#Kindle fire hd 7 specifications android
#Kindle fire hd 7 specifications software

What is included in the box is very barebones. Denser or larger webpages still lag behind fast scrolling and movement, so the experience is not pitch perfect. The individual stores feel less cluttered than on Google’s and the Silk Browser has benefited greatly from the faster processing power and RAM of the hardware, at least subjectively. Particularly for a 7-inch screen, this is valuable space that could have been utilized to improve local functionality instead.Įven so, the Kindle Fire HD tablet has made it simpler than ever to browse and shop all things Amazon. For example, if using the tablet in the portrait orientation, almost half of the home screen is dedicated to Amazon advertisements to encourage more purchases. The Fire interface focuses on easy-to-use Amazon services at the expense of almost everything else.

#Kindle fire hd 7 specifications android

With that said, we prefer the stock Android experience due largely to the vast customization options that it offers. Animations and scrolling are both much smoother and quicker this time around and anyone familiar with the original Fire should feel right at home with the UI icons and style.

#Kindle fire hd 7 specifications software

Software performance has been greatly improved compared to the original Kindle Fire. Sadly, the tablet was unable to natively recognize any of the attached hardware. USB-to-go compatibility was tested by connecting flash drives and Logitech mice and keyboards. The micro USB port functions as intended for charging and local file transfers. Sound will also output to the external monitor should it carry speakers, but do note that volume control on the tablet is disabled during this time as the user will only be able to mute and unmute. Rotating the tablet will rotate the external contents as well, though unfortunately there will always be black borders on all four sides including video playback sessions from Youtube and Amazon’s own streaming service. To test the video-out capabilities, we connected an external 1920x1200 resolution monitor which automatically mirrored the contents of the tablet display. Nonetheless, in a somewhat surprising addition, the tablet offers a micro HDMI output alongside the standard micro-USB port. Amazon has managed to create a lighter tablet that still feels as dense as its predecessor and an overall more satisfying impression and build compared to similarly-sized tablets like the Nexus 7 or Lenovo A2109.Īs with the first Kindle Fire, the 7-inch 2012 HD model does not offer very much in terms of connectivity options, which is understandable for a sub $200 tablet. Side-to-side twisting is very minimal with no worrisome creaks. For new users of the Kindle Fire HD, this can be a slight annoyance during video or browsing sessions.īuild quality is very good with its thick edges all around and no weak spots susceptible to warping, even down the center of the backside. They are positioned quite close together as well, meaning it is not uncommon for the user to accidentally push one button when the other function was desired. Of note here are the volume and power keys, both of which look and feel too similar and are easily mistaken for one another. 11.4 mm) with an updated look that we can agree with for the price range. It may not have any flashy or glossy silver lining or aluminum, but it is thinner (10.3 mm vs. Do note that the surface attracts hard-to-clean fingerprints much more easily than other tablets. Due to the new speaker setup, a plastic bar now bisects the rubber back to provide a more unique and less lackluster appearance. The thin rubber lining around the face perimeter remains and so does the smooth, rubberized texture of the backside. 413 g) while preserving the same tough plastic perimeter and black toned surfaces. The redesigned Kindle Fire HD 7 alleviates both criticisms with less boxier edges and a lighter form factor (395 g vs. The chassis of the first Kindle Fire was relatively sturdy and not bad for its time, but we blasted it for its boring design and hefty weight.