The Kindle Paperwhite 3, released in June 2015, marked a significant step forward for Amazon’s line of e-readers. Building upon the success of its predecessors, this 7th generation model delivered an impressive array of features and refinements that solidified its position as a top contender in the market. In this in-depth review, we’ll explore the technical specifications, key features, and overall value proposition of the Kindle Paperwhite 3.
Technical Specifications
- Release Date: June 30, 2015
- Model Number: DP75SDI
- Original MSRP: $119.99 (Wi-Fi), $189.99 (Wi-Fi + 3G)
- Display: 6-inch E Ink Carta
- 300 ppi resolution
- 16-level grayscale
- Built-in front light (4 LEDs)
- Storage: 4GB internal (3GB available)
- Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
- Optional 3G (free cellular connectivity)
- Battery: Up to 6 weeks (30 min. reading per day)
- Charging: 4 hours via micro-USB
- Dimensions: 6.7″ x 4.6″ x 0.36″
- Weight: 7.2 oz (Wi-Fi), 7.6 oz (Wi-Fi + 3G)
Display Enhancements
The Paperwhite 3’s E Ink Carta display represented a notable upgrade over the previous generation. With a pixel density of 300 ppi, text appears remarkably sharp and clear, closely mimicking the look of printed paper. The improved contrast and 16-level grayscale rendering enhance overall readability, while the built-in front light ensures comfortable reading in any environment, from bright sunlight to complete darkness.
Essential Features
Reading Experience
- Page Turns: Touchscreen controls allow for intuitive, responsive page turns.
- **Typesettin# Kindle Paperwhite 3 in 2024: Is It Still Worth It? An In-Depth Review
The Kindle Paperwhite 3, released in June 2015, marked a significant step forward for Amazon’s line of e-readers. Building upon the success of its predecessors, this 7th generation model delivered an impressive array of features and refinements that solidified its position as a top contender in the market. In this in-depth review, we’ll explore the technical specifications, key features, and overall value proposition of the Kindle Paperwhite 3.
Technical Specifications
- Release Date: June 30, 2015
- Model Number: DP75SDI
- Original MSRP: $119.99 (Wi-Fi), $189.99 (Wi-Fi + 3G)
- Display: 6-inch E Ink Carta
- 300 ppi resolution
- 16-level grayscale
- Built-in front light (4 LEDs)
- Storage: 4GB internal (3GB available)
- Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
- Optional 3G (free cellular connectivity)
- Battery: Up to 6 weeks (30 min. reading per day)
- Charging: 4 hours via micro-USB
- Dimensions: 6.7″ x 4.6″ x 0.36″
- Weight: 7.2 oz (Wi-Fi), 7.6 oz (Wi-Fi + 3G)
Display Enhancements
The Paperwhite 3’s E Ink Carta display represented a notable upgrade over the previous generation. With a pixel density of 300 ppi, text appears remarkably sharp and clear, closely mimicking the look of printed paper. The improved contrast and 16-level grayscale rendering enhance overall readability, while the built-in front light ensures comfortable reading in any environment, from bright sunlight to complete darkness.
Essential Features
Reading Experience
- Page Turns: Touchscreen controls allow for intuitive, responsive page turns.
- Typesetting: Improved hyphenation, kerning, drop caps, and ligatures enhance the visual appeal of text.
- Fonts: Eight size options and seven font styles, including the Kindle-exclusive Bookerly for optimal readability.
- Layout: Customizable margins, line spacing, and text alignment for personalized reading comfort.
Connectivity and Storage
- Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n support for fast, reliable connectivity.
- 3G: Optional free cellular connectivity for seamless downloads and sync without Wi-Fi (subscription-free).
- Storage: 4GB internal storage holds thousands of books, with 3GB available for user content.
Battery Life
The Paperwhite 3 boasts an impressive battery life of up to six weeks, based on 30 minutes of reading per day with the front light at setting 10 and wireless off. This extended battery life ensures uninterrupted reading sessions and minimizes the need for frequent charging.
Comparison to Contemporary E-Readers
| Device | Kindle Paperwhite 3 | Kobo Aura H2O | Nook GlowLight Plus | Kindle Voyage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Release Date | June 2015 | October 2014 | October 2015 | October 2014 |
| Display Size | 6″ | 6.8″ | 6″ | 6″ |
| Resolution (ppi) | 300 | 265 | 300 | 300 |
| Waterproof | No | Yes (IPX8) | Yes (IP67) | No |
| Storage | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Front Light | 4 LEDs | 5 LEDs | 4 LEDs | 6 LEDs + Auto |
| Dimensions | 6.7″ x 4.6″ x 0.36″ | 7.7″ x 5.1″ x 0.34″ | 6.4″ x 4.7″ x 0.34″ | 6.4″ x 4.5″ x 0.30″ |
| Weight | 7.2 oz | 8.2 oz | 6.9 oz | 6.3 oz |
| Battery Life (Weeks) | 6 | 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Original MSRP | $119 (Wi-Fi) | $179 | $129 | $199 (Wi-Fi) |
While the Sony Digital Paper DPT-S1 was also released in 2015, its 13.3-inch display and focus on PDF reading place it in a different category than the Paperwhite 3 and most other consumer e-readers, making a direct comparison less relevant for this review.
Verdict
The Kindle Paperwhite 3 represented a compelling choice for readers seeking a high-quality, feature-rich e-reader in 2015. While it lacked the waterproofing of the Kobo Aura H2O and Nook GlowLight Plus, it delivered superior battery life, an exceptionally crisp display, and a more affordable price point compared to the premium Kindle Voyage.
For the vast majority of users, the Paperwhite 3 offered an optimal balance of essential features, performance, and value. Its combination of a high-resolution display, front lighting, ample storage, and extensive battery life made it an ideal device for avid readers looking to enjoy their favorite books without distractions.
Current Value Assessment
As of 2024, the Kindle Paperwhite 3 remains a capable device for those seeking a reliable, no-frills e-reader. While newer models like the Kindle Paperwhite 11th Generation offer additional features such as waterproofing, wireless charging, and a larger display, the core reading experience remains largely comparable.
For budget-conscious readers or those with more basic needs, a well-maintained Kindle Paperwhite 3 can still provide excellent value, particularly when purchased second-hand or refurbished. With an average used price of $40-$60 and refurbished models often available for under $80, it presents an affordable entry point into the Kindle ecosystem.
This review is based on information available as of April 2024. For the latest e-reader reviews and comparisons, visit EasYereader’s Kindle Guide.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, EasYereader earns from qualifying purchases. If you click on an Amazon link in this review and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support our content and allows us to continue providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. We appreciate your support!
Featured Recommendation: Kindle Paperwhite (11th Generation) – The latest evolution of the Paperwhite line, now with a larger 6.8″ display, USB-C charging, and wireless charging support.
g:** Improved hyphenation, kerning, drop caps, and ligatures enhance the visual appeal of text.
- Fonts: Eight size options and seven font styles, including the Kindle-exclusive Bookerly for optimal readability.
- Layout: Customizable margins, line spacing, and text alignment for personalized reading comfort.
Connectivity and Storage
- Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n support for fast, reliable connectivity.
- 3G: Optional free cellular connectivity for seamless downloads and sync without Wi-Fi (subscription-free).
- Storage: 4GB internal storage holds thousands of books, with 3GB available for user content.
Battery Life
The Paperwhite 3 boasts an impressive battery life of up to six weeks, based on 30 minutes of reading per day with the front light at setting 10 and wireless off. This extended battery life ensures uninterrupted reading sessions and minimizes the need for frequent charging.
Comparison to Contemporary E-Readers
| Device | Kindle Paperwhite 3 | Kobo Aura H2O | Nook GlowLight Plus | Kindle Voyage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Release Date | June 2015 | October 2014 | October 2015 | October 2014 |
| Display Size | 6″ | 6.8″ | 6″ | 6″ |
| Resolution (ppi) | 300 | 265 | 300 | 300 |
| Waterproof | No | Yes (IPX8) | Yes (IP67) | No |
| Storage | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Front Light | 4 LEDs | 5 LEDs | 4 LEDs | 6 LEDs + Auto |
| Dimensions | 6.7″ x 4.6″ x 0.36″ | 7.7″ x 5.1″ x 0.34″ | 6.4″ x 4.7″ x 0.34″ | 6.4″ x 4.5″ x 0.30″ |
| Weight | 7.2 oz | 8.2 oz | 6.9 oz | 6.3 oz |
| Battery Life (Weeks) | 6 | 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Original MSRP | $119 (Wi-Fi) | $179 | $129 | $199 (Wi-Fi) |
While the Sony Digital Paper DPT-S1 was also released in 2015, its 13.3-inch display and focus on PDF reading place it in a different category than the Paperwhite 3 and most other consumer e-readers, making a direct comparison less relevant for this review.
Verdict
The Kindle Paperwhite 3 represented a compelling choice for readers seeking a high-quality, feature-rich e-reader in 2015. While it lacked the waterproofing of the Kobo Aura H2O and Nook GlowLight Plus, it delivered superior battery life, an exceptionally crisp display, and a more affordable price point compared to the premium Kindle Voyage.
For the vast majority of users, the Paperwhite 3 offered an optimal balance of essential features, performance, and value. Its combination of a high-resolution display, front lighting, ample storage, and extensive battery life made it an ideal device for avid readers looking to enjoy their favorite books without distractions.
Current Value Assessment
As of 2024, the Kindle Paperwhite 3 remains a capable device for those seeking a reliable, no-frills e-reader. While newer models like the Kindle Paperwhite 11th Generation offer additional features such as waterproofing, wireless charging, and a larger display, the core reading experience remains largely comparable.
For budget-conscious readers or those with more basic needs, a well-maintained Kindle Paperwhite 3 can still provide excellent value, particularly when purchased second-hand or refurbished. With an average used price of $40-$60 and refurbished models often available for under $80, it presents an affordable entry point into the Kindle ecosystem.
This review is based on information available as of April 2024. For the latest e-reader reviews and comparisons, visit EasYereader’s Kindle Guide.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, EasYereader earns from qualifying purchases. If you click on an Amazon link in this review and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support our content and allows us to continue providing in-depth, unbiased reviews. We appreciate your support!
Featured Recommendation: Kindle Paperwhite (11th Generation) – The latest evolution of the Paperwhite line, now with a larger 6.8″ display, USB-C charging, and wireless charging support.
