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Kindle (8th gen) — 2016
Amazon

Kindle (8th gen)

2016

70
/ 100
From $79
VS
Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen) wins by 22
Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen) — 7″ · 300 ppi · 12-week battery
Amazon

Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen)

7″ · 300 ppi · 12-week battery

92
/ 100
From $159
Specdex verdict

Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen) takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Kindle (8th gen) lands at 70 and Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen) at 92. That puts Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen) ahead by 22 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 (12th gen) if…

  • ✓Snappiest Kindle yet
  • ✓Larger 7″ display
  • ✓IPX8 water resistance
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Winner by scenario

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

Battery

Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen)

Compared on the battery sub-score

Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen) leads on battery (96 vs 94).

Speed

Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen)

Compared on the speed sub-score

Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen) leads on speed (92 vs 80).

Ecosystem

Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen)

Compared on the ecosystem sub-score

Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen) leads on ecosystem (88 vs 84).

Value for money

Kindle (8th gen)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Kindle (8th gen) more score per dollar ($79 vs $159).

Kindle (8th gen) 70
vs
92 Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen)

Score breakdown

Kindle (8th gen)
70
display 70
speed 80
battery 94
ecosystem 84
Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen)
92
display 94
speed 92
battery 96
ecosystem 88

Specs side-by-side

Kindle (8th gen) versus Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen) — full spec comparison
Spec Kindle (8th gen) Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen)
Release year
2016
—
Display
—
7″ E Ink, 300 ppi
Storage
—
16 GB
Battery
—
12 weeks
Water
—
IPX8

Kindle (8th gen)

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

Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen)

Pros
  • +Snappiest Kindle yet
  • +Larger 7″ display
  • +IPX8 water resistance
Cons
  • −Still Amazon walled garden
  • −No buttons
  • −Lockscreen ads unless paid off

FAQ: Kindle (8th gen) vs Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen)

Which is better, Kindle (8th gen) or Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen)? +

Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen) scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 22. 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 (12th gen) worth the price? +

At $159, Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen) delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in battery.

Does Kindle (8th gen) or Kindle Paperwhite (12th 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 battery, Kindle (8th gen) or Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen)? +

Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen) — leads on battery (96 vs 94). Compared on the battery sub-score.

Which is better for speed, Kindle (8th gen) or Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen)? +

Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen) — leads on speed (92 vs 80). Compared on the speed sub-score.