Amazon’s Fire HD series of tablets have always been popular for their affordability and value for money. The latest addition to the lineup, the 2021 Fire HD 10 (Eleventh Generation), is no exception.
Packed with features and an impressive specification, this tablet is aimed at users who want a reliable device for entertainment, productivity, and general use.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the 2021 Fire HD 10, covering all the aspects from design to performance, to help you decide if it’s the right tablet for you.
Design and Build Quality:
The 2021 Fire HD 10 comes with a sleek and modern design, with a matte-finish plastic back panel that feels comfortable in your hand. It has rounded edges, and the power and volume buttons are located on the right-hand side of the device. The tablet measures 247 x 166 x 9.2mm and weighs 465g, making it slightly thinner and lighter than its predecessor.
The tablet’s build quality is excellent, with no noticeable flex or creaking when pressure is applied. However, it is worth noting that the plastic back panel may attract scratches and fingerprints over time, so investing in a protective case may be a good idea.
Screen and Display:
Fire HD 10 features a 10.1-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 224ppi. The screen is bright and vibrant, with good color reproduction and sharpness, making it ideal for media consumption, gaming, and reading.
Its display also benefits from an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts the screen’s brightness based on the ambient lighting conditions. Additionally, the tablet comes with blue light filtering technology, which reduces eye strain during extended use.
Size and Weight:
As mentioned earlier, the 2021 Fire HD 10 measures 247 x 166 x 9.2mm and weighs 465g. The tablet’s size and weight make it easy to carry around, and it’s comfortable to hold for extended periods.
Performance:
Under the hood, the 2021 Fire HD 10 is powered by a MediaTek Helio P60T octa-core processor, paired with 3GB of RAM. The tablet also comes with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, depending on the model you choose. Storage space can be expanded up to 1TB via a microSD card.
In terms of performance, the 2021 Fire HD 10 performs well for general tasks such as web browsing, social media, and email. However, it may struggle with more demanding tasks such as video editing and graphic-intensive games. That being said, the tablet is still more than capable of running most apps and games with ease.
Battery Life:
The 2021 Fire HD 10 features a 6300mAh battery, which is rated to provide up to 12 hours of mixed-use on a single charge. In our testing, the tablet managed to last around 9-10 hours of continuous use, which is still impressive. It’s worth noting that battery life will vary depending on usage and settings.
Content and Features:
The 2021 Fire HD 10 comes with Amazon’s Fire OS 7, based on Android 9.0 Pie. The operating system is easy to navigate, and it’s optimized for Amazon’s services such as Prime Video, Music, and Kindle. The tablet also comes with Alexa, Amazon’s virtual assistant, built-in, allowing you to control your smart home devices, play music, and more with just your voice.
Additionally, the tablet comes with a 2MP front-facing camera and a 5MP rear-facing camera, allowing you to take photos and make video calls. The quality of the cameras is average, and they perform well under good lighting conditions. However, low light performance is not up to the mark, and images can appear grainy and noisy.
One of the significant advantages of the 2021 Fire HD 10 is the access to Amazon’s vast library of content. With a Prime membership, you get access to a wide range of movies, TV shows, music, books, and more. The tablet also supports popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, allowing you to watch your favorite shows and movies on the go.
User Experience:
The 2021 Fire HD 10 provides a smooth and user-friendly experience, thanks to the intuitive Fire OS interface. Tablet’s performance is snappy, and apps launch quickly. The on-screen keyboard is easy to use and comfortable, making typing a breeze. The tablet’s speakers produce loud and clear sound, making it ideal for media consumption.
Price:
2021 Fire HD 10 is priced at $149.99 for the 32GB version and $189.99 for the 64GB version. It’s worth noting that the tablet comes with special offers, which are ads that appear on the lock screen. You can opt-out of the special offers for an additional $15. Overall, the 2021 Fire HD 10 offers excellent value for money, considering the features and specifications it provides.
Comparison with Direct Competitors:
The 2021 Fire HD 10’s direct competitors include the Apple iPad 10.2 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7. Compared to the iPad, the Fire HD 10 is more affordable and provides access to Amazon’s vast content library. However, the iPad has a more powerful processor and a more premium design.
Compared to the Galaxy Tab A7, the Fire HD 10 has a higher resolution display, better battery life, and access to Amazon’s content library. However, the Galaxy Tab A7 has a more powerful processor and better cameras.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
– Affordable price
– Bright and vibrant display
– Access to Amazon’s vast content library
– Good battery life
– User-friendly interface
– Comfortable to hold
Cons:
– Mediocre cameras
– Plastic back panel can attract scratches and fingerprints
– Not suitable for demanding tasks
Verdict:
Overall, the 2021 Fire HD 10 is an excellent tablet that offers great value for money. It’s ideal for media consumption, web browsing, and general use. It’s not suitable for demanding tasks such as video editing and graphic-intensive games. However, if you’re looking for an affordable and reliable tablet for entertainment and productivity, the 2021 Fire HD 10 is an excellent option.
