Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024, 12th generation)
We score Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024, 12th generation) in the context of this guide. For our primary assessment, see our main Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024, 12th generation) review.
Our verdict · The safest brilliant gift for almost any reader: waterproof, glare-free and good for weeks per charge, from an indicative £159.
Buy it if
You want the most polished, lowest-hassle e-reader and the recipient is happy buying ebooks from Amazon.
Skip it if
They specifically want to borrow library books easily or read open EPUB files from other shops without converting them.
Where to get it
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024, 12th generation)
From £159
Indicative price at the time of review.
Compare prices
Opens a live price comparison and retailer search for current prices and availability.
The 12th-generation Paperwhite is the pick we would hand most book lovers, because it removes the usual objections to e-readers: the 7-inch E Ink Carta 1300 screen is larger and higher-contrast than earlier models, Amazon quotes around 25% faster page turns, and the IPX8 rating means it is rated to survive an accidental dunk that would kill a tablet. An adjustable warm light makes late-night reading easier on the eyes, and Amazon rates battery life at up to 12 weeks, so it rarely needs charging between gifting occasions. It earns the top spot over the colour Kobo below on sheer polish, ecosystem size and review consensus, though that comes with the main trade-off: you are buying into Amazon's store and it reads Kindle formats rather than open EPUB out of the box. The entry price includes lock-screen adverts; the ad-free Signature Edition (around £189 at RRP, though often discounted) adds 32GB, an auto-adjusting front light and wireless charging. Ideal for a reader who buys ebooks anyway and wants the least-fuss premium device.
The good & the bad
Pros
- Large 7-inch 300ppi glare-free screen with adjustable warm light
- IPX8 waterproof and battery rated at up to 12 weeks per charge
- Huge Kindle ebook catalogue and strong, consistent review scores
Cons
- Entry price shows lock-screen adverts unless you pay more for the Signature Edition
- Tied to Amazon's store; no native open-EPUB support without conversion
How it compares
| Pick | WATTB Score | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024, 12th generation)This pick | 92/100 | From £159 (indicative) | overall |
| 2.Kobo Clara Colour | 89/100 | From £140 (indicative) | library borrowers and colour covers |
| 3.The Willoughby Book Club Personalised Subscription | 86/100 | From around £53 for 3 months (indicative) | personalised gift that keeps arriving |
| 4.Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light | 86/100 | Around £20 (indicative) | budget gift and stocking filler |
| 5.Rolife DIY Book Nook Kit | 81/100 | From £25 (indicative) | hands-on gift for a crafty reader |
Key facts
- Best for
- overall
- Typical cost
- From £159 (indicative)
- Display
- 7-inch E Ink Carta 1300, 300ppi
- Waterproofing
- IPX8 (waterproof)
- Storage
- 16GB (32GB on Signature Edition)
- Battery
- Up to 12 weeks (Amazon rating)
- Charging
- USB-C, adjustable warm light
Researched by WATTB
- Published
- 12 September 2026
- Updated
- 12 September 2026
- Last verified
- 12 September 2026
- Sources
- 8 sources
We research and rank options from public data, official information and published reviews. How we research →
Written by
Keep comparing
More from The Best Gifts for Book Lovers in the UK for 2026
Stay in the loop
A newsletter is on the way
Sign-ups aren't open yet — check back soon.