Which is cheaper, Kindle 16 GB (newest model) or Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 32GB?

Kindle 16 GB (newest model) lists at $150 and Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 32GB lists at $250. Prices change often, so check the current listing before buying.

Head to head · Tablets & E-Readers

Kindle 16 GB (newest model) vs Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 32GB

Ravvy scores Kindle 16 GB (newest model) at 89.7 and Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 32GB at 95.64. Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 32GB takes the overall pick, best for avid readers and audiobook enthusiasts who want a premium distraction-free experience.

Amazon

Kindle 16 GB (newest model)

89.7

$150

The ideal choice for minimalist readers who want the lightest possible device, though you trade away waterproofing for the smaller footprint.

Ravvy pick

Amazon

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 32GB

95.6

$250

The Paperwhite Signature Edition is the best choice for dedicated bibliophiles who want maximum storage and automated lighting, even if they must pay a premium for features that do not change the core reading quality.

How they score

Factor	Kindle 16 GB (newest model)	Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 32GB
Feature Set	78	–
Performance	85	–
Portability	98	92
Battery Life	94	99
Display Clarity	92	–
Speed	–	94
Screen Quality	–	98.5
Storage Capacity	–	100

Kindle 16 GB (newest model)

What owners praise

Extremely lightweight and pocketable design
High resolution 300 ppi display is very sharp
USB-C charging is convenient and relatively fast
Excellent battery life lasting over a month
Improved page turn speed over previous generations

What to know first

Lacks waterproofing found in higher-end models
Screen size may feel cramped for manga or PDFs
No adjustable warm light feature

Skip it if poolside readers or those needing a large display for comics

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 32GB

What owners praise

Auto-adjusting light saves eyes from manual brightness toggling
Large 32GB storage is ideal for massive audiobook libraries
Wireless charging capability adds a layer of modern convenience
IPX8 waterproofing provides peace of mind near water
Faster processor significantly reduces page-turn lag

What to know first

Significantly more expensive than the standard Paperwhite
Wireless charging dock is sold separately
Metallic finish is prone to visible fingerprints

Skip it if casual readers who only finish a few books a year or those on a strict budget

Specs side by side

Spec	Kindle 16 GB (newest model)	Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition 32GB
Size	6.2” x 4.3” x 0.32” (157.8 x 108.6 x 8.0 mm). Size represents total device measurements.	5” x 7” x 0.3” (127.6 x 176.7 x 7.8 mm)
Weight	5.56 oz (158 g). Actual size and weight may vary by configuration and manufacturing process.	7.5 oz (214g). Actual size and weight may vary by configuration and manufacturing process.
Display	Amazon's 6” display with built-in light, 300 ppi, optimized font technology, 16-level gray scale.	Amazon's 7” Paperwhite display technology with built-in front light, 300 ppi, optimized font technology, 16-level gray scale.
Generation	Kindle (11th Generation) - 2024 release.	Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (12th Generation) - 2024 release.
Charge Time	Fully charges in approximately 4 hours from a computer via USB cable; Fully charges in approximately 2 hours with a 9W USB power adapter.	Fully charges in less than 2.5 hours with a 9W USB power adapter.
Battery Life	A single charge lasts up to six (6) weeks, based on a half hour of reading per day with wireless off and the light setting at 13. Battery life may vary depending on use.	A single charge lasts up to twelve (12) weeks, based on a half hour of reading per day with wireless off and the light setting at 13. Battery life may vary depending on use. Audible audiobook streaming over Bluetooth will reduce battery life.
Cloud Storage	Free cloud storage for all Amazon content.	Free cloud storage for all Amazon content.
Documentation	Learn more about Kindle devices with our Quick Start Guide and Kindle User Guide.	Learn more about Kindle devices with our Quick Start Guide and Kindle User Guide.
On-Device Storage	16 GB; holds thousands of books.	32 GB; holds thousands of books.
Wi-Fi Connectivity	Supports 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz networks with support for WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3 and OWE security using password authentication or Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). Does not support connecting to ad-hoc (or peer-to-peer) wifi networks.	Supports 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz networks with support for WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3, and OWE security using password authentication or Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). Does not support connecting to ad-hoc (or peer-to-peer) wifi networks.
Included in the Box	Kindle, USB-C charging cable and Quick Start Guide.	Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, USB-C charging cable and Quick Start Guide.
System Requirements	None; fully wireless and doesn't require a computer to download content.	None; fully wireless and doesn't require a computer to download content.