E-Readers Head to head
Kindle Paperwhite vs Kindle
The Kindle Paperwhite leads on screen (diagonal), adjustable warm light, waterproof (IPX8) and thickness. The Kindle leads on weight. They are level on pixel density (black and white), colour screen and base storage. At list price the Kindle is $50 cheaper.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (2026 model)
$199.99
Maker's list price, checked Nov 4, 2026
Model Kindle Paperwhite (2026)
Leads on 4 of 8 specs
Amazon Kindle 16GB (2026 model)
$149.99
Maker's list price, checked Nov 4, 2026
Model Kindle (2026)
Leads on 1 of 8 specs
Who leads on specs?
Counted on the 8 specs both makers publish.
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Choose the Kindle Paperwhite if
Screen (diagonal), adjustable warm light, waterproof (IPX8) and thickness matter more to you than the price difference.
Spec by spec
Every spec side by side. A tick and a green cell mark the better figure.
| Spec | Kindle Paperwhite | Kindle | Who leads |
|---|---|---|---|
| List price | $199.99 | $149.99 | Kindle |
| Screen (diagonal) | 7 in | 6 in | Kindle Paperwhite |
| Pixel density (black and white) | 300 ppi | 300 ppi | Level |
| Colour screen | No | No | Level |
| Adjustable warm light | Yes | No | Kindle Paperwhite |
| Waterproof (IPX8) | Yes | No | Kindle Paperwhite |
| Base storage | 16 GB | 16 GB | Level |
| Weight | 204 g | 140 g | Kindle |
| Thickness | 6.8 mm | 6.85 mm | Kindle Paperwhite |
| Physical page-turn buttons | Not listed | Not listed | Can’t compare: not listed |
| Installs third-party apps | Not listed | Not listed | Can’t compare: not listed |
| Battery as listed | Up to 12 weeks (half an hour a day, light at 13) | Up to 6 weeks | For information |
As a Kindle Paperwhite alternative
Amazon's own cheaper Kindle, $50 less: the same 300 ppi and 16 GB, 64 g lighter at 140 g. Amazon's own table gives it no warm light and no waterproof rating, the screen is 6 inches against 7, and Amazon lists up to 6 weeks of battery against 12.
See it ranked against every Kindle Paperwhite alternative
