You realize the bit from The Workplace the place Pam asks Creed to seek out the variations between the 2 pictures? And the kicker is that they are the identical photograph. That is how I really feel evaluating Amazon’s Kindle Paperwhite and Kindle Paperwhite Signature Version. These units have extra in frequent than not, which is precisely why I feel folks so generally ask what the variations between the 2 are.
Having examined each and the remainder of the Kindle lineup, I can safely say that every has its perks, however what’s my winner? Learn on to seek out out.
What the Paperwhite and Signature Version have in frequent: Specs and efficiency
Each the Kindle Paperwhite (L) and the Paperwhite Signature Version (R) have adjustable brightness and heat.
Credit score: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
You will not spot any variations between the 2 units simply by taking a look at them. They’re the identical dimension, with the identical decision display. The facility button, charging port, and audio jack are in the identical spot on each units. They usually each have the next specs:
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7-inch show, as much as 94 nits brightness, and 300 ppi decision
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USB-C charging port with as much as 12 weeks of battery life
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IPX8 waterproof score — might be absolutely submerged in water for as much as one hour
All through my weeks of testing, I discovered no distinction between the units’ pace and value. Each e-readers present distinctive efficiency. The 2024 fashions are the quickest e-readers I’ve examined, rapidly downloading books and flipping between pages.
Whereas different e-readers lag when swiping between pages, the Paperwhite and Signature Version transfer rapidly between pages, by no means needing time to load. If it’s good to flip just a few pages forward, just some faucets get you there immediately. To not point out, each Kindles have a 12-week battery life, so that you hardly ever must cost them.
Every gadget has adjustable brightness and heat for studying in any setting. Turning up the heat is without doubt one of the greatest options of the Paperwhite and Signature Version, making it simpler to learn at night time with out eye pressure.
Plus, Kindle has mastered Libby integration. To get library books in your Kindle, you simply must push a button within the Libby app.
Kindle Paperwhite vs. Signature Version: Shade
The Kindle Paperwhite is only a barely duller model of the Signature Version’s metallic jade.
Credit score: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
As talked about, the construct and design of the Paperwhite and Signature Version are almost similar, apart from colour — and solely sort of. The Paperwhite and Signature Version are available in three shades: black, jade, and raspberry. The slight distinction between the 2 is that the shades on the Signature Version are metallic, whereas the Paperwhite is matte.
Whereas the Signature Version shades are nicer, the distinction is so miniscule that it is not value it to choose a mannequin based mostly on the colours, particularly when there’s a $40 worth distinction.
Kindle Paperwhite vs. Signature Version: Storage
One of the vital variations between the Paperwhite and Paperwhite Signature Version is not seen. The Paperwhite has 16GB of storage, whereas the Paperwhite Signature Version has twice that at 32GB.
With regards to telephones and laptops, 16 or 32GB of storage is nothing lately. However for e-readers, 16GB is loads of storage. The typical e-book takes as much as 2MB of storage, that means you’ll be able to maintain 1000’s of e-books with 16GB. That is loads of storage for me, and 32GB is overkill. Nonetheless, should you’ve used an e-reader with 16GB and have run out of storage, then 32GB is likely to be completely obligatory.
Kindle Paperwhite vs. Signature Version: Worth
When contemplating worth, the Paperwhite is the extra reasonably priced possibility. The Kindle Paperwhite begins at $159.99, whereas the Paperwhite Signature Version prices $199.99. The Signature Version’s worth is not simply due to its shiny metallic shade. For $40 extra, you get added options like auto-adjusting brightness, 32GB of storage, and an ad-free lock display.
The Paperwhite Signature Version even works with the Apple MagSafe charger.
Credit score: Samantha Mangino / Mashable
Talking of options, the Signature Version shines. For $40 extra, you will get extra storage, wi-fi charging, auto-adjusting brightness, and an ad-free lock display.
The perfect function of the bunch is the ad-free lock display. On the Kindle Paperwhite, when not in use, your Kindle will push by means of numerous adverts from the Kindle store. It is not the worst, however should you’re getting a Kindle for digital studying with out distraction, not having adverts is a large perk. (Plus, a few of the options might be fairly on the market.) The draw back is that with no adverts, the Signature Version’s lock display has no “swipe to unlock” function, so it tends to unlock by itself whenever you depart it in your bag. Nonetheless, should you seize a case with a canopy, it is a simple workaround.
I am far much less impressed in relation to the auto-adjusting brightness and wi-fi charging. I’ve used the Signature Version for months, and the auto-adjusting brightness works about 20 p.c of the time, and even when it does, I nonetheless must go in and manually regulate it. The wi-fi charging can be superb. Amazon makes a wi-fi charging pad you should buy; nonetheless, the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Version can be suitable with different chargers just like the Apple MagSafe charger. That mentioned, I by no means discovered this function obligatory since USB-C chargers are plentiful lately, and the Kindle solely must be charged each two to 3 months.
The winner: The Kindle Paperwhite
Whereas each units are almost similar, and even with the Signature Version providing just a few additional perks, my decide remains to be the Kindle Paperwhite. Certain, the Signature Version has extra storage and options, but it surely’s not definitely worth the further $40. The Kindle Paperwhite provides the identical efficiency because the upgraded mannequin, and 16GB is loads of storage. Amazon is not very beneficiant with its offers on Kindle units, so if you are going to purchase a full-price mannequin, let it’s the Paperwhite.
In the event you spot a deal on the Signature Version, you’ll be able to swing for probably the most stacked Kindle however do not pay the total $199.99 price ticket when the Paperwhite is true there.
