My old Kindle was an over 10 years old Paperwhite (7th Generation). The device was covered in scratches, and I was starting to feel a little embarrassed carrying it around outside. So, during Amazon Prime Day, I finally decided to buy the latest model in the Paperwhite series: the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition Gen12!
The one I had been using was the Kindle Paperwhite (7th Generation), and the one I bought this time is the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (12th Generation).
I asked Chatty to make a comparison chart of Kindle devices for me!
📖 Kindle Paperwhite Comparison by Generation
| Comparison Item | Paperwhite 7th Gen | Paperwhite 10th Gen | Paperwhite 11th Gen | Paperwhite Gen12 Standard Edition | Paperwhite Signature Edition Gen12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sales status | Older model. Currently mainly available secondhand or through resale sites | Older model. Currently mainly available secondhand or refurbished | Older model. New stock may still be available in some cases, but it is no longer the current model | ・Kindle Paperwhite Gen12 Standard Edition, 16GB, with ads ・Kindle Paperwhite Gen12 Standard Edition, 16GB, without ads | Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition Gen12, 32GB |
| Release year | Around 2015 | 2018 | 2021 | 2024 | 2024 |
| Screen size | 6 inches | 6 inches | 6.8 inches | 7 inches | 7 inches |
| Resolution | 300ppi | 300ppi | 300ppi | 300ppi | 300ppi |
| Storage | 4GB | 8GB / 32GB | 8GB / 16GB, Signature Edition is 32GB | 16GB | 32GB ❤️ |
| Ads | Available with or without ads | Available with or without ads | Available with or without ads | Available with or without ads | Often sold as an ad-free model – mine has no ads |
| Waterproof | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Warm light | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Auto-adjusting brightness | No | No | Signature Edition only | No | Yes ❤️ |
| Wireless charging | No | No | Signature Edition only | No | Yes ❤️ |
| Audible support | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| How to listen to audio | Not supported | Bluetooth headphones / speaker | Bluetooth headphones / speaker | Bluetooth headphones / speaker | Bluetooth headphones / speaker |
| Charging port | micro-USB | micro-USB | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C + wireless charging |
| Battery life estimate | Up to several weeks | Up to several weeks | Up to 10 weeks | Up to 12 weeks | Up to 12 weeks |
| Page turns / performance | Slow | Improved compared with the 7th Gen | Improved compared with the 10th Gen | Faster performance | Faster performance |
| Positioning | Simple older model | Waterproof and Audible-compatible generation | Larger screen and warm light generation | Current standard Paperwhite model | Current premium Paperwhite model |
In the end, the upgrade from my old Paperwhite 7th Generation to the 12th Generation felt like a pretty big leap. When I compared them, there were noticeable differences in screen size, storage, waterproofing, warm light, Audible support, USB-C charging, and more..
On the other hand, when comparing the Paperwhite Signature Edition Gen12 that I bought with the regular Paperwhite Gen12, the basic reading experience seems quite similar. The main differences are storage capacity, the auto-adjusting front light, and wireless charging.
One thing I didn’t know before was that, depending on the region or product page, Kindle devices may come in “with ads” and “without ads” versions. The version with ads is usually a little cheaper, but recommended books and campaign promotions may appear on the lock screen and other places. On Amazon Japan, even the regular Paperwhite Gen12 is available as an ad-free model, and the Paperwhite Signature Edition Gen12 I bought was also ad-free. So it’s worth checking the product title and details before buying.
🔆 Comparing the Screens in the Dark at Maximum Brightness
I placed my old Kindle Paperwhite 7th Generation next to my new Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition in the dark, with both screens set to maximum brightness.
The new Paperwhite screen is easier to see, and because the adjustable warm light lets you make the screen tone warmer, I have a feeling it will be much more comfortable for nighttime reading.
This time, Anders recommended that I buy a case too, and I actually really like it! It has a slightly old-man style, but I think it will help me keep the Kindle protected and use it for a long time.
Fintie Case for 7 Inch Kindle Paperwhite (12th Generation)
Next up is Amazon Prime Day in Japan! I already have a list of books I want to buy, so I’m hoping some of them will go on sale 🙏
This is how we make our Nordic Life Colorful! Enjoy your day!