This isn't quite the top of the line for Kindles, but it's close. That honor would go to the Scribe, with the Oasis possibly taking second place, though we haven't seen a new Oasis in a while. It sports more memory than the regular Paperwhite, and I think that's particularly worth it if you're using Audible on the device. It would take a lot of text-based books to fill 8 gig never mind 16.
I want to compare ereaders, then compare ebooks to print.
If you are going to use this for audiobooks, it's hard to ignore the Nook from B&N as a competitor to this. The Glowlight 4 is about the same size as this and the 4 plus is a bit larger. All of these sport 32 gig of memory, are waterproof, and have about the same screen type.
The advantage of the Nook is you get a 3.5mm headphone jack as well as being able to connect headphones via Bluetooth. The Kindle is limited to Bluetooth.
The advantages of the Kindle are first that it supports Audible. If you have a subscription already, that becomes a no-brainer. If not, there are a lot of titles on Audible that B&N doesn't have. If those interest you, you're better off with the Kindle, and you'll want the larger memory.
Second, transfering your own documents wirelessly to the device is substantially easier on Kindle. Just email it, or use the website, or send it to the app on your phone. Nook requires you use a USB cable and then find the right folder to put it in. This is a win for the Kindle, but any Kindle, not just Paperwhite Signature.
Third, market dominance. The demise of Nook is often predicted (I don't think they're going anywhere, but that's merely my prediction based on market share over time) but no one in their right mind thinks Kindle, with a commanding 80+% market share at the time of this review, is going anywhere.
For free books, Kindle has the monthly subscription to unlimited, Nook gives out a free books (or sometimes audiobook) every Friday. Prime subscribers can pick a free book (sometimes two) from a small selection at the beginning of the month. Overall, I'll call that a toss up.
I use both, but if I could have only one, I'd go with the Kindle.
If you're deciding between Kindles, the Oasis is smaller despite having a slightly larget screen and physical buttons (the bezel is much smaller) and it has cellular. The Paperwhite Signature has USB-C (not a big deal in my opinion) and wireless charging (and the stand they sell for that is absolutely amazing). The Paperwhite Signature is also substantially less expensive.
The Scribe supports the pen and has built in notebooks, making it kind of a hybrid between the Supernote and the Kindle. That's the big win there. The win for the Paperwhite Signature is that it's waterproof, smaller, and less expensive.
The basic Kindle is also worth looking at on a budget. It has less memory and isn't waterproof, but it's extremely affordable. This is the one I'd take with me into situations where I'd worry about it getting lost or damaged because it's the easiest to replace. This is also the one I'd give a kid, for the same reason, and also the one I'd suggest someone start on if they're not sure if they'll like ebooks. It really is a nice device. I use mine a lot.
The Paperwhite regular sports less memory, but is a fine contender if you only want ebooks, no audio. You can only go up to 16 gig memory there, no wireless charging. It's front lit, but not automatically adjusting and it has ads.
On the topic of ads, I've seen memes that seem to suggest they pop up while reading. While this model has no ads, if you're considering another don't let that stop you. They are on the sleep screen. They don't interfere with reading. It's one of the myths told by the "dead tree only" crowd. The others are:
You can't dogear them. Well, you can, only you can also remove the dogear without leaving a trace, so that's actually a win in the ebook column.
You can't mark them up. Again, you can and you can undo, but because the space is not limited to the page, you can add larger notes here than would be supported in print books, particularly those with thin margins.
You can't use them if the battery dies. The battery lasts weeks for me and I'm a heavy reader. I have never found myself unable to use my Kindle because I was in some foresaken wasteland without access to power. I can even recharge my device for free on the bus if I have my cable with me (I usually do). I have found myself reading a book I lost interest in while out and about and using a Kindle (or any ereader), that's no issue. With print it used to be.
You can't use it near water. This one is waterproof. I've never seen a print book that wasn't destroyed if you got it soaking wet. I'm not even sure where that myth came from. I can say my Paperwhite Signature fell into a sink full of water and didn't care.
You retain more from print books. I'm putting this one in the myth column because I don't trust the methodology. First, they were only using iPads with notifications turned on. Then, when enough people cried, foul they used the Kindle DX (giant, wonderful device; I wish they'd revamp and reintroduce those). Only they only selected people who'd never used one before.
I recently spoke to someone involved and we discussed why they didn't include audiobooks. Participants get 15 minutes to read about 25 pages. The print folk just get the book and start reading. The ebook folk get a lecture on how to use it before they start reading, but the lecture cuts into the 15 minutes. Ever wonder why the studies also show people on ebooks read faster? If they threw in audiobooks they'd have to allow enough time for participants to hear the story at normal speed.
I want an apples to apples comparison, with people experienced with ebooks and identical reading times before I'll trust this. On a side note, if you want to remember what you read better regardless of medium, check out Moonwalking with Einstein (available on Kindle).
One thing the "dead tree only" crowd won't talk about is the environmental impact. The impact of ebooks has always been better than that of print, but we've come so far in so little time, that a modern ereader like this one has the same impact as 14 print books. Once you read your 15th book on this, you net an environmental win.
Another thing is accessibility. Any book can transform immediately into a large print book while remaining light and easy to hold and carry.
Then there's lighting and the ability to read anywhere. I read in bed with the lights off. If you have a kid who "sneaks" a book under the cover, this makes it easier and reduces eye strain.
Then there's the ability to text search for something you forgot and want to reference. I can barely stand print books for the inability to find some random tidbit easily.
That and you get to keep your entire library. I'll always have nightmares about helping a little old lady who loves to read move into assisted living and having to discard the bulk of her library. The bulk of my library sits in my purse. And you can have the same book on multiple "shelves". That's how I get around the "is Star Wars science fiction or fantasy" debate. It lives in both.
So for me, ebooks win overall, and if I have to go with one line, it's Kindle. Amongst the Kindle, my favorite is usually the Scribe for non-fiction (for the ability to take notes) and this for fiction (for the most comfortable form factor) with the base model being used in some situations.
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Sustainability features
This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.
Carbon impact
Carbon emissions from the lifecycle of this product were reduced compared to similar products or previous models.
As certified by
Reducing CO2 The Reducing CO2 label applies to products certified by the Carbon Trust, that are lowering their carbon emissions year after year for the full lifecycle of the product. The Carbon Trust was formed in 2001 and introduced the world’s first carbon label in 2007. It produces its certifications to global leading and independently verified standards. The Carbon Trust has a mission to accelerate the move to a sustainable, low carbon economy.
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Our best Kindle Paperwhite yet
32 GB of storage means more space for your favorites. Wireless charging means less hassle when you’re headed out. Thinner borders mean more reading space. And an auto-adjusting front light means easier reading day or night.
Make a splash
With the waterproof Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, you’re free to read and relax in more places, from the beach to the bath. Kindle Paperwhite is IPX8 rated to protect against accidental immersion in up to two meters of fresh water for up to 60 minutes, and up to 0.25 meters of seawater for up to 3 minutes. Learn more about waterproof features.
Better together
Our covers are designed by Amazon to perfectly fit your Kindle, thin and lightweight design allows for hours of comfortable reading. They automatically put your Kindle to sleep when closed and wake upon opening, making it easy to get back to your story. Shop Kindle accessories.
FABRIC COVER
Designed by Amazon to perfectly fit your Kindle, these slim, form-fitting covers attach securely and fold back for one-handed reading. Shop fabric covers.
GLASS SCREEN PROTECTOR
Ultra-clear and scratch resistant glass provides protection without compromising the display.
Shop glass screen protector.
LEATHER COVER
Textured natural leather cover with microfiber interior protects your display from scratches. Cover folds back for easy one-handed reading. Shop leather covers.
Every day is an earth day
You don’t have to be an environmental scientist to make sustainable choices. We considered sustainability in the design of this Kindle device. Here’s how:
Materials
60% post-consumer recycled plastics in device
70% recycled magnesium in device
Device Packaging
95% of this device’s packaging is made of wood fiber-based materials from responsibly managed forests or recycled sources.
Part With Purpose
There may come a time when you want to trade in or recycle your device. Explore options with Amazon Second Chance.
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| Price | From: $79.99 | From: $114.99 | From: $189.99 | From: $239.99 |
| Ratings | (18,172) | (54,235) | (25,940) | (6,106) |
| Display Size | 6" glare-free | 6.8" glare-free | 6.8" glare-free | 10.2" glare-free |
| Storage | 16 GB | 16 GB | 32 GB | 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB |
| Resolution | 300 ppi | 300 ppi | 300 ppi | 300 ppi |
| Front light | 4 LEDs | 17 LEDs | 17 LEDs | 35 LEDs |
| Weeks of battery life |
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| Cover | Sold separately | Sold separately | Sold separately | Sold separately |
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| Wifi Connectivity | Wifi | Wifi | Wifi | Wifi |
| Color | Black or Denim | Black, Denim, and Agave Green | Black, Denim, and Agave Green | Tungsten |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty | 1-year limited warranty | 1-year limited warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
Technical Details
Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition
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Display |
Amazon's 6.8” Paperwhite display technology with built-in light, 300 ppi, optimized font technology, 16-level gray scale. |
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Size |
6.9” x 4.9” x .32” (174 x 125 x 8.1 mm). |
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Weight |
7.3 oz (208 g). Actual size and weight may vary by configuration and manufacturing process. |
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System Requirements |
None; fully wireless and doesn't require a computer to download content. |
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On-Device Storage |
32 GB; holds thousands of books. |
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Cloud Storage |
Free cloud storage for all Amazon content. |
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Battery Life |
A single charge lasts up to ten (10) weeks, based on a half hour of reading per day with wireless off and the light setting at 13. Battery life may vary depending on use. Audible audiobook streaming over Bluetooth will reduce battery life. |
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Charge Time |
Fully charges in approximately 5 hours from a computer via USB cable; fully charges in less than 2.5 hours with a 9W USB power adapter; fully charges in less than 3.5 hours with any compatible 10W Qi wireless charging pad (sold separately). Check if your wireless charger is compatible with Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition. |
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Wifi Connectivity |
Supports 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz networks. Does not support connecting to ad-hoc (or peer-to-peer) wifi networks. |
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Accessibility Features |
VoiceView screen reader, available over Bluetooth audio, provides spoken feedback allowing you to navigate your device and read books with text-to-speech (available in English only). Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition also includes the ability to invert Black and White, adjust font size, font face, line spacing and margins. Learn more about Accessibility for Kindle. |
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Content Formats Supported |
Kindle Format 8 (AZW3), Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; HTML DOC, DOCX, JPEG, GIF, PNG, PMP through conversion; Audible audio format (AAX). |
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Documentation |
Learn more about Kindle devices with our Quick Start Guide and Kindle User Guide. |
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Warranty and Service |
1-year limited warranty and service included. Optional 1-year, 2-year or 3-year Extended Warranty available for U.S customers sold separately. Use of Kindle is subject to Amazon's Conditions of Use and the terms found here. |
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Included in the Box |
Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, USB-C charging cable and Quick Start Guide. |
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Waterproofing |
Waterproof (IPX8), tested to withstand immersion in 2 meters of fresh water for 60 minutes. Learn more about the waterproof Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition. |
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Available Colors |
Black, Denim, and Agave Green |
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Generation |
Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (11th Generation) - 2021 release. |
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Software Security Updates |
This device receives guaranteed software security updates until at least four years after the device is last available for purchase as a new unit on our websites. Learn more about these software security updates. If you already own a Kindle, visit Manage Your Content and Devices for information specific to your device. |
Sustainability features
This product has sustainability features recognized by trusted certifications.
Carbon impact
Carbon emissions from the lifecycle of this product were reduced compared to similar products or previous models.
As certified by
Reducing CO2 The Reducing CO2 label applies to products certified by the Carbon Trust, that are lowering their carbon emissions year after year for the full lifecycle of the product. The Carbon Trust was formed in 2001 and introduced the world’s first carbon label in 2007. It produces its certifications to global leading and independently verified standards. The Carbon Trust has a mission to accelerate the move to a sustainable, low carbon economy.
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Reviews with images
Nice upgrade
Lots of improvements over original. If you are an avid reader and thinking about upgrading and the money is not issue. Do it. The screen is bigger and much more responsive. It has blue light filter that helps with fatigue. And it is flat all the way across which looks and feels better. Also usb-c charging is more convenient and much faster. Battery life is great. I read for hours each day and charge mine once, sometimes twice a week. One thing I will recommend. Get the remote page turner. It will change your life.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2023
Color: DenimOption: Without Kindle UnlimitedOffer Type: Without Lockscreen AdsVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2022
Color: BlackOption: Without Kindle UnlimitedOffer Type: Without Lockscreen AdsVerified Purchase
