“Kindle Paperwhite vs Tolino Vision 3 HD: A Comprehensive eBook Reader Comparison”
Last year, the Kindle Paperwhite and Tolino Vision (both 2nd generation) were Amazon’s and Tolino’s main competitors in the eBook reader market. With the introduction of the Vision 3 HD (€159), this dynamic has shifted due to the new pricing structure. Yet somehow, not entirely, since the Vision 2 was already mostly more expensive than the Paperwhite and had a recommended retail price (€149) not far from the 3 HD’s price (€159), which was only briefly adhered to for competitive reasons.
After we already compared the Kindle Paperwhite 3 with the Tolino Shine 2 HD, today we’re looking at how the new Vision measures up against the popular Amazon eReader.
Design and Build Quality
In fact, one could just insert the text from last year’s comparison of the two previous models here. Both the Kindle Paperwhite 3 and Tolino Vision 3 HD have been presented with (practically) unchanged designs.
The new Vision not only looks identical to its predecessor at first glance, but it actually is. The eReader is encased in the same housing. However, this is not a downside, as the first two generations of the device already impressed with solid build quality and good handling.
The Tolino Vision 3 HD is no exception in this respect: The eBook reader feels great in hand, and there are no creaks or cracks.
Visually, there are no, or only minor, differences compared to the predecessors. In the picture: Kindle Paperwhite 3 (left) and Tolino Vision 3 HD (right).
Amazon has also placed the Kindle Paperwhite 3 in the same housing, although it received some minor visual tweaks. The overall impression remains the same: The build quality is excellent.
The most notable difference between the two devices is the display construction. The Vision 3 HD features a flush plastic surface, while the Paperwhite 3 has the classic design with recessed sides. Since both construction styles have certain advantages and disadvantages, it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
However, the Tolino Vision 3 HD does have an objectively measurable advantage: It weighs only 174 grams, noticeably lighter than the Paperwhite (205 grams). Due to this significant difference, the Vision wins the first round.
Winner: Tolino Vision 3 HD
Features
When it comes to features, both models initially appear very similar. They both have WiFi, a 4 GB internal memory (non-expandable), and a 6-inch E-Ink Carta display (see below).
Looking a bit closer, however, some differences do emerge: While the memory chip is the same size, the user-available storage space on the Kindle Paperwhite 3 is about 3 GB, which is larger (Tolino Vision 3 HD: about 2 GB). This allows Kindle users to store 50% more eBooks directly on the device.
The Vision, on the other hand, features built-in water protection, which protects the device’s electronics from liquid damage with a nano-coating. This is certainly a useful bonus for carefree usage near water.
Moisture is no issue for the Tolino Vision 3 HD.
The innovative Tap2Flip function is also back. With a tap on the back of the Vision 3 HD, you can turn the page. After a short adjustment period, it works quite well.
The Kindle Paperwhite takes a big lead with the 3G model. Amazon offers the eReader in a UMTS variant again, allowing users to access their personal eBook library in the cloud or use the Kindle Store for free while on the go (and abroad). This is particularly handy for people who travel frequently or don’t have WiFi at home. However, a one-time surcharge of €60 applies (Kindle Paperwhite 3G for €179).
Ultimately, there is a degree of parity in terms of features: Including the more expensive 3G version in the comparison tips the scale in favor of the Kindle. Without 3G, the Vision holds slightly better cards due to the water protection.
Winner: Tolino Vision 3 HD or Kindle Paperwhite 3G
Software
With the Kindle Paperwhite 3, Amazon has also introduced a new eBook format. It now handles hyphenation and several other small text improvements. This is a significant step forward from the old formatting, which was often criticized. To be fair, there is still room for improvement here, as it’s still not possible to adjust text alignment, for example.
The Vision 3 HD, in contrast, offers slightly better text customization (including alignment), but also faces criticism for its included fonts. Some do not support italic or bold text.
Similar font options.
Overall, the text display on both models is at the same level. However, when it comes to other functions, the Kindle Paperwhite very clearly wins the software comparison.
The Kindle Paperwhite boasts a superior dictionary function, including Microsoft’s online translation. The bookmarking function is much clearer thanks to the quick view option. Additionally, there are great bonuses like a vocabulary trainer and a well-thought-out child lock. Smaller features, such as the display of estimated reading time until the end of the chapter/book, enhance everyday reading.
More comprehensive software on Kindle.
The Tolino Vision 3 HD appears more down-to-earth in direct comparison. Its software is good and offers the most important functions. However, the overall feature set is more limited, and it’s noticeable that Amazon has been refining its software for longer.
The Vision does have advantages thanks to its E-Pub support, allowing users to access other eBook stores, as well as the Android internet browser. This browser is more reliable and faster than Kindle’s counterpart, making quick internet searches more comfortable with Tolino.
For tinkerers, there is the additional option to root the Vision 3 HD. The Android operating system can be customized and expanded if needed. However, this modification is not intended by the manufacturer, and therefore does not affect the comparison rating.
All in all, the Paperwhite wins the software point.
Winner: Kindle Paperwhite
Display
The display is undoubtedly one of the most critical aspects of a dedicated reading device. Both the Kindle Paperwhite and Tolino Vision 3 HD feature modern E-Ink Carta screens, with a 6-inch diagonal and a resolution of 1448×1072 pixels. This results in a very high pixel density of 300 ppi for both models. In practice, this provides extremely high text sharpness comparable to that of a printed book.
Not only do the technical specifications show similarities, but in practical execution, very few differences are noticeable. The contrast ratios of both models, with and without lighting, are at a high level. To the naked eye, there is no significant difference in display quality.
The contrast is excellent on both devices.
The lighting quality is also top-notch. Neither the Kindle nor the Tolino eReader exhibits annoying brightness or color gradients. The Vision 3 HD does have a narrow light strip at the top, but it does not interfere with usage and is mentioned only for completeness. In everyday reading, the lighting of both is thus equivalent.
The only noticeable or significant difference concerns the color temperature of the lighting. While the Kindle Paperwhite emits a relatively neutral white light, the Vision 3 HD tends towards cooler, bluish LED colors. This difference is only really visible in direct comparison and is not too striking on its own.
It’s important to note that there is always some variation in LED color temperatures, and different devices of the same series (regardless of manufacturer) almost always look a little different. Therefore, it is very possible that other Paperwhite and Vision devices appear less different in direct comparison.
The lighting is even on both. The Kindle Paperwhite (left) has a more neutral color temperature, while the Vision 3 HD (right) is slightly more bluish.
Where the Kindle Paperwhite previously scored with higher brightness in comparison to the Tolino Shine 2 HD, this is no longer the case against the Vision 3 HD. It actually shines a bit brighter on the maximum setting than the Kindle model. This is particularly practical in well-lit rooms, where you can use the lighting to improve readability.
The Paperwhite, however, still excels in terms of the minimum brightness setting. The eReader’s light can be adjusted much more finely and dimly at the lower end. In completely dark rooms, this is very useful. Light-sensitive individuals will definitely not be dazzled here.
The minimum brightness level of the Tolino Vision 3 HD is not too high, but visibly brighter than the Paperwhite’s. Again, most users should have no issues, but light-sensitive individuals might find the Vision a bit too bright in darkness. However, for the majority of users, this won’t be a concern.
In exchange, the Kindle Paperwhite is critiqued for its lighting that cannot be completely turned off. Even at level 0, the display emits a faint glow. The idea behind this is that the eReader can be used even in complete darkness (as there is no button to turn the lighting on or off). In my view, this circumstance does not affect usage, as the LEDs are not visible during the day at level 0.
Ultimately, it’s clear that the Tolino Vision 3 HD and Kindle Paperwhite 3 are very similar in terms of display. The differences in brightness settings are so minor that in the overall assessment of this aspect, a tie is reached.
Winner: Tie
Value for Money
Without beating around the bush, it’s evident that the Kindle Paperwhite 3 offers better value for money. At around €120, you simply get more for your money. Though you need to pay €140 without ads, even then the Paperwhite is cheaper than the Vision 3 HD.
Advertising while on standby saves you €20 when buying a Paperwhite. Even without “special offers,” the Kindle offers better value for money.
With €160, the Tolino alliance sets a high price for the new Vision. Apart from the software, the eBook reader presents itself as at least equally good, but the differences do not justify the €40 surcharge (despite water protection)—especially when recalling that the Shine 2 HD is available for just €120, and the Vision 2 was sold for nearly its entire lifespan at €130.
Winner: Kindle Paperwhite
Conclusion
In the end, the score is 3 to 3, demonstrating that the two contenders are essentially on par. This is not entirely surprising, as last year’s predecessors were also closely matched in the comparison.
With the now equally good displays, the Kindle’s advantage is slowly but surely fading.
On equal footing: Kindle Paperwhite 3 and Tolino Vision 3 HD
Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with either device: The Kindle Paperwhite 3 offers better software and a better value for money, while the Tolino Vision 3 HD provides built-in water protection and E-Pub support. Which eBook reader to choose depends primarily on your personal requirements.
If you can do without the built-in water protection of the Vision, it’s worth taking a look at the Tolino Shine 2 HD. This second new Tolino model is just as good, apart from that, and also presents itself as a serious competitor for the Paperwhite.
