Amazon
Kindle Paperwhite
- Bottom Line
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With a larger screen and updated features, this model of Kindle Paperwhite scored well in our testing.
- Pros
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Improved 6.8-inch 300 pixels-per-inch screen allows for more text or larger type sizes. Screen warmth can be set to user preference or on a schedule. USB-C port is a welcome addition. The light weight was pleasant in our user testing. Resistant to splashes and immersion.
- Cons
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Swipe controls felt inconvenient for managing functions for our tester.
About the product
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
Reviewing the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
Reading is an excellent way to pass the time, whether you want to brush up on a new subject of interest while you wait for an appointment or if you dedicate time to it every day. However, taking books with you on the go isn’t always practical, especially if you’re traveling. That’s where an e-reader like the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite can come in handy.
Amazon is a top brand that makes several high-end products, including e-readers. The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is one of the latest models and is reportedly a must-buy for avid readers. However, the BestReviews Testing Lab thoroughly analyzed and reviewed the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite to determine its performance compared to other top e-readers.
Testing the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
BestReviews has a group of testers who test products in a real-world environment. The testing team was asked to describe their experience using e-readers, Amazon products and Audible, an online audiobook service. The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite was tested under various conditions, including indoors, outdoors, in direct sunlight and under shade. They also analyzed its build quality and examined its waterproofing properties.
The BestReviews Testing Lab strives to investigate every claim Amazon makes about the Kindle Paperwhite. For this article, the testing lab aimed to verify claims by testing features and functions. The primary focus was examining whether the glare-free display is brighter at the max setting than its predecessor and how many books it can store. The testing team also analyzed its water resistance, if it “reads like real paper, even in bright sunlight” and its battery life and charging speed.
What is the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite?
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is one of the best Kindle e-readers. It looks and works like a tablet in many ways. However, unlike traditional tablets, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is exclusively for reading e-books. E-books are essentially digital versions of paper books, but an e-reader allows you to download and access several books at any time.
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite measures 6.9 by 4.9 by .32 inches and has a lightweight build, weighing just 7.23 ounces. It has 8GB of storage space, a 6.8-inch flush display, a 300 pixel-per-inch resolution with 17 LEDs and a USB-C charging port. It’s made with 60% post-consumer recycled plastics.
See how it compares to other products in its space — check out our reviews for the best e-readers.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite price and where to buy
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite costs $140 and is available at Amazon.
How to use Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is easy to set up out of the box, with only a few on-screen prompts to follow before you can download and read e-books or listen to audiobooks. The battery comes approximately 50% charged, but for best results, charge it to 100% before using it for the first time.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite benefits
The Paperwhite's battery life is impressive and can stay around 85% after 10 days if left on or in rest mode. Turning pages is fast, and the responsiveness of the display is superb. The sound quality when listening to audiobooks is impressive for an e-reader, and the anti-glare screen lets you read for several hours without experiencing any noticeable eyestrain.
Brightness settings are easily adjustable, and although ads pop up on the home screen and while it’s in rest mode, there are no interruptions while reading. VoiceView is a neat accessibility feature that dictates what’s on the screen, and the lightweight design of the e-reader makes it handy for traveling. Plus, it can withstand being fully submerged in water and dries quickly with no issues.
Many file formats are compatible with the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, including PDF, ePub, Word documents, rich text format and plain text format.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite drawbacks
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is intuitive and offers a user-friendly experience, but getting the hang of all the accessibility features can take a while. Adding books to a collection is a convenient feature, but it doesn’t remove it from the main list, making it difficult to locate if you own several hundred books. Further, the highlighting function can be challenging to master, and some users can’t save highlighting notes occasionally.
The lightweight build is preferable, but the slim edge can make it uncomfortable to hold for extended periods. Although this can be fixed by purchasing a cover, it’s not the best solution for those who don’t want to make the e-reader bulkier than it needs to be. There are also rare reports of screen bleeding, which can interfere with the overall user experience.
Should you get the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite?
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is a fantastic e-reader for any avid reader. It’s relatively inexpensive, and its long battery life and lightweight design make it suitable for long trips. 8GB of storage means you can store over 1,000 books, and the bright screen and waterproof build make it a better option over other e-readers.