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The Kindle Paperwhite has been my favorite Kindle model since it launched in 2012. It offers a crisp and contrasted reading experience that feels almost like reading a physical book, and the 2024 model provides a higher contrast ratio and 25% faster page turns compared to its predecessor.
However, I've been using the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition, which features twice the storage capacity, wireless charging, and faster performance, and I don't see how I could go back to the base model. This is especially true when it's on sale during Prime Day, happening now, for only $150.
Also: The best October Prime Day deals live now
This latest Kindle Paperwhite SE lets you read in any lighting condition, anywhere you can carry it. It's waterproof, so you don't have to worry about reading in the poolside or bathtub. Its glare-free display features a strong backlight that allows you to read in bright sunlight or adjust the tone to suit your surroundings, with adjustable settings ranging from white to amber. It also features an auto-adjusting front light, so you don't have to worry about adjusting the light in different settings.
One of my biggest complaints about the Kindle is its slow interface. These e-readers are single-purpose E Ink devices that draw power only when the backlight is on or when switching pages. As a result, they don't require powerful processors or fast refresh rates. Truth be told, a slow Kindle is something you only experience when browsing the Kindle store or, occasionally, when turning the page. But the newest model is much faster than the older ones.
The 2024 Kindle Paperwhite is more responsive and performs 25% faster overall than its predecessor. It offers quicker page turns and navigation from your library to the store, making the Kindle experience much easier and more intuitive.
Also: Best Amazon Prime Day Kindle deals 2025: My 17 favorites sales on Paperwhite, Scribe, and more
Adding to the convenience of going anywhere with you, the Kindle Paperwhite can last up to 12 weeks on a single charge. This adds up to 42 hours of reading time with the wireless off and the light setting at 13. I can easily go over a month before charging mine, and I read between one and two hours each night before bed.
Most of us have a bookworm in our lives -- whether it's your better half, a friend, or yourself -- and a Kindle Paperwhite or Kindle Paperwhite SE is one of the best gifts you can give to an avid reader. With an option for three free months of Kindle Unlimited for the same sale price of $150, Kindle users can access over 15 million titles from the Kindle Store for free. As a Kindle Unlimited subscriber who reads a book a week on my Kindle Paperwhite, I highly recommend this option.
Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites with ZDNET Recommends.
How I rated this deal
The Kindle Paperwhite has been priced as low as $135 during sales events, but it just hit $125 this Prime Day. Similarly, the $150 deal price for the Signature Edition is the lowest price I've ever seen it at, making this a deal so attractive that I rated it at 4/5.
When will this deal expire? This deal appears to be a part of the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, also known as October Prime Day, so I'd expect it to expire when the end of the event rolls around on Oct. 8. While many sales events feature deals for a specific length of time, these deals are often limited-time offers, making them subject to expiration at any moment. ZDNET remains committed to finding, sharing, and updating the best offers to help you maximize your savings so you can feel as confident in your purchases as we are in our recommendations. Our ZDNET team of experts constantly monitors the deals we feature to keep our stories up-to-date. If you missed out on this deal, don't worry -- we're continually sourcing new savings opportunities at ZDNET.com. Show more
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