Amazon
Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen)
2021
88
/ 100
From $139
VS
Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen) wins by 4
Amazon
Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen)
2024
92
/ 100
From $159
Specdex verdict
Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen) takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) lands at 88 and Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen) at 92. That puts Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen) ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) if…
- ✓Weeks of battery life
- ✓Glare-free E Ink
- ✓Lightweight
Pick Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen) if…
- ✓Weeks of battery life
- ✓Glare-free E Ink
- ✓Lightweight
Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) 88
vs 92 Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen)
Score breakdown
Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen)
88 display 88
speed 82
battery 94
ecosystem 84
Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen)
92 display 92
speed 82
battery 94
ecosystem 84
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) | Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Release year | 2021 | 2024 |
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
Kindle Paperwhite (12th 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 Paperwhite (11th gen) vs Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen)
Which is better, Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) or Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen)? +
Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen) scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) worth the price? +
At $139, Kindle Paperwhite (11th gen) delivers a Specdex score of 88 — 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 Paperwhite (11th 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.