Two Amazon devices in one straightforward comparison
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Overall Findings: Is a Fire Tablet the Same as a Kindle?
Designed for reading books.
Black and white e-ink displays.
Built-in screen lighting in current models.
Limited web browsing capabilities.
Extremely long battery life.
Wi-Fi + Cellular models include limited free 4G LTE or 3G internet access.
Designed for general media consumption.
Colorful LCD screens available in HD resolution.
Runs apps from Amazon Appstore.
Includes front and rear cameras.
Stream movies from services like Amazon Prime, Netflix, and more.
Read books with the Kindle app.
Much shorter battery life than Kindle.
Kindle and Fire share a tablet form factor, but Kindles are e-readers and Fire tablets are general-usetablets.
The latest models are theFire HD 10 tabletand the11-generation Kindle.
Design and Display: LCD Vs. E-Ink
Uses e-ink displays.
Reduces eye strain and feels like reading a paper book.
Vastly increased battery life due to low power needs of e-ink.
Adjustable LED front-lighting for reading in the dark.
Uses IPS LCD displays.
Feels like looking at a computer screen or phone.
Bright screen for use in any light conditions.
Shorter battery life than Kindle.
On the other hand, fire tablets typically include beautifulIPS LCDswith brilliant colors and sometimes even high-definition resolutions.
The benefit of an e-ink display is its easier on your eyes when reading for long periods.
Even the front light on newer models uses LEDs directed at the page instead of outward.
Thats part of why a Kindle can go much longer between charges than a Fire tablet.
On the Fire tablet side, they use full-color IPS LCDs with bright backlights.
Features: Fire Tablets Are More Flexible
Wi-Fi and optional cellular connectivity.
Cellular-enabled models provide free limited internet access.
Micro USB (charging only).
Bluetooth (for speakers or headphones).
Front and rear cameras.
USB-C for fast charging and gear connectivity.
Speakers (stereo on some models).
Sensor suite (accelerometer, ambient light).
Micro SD card slot for extra storage.
The tablet is more flexible when you look at the feature sets of Kindle e-readers and Fire tablets.
Kindles are e-readers, and thats pretty much it.
Their micro USB ports are just for charging, not connecting peripherals.
Fire tablets support immersion reading.
Fire tablets provide various features depending on your specific model, but every Fire machine functions as a tablet.
Most Fire tablets include front and rear cameras, although some older models dont offer both.
Some also include hands-free controls via theAlexa virtual assistant.
Software: Can You Read Kindle Books on Amazon Fire Tablets?
Access to the Kindle store.
Compatible with Kindle e-books, TXT, PDF, MOBI, and PRC.
Free conversion for HTML, DOC, DOCX, JPEG, GIF, PNG and PMP.
Play audio books from Audible (requires Bluetooth headphones or speakers).
Access to Amazon Appstore.
Read Kindle books and other e-books with the free Kindle app.
Option to sideload other Android apps.
Watch videos, play games, listen to audio books, and more with apps.
Kindle devices are severely limited in terms of software.
What you see is, essentially, what you get.
Amazon also offers a free conversion service that lets you view non-ebook files on your Kindle.
Fire tablets run on Amazons Android version, which has software capabilities similar to those of other Android tablets.
With built-in store access, it’s possible for you to download games and other apps.
Final Verdict: Do You Want to Read Books, or Run Apps and Watch Videos?
Pricing & Where to Buy
The Amazon Kindle retails for $100.
The Amazon Fire HD 10 retails for $140.
Amazon Prime members also have access toAmazon Prime Reading.
Install theKindle App for PCto download your Amazon books to your desktop and start reading.
There’s also aKindle App for Macand aKindle Cloud Readerthat lets you read books in a net surf tool.
You canshare Kindle bookswith family members via Amazon Household.
it’s possible for you to even do so automatically if you set up automatic sharing.
Go toSettings>Alexaand tap the switch next toAlexa.
you might alsostop Alexa from sending voice recordings to Amazonin the Alexa app.
Go toSettings>equipment Options>Reset to Factory Defaults.
A factory reset will delete all of your personal data.
Apps and books can be redownloaded from the cloud.
