Kindle Fire 7 vs Fire 8: Which Is Best? Pros, Cons & Verdict

Kindle Fire 7 vs Fire 8

If you’re in the market for a new tablet, you may have come across the Amazon Kindle Fire 7 and Fire 8. These two devices are among the most popular tablets in Amazon’s lineup, and they offer a range of features and specifications that make them attractive options for anyone looking for an affordable tablet.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Kindle Fire 7 vs Fire 8, comparing their key features, specifications, and performance to help you decide which tablet is the right choice for your needs.

Whether you’re a casual user looking for a simple device to browse the web and watch videos, or you’re a power user who needs a tablet with more storage and processing power, we’ll break down the differences between these two tablets to help you make an informed decision. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of the Kindle Fire tablets.

Kindle Fire 7

The Kindle Fire 7 is a versatile tablet that offers a range of built-in features to enhance your entertainment and productivity experience. With its compact size and affordable price, the Fire 7 is a popular choice for casual users who want a device that can handle basic tasks like browsing the web, reading books, and streaming videos. But did you know that it also comes with a range of built-in features that can make your life easier? In this article, we’ll explore some of the standout built-in features of the Kindle Fire 7 and how they can enhance your tablet experience.

Kindle Fire 8

The Kindle Fire 8 is an impressive tablet that boasts a range of standout features to elevate your user experience. From its sleek design and powerful performance to its advanced display technology and versatile connectivity options, the Fire 8 has something to offer for everyone. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply a tech enthusiast, this tablet can handle all of your entertainment and productivity needs. In this article, we’ll explore some of the standout features of the Kindle Fire 8 and how they can take your tablet experience to the next level.

Kindle Fire 7 vs Fire 8: Key differences

The Kindle Fire 7 and Fire 8 are both tablets produced by Amazon. The Fire 7 is the more affordable of the two, while the Fire 8 offers more advanced features and higher performance. Both tablets are designed primarily for media consumption, including reading books, watching videos, and browsing the web. They also feature Amazon’s virtual assistant, Alexa, and come with access to the Amazon Appstore, which offers a range of apps and games. The Fire 7 and Fire 8 both run on a modified version of the Android operating system, and are popular choices for anyone looking for an affordable tablet with a range of features.

By comparing the two tablets, users can make an informed decision about which device best meets their needs and budget. Factors like design, display, performance, storage, cameras, audio, software, and price are all important considerations when comparing the two tablets.

Understanding the differences and similarities between the Fire 7 and Fire 8, users can choose the tablet that is best suited for their personal preferences and requirements.

Design and Build Quality

Build quality and materials used
In terms of build quality, both the Kindle Fire 7 and Fire 8 feature sturdy and well-built designs. They both have a plastic shell with a matte finish, which not only provides durability but also improves grip.

The Fire 7 has a slightly more basic design, with a plain back and a single rear-facing camera. The Fire 8, on the other hand, has a more refined design, with a metallic finish around the edges and two rear-facing cameras.

Both tablets have a headphone jack, micro-USB port for charging and data transfer, and volume and power buttons. The micro-USB port on the Fire 7 is located at the top of the device, while the Fire 8 has it on the bottom.

Overall, the build quality of both tablets is good, and they are built to last. While the Fire 8 has a more premium feel with its metallic edges and dual rear-facing cameras, the Fire 7 still feels sturdy and well-built despite its more basic design.

Dimensions and weight
The Kindle Fire 7 measures 7.6 x 4.5 x 0.4 inches (192 x 115 x 9.6 mm) and weighs 10.4 ounces (295 grams). This makes it a compact and lightweight tablet that is easy to carry around and use on-the-go.

You may also like to read the Kindle vs Nook or Fire HD 8 vs. Fire HD 10 tablet comparison.

The Kindle Fire 8, on the other hand, measures 8.0 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches (203 x 137 x 9.7 mm) and weighs 12.5 ounces (355 grams). While it is slightly larger and heavier than the Fire 7, it still remains a portable and lightweight device that can easily fit into a bag or backpack.

Overall, the Fire 7 is the more compact and lighter of the two tablets, making it a great option for users who prioritize portability and ease of use. The Fire 8, on the other hand, offers a larger display and better performance, which may be more important for users who prioritize screen size and processing power over portability.

Button and port placements
The Kindle Fire 7 and Fire 8 both have a similar button and port layout, although there are a few differences between the two.

Starting with the Fire 7, the tablet has a power button and volume buttons on the right-hand side, along with a 3.5mm headphone jack and a micro-USB port at the top of the device. The power button and volume buttons are well-placed and easy to reach, while the micro-USB port may require users to rotate the tablet when charging.

The Fire 8 also has a power button and volume buttons on the right-hand side, but it has a few additional ports and buttons. It has a 3.5mm headphone jack and a micro-USB port on the bottom of the device, as well as a microSD card slot and dual stereo speakers. The microSD card slot allows users to expand the tablet’s storage, while the dual stereo speakers provide better sound quality than the Fire 7’s single mono speaker.

Screen and Display

The screen size and resolution are important factors to consider when comparing the Kindle Fire 7 and Fire 8, as they play a significant role in the user’s viewing experience.

The Fire 7 features a 7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 171 pixels per inch (PPI). While the display is adequate for reading books and browsing the web, the lower resolution can make text and images appear slightly pixelated.

The Fire 8, on the other hand, features an 8-inch IPS LCD display with a higher resolution of 1280 x 800 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 189 PPI. This higher resolution makes text and images appear sharper and more detailed, and the larger display size provides a more immersive viewing experience.

Overall, the Fire 8’s larger display and higher resolution make it a better option for users who prioritize a larger and more vibrant screen. However, the Fire 7’s smaller and more compact display may be preferable for users who value portability and ease of use over screen size.

Display technology used

Both the Kindle Fire 7 and Fire 8 use IPS (in-plane switching) LCD technology for their displays. This technology provides excellent color accuracy and viewing angles, making it a popular choice for tablets and other mobile devices.

IPS displays are known for their ability to display colors accurately and vividly, and for their wide viewing angles. This means that no matter what angle you are viewing the display from, the colors and contrast remain consistent and vibrant.

The IPS displays used in both the Fire 7 and Fire 8 are also energy-efficient, which helps to extend the battery life of the tablets. Additionally, both displays have anti-glare coatings that help to reduce reflections and make the screens easier to read in bright light.

Differences in color reproduction and brightness

When it comes to color reproduction and brightness, the Kindle Fire 8 is the clear winner between the two tablets.

The Fire 8 has a brighter display than the Fire 7, with a maximum brightness of 450 nits compared to the Fire 7’s 400 nits. This difference may not be significant in every situation, but it can make a difference when using the tablet outdoors or in bright sunlight.

In terms of color reproduction, the Fire 8’s display is also superior to the Fire 7’s. The Fire 8 supports a wider color gamut, which means it can display a larger range of colors than the Fire 7. This results in more accurate and vivid colors that are closer to what the content creator intended.

Performance

Both the Kindle Fire 7 and Fire 8 have quad-core processors, which means they are capable of handling most everyday tasks with ease. However, there are some differences in the specifications of the processors and the amount of RAM included in each tablet.

The Fire 7 is powered by a 1.3 GHz quad-core processor, which is paired with 1 GB of RAM. While this is sufficient for basic tasks such as web browsing, email, and reading, it may struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking.

The Fire 8, on the other hand, has a more powerful 1.3 GHz quad-core processor, which is paired with 2 GB of RAM. This extra RAM allows the tablet to handle more demanding tasks and multitasking with ease, and makes it a better choice for users who plan to use their tablet for gaming or other resource-intensive applications.

Overall, the Fire 8’s more powerful processor and additional RAM make it a better choice for users who plan to use their tablet for more demanding tasks, while the Fire 7 is still a solid choice for more basic use cases.
Differences in performance when running apps and games
The differences in performance between the Kindle Fire 7 and Fire 8 become more noticeable when running more demanding applications and games.

The Fire 8’s superior processor and extra RAM make it better equipped to handle resource-intensive apps and games than the Fire 7. When running graphics-heavy games or multitasking with multiple apps, the Fire 8 is less likely to experience slowdowns or lag compared to the Fire 7.

Additionally, the Fire 8 has a slightly higher screen resolution than the Fire 7, which can make a difference when it comes to gaming and media consumption. The extra pixels on the Fire 8’s display can provide a more immersive experience, with more detail and clarity in the visuals.

That being said, the Fire 7 is still capable of running most apps and games without any major issues. It may experience some slowdowns or lag when running more demanding apps, but for everyday use, it is perfectly adequate.

Overall, if you plan to use your tablet primarily for gaming or running more resource-intensive applications, the Fire 8’s more powerful processor and extra RAM make it the better choice. However, if you plan to use your tablet for more basic tasks, such as reading, web browsing, and email, the Fire 7 is still a solid option.

Battery life

Both the Kindle Fire 7 and Fire 8 have good battery life, but there are some differences between the two tablets.

The Fire 7 has a battery capacity of 2980 mAh, while the Fire 8 has a slightly larger battery capacity of 3830 mAh. This means that the Fire 8 should last slightly longer on a single charge than the Fire 7.

In terms of actual battery life, both tablets are capable of lasting for several hours of use. The Fire 7 can last for up to 7 hours of reading, browsing the web, or watching videos, while the Fire 8 can last for up to 12 hours under similar usage conditions.

However, it’s worth noting that actual battery life may vary depending on usage patterns, settings, and other factors. For example, playing games or using more demanding apps will drain the battery faster than reading or browsing the web.

Storage and Connectivity

Storage options and expandability for each tablet
Both the Kindle Fire 7 and Fire 8 come with a range of storage options, as well as the ability to expand storage through the use of a microSD card.

The Fire 7 comes with two storage options: 16GB and 32GB. The Fire 8, on the other hand, comes with three storage options: 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB. This means that the Fire 8 has more storage options available, and can offer more storage space than the Fire 7.

In addition to the built-in storage, both tablets have a microSD card slot that can be used to expand storage space. The Fire 7’s microSD card slot supports up to 1TB of additional storage, while the Fire 8’s microSD card slot supports up to 1.5TB of additional storage. This means that the Fire 8 has more potential for storage expansion than the Fire 7.

However, it’s important to note that not all apps and files can be stored on a microSD card. Some apps and system files are stored on the device’s internal storage, so it’s important to consider the device’s built-in storage capacity when choosing a tablet.
Connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Both the Kindle Fire 7 and Fire 8 come with a range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Wi-Fi is used to connect to the internet, and both tablets support the latest Wi-Fi standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac). This means that they can connect to Wi-Fi networks that use either the 2.4GHz or 5GHz frequency bands, and support faster connection speeds than older Wi-Fi standards.

Bluetooth is used to connect to other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as headphones, speakers, and smartphones. Both tablets support Bluetooth 5.0, which is the latest version of the Bluetooth standard. This means that they offer faster transfer speeds, longer range, and better power efficiency than older Bluetooth versions.

In addition to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, both tablets also have a USB port for charging and data transfer. The Fire 7 has a micro USB port, while the Fire 8 has a USB-C port. USB-C is a newer, faster port that supports faster charging and data transfer speeds than micro USB.

Cameras

Specifications and quality of each tablet’s front and rear-facing cameras
The Fire 7 has a 2MP front-facing camera and a 2MP rear-facing camera. The front-facing camera can be used for video calls and taking selfies, while the rear-facing camera can be used for taking photos and recording videos. However, the 2MP resolution is relatively low, and the image quality is not as sharp and detailed as other tablets or smartphones in the same price range.

The Fire 8, on the other hand, has a better camera setup. It has a 2MP front-facing camera and an 8MP rear-facing camera. The front-facing camera is the same as the one on the Fire 7, but the rear-facing camera has a higher resolution and better image quality. The higher resolution allows for sharper and more detailed photos and videos.

It’s important to note that the cameras on both tablets are not as advanced as those found on high-end smartphones or tablets. They are suitable for casual use, but if you’re looking for high-quality photos or videos, you may want to consider using a dedicated camera or a higher-end device.

Overall, the Fire 8 has a better camera setup than the Fire 7, with a higher resolution and better image quality on the rear-facing camera. However, the cameras on both tablets are suitable for casual use and basic photography needs.
Differences in video recording capabilities
The Fire 7 can record video at a maximum resolution of 720p HD, which is a standard resolution for many devices in this price range. While the video quality is not the best, it is suitable for casual use and basic video needs.

On the other hand, the Fire 8 has a higher video resolution, with the ability to record video at 1080p Full HD. This is a significant improvement over the Fire 7 and results in sharper, more detailed video recordings. Additionally, the Fire 8’s larger screen and higher resolution display can make viewing recorded videos a more immersive experience.

It’s worth noting that both tablets lack advanced features like image stabilization, which can make video recording shaky and unsteady if the tablet is not held still. The lack of a built-in flash on both tablets can also make it difficult to record video in low-light conditions.

Audio

Quality and loudness of each tablet’s speakers
The Fire 7 has a single mono speaker located on the bottom edge of the tablet. While the sound quality is decent, it lacks the depth and richness that you might expect from higher-end speakers. Additionally, the maximum volume level of the Fire 7’s speaker is somewhat limited, which may make it difficult to hear in noisy environments.

The Fire 8, on the other hand, has dual stereo speakers located on either side of the tablet. This configuration provides a more immersive listening experience, with better separation of left and right channels. Additionally, the sound quality of the Fire 8’s speakers is generally better than the Fire 7’s, with a richer and more full-bodied sound. The maximum volume level is also louder, making it easier to hear in noisy environments.

Overall, the Fire 8 has a clear advantage over the Fire 7 when it comes to speaker quality and loudness. If you plan on using your tablet for media consumption, the Fire 8’s dual stereo speakers provide a much better listening experience. However, if you just need basic audio playback capabilities, the Fire 7 should suffice.

Differences in headphone jack and Bluetooth audio performance
Starting with the headphone jack, both tablets provide decent audio quality, but the Fire 8 generally performs better. The Fire 8’s audio output is generally more clear and detailed, with less distortion at higher volumes. The Fire 7’s audio quality is still acceptable, but it can sound a bit muddled and lacks some of the clarity and detail of the Fire 8.

In terms of Bluetooth audio performance, both tablets support Bluetooth 5.0, which provides faster data transfer and better power efficiency compared to older Bluetooth versions. However, the Fire 8’s Bluetooth audio performance is generally better than the Fire 7’s. The Fire 8’s audio is generally clearer and more detailed, with less distortion at higher volumes. The Fire 7’s Bluetooth audio quality is still acceptable, but it can sound a bit muddled and lacks some of the clarity and detail of the Fire 8.

Software and User Experience

Both the Kindle Fire 7 and Fire 8 run on Amazon’s Fire OS, which is a customized version of the Android operating system. Fire OS is designed specifically for Amazon’s devices, and it offers a unique user interface that’s tailored to the company’s services and content.

The interface on both tablets is similar, with a grid of apps on the home screen and a navigation bar at the bottom. The main difference between the two tablets is that the Fire 8 has a larger screen, which allows for a slightly more spacious layout.

Both tablets come with Amazon’s Alexa virtual assistant built-in, which allows users to control their device with voice commands. Users can ask Alexa to play music, answer questions, set alarms, and more. The Fire 8 also has hands-free Alexa integration, which means that users can wake up the virtual assistant without having to press a button.

One notable difference between the two tablets is that the Fire 8 has an option to switch to “Show Mode”, which transforms the device into a hands-free Alexa-enabled smart display. This mode is useful for when the tablet is docked or propped up on a stand, and it allows users to view visual content and control their smart home devices with voice commands.

Overall, both tablets offer a similar user experience with Fire OS, but the Fire 8 has a few extra features and a slightly more spacious layout due to its larger screen.
Pre-installed apps and availability of app store
Both the Kindle Fire 7 and Fire 8 come with a range of pre-installed apps, including Amazon’s own apps like Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Music, and Amazon Kindle. Other pre-installed apps include popular apps like Facebook, Netflix, and Spotify.

Both tablets also have access to Amazon’s Appstore, which offers a selection of apps and games that have been optimized for Fire OS. While the Appstore has fewer apps than the Google Play Store, it still offers a wide range of popular titles and new releases.

One advantage of using Amazon’s Appstore is that it has a more curated selection of apps, which means that users are less likely to encounter low-quality or malicious apps. Additionally, Amazon offers a “Free App of the Day” program, which offers a premium app for free each day.

It’s worth noting that both tablets are not officially supported by Google Play, which means that users won’t have access to the full selection of apps and games available on the Google Play Store. However, there are ways to install Google Play on the Kindle Fire devices, although this may require some technical expertise.
Reading Books
Both Fire devices, excel reading books, as one would expect of such a product from Amazon. There are well over 1 million eBooks available in the Amazon Library including the latest releases and current bestsellers. A book can be downloaded in under 30 seconds and you can flip through the pages conveniently by tapping or swiping the screen.

The font size, style, and line spacing can be adjusted for more convenient viewing. The Fire is also equipped with a background light so it can be read easily in the dark or in limited light such as on an airplane.

You can easily read books using a tablet. You will get a wide variety of ebooks available in Amazon’s Store. Also, you can adjust by your desire the font style, size, and line spacing for a better reading experience. Also, you can easily read in the dark thanks to the background light.
Browser
Amazon has highlighted the new Kindle Fire 7 Silk Web Browser as “a revolutionary, cloud-accelerated browser that uses a split browser architecture to leverage the computing speed and power of the Amazon Web Services cloud”. Sound very impressive!

However, in extensive testing of the Silk Browser, and indeed in general day-to-day Internet surfing and downloading, I have found no evidence to support Amazon’s big claims regarding the Silk Browser.

The Kindle Fire 8 Silk Web Browser is perfectly fine to use but in my opinion, performs at the same speed as any other standard browser across a standard wireless network.

The Silk Browser does contain tabbed pages and JavaScript and Flash content are supported as standard. But overall the Silk Browser is adequate, not spectacular as expected but ok.

Price

As retail prices can vary based on location and time, it is important to note that the prices mentioned below may not be applicable at all times and in all regions.

The Kindle Fire 7 typically has a lower retail price compared to the Fire 8. As of April 2023, the current retail price for the Kindle Fire 7 is around $49.99 for the base model with 16GB of storage, while the 32GB model is priced at around $69.99. However, prices may vary based on promotions, deals, and other factors.

On the other hand, the Kindle Fire 8 typically has a higher retail price compared to the Fire 7. As of April 2023, the current retail price for the Fire 8 is around $89.99 for the base model with 32GB of storage, while the 64GB model is priced at around $119.99. Again, prices may vary based on promotions, deals, and other factors.

It’s worth noting that both tablets may also come with different pricing based on whether they have special offers, which are ads that appear on the lock screen. Users can opt to purchase a version of either tablet without special offers, which will typically cost more. Additionally, prices may vary for different models or versions of the tablet, such as those with cellular connectivity.

Additional factors like warranty and customer support

Warranty and customer support are important factors to consider when purchasing a tablet, as they can provide peace of mind in case of any issues or defects.

Both the Kindle Fire 7 and Fire 8 come with a limited one-year warranty from Amazon. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, and Amazon will either repair or replace the device if it is found to be defective. However, the warranty does not cover damage caused by accidents or misuse.

In terms of customer support, Amazon offers various resources to help users with their devices. They have a comprehensive online help center that includes troubleshooting guides, FAQs, and user manuals. Amazon also provides customer support through phone and chat, where users can speak to a representative for assistance.

Kindle Fire 7 Pros and Cons

Here are some pros and cons of the Kindle Fire 7 and Fire 8 tablets to help you make an informed decision:

Kindle Fire 7 Pros:

• Lower price point compared to the Fire 8
• Portable and easy to carry around due to its compact size and light weight
• Still offers good performance and battery life for basic tasks like browsing, reading, and streaming

Kindle Fire 7 Cons:

• Smaller screen size and lower resolution compared to the Fire 8
• Limited storage options
• Limited RAM and processing power which may result in slower performance with more demanding apps and games

Kindle Fire 8 Pros and Cons

Kindle Fire 8 Pros:

• Larger screen size and higher resolution
• More storage options available
• More RAM and processing power which results in better performance, especially with demanding apps and games

Kindle Fire 8 Cons:

• Higher price point
• Slightly heavier and bulkier compared to the Fire 7
• Battery life may be slightly shorter compared to the Fire 7 due to the larger screen and higher processing power

Ultimately, the choice between the Kindle Fire 7 and Fire 8 comes down to your individual needs and budget. If you are looking for a basic tablet for reading and browsing, the Fire 7 may be a good choice due to its lower price point and portability. However, if you plan to use your tablet for more demanding tasks like gaming and streaming, the Fire 8’s larger screen, higher resolution, and better performance may be worth the higher price point.

Kindle Fire 7 or Kindle Fire 8? Verdict

Based on the comparison between the Kindle Fire 7 and Fire 8, there are several factors to consider when choosing between the two tablets. Here are some recommendations for which tablet is the best choice for different types of users:

• Casual users: If you’re looking for a tablet for basic tasks like browsing the web, reading books, and watching videos, the Kindle Fire 7 is a good choice. It has a compact size and affordable price, making it a great option for casual users who don’t need advanced features or high-end specs.
• Entertainment lovers: If you plan to use your tablet for entertainment purposes like streaming movies and playing games, the Kindle Fire 8 is a better choice. Its larger screen and higher resolution provide a more immersive experience, while its improved processor and RAM make it more capable of running demanding apps and games.
• Students and professionals: If you need a tablet for work or school, the Kindle Fire 8 is a good choice. Its larger screen and better resolution make it easier to read and view documents, while its improved processing power and RAM make it more capable of running productivity apps and multitasking.
• Kids: If you’re buying a tablet for a child, the Kindle Fire 7 Kids Edition is a great choice. It comes with a kid-friendly case, parental controls, and a one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+, which provides access to thousands of books, games, and videos. The Fire 8 Kids Edition is also a good choice if you want a larger screen and more advanced features.

Overall, the Kindle Fire 7 and Fire 8 are both great tablets with their own unique features and advantages. Choosing the right one depends on your specific needs and preferences as a user.