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Key Points:
- Video providers for both Kindle Fire and iPad include Prime Video, HBO, DAZN, Netflix, Hulu, and more.
- The Kindle Fire costs $200 less than Apple’s iPad (2019). The latter comes with a better camera, bigger screen, and better overall performance.
- The battery life of both tablets is similar. The Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus lasts up to 12 hours on a full charge while the iPad (2019) lasts up to 10 hours.
The Kindle Fire vs. iPad debate is one of the most popular. These are two of the most popular tablets on the market, but which one is right for you? The answer depends on your needs and preferences.
Apple’s iPad may be your best option if you’re looking for a tablet that does everything from games to movies to books. However, if you’re looking for something more affordable to handle basic tasks such as reading eBooks and browsing the web, then Amazon’s Kindle Fire might be a better fit for your needs.
This comparison will help you navigate each tablet’s features, specifications, and capabilities to help you determine which one to invest in. At the bottom, you will also find their latest models and brief descriptions.
Kindle Fire vs. iPad: Side-by-Side Comparison
Picking up a specific tablet model in the first place is not the right approach. The first thing to decide is which ecosystem you find more appealing.
Does Amazon or Apple suit you more?
If you decide to stick with Amazon, the Fire tablet seems like the logical choice.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for more features and a unique operating system, you should stick with the iPad.
The table below compares the general features of the Amazon Fire and Apple iPad ecosystems.
| General Features | Kindle Fire | iPad |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Fire OS | iPad OS |
| Connected Platforms | Amazon | Apple |
| microSD slot | Up to 1 TB | No |
| File Manager | Included | Included |
| Alexa | Integrated | Included via the Alexa app |
| Siri | No | Integrated |
| Kindle Books | Integrated | Included via the Kindle app |
| Price Range | From $50 to $300 | Starting from $300 |
| Video Providers | Prime Video, HBO, DAZN, Netflix, Hulu, and more | Prime Video, HBO, DAZN, Netflix, Hulu, and more |
| Google Services | Limited | Included via Google services apps |
- 8" HD display, 2X the storage (32 or 64 GB of internal storage and up to 1 TB with microSD card) + 2 GB RAM. 10th generation (2020 release).
- All-day battery life - Up to 12 hours of reading, browsing the web, watching videos, and listening to music.
- Now with USB-C for easier charging. Fully charges in under 5 hours (with included cable + adapter).
- 30% faster thanks to the new 2.0 GHz quad-core processor.
- Enjoy your favorite apps like Netflix, Facebook, Hulu, Instagram, TikTok, and more through Amazon’s Appstore (Google Play not supported).
After deciding which platform interests you most, choosing a specific model is a next step.
The following is a side-by-side comparison of two models: the entry-level iPad and the middle-range Fire tablet.
| Features | Kindle Fire HD 8 | Apple iPad 10.2 (2019) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 8 inches | 10.2 inches |
| Resolution | 1280 × 800 px | 2160 × 1620 px |
| Storage | 32 GB or 64 GB | 32 GB or 128 GB |
| Port Type | USB-C (2.0) | Lighting port |
| RAM Memory | 2 GB | 3 GB |
| microSD slot | Up to 1 TB | No |
| Processor | Quad-Core 2 GHz | A10 chip |
| Cameras | Front: 2 MPRear: 2 MP | Front: 1.2 MPRear: 8 MP |
| Operating System | Fire OS | iPad OS |
| Weight | 355 g | 483 g |
| Battery Life | 12 hours | 10 hours |
| Amazon Prime | Integrated | Included via Prime Video apps |
| Google Services | Limited | Full Service |
| Release Date | June 3, 2020 | September 30, 2019 |
| Price | Starting at $120 | Starting at $300 |
Kindle Fire vs. iPad: 5 Must-Know Facts
- All Kindle Fire devices integrate with the Kindle Store content, with access to over 6 million eBooks available in the United States.
- Research showed a total number of 17.4 million people in the US actively use the Kindle Fire.
- 81% of active Kindle Fire users also play mobile games
- More than 300,000 Apple iPads were sold on launch day.
- Since 2013, iPad tablets have been the second most popular tablets by sales throughout the world against Android-based devices.
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Kindle Fire HD 8 vs. iPad (2019): Full Comparison
The Amazon Kindle Fire line of tablets are excellent devices for reading books, watching videos, and playing games. But they are not as good as iPads for more complex tasks like editing photos and videos.
If you’re looking for a tablet that can do everything, there’s no better choice than the iPad. It has the best screen and software and is still the most popular tablet on the market.
Where the Fire wins is the price and battery life. The Fire costs significantly less than an entry-level iPad and offers up more battery life — significantly longer than any currently available iPad model. You’ll probably need to pick up an external battery to use on your iPad if you plan on playing games all day.
The iPad is the gold standard for tablets, but Amazon has made a name for itself as a budget-friendly alternative. Both have advantages and disadvantages, so let’s see how they compare.
Price
If you’re looking for something cheaper, Amazon made a serious effort with the Kindle Fire HD 8, which now retails for around $120. It has a decent screen, a capable processor, front-facing stereo speakers, and an improved camera.
But it costs $200 less than Apple’s iPad (2019) — which comes with a better camera, bigger screen, and better overall performance. So we’re not sure it’s worth the price premium.
Apple’s iPad (2019) costs $300 for 16GB of storage. Apple charges $100 or more for each incremental upgrade if you want more storage space on either device.
Display
The iPad has a 10.2-inch display while the Kindle Fire has an 8-inch display. Overall size is similar between the two devices, with the iPad being slightly thinner (0.29 inches) than the Kindle Fire (0.34 inches).
Size and weight
The Kindle Fire HD 8 weighs 355g, making it slightly lighter than the 483g iPad. However, both devices are comfortable enough to use. The thickness and weight of both devices make them easy to hold with one hand while reading an eBook or watching a movie or TV show on Netflix or Hulu etc.
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Battery life
The battery life of both tablets is similar — the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus lasts up to 12 hours on a full charge while the iPad (2019) lasts up to 10 hours. Neither offers much more than that since they’re primarily meant for use at home or work, You may get a few more hours out of either device if you turn off all networks and or use their battery saver mode.
Features
The Kindle Fire HD 8 is an excellent tablet for the price, but it can’t quite compete with the iPad (2019) in terms of features. The iPad has better screen quality, better audio quality, and more powerful cameras.
The iPad’s superior design and battery life make it a better choice than the Fire HD 8 if you’re looking for a tablet to use as an entertainment device.
The iPad is the gold standard for tablets, but Amazon has made a name for itself as a budget-friendly alternative. Both have advantages and disadvantages, so let’s examine in full how they compare.
- Gorgeous 10.2-inch Retina display with True Tone
- A13 Bionic chip with Neural Engine
- 8MP Wide back camera, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage
- Up to 256GB storage
- Stereo speakers
Kindle Fire vs. iPad: Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re looking for a tablet for entertainment and more heavy-duty tasks, you should probably go with the iPad. It’s way better than the Kindle Fire at this task because it has a bigger screen, which makes it much easier to read books or watch videos on the go. It also has way better screen quality and a faster processor to go with it.
On the other hand, if you want an affordable tablet that can also be used for tasks like watching movies, reading books, and playing games, you should get the Kindle Fire.
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