Kindle Voyage or Paperwhite 3: Which was better and why?

[Waylander]

I watched a video by BadEreader about the development of the Kindle line from the beginning in 2007 up to 2020. It made the point that while the Voyage had some unique features for the time (flush glass screen, haptic page turn buttons), the Paperwhite 3 basically used the same standard tech as the Voyage but for a lower price point. So, looking back, which was better: the Voyage or the PW3?

[Sirtel]

The PW3 didn't use the same tech. It had a plastic screen, while the Voyage had a micro-etched glass screen.

[slm]

I still use my Voyage. I have no idea what happened to my PW3.

[Ebookus]

Although the PW3 was very good, it definitely didn't use the same components as the KV, the Voyage is simply superior in just about any metric. The Pw3 was however excellent at its price point, and to this day, remains as the highlight in terms of screen quality for the Paperwhite family. It is simply shaper, more contrasty, just nicer to read on than any subsequent release, yes including the PW5 and PW6 (11th and 12th gen devices) gen ones.

[Quoth]

The PW3 was a price reduced version. Same resolution and screen size but no buttons. So maybe the only "same tech" was underlying 300 dpi 6″ Carta HD screen.

I'd had a PW1, but thought the Voyage was far too expensive. So got a PW3 later.

The Oasis 1 was really the successor to the Voyage as it is 6″ with buttons. The Oasis 2 increased screen to 7″.

The PW4 is OK, but inferior to the PW3 when you see them side by side.

[Ebookus]

I have to strongly disagree there, the PW4 was not okay. Is by far the worst of all paperwhites, is shite, pardon my french.

[j.p.s]

The Voyage display visual quality is higher, the adjustable pressure and fedback haptic sensors are very nice to use, and the lighter weight and thinness of the Voyage make it nicer to hold.

[tomsem]

Originally Posted by Ebookus

I have to strongly disagree there, the PW4 was not okay. Is by far the worst of all paperwhites, is shite, pardon my french.

No, the worst was the PW1, the first front-lit Kindle. Uneven light and some 'prism' effect in some conditions. PW4 at least is sorta waterproof, even lighting, a step down in screen clarity from PW3, but better than PW1 (in display resolution and contrast).

Voyage is pretty easy to replace battery should that become necessary.

[Quoth]

All the Kindles before the Voyage are worse than a PW4.

[Ebookus]

as far as I am concerned:

PW3
PW5/6
PW2
PW1
---
loo roll
shite
---
PW4

I jest of course, but you get the point.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by Ebookus

Although the PW3 was very good, it definitely didn't use the same components as the KV, the Voyage is simply superior in just about any metric. The Pw3 was however excellent at its price point, and to this day, remains as the highlight in terms of screen quality for the Paperwhite family. It is simply shaper, more contrasty, just nicer to read on than any subsequent release, yes including the PW5 and PW6 (11th and 12th gen devices) gen ones.

I find the screen of the PW5 to be good. The PW4 is rubbish because they botched it being flush.

[Quoth]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

I find the screen of the PW5 to be good. The PW4 is rubbish because they botched it being flush.

Hyperbole. The PW4 isn't as good as PW3 & PW5 on side-by-side comparison, but on its own it is fine. There are rubbish ereaders. "Not the best" doesn't mean rubbish.

[Tarana]

I actually have both. PW3 holds my magazine library. They are both excellent, but they are not the same. Voyage has superior text and contrast.

[Waylander]

I'm thinking of getting the battery in my Voyage replaced. I can't do it myself, as my hands wouldn't manage it, so I'll send it off for the replacement. Does anyone know of anywhere in the UK that would do it? I'd like to be able to use it again.

[rantanplan]

Originally Posted by Tarana

Voyage has superior text and contrast.

But then you have to win the front light lottery