Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024) review: better than a book

Introduction

Amazon’s Kindle is the most well-known e-reader with the best reputation. It’s been around for years in one form or another, with regular refreshes as well as new models keeping readers coming back. The star of 2024’s updated line-up is the new Kindle Paperwhite.

The formula hasn’t changed too much: it’s once again packing one of the best displays in the lightest of bodies, and for a pretty reasonable price. More storage and a bigger battery add upgrade appeal, too. The combo made me, a lapsed Kindle owner who’s spent more time reading on his iPad than his previous-gen Paperwhite lately, think twice about e-ink.

After flicking through pages over the last few weeks, here’s how the Kindle Paperwhite (2024) fares in the real world.

Design & build: hello, old friend

This new Paperwhite is unmistakable at first glance: clean lines, minimalist branding, and an understated appearance that says, “I’m here to read, not to distract.”

At 7.8mm it’s slightly slimmer than the outgoing version, but is a tad heavier at 207g. The difference might be tiny, but I still thought it could stand to be a little lighter after long reading sessions. My hand occasionally cramped, and I found myself wishing for a case with better grip. Often times, I’d turn on to my side if reading on the sofa or in bed to rest it.

The rear panel, while sleek, is a double-edged sword. It’s smooth, but ever-so-slightly too smooth – I often felt it slipping through my fingers. It doesn’t help that the black model is a fingerprint magnet, picking up smudges and dust even when handled carefully. Trying to clean this thing with a polishing cloth to take some decent photos proved a challenge.

Amazon has introduced new colour options (Raspberry and Jade) for those looking to move beyond the standard black, but these aren’t available in all regions. As someone who got the black model, I found myself envying the fresh colours, which might have been better at masking smudges and adding a touch of personality. And I’m betting most owners will stick theirs straight in a case anyway.

The bezels around the screen are slimmer than ever, giving the device a modern, clean look while still offering enough room to grip without accidentally triggering a page turn. The placement of the USB-C charging port and power button at the bottom remains divisive. Personally, I didn’t find it bothersome, but I can understand how some might accidentally switch off the device when adjusting their grip or resting it down.

One thing Amazon has wisely retained is the Paperwhite’s IPX8 waterproof rating. Whether you’re reading by the pool, in a bubble bath, or at the beach, the Paperwhite can handle a splash or two. It should even survive a full dunk in up to two meters of freshwater for an hour. Though I’m not brave enough to test that claim. Just keep it away from saltwater – prolonged exposure will corrode the USB-C port and could damage the internals. I’ll leave it behind next time I go to the beach.

Display: like paper, but better

The 7in E Ink Carta 1300 screen sounds like a small upgrade over the previous model’s 6.8in screen, but it makes a big difference to the 2024 Paperwhite. There’s more real estate for text, meaning fewer page turns, and the resolution remains at a crisp 300ppi. Text is sharp, and easy to read, whether you’re devouring a novel or squinting at a densely packed PDF.

Amazon claims the new screen delivers higher contrast. After staring at it for a while, I can confirm that text appears dark and very pronounced against the lighter background. Without an older model to compare it to you won’t notice the increase, but the higher contrast is a godsend for those who read outdoors or under bright lights. This is great for graphics-heavy content like comics or illustrated guides, where fine details stand out.

Comics and graphic novels also benefit from faster page refreshes. The Frame View feature, where individual panels zoom in automatically, felt more responsive than ever. Double-tapping to enlarge panels was instant, with no lag or ghosting.

Page turns are 25% faster everywhere else, too, making the reading experience that much smoother. The difference might be imperceptible for casual readers, but those who rapidly flip through books or jump between chapters will appreciate the snappiness. Menu navigation also feels quicker and smoother. The dreaded ghosting (where faint traces of the previous page linger on the screen) is virtually non-existent, even after hours of use.

It’s great to see the Paperwhite’s standout front-light get an upgrade, too. Ten white and nine amber LEDs (up from 17 on the old version) deliver a more even tone, which looks less blue at the coolest setting. You can adjust both the brightness and warmth of the screen to suit your environment and reading preferences. The warm light, which gives the screen a yellowish hue, is perfect for bedtime reading as it reduces blue light exposure. As someone who reads before bed, I found it noticeably easier on the eyes compared to harsher, cooler displays.

Features: perfect for basics

Storage capacity is now 16GB as standard, which is double what previous generations offered. This gives you space for thousands of books, though it’s worth noting the operating system swallows around 4.5GB. Still, 11.5GB is more than enough for most users. Only those who download lots of PDFs, audiobooks or comics might want to opt for more memory.

The Paperwhite is of course firmly entrenched in Amazon’s ecosystem, which is both a strength and an Achilles’ heel. Buying books from the Kindle Store is seamless, while Goodreads integration and X-Ray make it easy to track your reading progress or dive deeper into a book’s characters and themes.

However, if you prefer borrowing books from libraries or sideloading your own content, the process isn’t as intuitive. Amazon no longer allows simple drag-and-drop file transfers via USB; instead, you’ll need to use the “Send to Kindle” feature, which syncs content wirelessly. It works… but it’s certainly not a convenient feature. As someone who relies on AirDrop on a daily basis, I found myself wishing for a similar feature to avoid the fuss.

For audiobooks, the Paperwhite supports Bluetooth headphones or speakers – but only in regions like the US and UK. In other markets, Audible support is conspicuously absent, limiting the device’s versatility.

Interface: same-old, same-old

Amazon has kept the Paperwhite’s software largely unchanged, which is both a blessing and a curse. The interface is simple, with just two main tabs: Home and Library. If you’re new to the Kindle ecosystem, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to navigate for the most part. Some gestures (like how to go to the home page when reading) take a little bit of figuring out. Long-time Kindle users might find the lack of innovation frustrating.

The Home screen doubles as a storefront, with Amazon’s recommendations and ads taking up a significant portion of the real estate. If you prefer a cleaner experience, you can opt for the ad-free version, though it comes at a higher cost. Personally, I’m not a fan of seeing ads, so believe the extra charge is worthwhile. The Library view is straightforward, letting you organise your books by title, author, or recently read.

Dark Mode is available for night-time reading, and it’s a welcome addition for those who prefer white text on a black background. It might be one of my favourite features. While it’s not as sharp as the standard display mode, it’s effective for reducing eye strain in low-light conditions.

Battery: it just won’t die

Battery life remains one of the Paperwhite’s standout features. Amazon claims up to three months on a single charge with moderate use. After three weeks of daily use (2–3 hours per day), I still hadn’t run out of juice.

To put it another way, I’ve had this thing since October, and have charged it twice, maybe three times. Charging is faster than before, taking just under 2.5 hours for a full charge via USB-C. Wireless charging is convenient for those who hate fiddling with cables.

Kindle Paperwhite (2024) verdict

The Kindle Paperwhite (2024) doesn’t radically redefine the e-reader experience, but it didn’t need to. It’s a refined, polished device that excels at what it was designed to do: make reading easy, enjoyable, and immersive. The improved display, faster performance, and long battery life are significant upgrades for anyone using an older Kindle.

For those already using the 2021 Paperwhite, the differences are minor and unlikely to justify the cost of upgrading, but if you’re new to e-readers or upgrading from a basic Kindle, it’s a no-brainer. At $160/£160, the Paperwhite is no longer the budget-friendly option it once was, but its features and quality justify the price.

Kindle Paperwhite (2024) technical specifications