New Kindle Paperwhite vs Basic Kindle - 2024 Models

A comparison between the new 12th gen Kindle Paperwhite and the new basic Kindle for 2024. I forgot to mention the Paperwhite has longer battery life than the Kindle, but the Kindle is more pocketable and is about 50 grams lighter.

A note about contrast: Both screens are very similar, but in direct light the ink looks slightly darker on the Paperwhite's screen. At some points in the video the ink looks darker on the basic Kindle, but that seems to be a result of the light hitting the Paperwhite's flush screen at an angle. In person the difference is minor, but I have to give a slight edge to the Paperwhite's screen, especially when using the frontlight.

[TigerTT]

There is something nice about the feeling of the basic Kindle screen, it feels sorta close to an actual book when you're turning the pages.

[MaccaMK]

Thanks for a very useful comparison, showing many of the things that matter that a lot of other reviews don't! Really good!

[Huyndoan]

the only thing stops me from buying the basic is the lack of warm light... Warm light is a must for night reading. I prefer the size and recessed screen of the basic a lot.

[gabrielmoreirabr]

Waiting for the basic with the warm light

[arturslacinjans]

After this video I changed my mind about buying New Paperwhite )

[Tonette]

Will still go with the basic. Book reading will always be comfortable with the 6" for me.

[holyhellitsautumn]

I've been happy with my basic kindle. I take it everywhere cause you never know when you'll have to kill time during the day. I'll likely make the same decision next upgrade as well. All I need it to do is show me books.

[royalhoward]

Excellent review but honestly to my eyes the Basic Kindle appears to have the darker blacks compared to the Paperwhite. I would love to see you compare the BASIC 2022 and the BASIC 2024 editions.

[sisenberg]

lowkey want the basic model just so it can fit in this one backpack pocket lol

[knightday]

very happy with the paperwhite 11th edition. I like the smooth screen and faster response time over my older one. It hangs up less on bigger books copared to the older one too. It's a perfect size too. ( of course the on/off button should be on top though)

[qq-lgdy]

the flushed screen does look crispy, but the recessed screen is easier on the eyes...

[vishwanathnb]

Somehow the basic model feels more natural, like reading a printed book. While the paperwhite looks more like a tablet. 🤔

[lordgrinz]

Maybe it's just me, but the basic looks easier (clearer text) to read when you show the inside of a book. I also don't like the warm light, I guess everyone is different.

[pan]

My matcha is so much clearer than my paperwhite, and even without warm light it is not at all harsh - it is very frustrating that the top layer on the paperwhite that allows the flush bezel reduces clarity.

[CasanOffi]

I love the smaller and lighter format of the basic version, the paperwhite would be just too big and heavy for my needs.
The basic perfectly fits into my pockets when I´m on the go and I only read books. For graphic novels I would use a much bigger device like a tablet etc.

The only disappointment ist the basic lacks of the warmer light. Nice strategy, Amazon...
But I guess the next basic version will have warm light - just for idiots like me to buy a new Kindle.

[jaspercheng]

Why do they insist on using the soft plastic for Paperwhite?? It becomes all sticky eventually

[Chowdeeeer]

Omg that screen looks SO BLUE
I'm sure it's also the camera adjusting the colors but yeah, without a warm light the basic is a no-go for me, even tho I like everything else about it

[botond]

I'd love a comparison between the Koho Clara BW and the this new kindle basic

[SeniorAdrian]

I want a warm light on the basic model.

[pobbityboppity]

Sticking with my Paperwhite 10. I don’t like the size of the bigger new paperwhites or the downgraded basic Kindle.