Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024, 16GB)

Amazon's mid-range e-reader: a 7-inch glare-free screen, adjustable warm light, waterproofing and a battery Amazon rates at up to 12 weeks. It's a reading device, not a tablet. A redesigned 2026 Paperwhite ships October 28, 2026.

Quick verdict

Best for:: Everyday reading in any light.
Watch out:: A 2026 model ships Oct 28.

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Amazon US listing and availability checked October 27, 2026. Prices and stock can change.

Reviewed October 11, 2026 · How we review

A black Kindle Paperwhite on a shop display stand, showing a low-battery screen

Photo credits

Our Take

Note first: Amazon has announced a redesigned 2026 Paperwhite, shipping October 28, 2026, which reports describe as thinner and lighter with the same core features. The 2024 model below is still a very good e-reader, and it makes most sense if you find it discounted. Amazon's listing gives it a 7-inch glare-free display with higher contrast and 25% faster page turns than before. The light adjusts from white to amber. It's waterproof, charges over USB-C, and Amazon rates one charge at up to 12 weeks of reading. There are no social apps or notifications, which is the point. The trade-offs: it only reads what Amazon's ecosystem supports, and Kindle listings can come with lock-screen ads unless you pick the ad-free option. We haven't tested it ourselves. Choose it if you read in bed, at the beach or on the go and want a step up from the basic Kindle. Skip it if you want color, pen input or a general-purpose tablet.

Specs (This Configuration)

Display: 7-inch glare-free, adjustable white-to-amber light (Amazon)
Storage: 16 GB
Battery: Up to 12 weeks per charge (Amazon's estimate)
Charging: USB-C
Water: Waterproof (Amazon)
Model: 2024 (12th generation)

Best For

Reading every day, including in bright sun or in the dark
Travel and the beach, thanks to waterproofing
Moving up from a phone or an older Kindle

Skip If

You want color or a pen
You mainly read PDFs or comics
You want apps beyond reading

What We Like

Larger, faster 7-inch screen
Warm light for night reading
Weeks between charges

What To Know

A redesigned 2026 Paperwhite ships October 28, 2026, so compare it before buying this model
Check whether the listing includes lock-screen ads
Battery estimates depend on how much you read and the light level
Our photo shows a 2024 Paperwhite on a shop display with its low-battery screen
We relied on Amazon's specs; we didn't review independent hands-on tests for this pick

Pros

Glare-free, sharp screen
Waterproof
Sold by Amazon.com on the listing we checked

Cons

No color
Tied to Amazon's ecosystem
Ads unless you choose the ad-free option

Alternatives

Amazon Kindle (2024, 16GB) — The basic Kindle is smaller and costs less. Choose it if you don't need waterproofing or the larger screen.View on Amazon
Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (2024, 32GB) — Adds more storage and other extras on Amazon's listing, at a higher price.View on Amazon

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Why PriceDropIQ Selected It

It's still one of the best e-readers for most people: the 7-inch screen, warm light and waterproofing are the upgrades that matter over the basic Kindle, and the battery lasts weeks. With the redesigned 2026 model shipping on October 28, buy this one if you find a good discount; otherwise compare the two first.

Before You Buy

Compare the price with the 2026 model (ships October 28, 2026)
Check the listing says 2024 model, 16GB
Decide whether you want the ad-free version
Check that the seller is Amazon.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a newer Kindle Paperwhite?

Yes. Amazon announced a redesigned Paperwhite on October 1, 2026, shipping October 28, 2026. Reports describe it as thinner and lighter with the same 7-inch size, warm light, waterproofing and battery estimate. Compare prices before choosing the 2024 model.

How long does the battery last?

Amazon rates a single charge at up to 12 weeks. That depends on how much you read and how bright the light is.

Is it waterproof?

Amazon's listing says it's waterproof, so it can go by the pool or in the bath.

Does it have ads?

Many Kindle listings come with lock-screen ads unless you choose the ad-free option. Check the listing before you buy.