An Affordable Gateway to Media Enjoyment
When it comes to finding an affordable yet reliable tablet, the Amazon Fire Tablet series has made a significant mark on the market. From vibrant displays to impressive battery life and a variety of sizes and functionalities, Amazon’s range offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in casual browsing, streaming, or even some light gaming, there’s a Fire Tablet that can meet your needs. This review dives into the five top models, exploring each in-depth to help you make an informed choice.
This review aims to clarify the differences, strengths, and minor drawbacks of each model in the Amazon Fire series. By the end, you’ll have all the information to choose the best tablet for your needs and budget.
Overview of Amazon Fire Tablet Series
The Amazon Fire Tablet series stands out for its focus on affordability without sacrificing quality. These tablets cater to users seeking practical, versatile devices at a fraction of the cost of high-end models. Amazon has strategically designed each model to appeal to a broad audience, including students, families, and professionals.
Fire Tablets, integrated with Amazon’s ecosystem, appeal to Prime members with easy access to Prime Video, Kindle, Audible, and Alexa. They run on Amazon’s user-friendly Fire OS, enhancing navigation and usability.
We’ll outline key Amazon Fire Tablet models, highlighting their specs, prices, and ideal uses.
- Amazon Fire HD 10 – Great for streaming and multitasking.
- Amazon Fire 7 – Budget-friendly option for basic tasks.
- Amazon Fire HD 8 – Balanced performance and portability.
- Amazon Fire Kids Tablet – Designed specifically for younger users with parental controls.
- Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus – Premium version of the HD 10 with additional memory and wireless charging.
The Models of Amazon Fire Tablet and Their Specifications
Amazon Fire HD 10 – $149.99
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 10.1” Full HD |
| Storage | 32/64 GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours |
| Processor | Octa-core 2.0 GHz |
| RAM | 3 GB |
| Camera | 2 MP (front), 5 MP (rear) |
| OS | Fire OS |
| Special Features | Split screen, Alexa-enabled |
Amazon Fire 7 – $59.99
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 7” SD |
| Storage | 16/32 GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 hours |
| Processor | Quad-core 1.3 GHz |
| RAM | 1 GB |
| Camera | 2 MP (front and rear) |
| OS | Fire OS |
| Special Features | Compact size, Alexa-enabled |
Amazon Fire HD 8 – $89.99
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 8” HD |
| Storage | 32/64 GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours |
| Processor | Quad-core 2.0 GHz |
| RAM | 2 GB |
| Camera | 2 MP (front and rear) |
| OS | Fire OS |
| Special Features | Hands-free Alexa, Show Mode |
Amazon Fire Kids Tablet – $139.99
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 8” HD |
| Storage | 32 GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours |
| Processor | Quad-core 2.0 GHz |
| RAM | 2 GB |
| Camera | 2 MP (front and rear) |
| OS | Fire OS with Kids Mode |
| Special Features | Durable case, parental controls |
Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus – $179.99
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 10.1” Full HD |
| Storage | 32/64 GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours |
| Processor | Octa-core 2.0 GHz |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Camera | 2 MP (front), 5 MP (rear) |
| OS | Fire OS |
| Special Features | Wireless charging, 4 GB RAM |
In-Depth Analysis of Amazon Fire Tablet Series
Design
Amazon’s Fire Tablets embody simplicity and practicality in their design. Models like the Fire HD 10 and Fire HD 10 Plus boast larger, sharper displays that enhance the experience for streaming and reading. The Amazon Fire Kids Tablet includes a rugged case to protect against drops, making it perfect for young users. Each model’s design emphasizes durability while keeping weight low, ensuring ease of handling for extended periods.
Performance
In terms of performance, Amazon’s tablets are highly optimized for their price points. The Fire HD 10 and HD 10 Plus stand out, with 3 GB and 4 GB of RAM, respectively, delivering smooth multitasking and quick app launches. The Fire 7’s lower RAM slightly limits its performance, which may become noticeable when handling multiple apps simultaneously, but it remains adequate for light use.
Usability
Amazon Fire Tablets use Fire OS, a simplified version of Android with a focus on media and entertainment. Fire OS allows access to the Amazon Appstore, making it easy for users to download compatible apps, and has an intuitive interface for browsing content. Features like Show Mode transform the tablet into a smart display, ideal for those who frequently use Alexa.
Battery Life
Battery life across all models is impressive. The Fire HD 10 series boasts up to 12 hours, making it a reliable option for long commutes or travel. Even the smaller Fire 7 provides up to 10 hours, keeping up with most daily tasks.
Durability
Amazon tablets are known for their robustness, withstanding daily wear and tear. Fire Kids Tablet takes this a step further with its durable kid-proof case, designed to handle bumps, drops, and spills, making it a solid choice for families.
Amazon Fire Tablet Comparison
When considering a Fire Tablet purchase, it’s helpful to compare across models to understand how each stands out. For instance, Fire HD 10 is perfect for users focused on streaming, thanks to its larger screen and faster processor, while the Fire HD 8 offers an affordable compromise between screen size and portability. For younger users, the Fire Kids Tablet is the clear choice, with enhanced parental controls and a sturdy build.
Compared to iPads and other Android tablets, Amazon’s models are more affordable but limit access to Google Play apps. Their OS integrates closely with Amazon’s ecosystem, ideal for Prime users but restrictive for broader app access.
Amazon Fire Tablet Pros and Cons
| Model | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Fire HD 10 | Large display, fast performance | Limited app selection |
| Fire 7 | Very affordable, compact size | Lower screen resolution |
| Fire HD 8 | Great value, balanced features | Limited RAM |
| Fire Kids Tablet | Kid-proof, parental controls | Restricted app availability |
| Fire HD 10 Plus | Premium feel, wireless charging | Higher price point |
Conclusion
Overall, the Amazon Fire Tablet series delivers substantial value, offering a variety of options for different needs and budgets. The Fire HD 10 is particularly suited for users interested in media consumption, while the Fire Kids Tablet is a top choice for families. For users on a budget, the Fire 7 provides excellent basic functionality at an unbeatable price. With Amazon’s ecosystem integration, these tablets are especially appealing to Prime members.
Amazon Fire Tablet Rating
Amazon Fire HD 10: Rated 4.5 out of 5 for its large, high-quality display and smooth performance, perfect for media consumption.
Fire 7: Earns a 3.5 rating for affordability and compact design, though it’s more limited in advanced functionality.
Amazon Fire HD 8: Holds a solid 4.0, offering a good balance of performance and price, making it versatile and budget-friendly.
Kids Tablet: Scores 4.3, highly favored by families for its durable design and robust parental controls.
Fire HD 10 Plus: Tops the lineup with a 4.6 rating, providing premium features like additional RAM and wireless charging, ideal for users seeking enhanced functionality.
What Product Should You Buy?
If you’re looking for the best overall Amazon Fire Tablet for streaming and media, go with the Fire HD 10 Plus for its upgraded features. Families should consider the Fire Kids Tablet due to its durable design and parental controls. For casual users on a budget, the Fire 7 is an excellent entry-level tablet.
FAQ
What makes the Amazon Fire Tablet different from other tablets?
The Amazon Fire Tablet series is affordable, offering seamless integration with Amazon’s services like Kindle, Audible, and Prime Video, making it ideal for Amazon users.
Which Amazon Fire Tablet is best for kids?
The Amazon Fire Kids Tablet is specifically designed for children, featuring parental controls and a durable, kid-proof case.
Is the Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus worth the extra cost?
Yes, the Fire HD 10 Plus offers better RAM, wireless charging, and a larger screen, making it a good choice for users who want more from their tablet.
Resources
- wired. Best Amazon Fire Tablet
- tomsguide. Best Amazon Fire Tablet
- trustedreviews. Best Fire Tablet
- bgr. Amazon Fire Tablet vs iPad: Value Comparison
- techradar. This Cheap Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet Drops to its Lowest Price Ahead of Black Friday
Brijesh Gohil is the founder of Tech Brij, A popular Tech Blog which is focused on Tech tips & Buying Guides. You can follow him on Facebook, Twitter, Google + & LinkedIn.