Kindle Paperwhite 12th gen review: It’s better than the Signature Edition — here’s why

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Kindles are the It Girl of the e-reader market. Of course, they have the power of Amazon behind them, but their status isn’t unwarranted. Having tested my way through almost all the e-readers on the market, it’s clear that Kindles simply are the best (even if Kobo e-readers are close competition).

But which Kindle is the best? Because yes, there is more than one. There’s the entry-level Kindle, Kindle Colorsoft, Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, Kindle Scribe, plus several kids’ models. Last year, the line-up got an update, and we can safely say that the new Kindle Paperwhite 12th generation is the best option.

The new Kindle Paperwhite remains as good as ever, even though it’s missing some updates we were hoping for. It’s quick, lightweight, and easy to use. Here’s why the Kindle Paperwhite is the best e-reader of the moment.

Kindle Paperwhite price and specs

The 2024 Amazon Kindle Paperwhite costs $159.99 for the ad-supported device, while the model without lock screen ads costs $179.99.

In the past, Amazon has offered different storage options for each Kindle model, but 16GB is the new standard, and to upgrade to 32GB, you have to opt for the Signature Edition. Now, the only choice you have to make when purchasing the Kindle Paperwhite is whether to have ads or go ad-free.

No matter which version you go for, these are the specs for the 2024 Paperwhite.

• 7-inch display, up to 94 nits brightness and 300 ppi resolution (up from 6.8 inches on the 2021 model)

• USB-C charging port with up to 12 weeks of battery life

• 16GB of storage

• IPX8 waterproof rating can be fully submerged in water for up to one hour

• Comes in black, raspberry, and jade

It’s fast, with a vibrant screen

Before testing the 2024 Kindle Paperwhite, I thoroughly enjoyed the prior model, and I didn’t think there was much to improve upon. It was already a quick-moving e-reader that made reading more convenient. However, the most significant upgrades come to the performance and screen.

The latest Kindle moves fast. The previous generation was already quick, so the 25 percent increase in speed isn’t quite noticeable if you’re moving from there, but it still improves the reading experience with far less loading in between page turns or stalling when opening and exiting books.

While the brightness and resolution specs haven’t changed from the previous model, the screen on the 2024 model does look higher resolution, edging closer to the resolution of a tablet and away from the classic, dim e-reader. The Paperwhite’s screen still sports a matte finish that is as easy to read outside on a sunny day as in a dark bedroom.

The battery life can’t be beat

I don’t think there is another device in my house that can go months without charging. My smartphone, smartwatch, laptop, and tablet all require daily charging. My smart ring and headphones can sometimes last up to a week, but months?! That’s unheard of. Yet, the Kindle Paperwhite manages to do it.

Having tested the previous model, the new Kindle Paperwhite offers a couple of extra weeks of battery life. On average, I need to charge my Kindle Paperwhite every two to three months, and that’s with near-daily use.

Building a library is cheap and convenient

You can buy or borrow books to build your Kindle collection.
Credit: Samantha Mangino

You might not believe me when I say buying a $160 device makes your reading habit cheaper, but trust me when I tell you it will. The cost of a Kindle Paperwhite is the same as about five to six hardcover books, but luckily, Kindle e-books are a lot cheaper. If you plan on buying books from the Kindle store, eventually, the Kindle will earn itself in savings. Plus, your purchases earn you points through the Kindle Rewards system, where every 300 points is turned into $3 in Kindle book credits. But there are even more affordable ways to read.

Another affordable reading option is the Kindle Unlimited program. The subscription program lets users borrow books for as long as they want for a monthly fee of $11.99. You don’t need a Kindle to use the program, as long as you have the Kindle app you can subscribe. However, with the purchase of a Kindle, you gain access to a free three-month trial.

Amazon also has a First Reads program where Prime members get free early access to editor-selected e-books. During Prime Day months, members get to select two free books.

Plus, you can read library books with Libby on the Kindle Paperwhite.

Is it the best e-reader for Libby?

In my opinion, Libby is the best app to ever exist. It connects you with digital loans from your local libraries, bringing e-books to your phone, tablet, or e-reader.

You can use Libby across all Kindle devices as the integration is the same on all models. But is the Kindle Paperwhite the best e-reader for Libby? It’s got some competition from Kobo’s e-readers.

To get your Libby books on a Kindle Paperwhite, you have to use the Libby app on your phone to then send the books to your Kindle. In terms of ease, Kobo has the Kindle slightly beat, as Overdrive (Libby’s parent company) is integrated directly into the e-readers.

However, the Kindle Paperwhite will be the best e-reader for Libby if you have multiple library cards. If you’re borrowing on different accounts, it doesn’t affect how you send your books to the Kindle. Unfortunately, the Kobo only supports one library account at a time, meaning you have to sign in and out of your account depending on where you’re borrowing from.

The library interface is clunky

As much as I love how easy it is to read library books on my Kindle, they can also make the Kindle library clunky. After you read a library book and the loan expires, you won’t be able to read the book. However, the cover still appears in your Kindle library.

Just like I want my books tidy IRL, I want them organized on my e-reader, too. There’s no filter to hide your library books on the Kindle. Instead, if you want to hide the expired titles, you need to make a collection in your Kindle library to separate your library books from those you own.

The Paperwhite is better than the Signature Edition for this one reason

I have spent weeks with both the Paperwhite and the Signature Edition, and despite the SE’s extra features, I prefer the Paperwhite. The reason is the ad-free lock screen. Yes, ads are annoying. However, the lock screen with ads forces you to swipe past the screen when you turn it on. This is different from the SE’s screen, which automatically pushes past the lock screen when you hit the power button.

On its face, that sounds super convenient, saving you a step. That is, until you throw the Signature Edition in your bag and pull it out to discover you’ve lost your page in your book because it accidentally turned on. Meanwhile, this was never an issue with the Paperwhite, which stayed locked while I was on the go.

This issue will be on any ad-free Kindle, not just the Signature Edition. You can add a PIN as a workaround, but like many users, I’d rather just swipe.

All these updates, but there’s still room for improvement

From the previous model, the Kindle Paperwhite remains our favorite e-reader. However, it’s missing a few upgrades that I was really hoping to see. Amazon should have moved the power button to the top of the Kindle rather than keeping it on the bottom. I hit the power button while holding the device constantly because of its placement. It could be fine if the Kindle had an internal gyroscope like the Kobo Libra Colour does, and the Kindle could rotate the page, but alas, another missing feature.

Another perk the Kobo Libra has over the Kindle is page-turning buttons. Amazon devastated users by discontinuing the Kindle Oasis in June 2024, taking away the only Kindle with page-turning buttons. I was hopeful that meant this new batch of Kindles would feature buttons, but they’re noticeably absent. While the buttons aren’t necessary — the Kindle’s touchscreen is plenty responsive — having the buttons is just a better reading experience, which is why, in terms of ergonomics, the Kobo Libra is much better.

None of these missing features are dealbreakers, but they do remind us that the Kindle Paperwhite isn’t perfect.

What’s the difference between the Kindle Paperwhite 12th generation and the 11th generation?

If you’re the proud owner of a Kindle Paperwhite 11th generation, should you upgrade to the Kindle Paperwhite 12th generation? Unless your Kindle Paperwhite 11th generation is totally malfunctioning, you probably don’t need to upgrade, as the differences between the generations are minuscule.

The 12th generation is meant to run faster than the 11th generation, which it does, but the difference is barely noticeable. What is noticeable is the size difference. The 12th generation is .2-inches larger than the 11th generation, meaning you’ll also need to get a new case for the new generation.

Is the Kindle Paperwhite worth it? Here are our final thoughts.

You can’t beat the displays on the Kindle Paperwhite.
Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The Kindle Paperwhite is not just the best Kindle but the best e-reader overall. It’s compact and lightweight, just the right size for toting around. The screen strikes the balance of tech and paper, and the adjustable warmth makes reading in the evening better for your eyes. With the release of the 2024 model, it’s the fastest Kindle yet, which is good news. When you turn the physical page, it never buffers, so digital readers deserve the same.

While Amazon still leaves some to be desired, it remains the best e-reader you can buy. It’s $10 more expensive than the last model, but is still a good value.