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In this article, I give you my Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch review with specs included. This is the bigger companion of the Kindle Fire HD 7-inch that I reviewed already. Basically, this is the same Kindle, you just get more of it with a bigger and higher resolution display.

Pretty much the exact same things that the 7-inch model has this new tablet has as well. The overall design is pretty much the same. The only thing that makes a difference is obviously a bigger screen, 8.9-inch versus 7-inch and higher resolution.

The Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet offers an expansive screen, boasting a larger display compared to its predecessors. This larger screen is complemented by an impressive high resolution of 1920 by 1200 pixels, setting it apart from many 10.1-inch Android tablets currently available in the market. While it may not match the ultra-high resolutions found in flagship devices like the Asus Transformer Infinity TF700 or the Samsung Galaxy Nexus 10, which feature resolutions beyond 1920 by 1200, it certainly outshines numerous other tablets still running at 1280 by 800 pixels on a 10.1-inch display, such as the Galaxy Note 10.1.

The Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet boasts a sharp and vibrant IPS screen, offering a competitive viewing experience akin to that of the Retina iPad. Despite slightly lower pixel density compared to the Retina iPad and the Nexus 10, with differences in PPI (pixels per inch) between 240 and 260 being hardly discernible to the naked eye, the Kindle Fire HD’s IPS display ensures excellent color reproduction and viewing angles, making it a visually appealing choice for multimedia consumption.

In terms of specifications, the Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet inherits many features from its 7-inch counterpart, including Wi-Fi connectivity, support for dual-band MIMO Wi-Fi for faster connections, and Bluetooth capabilities. Additionally, an optional LTE model is available, providing users with the flexibility of cellular connectivity for on-the-go usage.

Pricing for the Wi-Fi-only model starts at $299 for the 16GB variant, positioning it as an attractive option within the 10-inch tablet segment. For those seeking additional storage capacity, a 32GB model is available for $369, while the LTE-enabled version, also featuring 32GB of storage, is priced at $499 and operates on the AT&T LTE network. Moreover, Amazon adopts an innovative approach to pricing, offering LTE connectivity at a slightly higher upfront cost without the need for long-term contracts or subsidies, providing consumers with greater flexibility and transparency in their purchase decisions.

However, it is essential to consider the data plans associated with the LTE models. While Amazon offers a basic data plan, it may not be sufficient for users requiring substantial data usage, as it provides a modest allowance of 215MB per month, which may be quickly depleted with activities such as web browsing and email. Users with higher data requirements may opt for more expensive data plans, although it is worth noting that certain features, such as video streaming, may not be available over LTE, limiting the versatility of the device in certain scenarios.

Under the hood, the Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet boasts a slightly upgraded CPU compared to its 7-inch counterpart, featuring a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, providing enhanced performance for seamless multitasking and fluid user experience. While specific details regarding the device’s RAM capacity remain undisclosed by Amazon, benchmarks and system information applications suggest that it likely incorporates 1GB of RAM, a common configuration found in last year’s Android tablets.

Overall, the Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet offers a compelling blend of features, including a spacious high-resolution display, robust connectivity options, and improved processing power, making it a worthy contender in the 10-inch tablet market. With its competitive pricing and intuitive user interface tailored to Amazon’s ecosystem, the Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet caters to users seeking a versatile multimedia device for entertainment, productivity, and beyond.

The available storage on the Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet is approximately 16GB, though a portion of this is typically occupied by the operating system and pre-installed apps. This leaves users with around 750MB of space for additional apps and personal content.

While this may seem limited, it’s worth noting that Kindle products are heavily integrated with the Amazon ecosystem. Therefore, users who are already invested in Amazon services, such as Prime membership, Kindle books, and Amazon’s App Store, may find that the storage capacity meets their needs adequately. Additionally, with an emphasis on cloud services, users can leverage cloud storage for their content, reducing the reliance on local storage.

It’s essential to understand the target audience for Kindle products. Rather than directly competing with devices like Nexus tablets, Kindle devices cater to a different demographic. They appeal to users who prioritize simplicity, ease of use, and seamless integration with the Amazon ecosystem. For individuals seeking a hassle-free experience with robust customer support and a user-friendly interface tailored to Amazon’s services, Kindle devices are an attractive option.

While some users may be enticed by the budget-friendly pricing of Kindle devices, it’s essential to recognize that they offer a different user experience compared to full Android tablets like Google Nexus devices. Kindle tablets do not provide access to the Google Play Store or Google services out of the box. However, users who are comfortable with rooting their devices can gain access to additional functionalities, including sideloading apps that are not available on the Amazon App Store.

The Amazon App Store offers a decent selection of apps, though it may not match the extensive library available on the Google Play Store. Nevertheless, users can still find a variety of apps and games to suit their needs. For those who require access to specific apps or services not available on the Amazon App Store, sideloading remains a viable option, albeit one that requires a degree of technical proficiency.

In terms of hardware specifications, the Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet boasts a sleek and lightweight design, making it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. The high-resolution display delivers crisp and vibrant visuals, enhancing the overall viewing experience for multimedia content. The inclusion of dual-band Wi-Fi with MIMO technology ensures fast and reliable internet connectivity, ideal for streaming videos, browsing the web, and downloading content.

Performance-wise, the Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet is equipped with a capable dual-core processor clocked at 1.5GHz, providing smooth and responsive performance for everyday tasks and multimedia consumption. While specific details regarding RAM capacity are not disclosed by Amazon, the tablet delivers adequate multitasking capabilities, allowing users to switch between apps seamlessly.

The appeal of the Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet lies in its simplicity, affordability, and integration with the Amazon ecosystem. For users who prioritize access to Amazon services and value a user-friendly experience, the Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet offers an attractive option. However, for those seeking greater flexibility and access to a broader range of apps and services, full Android tablets like Google Nexus devices may be a more suitable choice.

For those who are inclined towards the technical aspects of their devices, the Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet offers the flexibility to sideload apps from other devices such as smartphones or tablets. This feature caters to users who are familiar with the process of extracting apps from their existing devices and transferring them onto the Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet. It provides an avenue for tech-savvy individuals to customize their tablet experience according to their preferences and needs.

In terms of physical dimensions, the Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet boasts an 8.9-inch display, placing it in close proximity to the size of the average 10-inch tablet. A comparison with the iPad Mini, which features a 7.9-inch display, illustrates the noticeable difference in size between the two devices. While the iPad Mini is renowned for its lightweight design, the Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet holds its own among 10-inch tablets, offering a relatively lightweight build that contributes to its portability and ease of use.

With a weight of 1.25 pounds, or one and a quarter pounds, the Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet falls within the range of lightweight tablets, particularly when compared to the full-size iPad with Retina display, which weighs almost a pound and a half. Additionally, its thickness of 0.35 inches adds to its sleek and streamlined appearance. Amazon’s design approach strikes a balance between modern aesthetics and practicality, resulting in a device that exudes a rugged yet appealing demeanor.

Examining the tablet from various angles, one can appreciate Amazon’s attention to detail in its design elements. The back of the device features a distinctive racing stripe, adding a touch of visual interest while serving as a housing for the stereo speakers. Equipped with Dolby audio technology, these speakers deliver immersive sound quality, enhancing the overall multimedia experience for users.

On the bottom of the device, users will find a micro USB port for transferring data and charging the tablet. Notably, the charger is not included in the box, necessitating the use of alternative charging methods such as connecting the tablet to a computer or utilizing a compatible smartphone charger. Additionally, the presence of a micro HDMI port allows users to connect the tablet to external displays, making it an ideal companion for streaming content from Amazon Prime services on compatible home entertainment systems.

The Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet offers a compelling blend of functionality, portability, and affordability. Its ability to accommodate sideloaded apps appeals to tech-savvy users seeking customization options, while its sleek design and versatile connectivity features make it a practical choice for everyday use. Whether you’re looking to enjoy multimedia content, access Amazon services, or simply stay productive on the go, the Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet delivers a satisfying user experience that caters to a wide range of preferences and needs.

The Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet offers an array of features that cater to users seeking a versatile and convenient multimedia experience. One notable feature is its compatibility with set-top boxes, allowing users to stream Prime Video content directly onto their television screens. Positioned along the sides and top of the device are various ports and controls, including a 3.5-millimeter audio jack, volume controls, and a power button. These buttons are conveniently located and easy to use, enhancing the overall user experience.

Comparing the Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet to its 7-inch counterpart reveals a significant difference in screen size, with the larger device offering more screen real estate. Despite having large bezels, the 8.9-inch tablet does not appear overwhelmingly bulky, making it a comfortable device to hold for extended periods. However, its weight of 1.25 pounds may become cumbersome during prolonged reading sessions. In contrast, the Nexus 7 presents a smaller and more compact alternative, making it ideal for users prioritizing portability and ease of handling.

When comparing the Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet to the 10.1-inch Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1, the difference in screen size is evident. While the Galaxy Note 10.1 boasts a larger display, the overall footprint of the two devices is relatively similar. Users considering the 8.9-inch tablet as a space-saving alternative to the 10.1-inch tablet may find that the difference in size is not substantial. Additionally, the Samsung tablet’s slim design and accelerometer functionality allow for seamless transitions between portrait and landscape orientations, catering to various user preferences and activities.

The Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet’s full HD display enhances the reading experience by delivering sharp and clear text. Whether users are reading books, browsing the web, or watching videos, the high-resolution screen ensures crisp visuals and vibrant colors. With its immersive display and user-friendly interface, the 8.9-inch tablet offers an enjoyable multimedia experience for users of all ages.

The Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet combines functionality with portability, making it a versatile device for everyday use. Its compatibility with set-top boxes, intuitive controls, and vibrant display make it an appealing choice for users seeking a reliable and user-friendly multimedia device. Whether you’re reading e-books, streaming videos, or browsing the web, the Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet delivers a satisfying user experience that caters to a wide range of preferences and needs.

The Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet boasts an impressive IPS display characterized by its neutral whites, which lean slightly towards the warmer side. This subtle warmth contributes to a comfortable reading experience, as it mimics the soft and inviting ambiance of traditional books. When viewing movies, the display’s warm tones enhance the appearance of flesh tones, lending a natural and lifelike quality to on-screen characters.

In terms of performance, the Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet delivers speed and responsiveness, ensuring smooth navigation and seamless multitasking. The text appears beautifully crisp and sharp, making reading a pleasure. Users have the option to utilize the facing page mode, reminiscent of the iBooks interface, which allows for customization of typefaces and font sizes to suit individual preferences.

Given the similarities with its 7-inch counterpart, the Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet shares many features and functionalities. Therefore, a detailed exploration of every feature may be redundant for those who are already familiar with the 7-inch model. However, comparing the two devices can help users make an informed decision based on their specific needs and preferences.

When it comes to video playback, the Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet provides access to a vast library of Amazon Prime videos, offering convenient streaming options over Wi-Fi. The Dolby-powered speakers deliver rich and immersive sound, enhancing the overall viewing experience. While the volume may not match the exceptional loudness of the 7-inch model, the stereo sound quality remains impressive, with noticeable stereo separation.

In addition to Amazon Prime videos, users can also enjoy content from popular streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu, further expanding their entertainment options. The inclusion of Dolby mobile speakers ensures high-quality audio output, complementing the tablet’s stunning display and making it a versatile device for multimedia consumption.

Unlike some competing tablets, such as recent Samsung models, the Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet does not feature forward-facing speakers. Instead, the speakers are positioned towards the back of the device, which may slightly affect the sound projection. However, the speakers still deliver ample volume and clarity, providing an enjoyable audio experience for users.

The Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet offers a compelling combination of impressive display quality, responsive performance, and immersive audio capabilities. Whether users are reading e-books, watching videos, or streaming music, the tablet delivers a satisfying multimedia experience that caters to a wide range of preferences and entertainment needs.

The Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet is evidently optimized for landscape mode usage, ensuring maximum stereo separation from its speakers. However, users should be mindful that holding the device in certain positions may inadvertently block the speakers, potentially affecting audio quality. Nevertheless, the tablet offers the flexibility to sideload personal video content, with MPEG-4-based files recommended for optimal compatibility.

Rather uniquely, instead of integrating directly into the video player, sideloaded videos are managed through a separate app called “Personal Videos.” Despite this unconventional approach, the tablet demonstrates its capability to handle high-resolution content, such as 1080p movie trailers, with ease, thanks to its native 1080p resolution screen, eliminating the need for scaling adjustments and ensuring a seamless viewing experience. This aspect makes the Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet a commendable choice for users prioritizing video consumption over e-book reading.

In addition to video content, the tablet also offers an enhanced experience for reading digital magazines, leveraging its larger screen real estate to present text and graphics more comfortably. Publications like The New Yorker, which utilize self-contained apps, benefit from intuitive reader interfaces and well-formatted layouts, ensuring ease of navigation and readability.

The larger display size of the 8.9-inch tablet proves advantageous for magazine reading, particularly when dealing with print-faithful layouts that often feature smaller text. Users can enjoy magazine content without the need for constant zooming, enhancing the overall reading experience and catering to those with a penchant for digital periodicals.

Navigating the Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet’s user interface reveals a blend of Amazon’s proprietary UI layered atop the Android operating system, specifically Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0). Despite running on an older Android version, the device conceals its underlying OS well, offering a cohesive and intuitive interface that hides most Android elements from view. However, some UI features, such as the home button, may require users to tap the screen in certain contexts to activate, adding a layer of complexity to navigation.

Additionally, elements like the carousel may exhibit pixelation when stretched, although ongoing improvements from Amazon aim to enhance the visual fidelity of these elements over time. Nevertheless, access to the Amazon ecosystem remains a key highlight, with seamless integration allowing users to explore and purchase a variety of digital content, including books, music, videos, and applications, directly from the device.

Moreover, the Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet’s design reflects a deliberate balance between functionality and aesthetics, featuring a sleek and modern appearance characterized by a rubbery, rugged texture that enhances grip and durability. While the device’s thickness remains within reasonable limits at 0.35 inches, its weight of 1.25 pounds positions it as a slightly heftier option compared to its smaller counterparts. Despite this, the tablet remains comfortable to hold for extended periods, offering a substantial yet manageable form factor that strikes a balance between portability and screen size.

Comparisons with other tablets underscore the Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet’s strengths and versatility. When juxtaposed with smaller devices like the Kindle Fire HD 7-inch tablet, the larger screen size of the 8.9-inch model becomes apparent, providing users with a significantly larger viewing area.

While both tablets feature large bezels, the size disparity is less pronounced on the 8.9-inch device, resulting in a more proportionate and visually appealing design. However, the increased size and weight of the 8.9-inch tablet may pose challenges for users seeking a more lightweight and compact device for reading and casual use.

Conversely, comparisons with larger tablets, such as the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1, highlight differences in screen size and overall footprint. While the Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet offers a more compact alternative to the 10.1-inch device, the difference in size may not be significant enough to justify the former’s selection over the latter for users prioritizing screen real estate. However, the Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet’s form factor strikes a balance between portability and functionality, making it an appealing choice for users seeking a mid-sized tablet with robust multimedia capabilities.

The Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet excels in delivering a superior multimedia experience, offering a high-quality display, immersive audio, and seamless integration with the Amazon ecosystem. Whether users are consuming video content, reading digital magazines, or navigating the user interface, the tablet’s combination of performance, design, and functionality ensures a satisfying user experience. While certain aspects like speaker placement and UI refinement may warrant further improvement, the overall package presents a compelling option for users seeking a versatile and feature-rich tablet device.

The Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet offers users a seamless gateway to the expansive world of Amazon’s digital marketplace. With the convenience of one-click purchasing, accessing a myriad of products, from books to movies, is as effortless as a single tap. However, alongside this convenience comes the need for prudent management, especially when the tablet is shared with family members, including younger users.

Fortunately, the device includes robust parental controls, providing caregivers with the ability to restrict access to certain content and prevent inadvertent purchases, ensuring a worry-free experience for all users, regardless of age.

A hallmark feature of Amazon’s Fire product line is its utilization of the bookshelf metaphor, evident in the tablet’s interface design. Albums and media content are neatly organized and presented akin to physical books on a shelf, fostering a sense of familiarity and simplicity in navigation.

While the visual representation of album covers adds a touch of aesthetic appeal, the primary focus remains on delivering a seamless shopping experience, with subtle prompts enticing users to explore additional content offerings. Despite the commercial undertones, the device remains a versatile multimedia platform, capable of delivering high-quality audio experiences through its integrated speakers or headphones, with intuitive playback controls allowing for uninterrupted enjoyment of music or other media content.

Navigating the tablet’s settings and controls reveals a user-friendly interface, designed to streamline access to essential features and functions. Quick access shortcuts provide convenient toggles for adjusting display brightness, wireless connectivity, and volume settings, ensuring users can customize their experience to suit their preferences seamlessly.

While the list of available settings may not encompass the exhaustive range found on traditional Android tablets, it covers essential aspects, offering users a degree of flexibility in tailoring their device to their needs. Notably, the inclusion of essential productivity applications, such as contacts, calendar, and email, expands the tablet’s utility beyond entertainment, transforming it into a capable tool for staying organized and connected.

Setting up and configuring email accounts is a straightforward process, with support for popular providers like Gmail, Hotmail, and Yahoo, alongside compatibility with IMAP and POP3 protocols. While the tablet’s email functionality is serviceable for basic correspondence, users may encounter occasional reliability issues with email notifications, highlighting a potential area for improvement in future updates.

However, the device’s standby performance remains exemplary, with minimal power consumption during idle periods, ensuring extended battery life and prolonged usability without the need for frequent recharging.

Battery life, a critical consideration for any mobile device, meets expectations, with Amazon’s claims of up to 10 hours of usage proving to be realistic under typical conditions. However, real-world usage may yield slightly lower figures, with approximately 9 hours of active use achievable on a single charge. Nevertheless, the tablet’s standby efficiency remains commendable, allowing users to maximize productivity and entertainment value without compromising on battery longevity.

The Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet offers a compelling blend of convenience, versatility, and performance, catering to a diverse range of user needs and preferences. Whether browsing digital storefronts, enjoying multimedia content, or staying organized with productivity tools, the device delivers a cohesive and intuitive experience, underpinned by Amazon’s commitment to user satisfaction and seamless integration with its vast ecosystem of digital services.

While minor shortcomings exist, such as occasional email notification issues, they are outweighed by the tablet’s numerous strengths, including robust parental controls, intuitive interface design, and reliable battery performance, making it a worthy contender in the competitive tablet market.

The Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet offers users an impressive array of features and functionalities, making it a compelling option in the competitive tablet market. One of its standout qualities is its efficient battery performance, which ensures prolonged usage without significant drain, contributing to a seamless user experience.

Additionally, the device boasts a commendable screen brightness, although some users may find the glare noticeable despite Amazon’s claim of polarizing the display. Nevertheless, the screen’s vivid and accurate colors, coupled with Amazon’s commitment to maintaining relative color accuracy within the sRGB spectrum, enhance the overall viewing experience, providing users with visually pleasing content consumption.

As an Amazon product, the tablet seamlessly integrates with the company’s digital ecosystem, allowing users to access and enjoy a wide range of digital content, including Kindle books, Audible audiobooks, and interactive features such as WhisperSync and X-Ray.

The inclusion of text-to-speech functionality further enhances the tablet’s versatility, enabling users to have text read aloud to them, provided the publisher permits this feature. Moreover, the tablet’s compatibility with various content formats, such as Kindle, Nook, and comics, expands its utility beyond traditional e-book reading, catering to diverse user preferences and interests.

The tablet’s hardware specifications contribute to its overall performance, with a 1.5 GHz dual-core CPU facilitating smooth operation and efficient multitasking capabilities. While the device may not boast the highest benchmark scores compared to devices equipped with more powerful processors, such as the Tegra 3 or Samsung’s Exynos series, it delivers respectable performance, capable of handling most Android games with ease.

Benchmark results, such as Quadrant scores and SunSpider performance, indicate the tablet’s ability to handle demanding tasks and provide a responsive user experience, albeit not at the level of flagship devices like the iPhone or iPad.

In terms of gaming performance, the tablet’s hardware specifications, including its 1920 by 1200 pixel display resolution, enable smooth gameplay and immersive gaming experiences. Titles like Nova 3 run smoothly on the device, showcasing its ability to handle graphically intensive games with ease. Additionally, the tablet’s larger screen size, compared to its 7-inch counterpart, enhances the gaming experience, providing users with more immersive visuals and greater comfort during extended gaming sessions.

The pricing options for the Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet offer users flexibility in choosing the storage capacity and connectivity options that best suit their needs. Starting at $299 for the base model with 16 GB of storage, users have the option to upgrade to a LTE-enabled model for $499, providing enhanced connectivity and data access on the go. Ultimately, the choice between the 7-inch and 8.9-inch models depends on users’ preferences and usage patterns, with the larger screen size of the latter appealing to those who prioritize video consumption and multimedia experiences.

The Amazon Kindle Fire HD 8.9-inch tablet offers a compelling blend of performance, versatility, and affordability, catering to a diverse range of user needs and preferences. Whether users seek a seamless digital content consumption experience, immersive gaming capabilities, or productivity-enhancing features, the tablet delivers on multiple fronts, backed by Amazon’s robust digital ecosystem and commitment to user satisfaction.

While it may not boast the highest-end specifications or premium build materials found in flagship devices, its competitive pricing and feature-rich offerings make it a worthy contender in the tablet market, appealing to both casual users and tech enthusiasts alike.