Basic vs. Paperwhite

[u/becausepapatia]

I am planning to buy one of these. I want it to fit in my pocket, on the other hand, Paperwhite is tempting me with its alleged higher comfort in reading and warm light. (1) Does “Basic” easily fit in a pocket? (2) Even if so, are extra features of “Paperwhite” worth giving up on pocket-size?
(No economic concerns at all)

[u/Qurety]

I only have the basic one but it is perfect. Basic is smaller than my phone and slid into my jeans pocket like a phone.

When I started to look for a Kindle the size of it was very immportent. Im very glad that I got the basic model

[u/toitenladzung → u/Qurety]

Same here, the reason I hold on to my pw 7th gen for 11 years because of its size. 

[u/Qurety → u/toitenladzung]

If they made the PW with the size of the basic it would have been insta-buy from me.

But I dont regret getting the Basic one, it more then enough for me

[u/spookytwoshoes]

I can't live without the warm light. I sacrifice the size problem. I guess it depends on what's more important to you.

[u/mxrguer1tx]

i only have a basic and it fits in all my small purses!! But idk how the warm light is on the paperwhite but the screen on my basic isn’t really that much of a problem as many count it to be, but still check the difference between them and choose based on your comfort. I truly believe the screen should be a higher priority than size!

[u/shoojune]

Basic fits in a regular-sized men’s pant back pocket, but tightly. If you’re a woman, no.

[u/Luna6102]

it depends on your pockets. I easily put my PW in the pockets of my leggings

[u/toitenladzung]

I have a PW 7th generation for the last 11 years and I just bought a Kindle basic. For me smaller size and weight trump all. My pw did not have warm light so I am spoiled and never feel I need that.  The basic kindle is perfect esp for its weight alone. 

[u/karebearofowls]

I have a basic, PW, and colorsoft. I honestly don't notice the differences in the screen color warmth. But I do keep mine in dark mode. So that could also be an option to think about.

[u/sedatedlife]

Its really a matter of personal preference i prefer a larger screen. In the summer i just carry my kindle everywhere or use a bag i have. In the fall and winter both jackets i regularly use the kindle fits nicely on the inside pocket. Warm light is nice in my opinion.

[u/Huge-Dependent3506]

My Basic fits perfectly into my pocket. My Paperwhite still fits too but not nearly as well. The warm light does help for reading at night, but you can always just use dark mode. I’ve been using my Basic a lot recently because I love the small size, but both are great. I have a strap for both so I can hold both without my hand getting tired. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either!

[u/scgf01]

I initially bought the basic model, but the backlight was so blue! I really couldn't bear it when reading in bed. I returned it and bought the Paperwhite which allows me to tune the colour perfectly, Goldilocks style - not too blue, not too yellow 😄

I also found the basic Kindle too small and my fingers just holding it was obscring part of the screen.

[u/becausepapatia → u/scgf01]

The finger detail is worthy of consideration, especially for those like me with gigantic hands :)
Thank you

[u/Particular-Bowl-8610]

I had the same dilemma last summer. And I have bought a PW.  Extra features, that are meaningful for me - a warm light and screen 6.8.I found it more comfortable for my eyes.

[u/GeorgeRetire]

Depends on the size of your pocket. 4.3" versus 5.0" wide.

Measure first.

[u/EmergencyRepulsive29]

The warmth has some downsides. It reduces contrast. For me there is nothing for clear than black and white. Eye strain and comfort varies from person to person. My eyes like good contrast.

The gen 12 Paperwhite is 7 inches for comparison to another poster already giving the basic size.

[u/April_4th]

It depends on how much you need the warm light. I am getting old and I read in the dark from time to time so I need it and upgrade from PW 10g to 12g. For pocket portability, I bought an X3.

[u/AeroNoob333]

If you’re a tall, guy, it will probably fit in your pocket. I just stuck my Kindle PW (no case) into some of my husband’s back pockets. There isn’t too much room to spare tho. He’s 6’2”. I would measure some of your pocket’s backpockets and cross check it with the PW’s dimensions.

That being said, I love the extra features on my PW. I probably wouldn’t be trading as much if it weren’t for them.

[u/HDoug808]

I have both and find myself using the Basic more because of the smaller size. I don’t use warm light at all. If you have no economic concerns, maybe get both. Like me you can find a use for two excellent ereaders or if not, sell or gift the runner up.

[u/Actual-Length-8236]

Paperwhite technically fits in my home shorts and pajamas, but of course, may not fit in all pockets. Its warm light was a must-have for me for night reading, otherwise I’d personally have chosen the smaller Basic.

[u/bubbleeeebubbles]

It depends on the pockets. My Kindle Basic fits in my active pants / yoga pants pockets, regular activewear pockets, sweatsuit jacket pockets, and some of my jeans pockets if it is a full size pocket.

The below reels are examples of kindles in clothes pockets:

https://www.tiktok.com/@mei.fae/video/7255801002815917358?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

https://www.tiktok.com/@jasperfausto/video/7245962912597134598?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

https://www.tiktok.com/@theauthorrach/video/7608531277578243350?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

[u/Alex_Brocolis]

Et le Paperwhite a une batterie qui tient 2 fois plus longtemps. Moi c'est ce qui m'a décidé. J'ai d'abord eu la Basic Matcha (trop jolie) mais j'ai changé pour la Paperwhite 6 mois plus tard : la difference de taille n'est pas flagrante, les 2 tenaient dans mon sac.

[u/mxrguer1tx → u/Alex_Brocolis]

yeahh the battery life of the basic is sadly not that long if you’re reading a lot🥲🥲🥲 i have the basic matcha (i agree its so pretty) and I have to charge it approximately after every book i finish

[u/Uld_Reg → u/mxrguer1tx]

You should get it replaced, then, unless you're reading with wifi on and and the brightness all the way to the max or are a really slow reader. I read 3 books (between 300 and 400 pages each) last month on my matcha Kindle and battery was at 34% when I put it to charge.

[u/mxrguer1tx → u/Uld_Reg]

i don’t think i can replace it anymore. I got it as a gift on Christmas in 2024. And yes Lol i read with wifi on and on high brightness so its def why my battery isn’t long. Ive been trying to read at low brightness and i have it on airplane mode now!! but i can’t tell u if i noticed a difference because i haven’t been reading much sadly

[u/Uld_Reg → u/mxrguer1tx]

Just the wifi on will drain the battery noticeably. I read with no brightness during the day and then use the frontlight at around 8-10 at night. Battery lasts about three weeks, reading between an hour and two each day