and rendering capabilities. But does this translate to a noticeable improvement in practice? Extensive testing with both large and small books, those rich in images and those without, was conducted.
Books were repeatedly opened and closed, navigated through, and the table of contents was utilized to assess rendering speed. Our observations confirm a definite performance boost.
Related: How to Check Out Library Books on Your Kindle for FreeThe new Paperwhite demonstrably opens books more rapidly, facilitates smoother navigation, and provides a more responsive user interface. However, this improvement isn’t necessarily a primary reason to upgrade.
Given that ebook readers aren’t tablets or smartphones, while any speed enhancement is appreciated, reducing ebook opening time from 1.2 seconds to 0.9 seconds doesn’t fundamentally change the reading experience. In comparison to the substantial advancements in display and lighting technology, the processor upgrade feels less like a “Wow!” moment and more like a standard improvement expected in a product iteration.
The true benefits of these internal changes are most evident in the refined graphical user interface. Though subtle, numerous elements contribute to a more enjoyable Kindle experience. A particularly welcome enhancement is found within the bookmarking system, accompanied by the introduction of a new feature: Page Flip.
Users can now create bookmarks at any point within a document and, with a single tap, access their bookmarks, even previewing them as thumbnails. Activating the menu by tapping the screen’s upper portion, then selecting the new bookmark icon, allows for bookmarking any location in the book.
The image above illustrates the preview of two bookmarked locations, accessible with a simple tap, displaying both text and illustrations.
Closely following the improved bookmarking is the enhanced word lookup functionality and Wikipedia integration:
Previous Kindle versions already included dictionary and Wikipedia lookup features, but the current iteration offers a significantly faster response time and prioritizes access to Wikipedia. This is especially useful when researching concepts or cultural references that require more information than a standard dictionary provides.
Alongside the improved bookmarking capabilities, a new feature called Page Flip has been implemented. While reading, accessing the GUI menu and tapping the bottom of the reading pane enables users to scrub forwards and backwards through the book, with a nearly full-page preview of the destination page.
After reviewing the desired content, the Page Flip preview can be closed, returning the reader to their original location.
The combination of bookmark previews and Page Flip’s scrubbing functionality closely mimics the experience of using sticky notes or physically holding a place in a book. This is a highly valuable addition, particularly for readers who frequently revisit previous chapters, diagrams, or other materials, and may justify the upgrade cost alone.
Features Anticipated for the Kindle Paperwhite
As is typical for companies focused on marketing, Amazon has announced several features for the Paperwhite that are not yet fully implemented. These promised enhancements remain on the horizon, awaiting final delivery to users.
Kindle FreeTime
Kindle FreeTime, initially introduced with the Kindle Fire tablets, provides parental control functionalities. Amazon has indicated its intention to extend this feature to the Paperwhite.
This forthcoming version of FreeTime is expected to offer a focused reading experience for children, incorporating progress monitoring with a badge and reward system, alongside detailed reports for parents. The demand for this feature is significant, particularly among tech-savvy parents who already allow their children access to Kindle devices.
Goodreads Integration
The Kindle has offered basic integration with social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter for some time. However, a connection with Goodreads, a highly compatible platform, has been notably absent.
Given that the Kindle is the leading ebook reader and Goodreads is the dominant platform for book cataloging, ranking, and reviews, their integration seems a natural fit. The continued delay in implementing this feature, despite its "COMING SOON" status, is perplexing.
Cloud Collections
The existing collections system on Kindle devices has consistently received criticism for its limitations. It has seen only incremental improvements since its initial release, even with the original Paperwhite.
Amazon is now promoting "Cloud Collections," which would allow users to organize their ebooks into collections accessible across all Kindle devices and reading applications via the cloud. This would eliminate the need for workarounds currently employed to achieve effective collection management.
While immediate gratification isn't always possible, these features have been anticipated for a considerable period, and their prompt implementation is highly desired by Kindle users.
A Comprehensive Review of the New Kindle Paperwhite
Extensive testing with the latest Kindle Paperwhite has been conducted, involving both dedicated readers and experienced Kindle users. A direct comparison was made between the new model and its predecessor to assess the improvements. Following thorough evaluation, a detailed report is now available.
Positive Aspects:
- The enhanced screen, featuring improved contrast and light distribution, delivers an exceptional reading experience. Screen quality is paramount for ebook readers, and this model surpasses all competitors, including previous Paperwhite versions.
- Amazon’s dedication to user experience and seamless integration provides significant value. The refined graphical user interface, including enhanced bookmarking features and the new page-turning functionality, are particularly noteworthy.
- Although the slight reduction in page turns and quicker e-ink refresh rate aren’t transformative, they represent a positive advancement.
Areas for Improvement:
- The continued presence of ad-supported and ad-free pricing options remains a point of contention. While the advertisements are not overly intrusive, eliminating the tiered pricing structure and associated advertising would be preferable.
- For a device exceeding $100 in price, the omission of a charging cable and adapter is disappointing. Amazon’s intention to minimize costs and environmental impact is understood, but consumers generally anticipate a charger with a premium purchase.
- A list of desired features remains unfulfilled, including child-safe controls, improved library organization, and deeper integration with Goodreads. These additions would greatly enhance the user experience.
- Acknowledging the constraints of the ebook market and Amazon’s store structure, support for the ePub format would be highly desirable. Until then, conversion via Calibre will continue to be necessary.
Overall Assessment: The benefits of the new Kindle Paperwhite significantly outweigh its drawbacks. The listed shortcomings primarily represent desired enhancements rather than criticisms of the device’s current performance. The original Kindle Paperwhite was already the leading ebook reader, and this new iteration builds upon that success with a series of valuable upgrades.
What implications does this have for potential buyers? Owners of the 2012 Kindle Paperwhite may find an upgrade less compelling. While the new Paperwhite is excellent, those who purchased the previous model six months ago for $139 have little immediate incentive to replace it. However, if a resale value of $100 can be achieved, upgrading becomes more attractive.
For users of older Kindle models, such as the Touch or Keyboard versions, the upgrade path is clear. The new Paperwhite offers a substantial improvement, and the superior backlighting and intuitive interface alone justify the cost of upgrading from a pre-Paperwhite device.
The new Kindle Paperwhite represents a significant step forward in ebook reading technology.
It delivers a premium experience for both new and existing Kindle users.
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