Calling something “last-gen” usually means it comes with big compromises compared to the latest version. That’s not as true for the last-gen Kindle Paperwhite as it is with some other tech. The newer version can open books 30 percent faster (not the same as page-turning speed), and its aluminum design is a millimeter thinner — but it costs $50 more.
The 2024 edition has the same fantastic 300ppi screen, an auto-adjusting front light, and waterproof (IPX8) design. And the Signature Edition that’s discounted has no lockscreen ads, twice the storage (32GB) of the base model, plus wireless charging and an ambient light sensor, and it’s down to $169.99 (originally $249.99) at Amazon.
The standard Paperwhite is $149.99 (was $199.99) at Amazon, and while the lower price is nice, I’d suggest only opting for that model if you’re alright with what you’re giving up (which is a lot): it has half the storage, no wireless charging, and lockscreen ads.