Amazon
Kindle (8th gen)
2016
70
/ 100
From $79
VS
Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) wins by 18
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
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
| 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.