Kindle Fire HDX Review: Is Amazon's Tablet Worth It?

A Review of Amazon's New Kindle Fire HDX Tablets

The tablet landscape is currently experiencing significant growth, with a constant influx of new devices and technological advancements. Among the latest additions are the updated models in Amazon’s Kindle Fire series: the Kindle Fire HDX 7" and 8.9".

Over the past several weeks, we have thoroughly evaluated these tablets through extensive use, rigorous testing, and comprehensive analysis. This review will present a detailed assessment of the strengths, weaknesses, and overall value proposition of the Kindle Fire HDX.

Initial Impressions and Design

The Kindle Fire HDX tablets boast a refined design, focusing on portability and user comfort. Both the 7-inch and 8.9-inch models feature a sleek aesthetic and are constructed with premium materials.

Handling and ergonomics have been noticeably improved compared to previous generations. The devices feel solid and well-built, suggesting durability for everyday use.

Performance and Specifications

Powering the Kindle Fire HDX is a quad-core processor, coupled with ample RAM. This configuration delivers a responsive user experience for most tasks.

Here's a breakdown of key specifications:

• Display: High-definition displays available in 7" and 8.9" sizes.
• Processor: Quad-core processor for efficient performance.
• Storage: Multiple storage options are offered to accommodate various user needs.
• Operating System: Amazon’s Fire OS, based on Android.

During our testing, the tablets handled multitasking, video playback, and gaming with relative ease. However, demanding applications may occasionally exhibit slight performance limitations.

Software and Ecosystem

The Kindle Fire HDX runs on Amazon’s Fire OS, a customized version of Android. This operating system is deeply integrated with Amazon’s services, such as Kindle ebooks, Amazon Prime Video, and the Amazon Appstore.

Access to the Amazon Appstore provides a wide selection of applications, though it’s important to note that it doesn’t include the Google Play Store. Users reliant on specific Google apps may need to explore alternative solutions.

The Verdict

The Kindle Fire HDX tablets represent a compelling option for consumers seeking affordable and feature-rich tablets. They excel in media consumption and integration with Amazon’s ecosystem.

While not without minor drawbacks, the Kindle Fire HDX offers a solid balance of performance, design, and value. It’s a strong contender in the competitive tablet market, particularly for users already invested in Amazon’s services.

Understanding the Kindle Fire

The Kindle Fire represents Amazon's entry into the tablet computer market, specifically engineered for seamless integration with Amazon’s extensive range of media and shopping services. Similar to the popular Kindle e-reader, this device aims to provide Amazon customers with convenient access to books, films, music, and applications available through Amazon’s digital stores.

The initial Kindle Fire was launched during the 2011 holiday shopping period. To fully grasp its current position, it’s crucial to examine the device’s early iterations. The original model was, frankly, quite underwhelming. Performance was slow, the user interface felt clunky, and it failed to compete effectively with other tablets available at the time.

An updated version released in 2012 offered minimal improvements. It retained the same slow processor and uninspiring screen, with only a modest increase in memory from 512MB to 1GB and a refresh of the Android-based Fire OS. Both critics and consumers remained largely dissatisfied with the Kindle Fire series.

During the 2012 holiday season, Amazon introduced the Kindle Fire HD line, featuring both 7-inch and 8.9-inch models. While the processor saw a slight speed increase, the screen quality was only moderately improved. Memory remained at 1GB, and overall specifications were still considered lackluster. A minor update to the Kindle HD 7" in 2013 provided little noticeable enhancement.

However, in October of the following year, Amazon unveiled a significantly upgraded Kindle Fire – the Kindle Fire HDX – available in 7-inch and 8.9-inch sizes. This iteration addressed many of the issues that had plagued earlier models. The new Fires were powered by a powerful 2.15Ghz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 system-on-a-chip, a substantial leap forward from the Texas Instruments OMAP 4 4430 used previously.

To put this into perspective, the original Fire featured a 1GHz dual-core processor, the 2012 Kindle HD had a dual-core 1.5Ghz chip, while the new Fire HDX boasted a quad-core 2.2GHz processor. Furthermore, the RAM was increased from 1GB to 2GB.

The display also underwent a radical transformation. The 1024 x 600 (169 ppi) resolution of the first and second generations, and the 1280 x 800 (214 ppi)/1920 x 1200 px (254 ppi) of the third generation 7" and 8.9" models were replaced with stunning 1920 x 1200 (323 ppi) and 2560 x 1600 (339 ppi) displays on the Kindle Fire HDX 7" and 8.9", respectively.

This comprehensive improvement dramatically elevated the Kindle Fire line, shifting it from a product to avoid to a genuinely competitive tablet option. We will now begin a detailed examination, starting with the device’s physical design, screen characteristics, and available Amazon cases.

Examining the Device Body, Display, and Origami Cover

The Kindle Fire HDXs, similar to the majority of tablets available, feature a glass front panel complemented by a piano-black, reflective border encircling the screen. This glossy black finish, while visually appealing, unfortunately serves as a magnet for fingerprints. A preference would have been for the entire rear casing to adopt the pleasant, rubberized texture already covering approximately 95% of the device’s surface.

Button and Camera Placement

Both models incorporate the power button on one side, positioned just below the micro USB charging port, and the volume controls on the opposing side, situated beneath the headphone jack. The larger 8.9" Kindle Fire HDX also includes a slight protrusion on the piano-black accent bar to accommodate the front-facing camera, a feature absent from the smaller 7" version.

Ergonomics and Weight

Both the 8.9" and 7" models offer a comfortable grip. The beveled edges, initially appearing potentially awkward, are surprisingly ergonomic and fit securely within the hand. These units are remarkably lightweight, weighing 10.7 and 13.2 ounces respectively. To provide context, the 8.9" Kindle Fire HDX is a substantial 20% lighter than the already lightweight iPad Air.

Display Quality

Aside from the fingerprint issue, we were highly satisfied with the device’s construction. The screen itself is exceptionally beautiful. Both units boast a pixel density exceeding 300 ppi – the 7" model at 323 and the 8.9" at 339 – significantly surpassing the iPad Air’s 264 ppi. If you have been impressed by the clarity of a recent iPad screen, you will likely find the Fire display equally, if not more, impressive. The screen’s resolution is so high that discerning individual pixels, even with magnification, proves difficult.

Throughout our testing, we encountered no instances of screen stuttering, lagging, poor refresh rates, pixelated interface elements, or any other rendering imperfections.

Screen Flaw on the 7" Model

However, a notable flaw was observed on the smaller Kindle HDX 7" unit’s screen. Similar to the inconsistent illumination found in early Kindle Paperwhite models, this issue, once noticed, proved difficult to ignore. The unit exhibited light bleed around the screen’s perimeter. This was particularly noticeable with light backgrounds, manifesting as a consistent bluish-white glow along the edges.

When reading an ebook with a white background, a blue halo appeared around the text. While some users may not perceive this, or may not find it bothersome, we found it persistently distracting. The accompanying photographs illustrate the light bleed under bright indoor lighting and in a darkened environment.

Amazon’s Explanation

Amazon clarified this phenomenon, stating:

To achieve optimal color accuracy on the Kindle Fire HDX 7" while minimizing battery consumption and device weight, we utilize blue LEDs rather than white. Blue LEDs enable a more precise and vibrant color representation, resulting in up to a 20% improvement in power efficiency.

Consequently, a faint blue tint may be visible around the screen edges when viewing content with white backgrounds, such as books or web pages. All displays exhibit some degree of light emission around the edges, and in the case of the Kindle Fire HDX 7", this light is blue due to the technology employed for accurate color rendering.

While the colors on both the large and small HDX models are undeniably beautiful, crisp, and lifelike, the blue haze on the 7" unit’s edges proved irritating. If you are choosing between the 7" and 8.9" models, we strongly advise visiting a retailer to assess whether this blue halo is a deal-breaker.

The Origami Case

Alongside the Kindle Fire units, Amazon provided us with two Origami cases, specifically designed for the HDX line.

The Origami cover attaches to the Kindle Fire HDX magnetically. The edges of the plastic back serve as guides for alignment, but do not provide a complete, secure enclosure. The cover’s distinctive geometric design is integral to its functionality. It can be folded behind the case, with magnets within the triangular sections securing it to form a robust stand, as demonstrated:

The Origami stand can also be rotated for vertical orientation, and functions effectively in all four possible positions.

This clever design, however, did not fully overcome our reservations regarding the case. Despite its ingenuity, several aspects of the Origami case were undesirable. Our primary concern is the substantial weight added by the case, due to the integrated magnets. The Kindle Fire HDX 8.9", weighing 13.2 oz, increases to 24.15 oz with the Origami case attached.

The weight difference was immediately noticeable upon attaching the case, prompting us to verify it with a kitchen scale:

While a case inevitably adds weight, we did not experience the same increase when using the official Amazon case on the Kindle Paperwhite. The Origami case transforms the Kindle HDX units from “remarkably lightweight” to resembling an older, heavier iPad (the original iPad weighed 24 oz without a case).

In addition to the weight, the cover tended to not lie completely flat, particularly on the larger 8.9" model. The magnets held the case closed, but the center of the cover remained slightly raised. While external pressure from objects in a bag might flatten it, we found this undesirable. The cover’s purpose is to protect the screen, not create a pressure point against it. Warming the plastic cover and applying pressure could partially flatten it, but after extended use of the stand, a slight “origami tent” effect often reappeared.

Furthermore, the 8.9" model lacks an opening for the rear-facing camera. The Fire must be slid upwards within the case (held in place solely by magnets) to access the camera, then slid back down. This is an intentional design feature, as a sensor in the Kindle HDX activates the rear camera when the device is slid upwards, a feature advertised on the Kindle HDX product page.

Although the device seems to latch firmly when slid upwards, we were hesitant to repeatedly risk dislodging the case or dropping the unit while manipulating it. This unique design felt uncomfortable and insecure.

We were eager to appreciate the Origami case due to its aesthetic appeal and the innovative folding stand mechanism. However, we found it too heavy, cumbersome, and insecure, given its reliance on magnets for attachment. Like the blue halo, these concerns may not affect all users. We recommend trying it in-store to determine if its weight and folding stand functionality outweigh its drawbacks.

Aside from our concerns about the fingerprint-prone accent bar, we were pleased with the physical aspects of the Kindle Fire HDX units. They are lightweight (excluding the cover), comfortable to hold for extended periods (and the stand mitigates the weight of the Origami case), and the screen, despite the blue bleed on the 7" unit, is visually stunning. You will struggle to discern individual pixels on these 300+ ppi displays.

Now that we have examined the physical attributes of the devices, let us proceed to the setup process.

Initial Setup of the Kindle Fire HDX

The Kindle Fire HDX boasts an exceptionally straightforward setup process. Individuals familiar with basic operation and their Amazon account credentials will find it remarkably easy to complete. In many cases, particularly if the device was purchased as a gift within a family Amazon account, pre-registration eliminates the need for manual account setup.

The initial configuration involves registering the tablet with a Kindle account – if it hasn’t already been done – entering Wi-Fi credentials, and then proceeding through a guided tutorial. This tutorial demonstrates fundamental navigation within the Fire OS, primarily focusing on swiping gestures for accessing applications, books, and other content.

Navigating the Fire OS Interface

Upon completing the introductory tutorial, users are directed to the main navigation panel. This panel features a carousel displaying recently accessed apps and media. A top navigation bar provides links to Amazon shopping, games, applications, books, music, photos, and documents.

The top navigation bar intelligently connects users to both locally stored content and their digital library within the Amazon cloud. This ensures seamless access to purchased or uploaded media.

Similar to other tablets, including the iPad, the Fire HDX incorporates a shortcut dock at the bottom of the screen for frequently used applications. Swiping upwards on the screen expands this dock into a drawer, revealing additional shortcuts to recently installed apps.

The Fire OS user interface is designed for intuitive operation. However, a secondary navigation panel can be accessed by swiping down from the top of the screen, providing additional options and settings.