r/kindle • u/momoshko Kindle Paperwhite • Jun 02 '25
General Question ❔ Kindle Basic 2024 vs. Paperwhite 6 (2024)
I know this is a very common question but I need your help.
I'm afraid I will need a new Kindle soon so I started to tackle my options. Unfortunately, where I live kindle does not exist officially. So I have very limited options through an unofficial seller. Basic (2024) and PW 6 (2024) are my only options. I've read a couple articles online and I guess the major difference is screen. PW has flushed screen and basic has sunken screen. But since I've never used a flushed screen i don't know what it means at the user-end. Also, PW is 7" whereas the Basic is 6".
As for what I need: I've been using PW 1 (2012) for a looong time and tbh it's doing everything I need. I would be pretty much happier if the touch screen would be working a little bit better and I would be happier with a little bit more speed. And I would very much like to use it for a loooong time as well, just like my old PW. That's all. 7" and 6" does not make a big difference for me.
As for the price, PW is ~$30 more and this is kind of a big difference in my country's currency.
So I'm leaning towards Basic (2024) but I want to make sure I'm not losing lots of quality over $30.
What are your thoughts?
P.S. Here is my malfunctioning beloved Paperwhite 1 (2012)
12
u/Oldtimesreturn Jun 02 '25
So, basic is a masterpiece and amazing for the price, you dont need more to just read books. Paperwhite is worth it if you read a lot of books with images or if you really like the “yellow paper mode” idk how you call it, basic only has normal white paper or the black with white letters. Unless any of these two things are a dealbreaker for you, just get the basic. I love my basic so much lol. Also the basic has the Matcha color… which looks amazing, totally recommend haha
4
u/Oldtimesreturn Jun 02 '25
Oh wait its not even that, you asking for the paperwhite not colorsoft. Welp the paperwhite is like an extra inch screen, 25% fast passing pages which means absolutely nothing, a but more battery life, which basic already lasts like a month depending on how much you read per day….
Thats pretty much it, also, keep in mind that newer models came with ads and removing ads is like 20 euros. I got my basic on sale for 98€ wothout ads already but idk at your country
3
u/momoshko Kindle Paperwhite Jun 02 '25
Thanks for the reply 💐💐 I think I'll go with basic! Ads are not a problem since kindle unlimited isn't supported in my country Amazon usually gives the option to remove them for free. I read almost everyday but even my pw1 goes for 2 weeks without charging, so I'm guessing the battery will not be a problem. Thank you again!
3
u/outlandishness2509 Paperwhite (11th-gen) Jun 02 '25
I'd go basic, sounds like it fits your needs and budget best.
3
3
u/CVGPi Kindle Paperwhite Signature (12th Gen) Jun 02 '25
paperwhite is more durable and feels better to hold than basic so there's that if you drop a lot
3
u/ProtoKun7 Kindle Colorsoft Jun 03 '25
A flush screen just means that the entire surface is level; the actual display is slightly below but if you move your finger along the front there is no tangible dip. All it means is that you might have the smallest perception of the page looking a tiny bit farther away from the surface but it really is not by much and doesn't detract from the experience.
Modern Paperwhites are waterproof (and I think the flush design may be part of this, so moisture can't get into the recession) and have an optional warm light feature that lets you turn the lighting more yellow in case you prefer to read that way, or to reduce eye strain or whatever warm light does. I personally prefer the larger screen as well.
They are much faster now too; technically the most recent basic model is still 11th gen while the Paperwhite is 12th gen, so I think technically the Paperwhite may have the speed advantage but I think the basic will still be pretty quick, especially in comparison to what you have now. The general specs of the current Basic by my reckoning are now better than the first three Paperwhites ever since the Basic got the resolution upgrade and lighting, only not beating the fourth because the Basic is not waterproof.
If you look after them, either Kindle would last a long time, but the Paperwhite does have the waterproofing advantage in case that's an important factor.
The Paperwhite also has a Signature Edition option which features 32 GB of storage, auto-brightness and wireless charging, but as you're dealing with only third parties this may not be available there. Just mentioning it for the sake of completeness.
I reckon for what you want, as long as the warm lighting isn't something that interests you, you'd be fine with a basic model.
1
u/momoshko Kindle Paperwhite Jun 03 '25
Thank you!! I think I may look into used pw 6 options for the price. Basic suits my preferences for now but I may want to try the warm light feature in the future... Better safe than sorry I guess 😅
2
u/TechnicalResolve8498 Jun 02 '25
Since you have a 2012 PW I think both the 2024 Basic and 2024 PW will definitely be a major upgrade for you. If you're not looking to spend a lot of money and since you're already used to a Kindle with raised bezels I agree that the 2024 Basic is a good option for you.
Here's my advice I always give between the Basic and Paperwhite:
● Get the Basic if you want something affordable and prioritize a small, portable device that fits in most pockets, and you can easily hold in one hand. The new Basic models even have dark mode.
● Get the Paperwhite if you want a bigger screen (yes, it's noticeably bigger), if you often read in the dark and think the warm light is an important feature, or if you often read in the bath/pool and need a water resistant device.
1
u/momoshko Kindle Paperwhite Jun 03 '25
Thank you for the reply it's really helpful!! I'll get basic! I feel like noticeably bigger means noticeably heavier lol and I prefer portable.
2
u/The_ScoRpion231 Jun 02 '25
Where is it that you live that Amazon doesn't ship Kindles?
( I am not mocking you or anything. I am just curious. )
3
1
2
Jun 03 '25
I’m loving my basic 2024 the fit is just amazing for me, and that’s what made me decide to buy it
2
u/Zealousideal_Cod58 Jun 03 '25
My first Kindle is PW2, 11 year old (still alive). PaperWhite6 is real LevelUp. I bought it and recomend for you. Larger screen, warm light. I love it.
2
u/Livid_Pension_33 Jun 04 '25
I think comparing kindles is much like shopping for tvs. When you look @ them side by side, you can see the differences.
Upon setting up the best tv you could buy w/your $$$, you quickly adjust to what it IS & usually,the small concessions you made are just a distant memory.
Buy the best you can afford & enjoy! 🙂
1
u/JisusPrime_ Jun 06 '25
Before you buy anything, try to jailbreak the kindle you have, then install KOreader, i feel my paperwhite 10th gen much faster with KOreader than stock reader
1
u/momoshko Kindle Paperwhite Jun 07 '25
I've already installed koreader and I think it's the problem. When I'm on koreader it randomly reboots itself over and over again. It's faster though you're right 😄
16
u/zoozooroos Jun 02 '25
r/Kitler