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Kobo Aura One — 2016
Kobo

Kobo Aura One

2016

78
/ 100
From $229
VS
Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen) wins by 14
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, Kobo Aura One lands at 78 and Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen) at 92. That puts Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen) ahead by 14 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Kobo Aura One 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).

Display

Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen)

Compared on the display sub-score

Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen) leads on display (94 vs 78).

Speed

Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen)

Compared on the speed sub-score

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

Value for money

Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen) more score per dollar ($159 vs $229).

Kobo Aura One 78
vs
92 Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen)

Score breakdown

Kobo Aura One
78
display 78
speed 80
battery 94
ecosystem 84
Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen)
92
display 94
speed 92
battery 96
ecosystem 88

Specs side-by-side

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

Kobo Aura One

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: Kobo Aura One vs Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen)

Which is better, Kobo Aura One or Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen)? +

Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen) scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 14. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Kobo Aura One worth the price? +

At $229, Kobo Aura One delivers a Specdex score of 78 — 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 Kobo Aura One 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, Kobo Aura One 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 display, Kobo Aura One or Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen)? +

Kindle Paperwhite (12th gen) — leads on display (94 vs 78). Compared on the display sub-score.