Amazon dominates the e-reader market with its Kindle lineup, and two of its standout models are the Kindle Oasis and Kindle Paperwhite. Both provide a great reading flavor, they cater to different users. So if you are wondering which one is better for you, this guide will help you decide.
Kindle Oasis vs Kindle Paperwhite: Comparing Design, Battery Life, and Performance
Here’s a side by side & in detail comparison of Kindle Oasis vs Kindle Paperwhite:
| Feature | Kindle Paperwhite | Kindle Oasis |
| Screen | 6.8″/7″, 300 PPI | 7″, 300 PPI |
| Lighting | 17 LEDs, Warm Light | 25 LEDs, Warm Light, Auto Brightness |
| Build | Matte plastic | Aluminum, ergonomic grip |
| Buttons | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (page-turn) |
| Waterproof | ✅ IPX8 | ✅ IPX8 |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 weeks | Up to 6 weeks |
| Charging | USB-C (Wireless on SE) | Micro-USB |
| Weight | ~205g | ~188g |
| Price | $140 – $190 | $250+ |
1. Design & Build Quality
If comfort using a device in your hand matters to you, the Kindle Oasis and Kindle Paperwhite are two of the biggest differences.
Kindle Paperwhite
- Made of matte plastic, the casing is lightweight and durable.
- It comes in multiple colors, Black, Agave Green, and Denim (edition may vary).
- Flush with the bezels from the 7-inch display (2024 model) looks very modern.
- Design that looks and feels the same whether right or left handed.
Kindle Oasis
- This has a sleek and high end fit and finish thanks to a premium aluminum body.
- Asymmetrical design with a thicker side for grip, making it easier to hold with one hand.
- One of its most loved features for bookworms who prefer not to swipe, physical page-turn buttons.
- Though sleek and premium, but lighter and thinner than the Paperwhite.
Verdict: If you need an affordable and practical design, the Paperwhite is the way to go. If you want a luxurious build with better ergonomics, the Oasis is the winner.
2. Display & Reading Experience
Both come with the same 300 PPI (pixels per inch) E Ink display to provide good text and a great reading experience. But there are some differences:
Screen Size & Quality
- Kindle Paperwhite: 6.8 inches (2021 model) → Upgraded to 7 inches (2024 model)
- Kindle Oasis: 7 inches
Since Oasis & Paper white now has the same screen size, it no longer has the edge.
Lighting & Warmth
- Kindle Paperwhite: 17 LEDs for illumination, plus adjustable warm light (reduces blue light for nighttime reading).
- Kindle Oasis: 25 LEDs that provide more uniform lighting throughout the screen. Also has adjustable warm light.
Auto Brightness
- The only one with an auto adjusting light sensor is the Oasis, and it dials up or down brightness depending on your surroundings.
Verdict: Both are great, but the Oasis has a slight edge due to more LEDs and auto-brightness.
3. Battery Life & Charging
Regardless of any other features, these e-reader devices have a great battery life, and these two compare favorably.
Kindle Paperwhite
- It lasts for up to 6 weeks on a single charge.
- It uses a USB-C port (finally bringing it up to modern charging standards).
- Signature Edition supports wireless charging.
Kindle Oasis
- It lasts up to 6 weeks, similar to the Paperwhite.
- Still relies on Micro-USB, which feels outdated in 2024.
Verdict: Meanwhile both have similar battery power still, Paperwhite wins. It lasts longer, and charges by USB-C, and even supports wireless charging (Signature Edition).
4. Speed & Performance
A fast, responsive e-reader makes for a smoother experience.
- Traditionally, the Oasis was the faster model, although now both are as quick as each other with the 2024 Paperwhite update.
- On both devices, turning the page, loading in a book, or navigating the menu feel smooth.
Verdict: No clear winner – now they are both as fast as each other.
5. Waterproofing & Durability
Both devices are IPX8-rated, meaning:
✅ Water resistant up to the depth of 2 meters (for reading by the pool or in the bathtub) and can survive up to 60 minutes in water.
Verdict: A tie, both are equally waterproof.
6. Storage Options & Audiobooks
Paperwhite and Oasis have 8GB or 32GB of storage to spare, more than enough to store thousands of books.
✅ Both support Audible audiobooks (but require Bluetooth headphones/speakers since Kindles don’t have built-in speakers).
Verdict: A tie, storage and audiobook support are the same.
7. Page-Turn Buttons: A Dealbreaker?
The physical page turn buttons are one of the biggest selling points of the Oasis.
- Some readers love the tactile feel of pressing a button instead of swiping.
- The advantage of this feature is that it allows you to read when using only one hand.
- On the other hand, all functions of the Paperwhite are done solely via touchscreen.
Verdict: For those who seek physical buttons, the Oasis is the way to go. Other than that, the Paperwhite is fine.
8. Price: Budget vs. Premium
Here’s a precise price comparison:
Kindle Paperwhite
💲 Standard Edition: Starts around $140
💲 Signature Edition (wireless charging, auto-brightness): Around $190
Kindle Oasis
💲 Starts at $250 (significantly pricier)
Verdict: The Paperwhite is far more affordable and offers more value for money. For those willing to pay a little extra for top design and physical buttons, the Oasis is best to go.
Which Kindle Should You Buy?
Choose as per your requirements as mentioned below:
Choose the Kindle Paperwhite if:
✅ The best thing you can ask for is consistently good value for money.
✅Battery life and USB-C charging matter to you.
✅ Wireless charging sounds useful (Signature Edition).
✅ No physical buttons are needed.
Choose the Kindle Oasis if:
✅ You seek a premium design with an aluminum finish.
✅ Physical page turn buttons are a must.
✅ You might be looking for an ergonomic grip since you are a reader looking for long reading sessions.
✅ Auto Brightness is a must for you.
Final Thoughts
For most people who want reading on a Kindle, the Kindle Paperwhite is the better choice. Not only is it affordable, has better battery life, uses USB-C and even supports wireless charging. The problem with that is if you prefer physical buttons, an expensive build and an ergonomic grip, the Kindle Oasis still has its charm, even if it’s due for a major update. Which one are you leaning toward? Let us know!
