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Kindle Paperwhite (2013) review

8.8/10 AVG.
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Kindle Paperwhite (2013)
Kindle Paperwhite (2013)
Kindle Paperwhite (2013)
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8.8/10
Informr score
The Kindle Paperwhite (2013) currently has an Informr score of 8.8 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 11 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Uniform and bright backlight
  • Faster processor
  • Goodreads integration

What's bad

  • Delayed page turn speed
  • No huge upgrade in software or hardware specs from previous model

The second iteration of the Kindle Paperwhite offers few changes from its predecessor. With that being said, experts agree that 2013’s Kindle Paperwhite still stands head-and-shoulders above any other e-reader in the market.

Amazon boasts of a “new display technology with higher contrast and better reflectivity” that also offers 19% better responsiveness. In addition, a faster processor (1GHz) should increase overall performance of the device. Laptop Mag notes that book opening time has decreased by about a second though page turn speed is only slightly faster. TechRadar goes on to mention that despite the slightly faster page turn speed, there is still “a bit of delay.”

Aside from the faster processor, this model also sports a new light. The Verge notes that there are fewer dark patches on screen and the light is also a bit whiter than the original Paperwhite. While a slight improvement, they go on to say that it didn’t really change their user experience greatly.

Aside from small hardware upgrades, there are also some new software features. Perhaps one of the most anticipated additions was the integration with social media reading site Goodreads. You can now easily log into your Goodreads account and look for friends, share passages while reading you Kindle book and rate other Kindle books on the site. Aside from this, you can pull your book lists from Goodreads or your own cloud collections and sync it across multiple devices.

Most reviewers agree that the 2013 Kindle Paperwhite is one of the best e-readers on the market. While it does offer slight improvements from its predecessor, Engadget does not believe that it’s worth the price for those of who already own the older generation Paperwhite.


6"
Screen Size
Screen Size
6"
Yes
Backlight
Backlight
Yes
4 GB
Storage
Storage
4 GB
No
3G
3G
No
28 hours
Reading Time


What the Critics Are Saying...


Fone Arena
Fone Arena

The new Kindle Paperwhite is one of the best eReaders available in the market. Even though it is a minor upgrade, Amazon has improved the screen, making the reading experience much better in the new version. If you already own the first Paperwhite, you can probably wait for the third version, expect...

- Srivatsan, Fone Arena
Tech Advisor
Tech Advisor

If you can afford it, you won’t be disappointed with the latest Paperwhite but it’s worth checking out the £49 Nook GlowLight and associated book store before taking the plunge.

- Jim Martin, Tech Advisor
Digital Trends
Digital Trends

The Kindle Paperwhite isn’t a huge upgrade from the first generation, and it didn’t need to be. Amazon improved on all of the issues that critics called out last year, and added some great software features on top of that. The high-quality display, even light, comfortable design, and spe...

- K. T. Bradford, Digital Trends
Tech Advisor
Tech Advisor

Still the best backlit ereader around, but the price is beginning to look steep when rivals cost less than £50. If you can afford it, you won’t be disappointed but it’s worth checking out the Nook GlowLight and associated book store before taking the plunge.

- Jim Martin, Tech Advisor
TechnoBuffalo
TechnoBuffalo

At $119 (with special offers), the new Paperwhite is a terrific buy that you won’t regret. If you own and love last year’s model, there’s no huge reason to upgrade; they’re similar in a lot of ways, so you won’t be missing out. If you’ve held off on getting an e-r...

- Brandon Russell, TechnoBuffalo


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Quick view

Screen Size
6"

The Kindle Paperwhite (2013)'s screen size is 6 inches with 758 x 1024 pixels resolution.

Backlight
Yes

There is a built-in backlight for reading in the dark.

Storage
4 GB

Internal memory is 4 GB. No external card slot is available for expansion.

3G
No

This model has no 3G wireless capabilities.

Reading Time
28 hours

The e-reader is powered by a Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol) battery. Battery life is rated for up to 28 hours reading time according to Amazon's.

Kindle Paperwhite (2013) Specs

Overview
Release Date September 30, 2013
Regions Available USA, Canada
Networks
No
SIM Card Size Yes
Operating System Kindle OS

Compare Kindle OS Smartphones

Processor 1 GHz
Internal Storage 4 GB
RAM 256 MB
ROM No
TTY/TDD No
SAR Unknown
Languages No
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included Manual, Data Cable
Power & battery
Battery Type Lithium Polymer (Li-Pol)
Battery Capacity Unknown
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Battery Charge Time 4 hours
Reading Time Up to 28 hours
Standby Time Unknown
Physical Characteristics
Material Plastic
Colors Black
Dimensions [H x W x D] 17 x 11.7 x 0.9 cm (6.7 x 4.6 x 0.4 in)
Weight 206 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Display / Screen
Type Grayscale
Technology E-ink
Colors Unknown
Resolution 758 x 1024 pixels
Pixel Density 212 pixels
Size 6 inches
Backlit Illumination Yes
Zoom / Magnification Yes
Screen Orientation Lock No
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Anti Glare Unknown
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Input / Navigation
Touchscreen Yes
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Page Turn Key Unknown
Physical keyboard No
Text-to-Speech No
Screen Reader No
Keypad/Screen Lock Yes
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
Web / Email / Messaging
Web Browser Yes
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
Infrared No
Bluetooth No
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Wi-Fi Encryption No
Memory Expansion Slot No
PC Synchronization Yes
Audio / Video
Audio Playback No
Video Playback No
Streaming Video No
External Speakers No
Headset Jack No
Vibration Alert No
More
Additional Information
Related Links Quick Start Guide (PDF)
Manual (PDF)
Kindle Paperwhite (2013) Reviews
Where to buy Kindle Paperwhite (2013)
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