Amazon Fire HD 6 Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Amazon Fire HD 6, released in October 2014, is a tablet that offers a compact and affordable option for users seeking a portable device for various tasks. Despite being discontinued, it still holds relevance in today's market, catering to those who prioritize convenience and value.

Design and Build Quality

II. Design and Build Quality

The Amazon Fire HD 6, released in October 2014, boasts a compact and lightweight design, making it highly portable and easy to handle. With dimensions of 169 x 103 x 10.7 mm (6.65 x 4.06 x 0.42 in) and weighing just 290g (10.23 oz), this tablet can effortlessly fit into your bag or even your pocket.

In terms of aesthetics, the Fire HD 6 features a sleek and minimalist design. It is available in a range of colors including Black, White, Cobalt, Magenta, and Citron, allowing users to choose a color that suits their personal style. Its smooth finish and rounded edges provide a comfortable grip, making it enjoyable to hold for extended periods.

The tablet's build quality is commendable, with a sturdy construction that feels durable. It features Corning Gorilla Glass protection for the 6.0-inch IPS LCD display, safeguarding it from scratches and minor impacts. While the absence of cellular connectivity may limit its functionality compared to smartphones, it contributes to a more streamlined and lightweight design.

Ergonomically, the placement of the physical buttons and ports is convenient and intuitive. The power button and volume rocker are easily accessible on the right side of the device, while the microUSB 2.0 port is located at the bottom for charging and data transfer. Additionally, the presence of a 3.5mm headphone jack allows users to enjoy their favorite audio content without the need for adapters or Bluetooth connectivity.

Overall, the Amazon Fire HD 6 offers a compact and well-built design. Its lightweight nature, attractive color options, and comfortable grip make it an appealing choice for users seeking a portable and visually pleasing tablet.

Display

III. Display

The Amazon Fire HD 6 features a 6.0-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels and a 16:10 aspect ratio. The screen-to-body ratio is around 60%, providing a decent amount of screen real estate for multimedia consumption and other tasks.

In terms of display technology, the IPS LCD panel offers good color reproduction and wide viewing angles. While it may not provide the same deep blacks and vibrant colors as OLED displays, the Fire HD 6's screen still delivers satisfactory visuals for its price range.

The color accuracy and vibrancy of the display are reasonably good, ensuring that images and videos appear natural and vibrant. Additionally, the screen brightness is adequate for indoor use, but it may struggle a bit under bright sunlight, making outdoor visibility a bit challenging.

The touch sensitivity and responsiveness of the Fire HD 6's display are noteworthy. Swiping, scrolling, and tapping on the screen feel smooth and accurate, providing a pleasant user experience. Whether you're browsing the web, playing games, or navigating through the interface, the display responds well to touch inputs.

Overall, the Amazon Fire HD 6's display is a decent offering considering its price point. While it may not match the display quality of higher-end tablets, it still provides a satisfactory visual experience for everyday tasks and casual media consumption. Whether you're reading e-books, watching videos, or browsing the web, the Fire HD 6's display is more than capable of meeting your basic needs.

Performance

IV. Performance

When it comes to performance, the Amazon Fire HD 6 holds its own in the budget tablet category. Powered by a quad-core processor clocked at 1.5 GHz, this tablet offers decent speed and responsiveness for everyday tasks.

The combination of 1GB of RAM and either 8GB or 16GB of internal storage provides enough space for apps, media, and documents. While the storage may feel limited for some users, the Fire HD 6 does not support expandable storage, so it's important to consider your storage needs before making a purchase.

Multitasking on the Fire HD 6 is smooth, with apps launching quickly and running without noticeable lag. It handles basic tasks such as web browsing, email, and social media with ease. However, more demanding apps or games may experience occasional slowdowns or stuttering.

Speaking of gaming, the Fire HD 6 can handle casual games without any issues. However, graphically intensive games may not run as smoothly or offer the best visual experience due to the tablet's limited processing power and lower resolution display.

In terms of benchmark scores, the Fire HD 6 may not impress enthusiasts looking for top-tier performance. However, for its price range, it delivers satisfactory performance that caters to average users who prioritize affordability and basic functionality.

Real-world usage of the Fire HD 6 reveals a capable device for everyday tasks. Whether it's streaming videos, reading e-books, or browsing the web, the tablet performs well. It's worth noting that the device runs on a customized version of Android 4.4 (KitKat), which limits access to the Google Play Store and may affect compatibility with certain apps.

Overall, the performance of the Amazon Fire HD 6 is commendable considering its budget-friendly nature. While it may not be the most powerful tablet on the market, it offers a reliable and smooth user experience for everyday tasks and casual use.

Software and User Interface

V. Software and User Interface

When it comes to software and user interface, the Amazon Fire HD 6 offers a unique experience. The tablet runs on Android 4.4 (KitKat - customized) with Fire 4 OS, giving users a customized interface designed specifically for Amazon devices.

The operating system is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to navigate through menus and apps. The interface is clean and minimalistic, with quick access to Amazon's extensive library of digital content, including books, movies, music, and apps.

One of the standout features of the Fire HD 6 is its integration with Amazon's ecosystem. The tablet seamlessly integrates with Amazon Prime, providing users with access to exclusive content and services. With a Prime membership, users can enjoy free streaming of movies and TV shows, borrow books from the Kindle Owner's Lending Library, and take advantage of exclusive deals and discounts.

Customization options are somewhat limited compared to other Android devices, but users can still personalize their experience to some extent. The tablet allows for home screen customization, with the ability to add and arrange apps, widgets, and shortcuts.

Pre-installed apps are mainly Amazon services, such as Amazon Silk browser, Amazon Appstore, and Amazon Music. While these apps offer a seamless integration with Amazon's ecosystem, users may find themselves limited when it comes to accessing popular third-party apps available on the Google Play Store.

Software updates are provided by Amazon, ensuring that the tablet remains up to date with the latest features and security patches. However, it's worth noting that the Fire HD 6 runs on an older version of Android, which may limit access to some newer apps and features.

Overall, the software and user interface of the Amazon Fire HD 6 provide a smooth and streamlined experience, particularly for users who are already invested in Amazon's ecosystem. While customization options may be limited and access to third-party apps restricted, the tablet offers a cohesive and user-friendly interface that caters to the needs of Amazon Prime members.

Camera

VI. Camera:

The Amazon Fire HD 6 boasts a modest camera setup, with a 2 MP rear camera and a VGA front-facing camera. While these specs may seem underwhelming compared to the cameras on flagship smartphones, it's important to keep in mind that the Fire HD 6 is primarily a budget tablet rather than a dedicated imaging device.

In terms of image quality, the rear camera performs adequately in well-lit conditions, capturing decently detailed photos with accurate colors. However, in low-light situations, the camera struggles to produce clear and noise-free images, which is expected given its limited capabilities. The lack of advanced features like image stabilization further hinders its performance in challenging lighting conditions.

When it comes to video recording, the Fire HD 6 can shoot at 1080p resolution and 30 frames per second. While the video quality is acceptable for casual use, it may not satisfy users looking for professional-grade footage. The absence of features like optical image stabilization makes the footage prone to shakiness when capturing handheld videos.

The front-facing VGA camera is suitable for video calls and basic selfies, but it falls short in terms of capturing detailed and vibrant self-portraits. The low resolution limits the level of detail that can be captured, and the lack of advanced selfie features further limits its capabilities.

Overall, the camera performance on the Amazon Fire HD 6 is modest, catering to basic photography needs rather than delivering exceptional image quality. It is important to remember that the Fire HD 6's primary focus is on providing an affordable and functional tablet experience, and the camera capabilities reflect this priority. If you are looking for a tablet with a strong emphasis on photography, you may need to consider higher-end options in the market.

Battery Life

Connectivity and Networking

VIII. Connectivity and Networking

When it comes to connectivity and networking, the Amazon Fire HD 6 falls short in some areas. Firstly, it does not support GSM voice communication, SMS, or MMS, which means you won't be able to make phone calls or send text messages using this device. It lacks cellular connectivity altogether, so you'll have to rely on Wi-Fi for internet access.

Speaking of Wi-Fi, the Fire HD 6 supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, which is a standard connectivity option. It allows you to connect to Wi-Fi networks and browse the internet, stream content, and download apps. However, it lacks support for the latest Wi-Fi standards like 802.11ac, which offers faster speeds and better range.

In terms of Bluetooth, the Fire HD 6 is equipped with Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP support. This enables you to connect wireless headphones, speakers, or other compatible devices for a cable-free audio experience. Bluetooth 4.0 is not the latest version available, but it still offers decent connectivity and allows you to enjoy wireless audio streaming.

Unfortunately, the Fire HD 6 does not have NFC (Near Field Communication) capabilities. NFC is a feature commonly found in smartphones and tablets that enables contactless payments and facilitates easy data transfer between devices. Without NFC, you won't be able to use services like Google Pay or Apple Pay, and you won't be able to transfer files by simply tapping your device against another NFC-enabled device.

On the positive side, the Fire HD 6 does come with a microUSB 2.0 port, which allows you to connect the tablet to a computer or charge it using the included cable. The microUSB port also supports SlimPort, which enables you to connect the tablet to a larger display via an adapter for a more immersive viewing experience.

In terms of positioning and navigation, the Fire HD 6 does not have built-in GPS capabilities. This means that you won't be able to use the tablet for precise location tracking or turn-by-turn navigation. However, you can still use location-based services and apps that rely on Wi-Fi or network-based positioning.

Overall, while the Fire HD 6 offers basic connectivity options like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, it lacks some advanced features like cellular connectivity, NFC, and GPS. If you require these features for your daily usage, you may need to consider other devices that offer a more comprehensive connectivity and networking experience.

Additional Features

IX. Additional Features

The Amazon Fire HD 6 may be a budget-friendly tablet, but it still packs in some additional features that enhance the overall user experience. Let's take a closer look at what this device has to offer beyond its basic specifications.

Firstly, the Fire HD 6 does not come with any water or dust resistance capabilities. Therefore, it is important to handle the device with care and keep it away from liquids or dusty environments.

In terms of storage, the tablet lacks expandable storage options. This means that users are limited to the internal storage capacity of either 8GB or 16GB, depending on the variant they choose. It's worth considering this limitation if you plan on storing a large amount of media or installing numerous apps.

When it comes to audio, the Fire HD 6 features a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing users to connect their favorite headphones or external speakers for an immersive audio experience. Additionally, the tablet is equipped with a loudspeaker, which provides decent audio output for casual media consumption.

One notable feature of the Fire HD 6 is its support for the Text-to-Speech English-language content reader. This feature can be particularly useful for users with visual impairments or those who prefer listening to content rather than reading. It adds a layer of accessibility to the device, making it more inclusive for a wider range of users.

While the additional features of the Amazon Fire HD 6 may not be groundbreaking, they do add some value to the overall package. The inclusion of a headphone jack, loudspeaker, and the Text-to-Speech content reader enhance the tablet's versatility and usability for various multimedia and accessibility needs.

However, it is important to note that the lack of water and dust resistance, as well as the absence of expandable storage options, may be limiting factors for certain users. It's crucial to consider these aspects before making a purchase decision.

Despite these limitations, the Fire HD 6 still offers a compelling set of additional features that complement its primary functions as a budget tablet. It's a device that caters to users seeking a basic yet functional tablet experience without breaking the bank.

In conclusion, the Amazon Fire HD 6 provides users with a decent array of additional features that enhance its overall usability. While it may not be the most feature-rich tablet on the market, it offers a good balance between affordability and functionality, making it suitable for casual media consumption, reading, and basic productivity tasks.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

X. Comparison with Other Related Phones:

When comparing the Amazon Fire HD 6 to other related phones in the market, there are a few notable contenders that offer similar features and specifications. One such phone is the Apple iPad Mini 4. Both the Fire HD 6 and iPad Mini 4 have compact form factors, making them ideal for on-the-go use. They also boast high-resolution displays and offer a range of apps and services.

Another alternative worth considering is the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0. Like the Fire HD 6, the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 offers a portable design and a budget-friendly price. It also provides expandable storage options and a decent battery life. However, the Galaxy Tab A 8.0 has a larger display and a more recent version of Android, which may be appealing to some users.

For those seeking a more premium option, the Microsoft Surface Go 2 is worth considering. It offers a larger display, powerful performance, and the versatility of a detachable keyboard. The Surface Go 2 also runs on Windows 10, providing access to a wide range of productivity tools and software.

When comparing these phones, it's important to consider factors such as price, operating system preference, and specific use-case requirements. While the Amazon Fire HD 6 offers a budget-friendly option with a focus on media consumption, the iPad Mini 4, Galaxy Tab A 8.0, and Surface Go 2 offer varying degrees of performance and productivity features. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual needs and priorities.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

XII. Conclusion

In conclusion, the Amazon Fire HD 6, released in October 2014, offers a compact and budget-friendly tablet option. With its 6-inch IPS LCD display and resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels, the device provides a decent viewing experience for multimedia consumption. While the absence of cellular connectivity limits its functionality as a standalone device, it compensates with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n support.

The tablet is powered by a quad-core processor, offering a satisfactory performance for everyday tasks and casual gaming. However, the 1GB RAM might limit heavy multitasking. The 2MP rear camera and VGA front-facing camera deliver average image quality, suitable for basic photography needs.

One of the notable advantages of the Amazon Fire HD 6 is its user-friendly interface, running on a customized version of Android 4.4 (KitKat). The tablet also comes with access to Amazon's ecosystem, including Prime Video, Kindle Store, and other services, making it a great option for Amazon Prime subscribers.

Battery life on the Fire HD 6 is decent, lasting up to 8 hours of talk time. However, the lack of fast charging technology might be a drawback for those seeking quick recharging capabilities.

While the Fire HD 6 has its limitations, it stands out as an affordable option for users who primarily require a portable media consumption device. Its compact size, durability, and access to Amazon's content ecosystem make it suitable for travelers, students, and casual users.

However, it is important to note that since its release in 2014, the Fire HD 6 has been discontinued, and newer models with improved specifications and features are now available. Therefore, if you are considering purchasing a tablet, it would be wise to explore more recent options in the market before making a final decision.

Overall, the Amazon Fire HD 6 offers decent performance and a budget-friendly price tag, making it a viable choice for those seeking a basic tablet experience with access to Amazon's content library.