Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2013 Review | 68 Data compared

The 2013 Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, dubbed the "iPhone 5S of e-readers" by CNET, is a refined version of its predecessor featuring a brighter, whiter, and more even built-in light that eliminates previous display murkiness. Performance is significantly enhanced with a faster processor, leading to more responsive touch interactions and smoother page turns. Key advantages include reduced screen flashing, the comprehensive Kindle content ecosystem, and new software features such as improved Page Flip. Despite these improvements, the review notes the upgrade is relatively minor for existing owners, with the device keeping the same physical dimensions and lacking a memory card slot. It still lacks support for the EPUB file format and forces users to pay extra to remove advertisements. The package also omits an AC adapter, affecting its overall value proposition.

The 2013 Gizmodo review identifies the second-generation Kindle Paperwhite as the best e-reader available, driven by a significantly whiter, more evenly lit display and a faster processor that makes page turns and menu navigation snappier. Key improvements include reduced e-ink screen flashes, which now occur only every 13 to 14 pages, improving the overall reading experience. While maintaining a comfortable, portable design, the device's main drawbacks include annoying "Special Offers" ads on the lock screen and the lack of an AC adapter in the box.

The 2013 Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is presented as a refined, pocketable e-reader featuring a grippy design, faster processor, and a more responsive screen with a tighter touch grid. Enhanced display technology offers higher contrast and a more uniform built-in light, while software additions like PageFlip and Smart Lookup enhance usability. While praised as an excellent device, the review identifies the model as an "unspectacular upgrade" for existing owners, noting a "fiddly" brightness setting and occasional sluggishness in advanced features.

The 2013 Amazon Kindle Paperwhite enhances performance with a 1GHz processor and features an improved "Carta" E Ink display, providing better contrast and a more uniform, 212 ppi screen compared to its predecessor. Software additions like Vocabulary Builder and Goodreads integration, alongside a comfortable matte-black design, enhance the user experience. Key pros include this improved, bright lighting and faster page turns, though cons include the lack of expandable storage, no audio support, and ads on the lock screen.

The 2013 Verge review describes the second-generation Amazon Kindle Paperwhite as a "solid, utilitarian device" that refined its predecessor with a whiter, more evenly lit screen and a faster 1 GHz processor that improved page-turn responsiveness. Key pros highlighted included the versatile frontlight, which performed well in both dark rooms and direct sunlight, along with software enhancements like "Page Flip" for easier navigation. While the device was lauded for its long battery life and superior E Ink reading experience, downsides included continued, inherent slowness of E Ink refreshes, the lack of physical page-turn buttons, and the presence of advertisements on the base model.

The 2013 Engadget review concludes the updated Amazon Kindle Paperwhite reinforces its market leadership through refined hardware, specifically highlighting a 1GHz processor that delivers significantly faster page turns and improved touch responsiveness. The display enhancements feature a whiter, more evenly lit E Ink screen that eliminates previous, shadowy illumination issues. Key software additions include the Page Flip feature for navigation and a Vocabulary Builder for learning tools. While praising its superior display and performance, the review notes minor drawbacks, including identical styling to the previous model and the absence of an AC adapter in the box.

The 2013 Wired review characterizes the second-generation Kindle Paperwhite as an iterative, top-tier upgrade featuring a 25% faster processor and a more responsive, "zippier" user interface, while maintaining the same physical design. A major, highlighted "pro" is the significantly improved E Ink display, which offers higher contrast, better-distributed lighting that eliminates bottom-edge shadows, and far fewer distracting full-page refreshes. Conversely, the review notes several "cons," including the lack of physical page-turn buttons, no expandable storage, and the presence of "tacky" advertisements on the base model, though the device's superior screen and ecosystem are deemed to outweigh these minor drawbacks.

Laptop Mag deems the 2013 Amazon Kindle Paperwhite the "king of E Ink e-readers," citing its even backlighting, long battery life, and fast processor as superior upgrades. The device is praised for its responsive touchscreen, the Page Flip feature, and a vast content ecosystem, though it lacks physical page-turn buttons and a wall charger in the box. Despite a $20 fee to remove lock-screen ads, the 2013 model is recommended for its high-value, improved software features like Vocabulary Builder, and superior, though consistent, 212-ppi display.

Ewan Spence's 2013 Forbes review hails the Kindle Paperwhite as the premier dedicated e-reader, highlighting its exceptional, clear front-lit display, intuitive interface, and extensive Amazon content library. Key advantages include its competitive £109 pricing and superior, long-lasting battery life compared to rivals like the Kobo Aura. While praised for its paper-like E-Ink display reducing visual fatigue, limitations include limited 2GB storage and lack of native support for certain file formats, often requiring third-party tools.

Reviewed considers the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2013 one of the best e-readers despite minor updates, largely because of software. The illuminated E Ink screen resembles printed text and supports nighttime reading as well as use in bright conditions. A lightweight body and grippy casing make holding it easy, while the capacitive touchscreen responds to familiar reading gestures. The reviewer appreciates word definitions through touch and also values adjustable font sizes and quote sharing through social media. Amazon's services include the Kindle lending library for Prime members, and the available 3G version suits readers who travel. The verdict recommends the Paperwhite as the best route from printed books to digital reading, with dependable everyday use.