Before the release of the Google Nexus 7 in July, tablet options were limited to 10 inch models, such as the iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab. However, since then has come the arrival of a number of smaller tablets; too big to be a phone, and too small the be a proper tablet, which have reshaped the tablet market due to their price and portability. It was this that allowed them to become a hit with the consumer technology market. Perhaps the two most popular of which are the Google Nexus 7 and the Kindle Fire HD, which I will compare here.The screens on the two tablets are both very similar, with 7 inches diagonally across them and 216 pixels per inch. However, the Kindle Fire's screen has more of a contrast between colours on the screen, while the Nexus displays sharper, and generally better images. Google's 'Project Butter' helps to enhance smoothness and faster touch response on the screen, and the Kindle's HD screen capable of streaming 720p HD video, with a large besel to hold while watching will make the tablet appealing to hardcore tablet film fans. And thanks to the Kindle's 'X-Ray' feature, a tap of the screen during movie streaming brings up IMDb provided information for that film, including actors and actresses. Although the Nexus' relatively decent speaker, 720p video and rubberised grip on the back should also appeal to users looking to use their tablet for entertainment purposes, the Fire HD focuses on Amazon's content (movies, music, apps), hence the lack of much storage space on the device. Although both Google and Amazon focus greatly on content for their devices, customers who have already built a library of Amazon books or apps may choose to opt for the Kindle.
As for syncing with other devices, both have Bluetooth connectivity for easily sharing files with friends or your other devices. The Fire HD is able to link all your Kindle devices using WiFi, allowing your page numbers and other annotations to be kept across your Kindles. The Nexus' equivalent, Chrome log in, lets you continue your browsing on your other devices, along with your history and bookmarks. Its Near Field Communication (NFC) chip enables contactless payment at shops, meaning compatibility with Google Wallet; the app which lets you pay for items in shops with just a tap. Meanwhile, the Fire HD comes with a HDMI cable to show on a TV or computer screen what's on-screen, a feature missing on the Nexus 7.
The cameras on the two tablets are both similar; neither have a back camera, but with 1.2 and 1.3MP resolutions on the Nexus and the Fire HD respectively, while their batteries have reasonable 8 hour and 10 hour lives respectively. For Browsing, the Nexus 7 probably cuts just above the Kindle, with its fantastic Chrome browser and Chrome log in. However the Fire HD puts up a tough fight with its Dual Antenna WiFi for much faster connection, and its decent Silk browser - however neither of the tablets have 3G; perhaps a feature in later models.
The Nexus 7 runs on Android 4.1.2, Ice-Cream Sandwich, a nice interface running with the Google Play Store for apps, music and films, however with a limited number of apps compatible with the Nexus 7 in particular. The Fire HD runs on a limited version of Android 4.0, with a fairly uncustomisable interface in that the apps sit on a default ordered shelf. Another disadvantage are the limited number of apps available for the Fire HD, and more advanced games simply don't work at all. Ads on the lock screen are sure to aggravate users, only removable by paying a one off £10 fee.
Currently, the Nexus 7 comes in 16GB version for £159, and a 32GB version for £199, with the Kindle Fire HD shipping at the same prices.
Overall, if you're a user keen on reading or with a library of books or films already bought from Amazon, the Kindle Fire HD will match your needs perfectly. However for those looking for a neatly priced tablet and value for money with lots to offer in terms of apps and features, the Nexus 7 is probably the tablet for you.
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