Amazon Kindle Fire HD (2013) 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 Kindle Fire HD 2013 is a budget tablet that was released back in September 2013. It comes with a 7.0 inch IPS LCD display that has a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels. The tablet is powered by a dual-core 1.5 GHz processor and runs on Android OS (Jelly Bean - customized). It has 1GB of RAM and is available in two storage options; 8GB and 16GB. The tablet does not support cellular connectivity, SMS, and MMS. However, it does come with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n and Bluetooth connectivity options. The tablet also has a non-removable Li-Ion battery that has a talk time of up to 10 hours.

Design and Build Quality

The Amazon Kindle Fire HD 2013 sports a sleek and minimalist design that is both modern and functional. The tablet measures 191 x 128 x 10.6 mm and weighs 345g, making it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. The tablet's back is made of a soft-touch plastic material that provides a good grip, while the front is dominated by a 7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels.

Despite being made of plastic, the Kindle Fire HD 2013 feels sturdy and well-built, with no noticeable flex or creaks when handling the device. The buttons and ports are all placed strategically for easy access and convenience, with the power button and volume rocker on the right side of the device and the micro-USB port and headphone jack on the top.

Overall, the Kindle Fire HD 2013 has a premium look and feel that belies its affordable price point. While it may not have the metal construction of more expensive tablets, its build quality is more than sufficient for most users' needs, and it should be able to withstand daily use without any issues.

Display

The Amazon Kindle Fire HD 2013 boasts a 7.0-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 800 x 1280 pixels and a 16:10 aspect ratio. The display has a pixel density of around 216 pixels per inch, which is quite standard for a tablet in this price range. The screen is vibrant and colorful, with accurate colors and good viewing angles. The display is also bright enough to be used outdoors, although it may struggle in direct sunlight. Touch sensitivity and responsiveness are also good, making it easy to navigate through the user interface and interact with apps.

Overall, while the display on the Amazon Kindle Fire HD 2013 is not the highest resolution or pixel density, it is still a solid option for casual use. The IPS LCD technology ensures good color accuracy and viewing angles, making it suitable for watching movies or reading books. However, those looking for a tablet with a higher resolution display may want to consider other options on the market.

Performance

The Amazon Kindle Fire HD 2013 boasts a dual-core 1.5 GHz processor and 1GB of RAM, which is perfectly adequate for everyday usage. The device runs on a customized version of Android Jelly Bean operating system. Multitasking and app performance are smooth, and there are no issues with lag or stuttering.

Gaming on the Kindle Fire HD 2013 is also a pleasant experience. The device handles graphically demanding games well and without any noticeable lag. The benchmark scores for this device are also decent, although they may not be the highest compared to other devices in the market.

In terms of real-world usage, the Kindle Fire HD 2013 performs well. The device loads apps quickly and without any issues. Streaming videos and browsing the web are also smooth experiences.

However, the device's 8GB or 16GB internal storage options may be limiting for some users. It is important to note that there is no expandable storage option available on this device.

Overall, the performance of the Amazon Kindle Fire HD 2013 is satisfactory, but it may not be the best option for power users or those who require a large amount of storage space. For most users, the Kindle Fire HD 2013 offers a smooth and enjoyable user experience.

Software and User Interface

The Amazon Kindle Fire HD 2013 runs on a customized version of Android OS (Jelly Bean), which offers a user-friendly interface and a variety of customization options. The user interface is simple and intuitive, making it easy for users of all ages to navigate through the device. The tablet comes pre-loaded with a number of apps and games, most of which are developed by Amazon.

The software is optimized for Amazon's ecosystem, which includes Amazon Prime, Amazon Appstore, and Amazon Cloud services. The tablet also offers access to popular services like Netflix, Hulu, and Pandora. The tablet's user interface is smooth and responsive, making it easy to switch between apps and multitask.

The tablet's software also includes a text-to-speech English-language content reader, which is a useful feature for those who prefer to listen to books or articles rather than reading them on the screen. The tablet's software is regularly updated by Amazon, ensuring that users have access to the latest features and security updates.

One downside to the tablet's software is the lack of access to Google Play Store, which limits the number of apps that users can download. However, Amazon's Appstore offers a decent selection of apps, with many popular titles available for download.

Overall, the Kindle Fire HD 2013's software and user interface are well-designed and optimized for Amazon's ecosystem. The tablet offers a user-friendly experience and a variety of customization options, making it suitable for users of all ages. However, the limited access to Google Play Store may be a drawback for some users who rely on certain apps that are not available on Amazon's Appstore.

Camera

The Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7 does not sport a rear camera, but it does have a front-facing camera for video calls and selfies. The front camera packs a 1.2-megapixel sensor capable of recording videos in 720p resolution. The camera quality is decent enough for video calls and casual selfies, but don't expect it to replace your dedicated camera or smartphone camera.

In terms of features, the camera app offers basic controls such as exposure compensation, white balance, and gridlines. There's also a panorama mode that lets you capture a wider field of view. However, the camera app lacks advanced features such as manual focus, shutter speed control, and filters.

Image quality is satisfactory in well-lit conditions, but it struggles in low-light environments. Expect some noise and graininess in your images when shooting in dimly-lit areas. The front camera is also prone to overexposure in bright conditions, resulting in blown-out highlights.

Overall, the camera of the Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7 is adequate for its intended purpose. It's not a standout feature, but it gets the job done for video calls and casual photography. If you're looking for a device with a more capable camera, you might want to look elsewhere.

Battery Life

Connectivity and Networking

When it comes to connectivity and networking, the Amazon Kindle Fire HD 2013 is a somewhat limited device. This tablet does not have support for cellular connectivity, which means you won't be able to make phone calls or send text messages using this device. However, it does have Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, which allows you to connect to the internet and download content quickly and easily.

In addition to Wi-Fi, this tablet also supports Bluetooth, which is handy for connecting to wireless headphones or speakers. Unfortunately, there is no support for NFC or wireless payment systems, which may be a dealbreaker for some users.

When it comes to navigation, the Kindle Fire HD 2013 does not have GPS support, which means you won't be able to use it for turn-by-turn directions or location-based services. However, there are plenty of third-party apps available that can provide this functionality if needed.

In terms of sensors, this tablet has an accelerometer and gyro, which allow you to play games and use other apps that require motion detection. However, there is no support for fingerprint or face unlock, which means you'll need to enter a password or PIN to unlock the device.

Overall, the connectivity and networking features of the Amazon Kindle Fire HD 2013 are somewhat limited, but they should be sufficient for basic internet browsing and content consumption. If you need more advanced features like cellular connectivity or GPS navigation, you may want to consider a different device.

Additional Features

The Amazon Kindle Fire HD 2013 comes packed with a number of additional features that enhance its user experience. For starters, the tablet is equipped with dual stereo speakers that deliver clear and crisp sound quality, making it great for streaming music or watching movies.

The device also boasts a Text-to-Speech English-language content reader feature, which is a handy tool for those who prefer listening to reading. It allows users to convert any written content into spoken words, which can be a great option for those who have difficulty reading or have visual impairments.

Another notable feature of the Kindle Fire HD 2013 is its Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n dual-band connectivity, which ensures fast and reliable internet speeds. It also comes with Bluetooth connectivity, which enables users to connect their devices wirelessly and transfer files quickly and easily.

Although the tablet does not have NFC or wireless payment support, it does have an accelerometer and gyro sensor, which are useful for gaming and augmented reality apps. Additionally, the tablet is compatible with a wide range of accessories such as cases, covers, and screen protectors, which can help to keep it safe and secure.

Overall, the Amazon Kindle Fire HD 2013 has a range of impressive additional features that make it a great choice for those looking for an affordable and versatile tablet. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of high-end devices, it offers a solid set of features that will meet the needs of most users.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

When it comes to comparing the Amazon Kindle Fire HD 2013, it's important to consider other tablets in the market. One of its main competitors is the Google Nexus 7. Both devices have a 7-inch display and run on Android. However, the Nexus 7 has a higher resolution display and a faster processor compared to the Kindle Fire HD 2013.

Another comparable device is the iPad Mini, which is a bit pricier than the Kindle Fire HD 2013, but also offers more features. The iPad Mini has a better camera, a larger display, and access to the Apple App Store.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 is also a popular tablet in the market, and has a similar price point to the Kindle Fire HD 2013. While it does have a slightly larger display, it also has a lower quality screen and less internal storage compared to the Kindle Fire HD 2013.

Overall, when comparing the Amazon Kindle Fire HD 2013 to other related phones, it's important to consider your personal needs and preferences. If you're looking for a budget-friendly tablet with a decent display and basic features, the Kindle Fire HD 2013 may be a good option for you. However, if you're willing to spend a bit more for better performance and additional features, there are other options in the market worth considering.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Amazon Kindle Fire HD 2013 is a decent tablet with average performance and limited features. Its design and build quality are satisfactory, but it lacks cellular connectivity and a rear camera. The display is decent with good color accuracy, but the resolution is not up to par with modern standards. The performance is adequate for basic usage, but it may struggle with heavy multitasking and gaming. The software and user interface are user-friendly but lack customization options. The battery life is average, and the connectivity and networking options are limited. Overall, the Amazon Kindle Fire HD 2013 may be suitable for casual users who want an affordable tablet for basic tasks such as browsing, reading, and streaming. However, it may not be the best option for power users or those who need advanced features or performance. There are other tablets in the market that offer better value for the price, such as the Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7 or the Samsung Galaxy Tab A.