Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 12th Gen (2025) review: Just a really good reading device

India Today

24-05-2025

I never imagined being the kind of person who would ever get into the habit of reading books digitally every night. But then, here we are. After trying out the entry-level Kindle (2022 model) some time back, I understood the hype, why so many people stick to these devices (and keep coming back for more) after a chance - or sometimes deliberate - encounter. It completely changed the way I read. I found myself picking up books more often. Best thing: it got me reading more, sometimes for hours at a stretch - and I loved every bit of it.advertisementNow, I have the 2025 Kindle Paperwhite, and it feels like a genuinely good upgrade. I'm reading Ikigai Kaizen, and going forward, I plan to build a digital manga shelf with Dragon Ball Super Volume 15 as the first addition. I am excited, and this new Kindle feels like a device I want to keep using, not because I have to review it, but because it makes reading easier and more enjoyable (than everything that has come before it).First, the core specs
Let's quickly get the basics out of the way. The Kindle Paperwhite 12th Gen comes with:— A 7-inch glare-free e-ink display— 300 ppi resolution— Adjustable warm light— 9W USB-C charging— IPX8 waterproof rating— 16GB storage (11.5GB usable)The Kindle Paperwhite 12th Gen weighs 211 grams, which is light enough for one-handed use. Battery life is rated for up to 12 weeks with light use, and in my experience so far, that number doesn't feel exaggerated. It can definitely go the distance.The feel-good upgradeadvertisementThe Kindle Paperwhite 12th Gen instantly feels like a step up from the base Kindle I was using. It is a big jump from its predecessor, too, even more so because there has been a big gap between that and this one in terms of launch window. One can only speculate why Amazon took so long to upgrade, but that is a discussion for another day.The large 7-inch screen means more words per page, and it's something you notice right away if you're coming from an entry-level Kindle. Next to its predecessor, the increase is marginal, which is okay given the size feels just right. It doesn't feel heavy or bulky and fits easily in one hand.The back panel has a rubber-like matte finish that feels far better than the plain plastic back on the Kindle 2022. That used to pick up micro-scratches — not deep ones, but enough to look worn out quickly. This texture feels grippy and much more premium. I just hope the rubber doesn't peel off with time. But so far, so good.A screen that simply worksThe screen on the Kindle Paperwhite 12th Gen feels comfortable to read on, especially over long sessions. Even with brightness set to zero, the screen remains perfectly readable in most indoor conditions. And whenever you do need to tweak it, there are 24 levels to play with.advertisementWhat I particularly like is the warmth adjustment — I've set it to change automatically based on sunset and sunlight, and it's been a big help during nighttime reading. The amber tone really helps reduce eye strain and makes the screen feel easier on the eyes, especially compared to traditional phone or tablet screens.Also, the bezels are almost flush with the display, which gives it a cleaner look and makes wiping it down easier. It might sound like a small detail, but it adds to the overall sense of polish.What's it like in day to day?For me, reading on the Kindle Paperwhite 12th Gen has become a nighttime routine. I read for about half an hour to an hour every night before bed. And in these past two weeks, I've barely seen the battery level drop. After I unboxed it, it had about 45 per cent battery. Then I charged it last week. And after a week of reading, the battery still hasn't dropped below 80 per cent. Told you — that 12 weeks of battery life doesn't feel exaggerated at all.advertisementAnd yes, the Paperwhite 12th Gen — just like the older Kindle I used — charges over USB Type-C, which means I can use my phone charger instead of hunting for a separate cable. Thank god these devices don't have proprietary ports.Another thing I've noticed is how responsive this Kindle feels. Page turns are slightly quicker compared to the older model, and it also feels smoother when navigating through menus. It's not a dramatic leap, but it's one of those quality-of-life upgrades that make a difference over time.Manga, memory, and why it's worth itA big reason I never wanted to give up on the old Kindle was to build a digital manga collection. With the Paperwhite 12th Gen, I'm definitely looking forward to fulfilling that dream. For those who don't know, physical manga books are expensive and take up a lot of space — especially if you're someone like me who is planning to collect Dragon Ball Super Volume 15 and onwards.I think, with this Kindle, I can store a bunch of volumes and read them without straining my eyes. The 300 ppi display makes text look sharp, and while it's all in black and white, the clarity is surprisingly good. Plus, the 11.5GB of usable storage on my unit is enough for most of my reading needs — at least for now.advertisementCompared to the Kindle 2022, the Paperwhite 12th Gen feels like less of a compromise, which was mostly expected. That earlier model was great for testing the waters — lightweight, affordable, and sharp enough. But this one? It feels like a Kindle I'd actually want to invest in and keep using for years. Next to the older Paperwhite, the improvements are noticeable, too.Should you get the Kindle Paperwhite 12th Gen?If you already enjoy reading on a Kindle and want something more comfortable and polished, the Paperwhite 12th Gen is an easy recommendation. And if you're new to e-readers, this might just be the one that turns you into a regular reader.It is priced at Rs 16,999, which is around the same ballpark figure as the last model, and since that came out in 2021, Amazon should be given some credit for not increasing the prices at a time of great geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty.What I like most about the new Paperwhite is that it doesn't demand anything from you. You don't have to charge it every day. You don't have to worry about eye strain. You don't even have to think about using it. You just read. And that's the best compliment I can give it.In the end, the Kindle Paperwhite doesn't try to be more than what it is. It's just a really good reading device. And sometimes, that's all you need.