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Original poster

Basic Kindle or Kindle Paperwhite?

33 replies

LumenLights · 21/06/2026 23:49

Not an AIBU but posting for traffic.

With Prime Day coming up this week I’m considering buying a Kindle. It will be my first Kindle and I hope it will encourage me to read more.

The problem is I can’t decide which one I want. Can anyone who uses a Kindle offer any advice? I’m worried the Paperwhite will be too big but also that the basic will be too small.

OP posts:
Original poster
LumenLights · 22/06/2026 00:11

Ilovecaptainlee · 22/06/2026 00:04

Basic! I have a paperwhite and ended up buying a basic as well because the PW is just slightly too large for me to comfortably hold in one hand to read in certain situations and for a long period of time.

The basic is perfect size wise although I don’t think is ‘waterproof’ like the PW.

It was a choice where I assumed bigger and more expensive meant better but I was wrong (for my needs anyway).

So many people seem to say this! But then I watch YouTube reviews and the basic seems so small.

OP posts:
Original poster
LumenLights · 22/06/2026 00:10

I think my worry is the smaller Kindle will be too much like using my phone, and I really don’t want that. I also think there’ll be too many words which carry over onto the next line, unless I make the text size smaller. But I generally prefer smaller text.

The Paperwhite seems to be more similar in size to the average paperback which is a plus, but it looks massive next to the basic Kindle. As much as I don’t want the smaller one to feel like a phone, I also don’t want this to feel like a tablet. It’s also about 50% more expensive.

I’ll use it in bed and probably on the train. I’ll be able to fit both in my bag no problem but I do worry that the larger will be more difficult to hold and be a lot less discreet in public.

OP posts:
Ilovecaptainlee · 22/06/2026 00:04

Basic! I have a paperwhite and ended up buying a basic as well because the PW is just slightly too large for me to comfortably hold in one hand to read in certain situations and for a long period of time.

The basic is perfect size wise although I don’t think is ‘waterproof’ like the PW.

It was a choice where I assumed bigger and more expensive meant better but I was wrong (for my needs anyway).

Woodfiresareamazing2 · 22/06/2026 00:00

tinyspiny · 21/06/2026 23:57

I have a paper white and am very happy with it . I only read at night in bed so it’s good for the dark .

Is it easy to read in sunlight?

Woodfiresareamazing2 · 21/06/2026 23:59

Hi @LumenLights

I love reading and have had a Kindle for about 15 years now.

Currently I have a Kindle Fire, which is great - good size re packability and size of page for reading ease.
I wouldn't recommend buying a model with a really small screen as I think you will find it very frustrating.

I spend a lot of time in a warm climate now, so would like to easily read outdoors, hence I am considering buying a Paperwhite. I will be interested to hear people's thoughts on them too!
Especially re how easy they are to read in strong sunlight.

You need to weigh up where/when you will likely use it, and go from there ...

tinyspiny · 21/06/2026 23:57

I have a paper white and am very happy with it . I only read at night in bed so it’s good for the dark .

HollyBerri · 21/06/2026 23:55

Ive got a paper white and love it. Dd has got an ordinary kindle but prefers reading books as she says its too much like being on her phone/laptop.

InQuiresandplaceswheretheysing · 21/06/2026 23:54

i found the size doesn’t matter as you can alter the size of the text.