Kindle Paperwhite vs Scribe: Latest Editions (2024)
Naila Syifa
Updated January 2025
The second-gen Kindle Scribe, released in December 2024, is the latest addition to Amazon's Kindle e-reader lineup. Retailing from US$399.99, it is 1.5x the price of the Kindle Paperwhite (US$159.99), the best-selling model that is now in its 12th generation.
The Kindle Scribe adds writing capability in addition to the standard e-reading features on the Paperwhite model, but that's not the only difference between the two. What else you should know before deciding which one to buy?
Key Takeaways
Kindle Scribe combines the standard e-reading features of the Kindle Paperwhite with the Premium Pen for added writing capability. It also boasts an auto-adjust front light sensor and expanded storage options, though it lacks the waterproofing found in the Kindle Paperwhite.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024)
The Best-Selling e-Reader
✓ 7” Glare-Fee Display
✓ Adjustable Warm Light
✓ Waterproof IPX8
✓ 12-Week Battery Life
Amazon Kindle Scribe (2024)
A Kindle and a Notebook
✓ 10.2” Glare-Fee Display
✓ In-Book Writing
✓ AI Summarization
✓ Premium Pen
Design & Display
Kindle Paperwhite
The Kindle Scribe has a notebook-inspired design, featuring uniform white borders as opposed to the Paperwhite's tablet-like design with black bezels around the display.
The Scribe's display is also larger at 10.2 inches, compared to the Paperwhite's 7-inch screen. It is to provide a more spacious canvas for writing and note-taking.
However, both use the same 16-level grayscale paperwhite display technology with 300 pixels per inch for a crisp, glare-free reading experience.
Due to its larger display and dimensions, the Kindle Scribe is heavier at 433 grams compared to the Paperwhite's 211 grams. That's twice the weight of the Kindle Paperwhite, but it's still comfortable to hold for extended reading sessions. In comparison, the 10th-gen iPad weighs 477 grams.
One thing that the Scribe is losing out compared to the Paperwhite is waterproofing. The Kindle Scribe is not waterproof, while the Paperwhite is rated IPX8 for protection against submersion in up to 2 meters of water for up to 60 minutes.
Features
Kindle Scribe
The overall reading features are still the same between the two e-readers. You can read imported books and documents in various formats, access millions of titles from the Kindle Store, adjust the font size and boldness, adjust the brightness and warmth level, and enable the dark mode for comfortable reading in low light.
However, what mainly sets the Scribe apart is its writing capability. The device comes with the Premium Pen included, which features a soft-tipped eraser and a customizable shortcut button. You can use the pen to write notes, annotate documents, and sketch ideas directly on the Kindle Scribe's display.
There are different templates to choose from and you can use the two AI notebook tools: Summarize to extract key takeaways from up to 15 pages to concise bullet points, and Refine Writing to convert handwritten notes into digital script font that is easier to read and share. The notes are also accessible on the Kindle app across devices.
Kindle Scribe
Writing directly inside the book page is also possible via the Active Canvas feature, which automatically auto-adjusts the text to make space for your handwritten notes. The note is surrounded by the text instead of overlapping it, so both the original content and your notes are always visible.
Kindle Scribe has another advantage with a front light sensor that detects ambient lighting conditions in your surrounding environment, auto-adjusting the light from white light to amber. The same feature is also available in the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition but not the standard Kindle Paperwhite model.
Another difference to note is the storage capacity, with the Kindle Scribe offering either 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB of storage, while the Kindle Paperwhite is limited to 16 GB for the standard model and 32 GB for the Signature Edition.
Battery & Charging
Kindle Paperwhite
The Kindle Paperwhite can last up to 12 weeks on a single charge and can take 2.5 hours to fully charge using a 9W USB adapter.
The Kindle Scribe seems to be powered by the same battery, as it is also rated for up to 12 weeks of battery life and around 2.5 hours of charging time. However, that runtime is measured just for reading.
If you write 30 minutes a day on the Kindle Scribe, the battery life is estimated to last around up to 3 weeks, significantly less than the reading-only battery life.
Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition also offers wireless charging, which is not available on the Kindle Scribe. However, it is sold separately for an additional cost.
Kindle Paperwhite vs Scribe
Final Thoughts
Kindle Scribe
The Kindle Scribe offers a unique and versatile experience for those who enjoy both reading and writing. Its larger 10.2-inch display provides ample space for taking handwritten notes, sketching ideas, and annotating documents, making it a compelling choice for students, professionals, and anyone who values the flexibility of a digital notebook.
While the Scribe lacks the waterproofing of the Kindle Paperwhite, its writing capabilities and expanded storage options may be worth the tradeoff for some users.
Meanwhile, Kindle Paperwhite remains the best choice for most general e-reading needs, offering a more portable and affordable option with a focus on distraction-free reading.
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Author
Naila Syifa
Content Manager at Synced. She crafts insightful content on the latest trends in technology, consumer electronics, and smart home gadgets.
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