Kindle vs. iPad: Need to Know Facts
- Amazon first launched the Kindle in 2007, two years before the iPad.
- Kindle’s battery life is longer than the iPad’s.
- The early versions of the Kindle use e-ink technology, and the iPad has an LCD screen.
- The iPad is a workhorse that provides the tools you need to handle any task.
When you first look at the Amazon Kindle tablet and iPad, they appear a lot alike. Both tablets are popular and offer an array of services and apps. However, they excel in different areas. Determining what option is best for you depends on several factors.
For example, the Kindle is a great device for entertainment. And, the iPad is more of a workhorse that can handle virtually any task.
Even though the Kindle and iPad have several superficial similarities, the tablets have very different purposes. Both tablets are the right options for different reasons.
As mentioned above, Amazon’s Kindle offers a lot of entertainment in a single device. You can get a lot of use from this device if you are an Amazon customer. Unfortunately, the tablet isn’t made for work, even though it includes various Microsoft apps, such as Teams and Office.
On the other hand, the iPad is a great tool. It offers a huge selection of apps, multitasking features, and an amazing processor. It can easily transition from word processing and photo editing to gaming. However, if you don’t need premium performance, it is a bit pricey.
Compare the options here to determine which one makes the most sense for you.
Kindle vs. iPad: Side by Side Comparison
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| Amazon Kindle | Apple iPad | |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | 32 GB Built-in storage | 64 GB or 264 GB internal storage |
| Additional storage | Extra storage with micro SD cards | Extra storage with iCloud drive |
| Screen size | 10.1″ | 10.2″ |
| Starting price | $149 | $329 |
| Battery life | 12 hours | 10+ hours |
| Display screen | 1080p Full HD display | 4k |
| Gaming power | Minimal games to choose from | Wide selection of games |
- 300 PPI display (glare-free, paper-like)
- A single charge via USB-C lasts up to 6 weeks
- 16 GB of storage
- Access to Kindle Unlimited with over 2 million titles
Kindle: What Does It Offer?
Amazon launched the Kindle with one goal in mind. This goal was to bring people and books together. The design of the Kindle was not to compete with tablets. Because of this, the design has maintained this trajectory through the years. While this is true, it has evolved to offer more today while excelling as a functional, easy-to-use tablet.
Today, the technology has evolved, and so has the Kindle. One example of this is the development of the Kindle Fire. It was specifically designed to compete with other tablets on the market. The original Kindle made it possible for users to have pocket-sized libraries from the Amazon bookstore. Today, it offers services like Kindle Unlimited, which connects users with books, and other services, such as Kindle Vella.
Even though any tablet can be used to read, the Kindle Fire is great for anyone who reads books primarily on Amazing. The same is true for Audible subscribers. If you use Amazing to purchase your entertainment, the Kindle bundles it all together rather nicely.
It’s true that the Kindle Fire may not have the large selection of apps that the iPad offers, but the selection available includes all the main streaming apps you may want. It also connects users to Prime Video and Amazon Music and allows them to use other (competing) platforms such as Spotify, HBO Max, Hulu, and Netflix.
Those using the Kindle for reading will have access to some of the top digital book providers, including the Kindle Store and Audible. Thanks to the integrated Micro SD slot, it’s also possible for you to use your own content.
If you plan to use the tablet for entertainment, the Kindle offers everything you could want at a lower price point, which makes it an appealing choice.
iPad: A Tablet That Does It All
Apple launched the iPad in January 2010. It offered users the experience of a PC in a small, portable package that made activities like reading emails, using social media, watching movies, and browsing the internet simply and something you can do from any location.
One of the biggest selling points of the iPad compared to the Kindle is its large selection of apps. These apps can be used for handling many day-to-day tasks. Some functions it offers include a video conferencing app, a contacts list, maps, a notepad, an alarm clock, a calendar, a mail client, and a web browser.
Apple also offers the iWork suite and iLife suite, which are available for free for new iPad users. With this, you can access presentation software, a video editor, a music studio, a spreadsheet, and a word processor. There are also several free apps available in the App Store, and if an app requires a payment, it will be a lower price than the apps made for desktops and laptops.
- Immersive 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display and the amazing performance of the M1 chip
- Features Touch ID, advanced cameras, superfast 5G and Wi-Fi 6, and a USB-C connector
- With iPadOS, you can run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos
- Comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps available on the App Store
- Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast wireless connectivity to download files, play multiplayer games, stream movies, check in with friends, and more. And when you’re away from Wi-Fi, superfast 5G gives you the flexibility to stay connected in more places.
- The M1 chip lets you multitask smoothly between powerful apps and play graphics-intensive games
- All-day battery life, you can keep working and playing wherever you go
- Choose from 64GB or 256GB storage options depending on the room you need for apps, music, movies, and more
- With Apple Pencil (2nd generation), iPad Air transforms into an immersive drawing canvas and the world’s best note‑taking device
- Magic Keyboard features a great typing experience and a built‑in trackpad while doubling as a protective cover for iPad
- Pink
Games, functionality, and more
You can’t beat the iPad for gaming, either. Along with casual games, there are more hardcore games available that are ideal for serious gamers.
Apple designers have worked to ensure the interface and navigation are intuitive, which ensures anyone can use it – even if you have never used an Apple device before. There isn’t a lot of clutter on the main screen. Instead, it’s filled with apps. You can tap an app to open it and then click the Home button (if you have an iPad with one). For iPads without a Home button, you can swipe from left to right or right to left to move from one screen to another.
Other features offered by the iPad include Amazon Kindle books and a free Kindle reader, along with Apple’s digital assistant, Siri. These features make it possible to ensure you get the most innovative tablet available today.
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Kindle vs. iPad: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Use?
As you can see, the Kindle and iPad both have appealing features to offer. If you are on a budget, choosing the Kindle makes more sense. This is just a financial fact.
However, if you want a device designed to do a little bit of everything, choose the iPad. While it comes at a premium price, it’s something you can count on to work how you need it to, regardless of the task you are trying to do.
The bottom line is to choose the tablet that best suits your needs. With the information above, you should be able to make the right decision for you.
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