Kindle Paperwhite vs. Tolino Shine 2 HD: A Comprehensive eBook Reader Comparison
Kindle Paperwhite versus Tolino Shine – almost a classic on the German eBook reader market. In 2013, the first Shine appeared and gave Amazon’s flagship a run for its money with a significantly lower entry price and in-store availability at bookstores.
In the first year after its launch, the Tolino alliance rapidly gained market share with the device. However, development seemed to slow down afterward, likely because Amazon drastically reduced the Paperwhite’s price and the following Tolino models never quite matched up in screen quality.
But that changes with the new Tolino generation. The Shine 2 HD and Vision 3 HD proved in our tests that they offer outstanding readability, matching the Paperwhite completely. So it’s sensible to conduct a detailed comparison again. Thus, the Kindle Paperwhite 3 and Tolino Shine 2 HD compete in the eBook Reader Comparison below.
Case and Craftsmanship
Amazon has always had a knack for crafting Kindle models well. The Paperwhite is no different: The case, used since 2012 with only minor adjustments, still feels solid and tactile.
The Tolino Shine 2 HD also impressed in our test with very good craftsmanship. Only the somewhat hollow-sounding back cover (when tapped a bit firmly with a finger) could be improved. However, the device has a noticeable weight advantage over the Kindle Paperwhite (184 g vs. 205 g).
A nice detail: The brand logo on each device is relatively unobtrusively placed.
One nice detail of both competitors: Both the Kindle and the Tolino logos are printed in an unobtrusive, dark tone on the front. This not only looks better but is also less distracting when reading.
Thanks to the noticeable weight advantage, the Tolino eReader takes the first round.
Winner: Tolino Shine 2 HD
Features
The hardware features are generally very similar: Both have a 6-inch display (see below) with lighting and Wi-Fi connectivity. The usable internal storage on the Paperwhite is about 3 GB, which is 50% more than the Shine’s (around 2 GB). Neither the Kindle nor the Tolino eReader has memory card expansion.
Neither eBook reader features physical page-turn buttons. The Shine does have a button for turning on the lighting and a home button, besides the power button, but these don’t offer significant advantages in usage when compared directly.
The Kindle clearly has an advantage when you also consider the 3G version. Admittedly, this isn’t quite fair due to the significantly higher price, but for completeness, it has to be mentioned. Amazon offers the Paperwhite with a UMTS connection for a one-time surcharge, allowing eBooks to be downloaded on the go without an existing Wi-Fi connection. This is a very useful feature for people who don’t have internet or Wi-Fi at home or who travel often.
The Tolino Shine 2 HD does have a plus for tinkerers with a replaceable internal MicroSD card. If you remove the (rather tightly attached) back cover, you can expand the internal storage with a bit of tinkering. However, since this is not intended by the manufacturer (and potentially leads to a voided warranty), this is not included in the evaluation.
Since the rest of the features are identical, the Paperwhite wins this round thanks to the larger usable internal memory.
Winner: Kindle Paperwhite (+3G)
Software
For a long time, Amazon’s software was criticized for not handling the very important hyphenation in German eBooks (or only for individually prepared titles). Fortunately, this finally came to an end with the launch of the Paperwhite 3. The new firmware and Amazon’s new eBook format (KFX) ensure that there is hyphenation in the majority of the offered eBooks.
As for the other functions, the Kindle Paperwhite clearly comes out on top. The eReader scores in many areas with more sophisticated features.
The Amazon model offers a better and more straightforward dictionary function, including online translation of entire text passages, a very clear bookmark function, a vocabulary trainer, and excellent parental controls. Also, some smaller gimmicks (such as displaying estimated reading times) enhance everyday reading.
The Kindle Paperwhite 3’s software offers more.
The software of the Tolino Shine 2 HD is by no means bad and also offers the essential functions (font customization, notes, dictionaries, bookshelves) that are expected today. However, in direct comparison, it becomes evident that Amazon’s longer market presence has allowed more time to optimize and expand the software in detail.
Nonetheless, the Tolino eBook reader can clearly score in two areas: First, the device supports E-Pub files, allowing other shops to be used (besides the built-in one). Second, the internet browser is faster and typically renders websites more error-free, thanks to the Android foundation.
Speaking of Android: Tinkerers and modders can root the Shine 2 HD. This means one can gain full access to the operating system and even install custom apps. As with the memory card exchange (see above), this is a feature not intended by the manufacturer and could potentially result in a voided warranty. Therefore, the rooting option is not included in the comparison rating.
Winner: Kindle Paperwhite
Display
Now onto what is likely the most important aspect: the display comparison. On paper, the two models do not differ. Both feature a 6-inch E-Ink Carta screen with a resolution of 1448×1072 pixels. The pixel density is therefore a very high 300 ppi. In short: the text is extremely sharp – like in a printed book.
Crisp text display on both devices. The Tolino Shine 2 HD is slightly brighter without lighting, whereas the Kindle Paperwhite 3 has slightly darker text. Ultimately, the contrast ratio is almost the same.
Fortunately, the two displays are not only theoretically identical but also very similar in practice. The contrast ratio of the Kindle Paperwhite and Tolino Shine 2 HD is at the same high level with and without lighting. With the naked eye, there are hardly any differences in display quality.
The evenness of the lighting is excellent in both models as well. When placing the Paperwhite and Shine 2 HD side by side, one quickly notices that the uniformity of light distribution is very good in both cases. Disturbing color gradients, light spots, shadows, and similar flaws are nowhere to be found.
The color temperatures of the lighting are virtually identical. However, it should be noted that there is always a certain fluctuation, and the LED colors might be a bit warmer or cooler. So it could happen that two other devices differ more than my test devices did.
Very similar light distribution and comparable contrast values. The color temperature is also almost identical. Tolino Shine 2 HD (left), Kindle Paperwhite 3 (right).
The only significant advantage the Kindle Paperwhite can claim is in brightness settings. The Amazon eBook reader shines about 30 percent brighter. This is advantageous in well-lit rooms, as you can still use the lighting to improve readability.
However, the Paperwhite is also slightly better at the other end of the spectrum: The lowest light setting is significantly dimmer, ensuring that light-sensitive people aren’t dazzled in completely dark rooms. While this is likely not an issue for most Shine users either, it is worth mentioning for a small group of people.
Some consider it a disadvantage of the Paperwhite that the lighting cannot be completely turned off. Even at level 0, the display glows slightly, allowing operation of the eReader in the dark. This is not noticeable during the day and, in my view, has no actual impact on usage. However, it is mentioned here for completeness.
Ultimately, both models are on essentially the same level. Due to the advantages in brightness settings, the Kindle Paperwhite scores the point. As in the comparison between Vision 3 HD and Shine 2 HD, the lead is only by a hair’s breadth, and is usually insignificant in practice.
Winner: Kindle Paperwhite
Price-Performance Ratio
As in the comparison to the Vision 3 HD, the Shine 2 HD also prevails in terms of price-performance ratio. Although the entry price is the same for the Shine and the Paperwhite at 120 euros, this applies to the Amazon device only for the ad-supported version.
In this version, the standby screen displays ads for Kindle accessories and various eBooks. To get to the home screen, you also have to swipe across the screen. On the start screen, there’s another small ad at the bottom edge (see home screen photo above). Fortunately, there are no other ads to endure.
If you don’t want ads on the standby screen, you’ll need to pay an extra 20 euros for the Kindle Paperwhite.
If you want the Kindle Paperwhite completely ad-free, you must pay an additional 20 euros, tipping the price-performance ratio slightly in favor of the Tolino Shine 2 HD.
However, it should also be mentioned that the Tolino models are not entirely free of ads. On the start screen, there are non-hideable book suggestions from the built-in shop, which can also be rather distracting.
Winner: Tolino Shine 2 HD
Conclusion
Even though the Kindle Paperwhite wins this comparison by points (3:2), it’s worth noting that the race has never been as close as this year.
The differences in the crucial display comparison are very minor. Kindle Paperwhite and Tolino Shine 2 HD are actually on par here. I emphasize this so much because there has always been a visible contrast and lighting difference with the older Tolino generations. The German bookselling alliance has finally caught up completely, so Tolino owners no longer have to compromise on display quality.
Two great eBook readers!
The Paperwhite’s advantages remain in the software. In direct comparison, it’s evident that more time went into Kindle development. Its biggest drawback (lack of E-Pub support) is somewhat offset by the extremely easy accessibility and initial setup.
Ultimately, both manufacturers present their models at their best. Technically, tactilely, and functionally, most digital bookworms will be highly satisfied with the Paperwhite and Shine 2 HD.
