Skip to product information
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (8 GB) –Reviews
$139.99 USD
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (8 GB) Review
Larger display, adjustable warm light, improved battery life, and faster page turns — a focused upgrade to the Paperwhite line. This review covers reading experience, display, battery, design, pros & cons, specs, and buying tips.
Great for dedicated readers who want a glare-free, booklike display
Quick verdict: The Kindle Paperwhite 8 GB balances a larger, sharper display and adjustable warm light with long battery life and responsive page turns. It’s an excellent choice for readers who prefer a dedicated e-reader over a tablet or phone.
Overview
The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (8 GB) offers a larger glare‑free display, adjustable warm light for night reading, improved battery life, and faster page turns compared with earlier Paperwhite models. It’s designed for readers who want a distraction‑free, comfortable reading experience with access to Amazon’s ecosystem of books, audiobooks, and reading features.
Display and reading experience
The Paperwhite’s e‑ink display mimics paper and is easy on the eyes for long reading sessions. The larger screen increases visible text per page and reduces the need for frequent page turns. Adjustable warm light shifts color temperature from cool to warm, which helps reduce eye strain in low light and improves bedtime reading comfort.
Contrast and text rendering are excellent for an e‑ink panel; fonts are crisp and adjustable. The anti‑glare surface performs well outdoors in bright sunlight.
Performance and battery
Page turns feel snappy thanks to optimized hardware and software. The 8 GB storage holds thousands of books (exact count depends on file sizes and whether audiobooks are stored). Battery life is measured in weeks under typical reading habits, and charging is via USB‑C on recent Paperwhite models.
Wi‑Fi downloads are fast; cellular models (if offered) provide on‑the‑go book delivery. The device supports Audible via Bluetooth for listening to audiobooks when paired with headphones or a speaker.
Design and usability
The Paperwhite is thin, lightweight, and comfortable to hold for extended periods. The physical buttons are absent (page turns are touchscreen), but the touchscreen is responsive and supports tap and swipe gestures. The device is water‑resistant (IPX8 on many Paperwhite models), making it suitable for reading by the pool or in the bath.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Larger, crisp e‑ink display with adjustable warm light
- Long battery life measured in weeks
- Lightweight, comfortable design and water resistance
- 8 GB holds thousands of books; Audible support via Bluetooth
Cons
- 8 GB can fill up if you store many audiobooks; consider larger storage if needed
- No physical page‑turn buttons (touch only)
- Amazon ecosystem is convenient but somewhat closed compared with open e‑book formats
Specifications
| Model | Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (8 GB) |
|---|---|
| Display | Larger 6.8" glare‑free e‑ink; adjustable warm light |
| Storage | 8 GB |
| Battery | Weeks of typical use; USB‑C charging |
| Connectivity | Wi‑Fi; Bluetooth (for Audible) |
| Water resistance | IPX8 (model dependent) |
| Color | Black |
| Includes | Kindle device, USB‑C cable, quick start guide |
Frequently asked questions
Yes — the Paperwhite supports Audible audiobooks via Bluetooth pairing with headphones or speakers. Audiobooks can be purchased or accessed through your Amazon account.
Storage depends on file size, but 8 GB typically holds thousands of standard e‑books. Audiobooks use more space, so if you store many audiobooks consider a larger storage model.
Yes — the adjustable warm light lets you shift the screen color temperature from cool to warm for comfortable night reading.
Many Paperwhite models are rated IPX8, which protects against accidental immersion. Check the specific product listing for the exact rating on the model you buy.
Buying tips
- Choose 8 GB if you mainly store text books; upgrade storage if you plan to keep many audiobooks locally.
- Pair with Bluetooth headphones for audiobook listening on the go.
- Consider a protective cover to improve grip and protect the screen.
- Check for bundle deals that include a cover or extended warranty.