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Kindle (8th gen) — 2016
Amazon

Kindle (8th gen)

2016

70
/ 100
From $79
VS
Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) wins by 18
Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) — 2021
Amazon

Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen)

2021

88
/ 100
From $139
Specdex verdict

Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Kindle (8th gen) lands at 70 and Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) at 88. That puts Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) ahead by 18 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Kindle (8th gen) if…

  • ✓Weeks of battery
  • ✓Glare-free E Ink
  • ✓Lightweight

Pick Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) if…

  • ✓Weeks of battery life
  • ✓Glare-free E Ink
  • ✓Lightweight
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Battery

Tie

Compared on the battery sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Ecosystem

Tie

Compared on the ecosystem sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Speed

Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen)

Compared on the speed sub-score

Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) leads on speed (82 vs 80).

Value for money

Kindle (8th gen)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Kindle (8th gen) more score per dollar ($79 vs $139).

Kindle (8th gen) 70
vs
88 Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen)

Score breakdown

Kindle (8th gen)
70
display 70
speed 80
battery 94
ecosystem 84
Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen)
88
display 88
speed 82
battery 94
ecosystem 84

Specs side-by-side

Kindle (8th gen) versus Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) — full spec comparison
Spec Kindle (8th gen) Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen)
Release year
2016
2021

Kindle (8th gen)

Pros
  • +Weeks of battery
  • +Glare-free E Ink
  • +Lightweight
Cons
  • −Slow refresh
  • −Ecosystem lock-in (most)
  • −Color options muted

Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen)

Pros
  • +Weeks of battery life
  • +Glare-free E Ink
  • +Lightweight
Cons
  • −Slow refresh vs LCD
  • −Ecosystem lock-in
  • −Color E Ink muted

FAQ: Kindle (8th gen) vs Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen)

Which is better, Kindle (8th gen) or Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen)? +

Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) scores 88 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 18. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Kindle (8th gen) worth the price? +

At $79, Kindle (8th gen) delivers a Specdex score of 70 — strongest in battery.

Is Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) worth the price? +

At $139, Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in battery.

Does Kindle (8th gen) or Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for speed, Kindle (8th gen) or Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen)? +

Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) — leads on speed (82 vs 80). Compared on the speed sub-score.

Which is the better value, Kindle (8th gen) or Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen)? +

Kindle (8th gen) — more score per dollar ($79 vs $139). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.