Amazon has not wanted to stay out of the market for tablets, among other markets such as the Fire TV Stick on Smart TVs, and has decided to present its new tablets, under the name Kindle Fire HDX. Amazon becomes a direct rival to Google in the tablet market and that is why we have decided to compare the two tablets. Comparison: Kindle Fire HDX vs Nexus 7.
The battle in the compact tablet segment has intensified with proposals that prioritize competitive price y high performanceWhile the Apple ecosystem is pushing with its mini line, in the Android environment the most balanced duel is between the Kindle Fire HDX and the Nexus 7, as shown by other Android tablet comparisonsIn this guide we face its hardware, display, software, battery and connectivity keys, and add design details and exclusive services that make the difference.
Processor and RAM
If there's one thing that stands out about these two tablets, it's that they have a high-performance processor, especially in the case of the new Amazon tablet. And far from being a low-end processor, it's the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad-core capable of reaching a clock speed of 2,2 GHz. It's the best processor on the market, and that's why it's so remarkable. The Nexus 7, on the other hand, has a Qualcomm processor as well, but the Snapdragon S4 Pro, the highest-end one launched last year. However, despite being quad-core, it's not that high-end, and that's clear when you see that it's capable of reaching a clock speed of 1,5 GHz.
The two new tablets have a RAM memory with the same characteristics, since it is a unit with a capacity of 2 GBRAM is what allows a greater number of applications to run in the background. In this case, we're talking about the RAM found in high-end tablets.
Where an additional jump is observed is in the GPUThe Kindle Fire HDX is equipped with the Adreno 330, which is more powerful and efficient than the Adreno 320 of the Nexus 7. In synthetic tests such as AnTuTu o 3DMark, the Amazon tablet is clearly ahead: it hovers around figures of 30.000 points, while Google's model moves around the 20.000Translated into experience, the HDX delivers improved frame rates in demanding games and improved multitasking smoothness in heavy-duty scenarios.
Beyond the numbers, the Snapdragon 800 handles the sustained peak loads (basic video editing, extended 3D gaming), with less thermal throttling. The Nexus 7, while smooth in everyday use, can experience limitations during intensive continuous tasks, something to consider if you prioritize gaming or productivity with heavy apps.
Screen and camera
The screen is no surprise. On one hand, we have the Nexus 7, which is, obviously, seven inches in size. Full HD versionThe screen resolution of the Mountain View tablet is 1920 by 1200 pixelsWe're talking about a resolution that surpasses that of the Full HD screens many of us have at home, so the image quality will be truly high. The Kindle Fire HDX is a similar case, as the screen is also seven inches and has the same resolution.
Both reach a density of 323 pixels per inch, which translates into excellent sharpness for fine text y detailed graphics, ideal for reading appsThe panels offer good viewing angles and vivid colors; in practice, reading, gaming, or watching TV on both is very satisfying. Color adjustment and contrast may vary slightly due to calibration, but the overall perception is well-balanced in both cases.
As for the camera, we find a big difference. While Google has opted to put a main camera when it didn't in the previous one, Amazon has opted for the opposite. The new Nexus 7 has a main camera. five megapixels which is capable of recording video in Full HD 1080p, as well as a front-facing camera for video calls. The Amazon tablet, on the other hand, only has a front-facing camera that allows for video calls.
If photography is a priority, the Nexus 7 scores points for its rear sensor Versatile for quick captures, document scanning, or code reading. For those who only need video calls or the occasional selfie, the HDX's webcam is more than adequate.
Design and ergonomics
In design, Amazon stands out with a rear shape trapezoidal which improves grip and positions the buttons costumes y on on the back, accessible with your index finger. The Nexus 7 features clean lines and a sober black frame with buttons on the side.
The figures reinforce the evenness of the format: the Nexus 7 scores about 8,65 mm thick and 299 grams, while the Kindle Fire HDX is around 9 mm y 303 grams. In hand, both feel light and manageable during reading or streaming sessions, with the Nexus having a minimal advantage in weight and HDX in grip thanks to its rear.
Operating System
Although both new tablets run Android, there is also a significant difference in the operating system. For one thing, the Nexus 7 runs 4.3 Android Jelly Bean, without layers of any kind, and will be one of the first to update to 4.4 Android KitKat. For its part, the Kindle Fire HDX runs Android, but with a complete Amazon customization capability, which limits the tablet, so we can say that it will not be practically like an Android, although you will be able to install the applications that Amazon includes in its app store. On the other hand, it also has a complete suite of apps such as Kindle, to read books.
Amazon's personalization is called Fire OS. His approach emphasizes content hub (books, video, music) and in your Amazon AppstoreThe catalog is smaller than Google Play, although with featured titles and frequent promotions. In return, Amazon adds its own services such as Mayday, a support with human assistance in real time, making life easier for less technical users and resolving questions about configuration, purchases, or device use without leaving the screen.
On Google's side, the “pure” Android experience guarantees a clean interface, no bloatware, and full access to Play Store Google apps, with traditional update cycles, fasterIf you value customizing every detail and having immediate access to the Google ecosystem, the Nexus 7 is the most open option.
Battery and memory
Finally, we can't forget to mention the memory and battery of both tablets. Neither allows for memory expansion via a microSD card, so choose the correct capacity At the time of purchase, this will be absolutely essential. In this regard, we find three variants on Amazon, and you can purchase the new Kindle Fire HDX with three different capacities: 16, 32 and 64 GBThe Google Nexus 7 is available in two different capacities, 16 and 32 GBIf we were looking for a 64GB memory, the only option is the Amazon tablet.
The battery in the case of tablets becomes vital. Its size allows manufacturers to opt for higher capacity batteries. Amazon mentions a battery that offers a battery life of 11 hours long.. It does not specify the capacity of the same, so we cannot compare the theoretical values. In the case of the Nexus 7, whose battery has a capacity of 3.950 mAh, the autonomy according to Google is 9 hours long., so it is considerably lower if the data is real.
In real-world use, the HDX's headroom is seen in streaming video and continuous browsing thanks to its more efficient platform. The Nexus 7 holds up well over a day of mixed usage (email, networking, reading), but if you spend long hours viewing high-resolution content, the HDX lasts a bit longer. As always, factors such as brightness, coverage, or connection type (WiFi/4G) can significantly affect these results.
Practical storage advice: if you are going to download series, heavy games and offline libraries, the jump to 32 GB o 64 GB It pays for itself quickly. Without a microSD card, opting for a smaller capacity may leave you short sooner than expected.
Connectivity
Although both tablets have versions that only have WiFi connectivity, they are also available in a version with 3G / 4G (check if they allow calls: make calls with a tablet). Purchasing the tablets at this price will mean paying MÃ ¡s 100 eurosThe base price for the most basic versions is 229 Euros both in the case of the Kindle Fire HDX and the Nexus 7. Although if we want a tablet with 4G, it will be cheaper to buy a Kindle Fire HDX, since it is 20 Euros cheaper than the Nexus 7.
In WiFi, both support dual band, but the HDX boasts double antenna and technology aimed at improving stability (MIMO), something that in saturated networks can translate into better sustained speedIn practice, the differences will not always be apparent to all users, although Amazon's approach seeks to minimize disruptions in streaming.
In short-range wireless, both integrate Bluetooth for headphones, keyboards, or controllers. The Nexus 7 adds NFC y GPS, very useful for payments, quick pairings and turn-by-turn navigation (see experience of use the tablet as a browser); the Kindle Fire HDX lacks NFC, and the GPS It is usually associated with variants with mobile connectivityIf you travel a lot or use your tablet as a browser, this is a difference worth keeping in mind.
To complete the user profile, don't forget the ecosystem: with Nexus 7, Google Play and Google services arrive complete and without barriers; with Kindle Fire HDX, integration with Amazon (Prime Video, Kindle, purchases) is deep and comfortable, in exchange for greater dependence on your store and its focus.
- Choose Kindle Fire HDX if you prioritize gross yield, better autonomy, Mayday support and intensive consumption of Amazon content.
- Choose Nexus 7 if you value Pure Android, fast updates, rear camera, NFC y GPS for mobility.
Both models represent the best expression of the affordable compact tablet in its approach: one oriented to squeeze the Amazon ecosystem with power and autonomy, and the other to enjoy Android without layers with more sensors and a rear camera. With screens identical in size and resolution, the final decision usually goes to the with which you prefer, the use of the camera and the need for GPS/NFC, without forgetting that the HDX offers a slight advantage in performance and battery life, while the Nexus 7 does so in system openness and advanced connectivity capabilities. In addition, if you are interested in the market context, you can see how Tablet sales are on the rise in Spain and which brands are leading.
