If you’re an Apple fan, then comparing the Kindle Fire HDX versus Google Nexus 7 is not going to awake any interest in you. The best choice that you have to make when choosing your next tablet is whether to go for an iPad Air or an iPad Mini retina.
If you’re not a fan of all things Apple, if you’re on a tighter budget, or if you just want a 7″ tablet, then your choices are a little more diverse.
Kindle Fire HDX vs. Google Nexus 7: Comparison
However, whilst there are plenty of 7″ tablets to choose from, the two most likely contenders would seem to be the Kindle Fire tablet, specifically the HDX, and the new Google Nexus 7″. In terms of value for money, power and functionality, both of these devices seem to be pretty much in the sweet spot just at the moment.
Like Apple, both Amazon and Google have their fans and detractors – but if you haven’t reached a decision on either tablet, which one should you choose?
Size & Weight
The Nexus is a little taller than the HDX, but the HDX is wider.
As far as depth goes, they’re both about the same.
The Nexus 7 is a little bit lighter, but not much – nothing significant.
There’s not really a great deal to choose between the two devices as far as weights and dimensions go.
Display
Going by the numbers, there’s nothing to choose between the two displays.
In use, the Nexus display seems to be a little brighter, but the Fire’s color reproduction seems to be slightly better.
Once again, there’s not much in it and you would probably declare this aspect of the contest a draw.
Battery Life
According to claimed battery life, the Kindle will outlast the Nexus by a couple of hours – with Amazon claiming 11 hours (mixed use) against 9 hours for the Nexus.
Of course, it does depend very much on what you’re doing on your tablet – and most manufacturers do tend to, if not exactly exaggerate, put their best foot forward.
A number of independent tests have found that the HDX and the Nexus, when used in the same manner, both tend to last for a little over eight hours between battery charges.
Once again, no clear winner.
Memory
Both devices have 2GB of RAM, which should be plenty for most users.
Neither tablet has a slot for an SD card.
In terms of hard disk, the Nexus offers only 16 and 32GB, whereas the Kindle has 16, 32 and 64GB options.
Whether that’s a big deal for you or not will depend on how you intend to use your tablet. Many people won’t find this to be a big drawback, but nevertheless, the Kindle has a slight edge due to the fact that it offers a little more choice
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Connectivity
Both devices come with Wi-Fi connectivity as the base option.
Both offer 4g LTE as an additional extra. However, whereas the 4G is an option for all memory sizes in the HDX range, if you want 4G for your Nexus you will, for the moment at least, need to choose the more expensive 32GB option; it’s not an option for the 16GB entry-level model.
Of course, if you don’t want 4G, then that won’t bother you one bit. Nevertheless, it’s another small advantage in favor of the Fire HDX.
Operating System, Processor And Apps
Both devices use Android, but the Kindle uses a heavily modified version (which has now been given the name “Mojito”). The Kindle carousel type display isn’t to everyone’s taste – but it is pretty user-friendly and ideal for new tablet users.
Nexus owners will, of course, always get the latest version of Android and could, quite reasonably, expect to get any updates first.
Nexus owners will also have access to Google play – which will not be available to Kindle Fire tablet owners. Amazon has its own Android app store