With the Fire 7, HD 8 and HD 10, Amazon offers three tablets, which are also available in other versions such as Kids or Plus. We tell you how the models differ.
Tablets are more popular than ever. In addition to consuming entertainment content, it is also used for work, school or university. Unfortunately, the devices from Apple and Samsung are often very expensive and not everyone can afford a device from these manufacturers.
Fortunately, the number of alternative manufacturers is increasing every year, which is why cheaper products are coming onto the market. This includes, for example, Amazon. With the Fire tablets, the online retailer has been trying to establish itself in the tablet market for several years now. Although Amazon cannot keep up with Apple and Co. in terms of performance, the devices are constantly improving.
Fire 7, HD 8 and HD10: Technical features in comparison
Amazon currently offers three tablet PCs, the Fire 7, the Fire HD 8 and the Fire HD 10. But what exactly are the differences between the tablets and which tablet is the best choice to buy? You will find out in this article.
The three models come from three different generations. The oldest is currently the Fire HD 10. It was launched in May 2021. On the other hand, Amazon released new editions of the two cheaper versions Fire 7 and Fire HD 8 in 2022.
What is the difference between the various devices?
display size
The size of the displays is already implied by the names of the devices. The Fire 7 has a 7-inch display, the Fire HD 8 has an 8-inch display, and the Fire HD 10 has a 10.1-inch display. All three displays are based on IPS LCD technology, which uses a layer of liquid crystals. We explain the advantages and disadvantages of this display technology in the linked article.
The screens of the three models offer different resolutions. The Fire 7 has a resolution of 1024×600 pixels. The Fire HD 8 has 1,280 x 800 pixels and the Fire HD 10 has 1,920 x 1,200 pixels. So you can only watch HD content on the 8 and 10 models.
processor and performance
The Fire 7 has the weakest processor. The Mediatek processor MT8168 is installed here. This has four Cortex-A7 cores with a clock frequency of 2.0 gigahertz. The performance of the chip is actually only sufficient for basic functions such as reading texts or surfing the web.
The Fire 7 is one of the most popular models from Amazon’s tablet family. (Source: Amazon)
The Fire HD 8 promises a little more performance because it is equipped with a newer processor generation. The built-in Mediatek MT8169A offers six cores with a clock frequency of 2 gigahertz. This means that applications can be used much more smoothly. Somewhat more demanding programs and games can also be used with this tablet. The processor is definitely sufficient for everyday use.
The Fire HD 10 offers the most performance of all Amazon tablets with the Mediatek MT8183 Helio P60T. This has eight cores, with four Cortex-A53 cores with a clock frequency of 2 gigahertz and four Cortex-A73 cores also with 2 gigahertz. Accordingly, all apps can actually be used with this device and the processor should also have a few performance reserves for future applications.
disk space and memory
There are also differences in the built-in memory, but they are negligible. Because all three models have a microSD slot, which makes it possible to upgrade storage space. The Fire 7 offers 16 and 32 gigabytes of storage, so buying a memory card is definitely worth considering. The Fire HD 8 and HD 10 are available in a 32 gigabyte or 64 gigabyte version.
There are no big surprises in terms of working memory either. The 2022 Fire 7 offers 2 gigabytes, the Fire HD 8 offers 2 gigabytes and the Fire HD 10 offers 3 gigabytes. Currently running programs are cached in the main memory of a computer or tablet. Accordingly, the amount of RAM determines how many programs can run smoothly at the same time.
camera
Tablets are not really suitable for photos in the lower price category, which is why the Amazon models do not do well here either. The Fire 7 and 8 only offer a 2-megapixel camera and 720p video recording. The variant from 2022 has also not received an upgrade here. The 10 isn’t really any better with a 5 megapixel camera either. The tablets are not suitable for vacation photos or the like, but the cameras are suitable for video telephony.
connectivity and battery
There aren’t huge differences when it comes to connectivity either. All three models have an AUX connection for headphones or the like. All three models also have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, although the Fire 7’s Bluetooth is a slightly older version, which could cause connection problems.
None of the three models offer a GPS or NFC function. After all, all three tablets now have a USB C port.
The Fire HD 8 offers up to 12 hours of battery life. (Source: Amazon)
When it comes to the battery, the Fire 7 also performs worse than the other models. These have a battery life of around 13 hours, while the cheaper model reaches its maximum at around 8 hours. Please note: The data is from Amazon, the actual battery life depends on your intensity of use.
software
There is a customized version of Android on Amazon’s tablets. This includes most of the important apps and functions. The only downside here is the lack of the Google Play Store. However, with these instructions you can easily install the Google Play Store on your Fire tablet afterwards.
price and availability
The tablets from Amazon are almost all in the price range under 200 euros. The cheapest model is the Fire 7 with a price of 64.99 euros. The Fire HD 8 normally costs just under 115 euros and the Fire HD 10 is just under 150 euros. On Black Friday and other promotional days, the price can drop by 10 to 50 euros depending on the device.
The Amazon Fire HD 10 is the retailer’s most powerful tablet. (Source: Amazon)
It is important to know that Amazon offers two options when purchasing, as you can purchase the device with or without advertising. Without advertising, the tablets cost about 15 euros more, for which you will not receive any messages or ads on your home screen. However, you can deactivate advertising on the Fire tablets after purchase.
What is behind the Fire Kids, Kids Pro and Plus models?
Amazon offers special versions of the different models. These have suffixes such as Kids, Kids Pro or Plus in their names. These are variants of the three tablets that are aimed at specific target groups. The new version of the Fire HD 8 is also available in these variants.
The best known is probably the Kids Edition. These are available for the Fire 7, Fire 8 and the Fire HD 10. This is provided with a special cover to protect the device from fall damage or the like. In addition, child-friendly software with games and learning content is pre-installed there. However, to turn the devices into a children’s tablet, you pay a surcharge of almost 50 euros. With the Fire HD 8 and 10 you can even buy a Kids Pro Edition, which promises more performance and even more learning content.
Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus
✓ Good value for money
✓ Soft touch surface
✓ Can be used as a children’s tablet
At Amazon
The Fire HD 8 is also available in the Plus version. This offers a little more RAM (3 gigabytes) and a wireless charging function. The same applies to the Fire HD 10. The Plus version of the tablet costs 30 euros more and has the same advantages as the Fire HD 8 Plus.
What are the Fire Productivity Sets?
Another offer from Amazon are the so-called productivity sets. These include a 12-month subscription to Microsoft 365 Personal and a Bluetooth keyboard. You can get this package for an additional charge of around 100 euros.
network world means
If you are looking for a cheap tablet for basic things in everyday life, you are well served with a Fire tablet from Amazon. However, we would rather recommend buying the Fire HD 10, since you will get more from this tablet and it will serve you well for longer. The surcharge of 100 or 50 euros is definitely worth it. If the device is to be used for work or school, then a productivity set is also worthwhile.
If you are looking for a tablet for your children, then we recommend the Kids Edition. Although this is a bit more expensive, the device does not break that easily and the learning content is also worthwhile. You can find more affordable and recommended tablets in our comparison of the best Android tablets of 2022.
Don’t miss anything with the NETWORK-Newsletter
Every Friday: The most informative and entertaining summary from the world of technology!