OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Tablets Methodology v3.0
Tablets Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Tablets Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Tablets Methodology v3.0

Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 4G (2GB + 32GB) review: 168 specs compared

Avg. price:~£420RAM capacity:2 GBInternal storage:32 GBScreen size:8.9 inchesChipset:Qualcomm Snapdragon 800

Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 4G (2GB + 32GB) Review: Compare 168 technical specifications and 28 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Tablets category and whether it is worth buying.

7.0/10

Overall score

Score
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 52% of models
Score components

35%

6.0

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

8.3

Reviews score

10%

6.0

Sentiment score

â–²Better than 52% of tablets
7.4

Value for money

Value for money
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the tablet's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a tablet with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
Score components

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

8.3

Price

â–¼Worse than 62%
6.0

Technical score

Technical score
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
Score components

22%

5.5

Performance

20%

6.3

Display

16%

6.1

Camera

14%

5.3

Battery

12%

6.5

Connectivity

8%

6.4

Software

5%

6.5

Design

3%

6.8

Audio

â–¼Worse than 53%
8.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 80% of models

80%

8.2

Average grade

20%

8.7

Popularity

Grades by review (28)
23 reviews: 16 with a printed score, 7 estimated from the review. 5 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 80%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £420
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Other versions:
2GB + 32GB2GB + 16GB2GB + 64GB

What reviewers say about the Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 4G (2GB + 32GB)

Based on 23 · 6

The screen, light weight and speed win wide praise, while the limited app store, weak camera and lack of storage disappoint.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 4G (2GB + 32GB)

Based on 30 owners sharing their experience in online comments

53%positive10%mixed37%negative

Owners praise the sharp, lightweight tablet, while limited app access and difficult battery replacement frustrate many.

What owners dislike

  • Owners say apps crash often, the device stops working at times, and some apps stop working for a while or lose connections after updates.6
  • Owners say the official Android app store is missing, so apps must come from alternative stores or sideloading, and some sideloaded apps never work.5
  • Owners say the front screen must come off, the old battery is pried out with a chisel, and new connectors may not click in.4

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of tablet Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 4G (2GB + 32GB)

Technical score
Technical score
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
Score components:

22%

5.5

Performance

20%

6.3

Display

16%

6.1

Camera

14%

5.3

Battery

12%

6.5

Connectivity

8%

6.4

Software

5%

6.5

Design

3%

6.8

Audio

6.0
Reviews score
8.3
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the tablet's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a tablet with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
Score components:

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

8.3

Price

7.4
RAM capacity
2 GB
Market range: <1 GB – >8 GB
This tablet has 2 GB of RAM, which is less than 61.3% of tablets and equal to 15.5% of tablets.
Process node
28 nm
Market range: <4 nm – >40 nm
This tablet is built on a 28 nm process, which is larger than 65.1% of tablets and equal to 17.6% of tablets.
Internal storage
32 GB
Market range: <16 GB – >256 GB
This tablet has 32 GB of internal storage, which is less than 60.9% of tablets and equal to 17.9% of tablets.
Geekbench 6 single-core score
?
Chipset
Qualcomm Snapdragon 800
This tablet runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon 800, which is more advanced than 64.1% of tablets and equal to 1.3% of tablets.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen resolution
2560×1600
This tablet has a 2560×1600 screen, which is sharper than 77.5% of tablets and equal to 10% of tablets.
Refresh rate
60 Hz
Market range: <60 Hz – >120 Hz
This tablet has a 60 Hz screen, which is smoother than 0.1% of tablets and equal to 73.4% of tablets.
Display type
IPS LCD
This tablet uses a IPS LCD display type. 17% of tablets use this display technology.
Pixel density
339 ppi
Market range: <149 ppi – >291 ppi
This tablet has a pixel density of 339 ppi, which is higher than 97.1% of tablets and equal to 0.2% of tablets.
Display glass type
Aluminosilicate Glass
This tablet protects its screen with Aluminosilicate Glass, which is less durable than 58% of tablets and the same as 7% of tablets.
Show more
What reviewers say
Optical image stabilization
no
This tablet does not support optical stabilisation. 0.4% of tablets offer this.
Main camera megapixels
8 MP
Market range: <3.15 MP – >13 MP
This tablet has a rear camera with 8 MP resolution, which is higher than 36.4% of tablets and equal to 31.9% of tablets.
Front camera megapixels
1.2 MP
Market range: <1.2 MP – >9 MP
This tablet has a front camera with 1.2 MP resolution, which is lower than 86.3% of tablets and equal to 4.8% of tablets.
Main camera aperture
f/2.2
This tablet has a main camera aperture of f/2.2, which is wider than 30.1% of tablets and equal to 27.3% of tablets.
Optical zoom
1xxx
This tablet has 1xx optical zoom, which is stronger than 18.2% of tablets and equal to 80.9% of tablets.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery capacity
6,000 mAh
Market range: <4k mAh – >10.1k mAh
This tablet has 6,000 mAh battery capacity, which is smaller than 54.2% of tablets and equal to 4.2% of tablets.
Charging speed
10 W
Market range: <10 W – >45 W
This tablet charges at 10 W, which is slower than 60.9% of tablets and equal to 33.3% of tablets.
Battery life
12 hours
Market range: <7 hours – >16 hours
This tablet has a battery life of 12 hours, which is longer than that of 65.7% of tablets and equal to that of 9.3% of tablets.
Wireless charging
no
This tablet does not support wireless charging. 1.5% of tablets offer this.
Fast charging
no
This tablet does not support fast charging. 56.9% of tablets offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
LTE support
yes
This tablet has built-in LTE. 57.1% of tablets offer this.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This tablet connects to Wi-Fi. 0.2% of tablets offer this.
GPS
yes
This tablet has built-in GPS. 17.1% of tablets offer this.
5G connectivity
no
This tablet does not support 5G. 8.1% of tablets offer this.
NFC
no
This tablet does not include NFC. 10.8% of tablets offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Fire
This tablet uses the Fire operating system, which is less advanced than the one used by 82%.
Update support duration
medium
This tablet offers medium update support, which is longer than the support period of 47.6% of tablets and equal to that of 32.4% of tablets.
Direct OS updates
yes
This tablet supports direct OS updates. 20.3% of tablets offer this.
On-device AI
no
This tablet does not support on-device AI. 28.3% of tablets support this capability.
App tracking protection
no
This tablet does not support app tracking protection. 28.4% of tablets offer this.
Show more
IP rating
not rated
This tablet's IP rating is not rated, which is less protected than 16.5% of tablets and the same as 83.6% of tablets.
Weight
384 g
Market range: <315 g – >730 g
This tablet weighs 384 g, which is lighter than 76.5% of tablets and equal to 0.3% of tablets.
Backlit keyboard
no
This tablet does not support a backlit keyboard. 9.7% of tablets support backlit keyboards.
Keyboard accessory
yes
This tablet supports a keyboard accessory. 15.8% of tablets support this option.
Pen latency
N/A
Show more
What reviewers say
Number of microphones
2
Market range: <1 – >3
This tablet has a microphone array of 2, which is more than 55.1% of tablets and equal to 32.7% of tablets.
aptX Adaptive
no
This tablet does not support aptX Adaptive. 6.9% of tablets offer this.
Dolby Atmos support
yes
This tablet supports Dolby Atmos. 68.7% of tablets support Dolby Atmos.
N. of speakers
2
Market range: <2 – >4
This tablet includes 2 speakers, which is more than in 9.8% of tablets and equal to the number in 60.8% of tablets.
FM radio
no
This tablet does not include an FM radio. 19% of tablets offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say

Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 4G (2GB + 32GB) vs the average tablet

246810TotalPerformanceDisplayCameraBatteryConnectivitySoftwareDesignAudio
  • More advanced chipset
    This tablet has a more advanced chipset than the average tablet (Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 vs MediaTek MT8169A).
    Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • 53.4% sharper screen detail
    This tablet has sharper screen detail than the average tablet (339 ppi vs 221 ppi). The average tablet has a pixel density of 221 ppi.
    339 ppi vs 221 ppi
  • 133 nits higher typical brightness
    This tablet has a higher typical brightness than the average tablet (533 nits vs 400 nits). The average tablet reaches 400 nits typical brightness.
    533 nits vs 400 nits
  • Sharper display
    This tablet has a sharper screen than the average tablet (2560×1600 vs 1920×1200).
    2,560×1,600 vs 1,920×1,200
  • More advanced graphics
    This tablet has more advanced graphics than the average tablet (Adreno 330 vs Mali-G51).
    Adreno 330 vs Mali-G51
  • 133 nits brighter screen
    This tablet is brighter than the average tablet (534 nits vs 401 nits). The average tablet reaches 401 nits.
    534 nits vs 401 nits
  • Supports LTE
    This tablet supports LTE, while the average tablet does not. 42.9% of tablets support LTE.
  • Includes anti-reflection coating
    This tablet has anti-reflection coating, the average tablet does not. 24.6% of tablets use anti-reflection coating.
  • 18.6% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–² Better than 80% of models

    80%

    8.2

    Average grade

    20%

    8.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (28)
    23 reviews: 16 with a printed score, 7 estimated from the review. 5 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.3 vs 7.0
  • More advanced chipset
    This tablet has a more advanced chipset than the average tablet (Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 vs MediaTek MT8169A).
    Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 vs MediaTek MT8169A
  • More advanced graphics
    This tablet has more advanced graphics than the average tablet (Adreno 330 vs Mali-G51).
    Adreno 330 vs Mali-G51
  • 10% higher CPU speed
    This tablet has a higher CPU speed than the average tablet (2.2 GHz vs 2 GHz). The average tablet has CPU speed of 2 GHz.
    2.2 GHz vs 2 GHz
  • 53.4% sharper screen detail
    This tablet has sharper screen detail than the average tablet (339 ppi vs 221 ppi). The average tablet has a pixel density of 221 ppi.
    339 ppi vs 221 ppi
  • 133 nits higher typical brightness
    This tablet has a higher typical brightness than the average tablet (533 nits vs 400 nits). The average tablet reaches 400 nits typical brightness.
    533 nits vs 400 nits
  • Sharper display
    This tablet has a sharper screen than the average tablet (2560×1600 vs 1920×1200).
    2,560×1,600 vs 1,920×1,200
  • 133 nits brighter screen
    This tablet is brighter than the average tablet (534 nits vs 401 nits). The average tablet reaches 401 nits.
    534 nits vs 401 nits
  • Includes anti-reflection coating
    This tablet has anti-reflection coating, the average tablet does not. 24.6% of tablets use anti-reflection coating.
  • Supports slow-motion video
    This tablet supports slow-motion recording, while the average tablet does not. 37.3% of tablets support slow-motion recording.
  • Built-in camera flash
    This tablet has a camera flash, while the average tablet does not. 45.5% of tablets have one.
  • 2 hours longer battery life
    This tablet offers longer battery life than the average tablet (12 hours vs 10 hours). The average tablet offers 10 hours of battery life.
    12 hours vs 10 hours
  • Supports LTE
    This tablet supports LTE, while the average tablet does not. 42.9% of tablets support LTE.
  • Supports cellular data
    This tablet supports cellular data, while the average tablet does not. 47.4% of tablets offer this.
  • 21.6% lighter
    This tablet is lighter than the average tablet (384 g vs 490 g). The average tablet weighs 490 g.
    384 g vs 490 g
  • 42 mm shorter
    This tablet is shorter than the average tablet (158 mm vs 200 mm). The average tablet is 200 mm tall.
    158 mm vs 200 mm
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This tablet supports Dolby Atmos, the average tablet does not. 31.3% of tablets support Dolby Atmos.
  • 1 more microphones
    This tablet has more microphones than the average tablet (2 vs 1). The average tablet's microphone count is 1.
    2 vs 1
  • 3.8 MP lower front resolution
    This tablet has a lower-resolution front camera than the average tablet (1.2 MP vs 5 MP). The average tablet has a front camera of 5 MP.
    1.2 MP vs 5 MP
  • No USB-C port
    This tablet does not have a USB Type-C port, while the average tablet does. 54% of tablets have one.
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    This tablet has fewer CPU threads than the average tablet (4 vs 8). The average tablet has 8 CPU threads.
    4 vs 8
  • No fast charging
    This tablet does not support fast charging, while the average tablet does. 56.8% of tablets support fast charging.
  • No continuous video AF
    This tablet does not support continuous video AF, the average tablet does. 57.7% of tablets support continuous video autofocus.
  • Less vivid contrast
    This tablet has less contrast than the average tablet (273:1 vs 1015:1). The average tablet has a contrast ratio of 1015:1.
    273:1 vs 1,015:1
  • 2 GB less RAM
    This tablet has less RAM than the average tablet (2 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    2 GB vs 4 GB
  • Less advanced operating system
    This tablet runs on a less advanced operating system than the average tablet (Fire vs Android). Operating system choice shapes app support, updates, and ecosystem features.
    Fire vs Android
  • 20.0% lower sentiment score
    6.0 vs 7.5
  • 61.5% more expensive
    Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 4G (2GB + 32GB) is more expensive than the average tablet (£420 vs £260).
    £420 vs £260
  • 4 fewer CPU threads
    This tablet has fewer CPU threads than the average tablet (4 vs 8). The average tablet has 8 CPU threads.
    4 vs 8
  • 2 GB less RAM
    This tablet has less RAM than the average tablet (2 GB vs 4 GB). The average tablet has 4 GB of RAM.
    2 GB vs 4 GB
  • 1,066 MHz slower RAM speed
    This tablet has a lower RAM speed than the average tablet (800 MHz vs 1,866 MHz). The average tablet has RAM speed of 1,866 MHz.
    800 MHz vs 1,866 MHz
  • 2x larger process node
    This tablet has a larger process node than the average tablet (28 nm vs 14 nm). The average tablet is built on 14 nm.
    28 nm vs 14 nm
  • No big.LITTLE architecture
    This tablet does not support big.LITTLE architecture, while the average tablet does. 51.7% of tablets support big.LITTLE architecture.
  • 50% less internal storage
    This tablet has less internal storage than the average tablet (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average tablet has 64 GB of internal storage.
    32 GB vs 64 GB
  • 6 years older
    This tablet was released earlier than the average tablet (2013 vs 2019). The average tablet was released in 2019.
    2013 vs 2019
  • 14.1% less memory bandwidth
    This tablet has less memory bandwidth than the average tablet (12.8 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s). The average tablet has 14.9 GB/s of memory bandwidth.
    12.8 GB/s vs 14.9 GB/s
  • Less vivid contrast
    This tablet has less contrast than the average tablet (273:1 vs 1015:1). The average tablet has a contrast ratio of 1015:1.
    273:1 vs 1,015:1
  • 1.2 inches smaller screen
    This tablet has a smaller screen than the average tablet (8.9 inches vs 10.1 inches). The average tablet measures 10.1 inches.
    8.9 inches vs 10.1 inches
  • Less durable glass
    This tablet has less durable glass than the average tablet (Aluminosilicate Glass vs Corning Gorilla Glass). The average tablet uses Corning Gorilla Glass.
    Aluminosilicate Glass vs Corning Gorilla Glass
  • 50% slower touch response
    This tablet samples touch more slowly than the average tablet (60 Hz vs 120 Hz). The average tablet samples touch at 120 Hz.
    60 Hz vs 120 Hz
  • 3.8 MP lower front resolution
    This tablet has a lower-resolution front camera than the average tablet (1.2 MP vs 5 MP). The average tablet has a front camera of 5 MP.
    1.2 MP vs 5 MP
  • No continuous video AF
    This tablet does not support continuous video AF, the average tablet does. 57.7% of tablets support continuous video autofocus.
  • No manual white balance
    This tablet does not support manual white balance, while the average tablet does. 51.5% of tablets support manual white balance.
  • No timelapse video
    This tablet does not support timelapse video, while the average tablet does. 57.5% of tablets support timelapse video.
  • No fast charging
    This tablet does not support fast charging, while the average tablet does. 56.8% of tablets support fast charging.
  • 44.4% slower charging
    This tablet charges slower than the average tablet (10 W vs 18 W). The average tablet charges at 18 W.
    10 W vs 18 W
  • 9.1% smaller battery capacity
    This tablet has a smaller battery capacity than the average tablet (6,000 mAh vs 6,600 mAh). The average tablet offers 6,600 mAh of battery capacity.
    6,000 mAh vs 6,600 mAh
  • No USB-C port
    This tablet does not have a USB Type-C port, while the average tablet does. 54% of tablets have one.
  • Older Bluetooth version
    This tablet has an older Bluetooth version than the average tablet (4 vs 5).
    4 vs 5
  • No face recognition
    This tablet does not have face recognition, the average tablet does. 56.4% of tablets support face recognition.
  • No Ethernet support
    This tablet does not have Ethernet support, the average tablet does. 76.5% of tablets support Ethernet.
  • Less advanced operating system
    This tablet runs on a less advanced operating system than the average tablet (Fire vs Android). Operating system choice shapes app support, updates, and ecosystem features.
    Fire vs Android
  • No split-screen
    This tablet does not support split-screen, the average tablet does. 72.8% of tablets support split-screen.
  • No picture-in-picture mode
    This tablet does not support picture-in-picture, the average tablet does. 61.4% of tablets support picture-in-picture.
  • No camera and mic privacy
    This tablet does not support camera and mic privacy, while the average tablet does. 56.6% of tablets offer this.
  • No full-page screenshots
    This tablet does not support full-page screenshots, the average tablet does. 53% of tablets support full-page screenshots.
  • No location privacy
    This tablet does not support location privacy, while the average tablet does. 76.7% of tablets offer this.
  • No dark mode
    This tablet does not support dark mode, while the average tablet does. 57.7% of tablets offer this.
  • No offline voice recognition
    This tablet does not support offline voice recognition, the average tablet does. 76.4% of tablets support offline voice recognition.
  • 55.7 mm wider
    This tablet is wider than the average tablet (231 mm vs 175.3 mm). The average tablet is 175.3 mm wide.
    231 mm vs 175.3 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

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Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
avforums.com
✓ explicit
06/03/2015
Full review · Amazon 8.9-inch tablet
Verdict
The Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 is light, sharp and fast, but its restrictive Fire OS suits people who already buy everything from Amazon.
8.0
whathifi.com
✓ explicit
02/01/2015
Full review · Entertainment tablet
Verdict
The Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 is a light tablet with a strong screen, but its locked-in Amazon services won't suit everyone.
8.0
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
20/03/2014
Full review · Premium Amazon tablet
Verdict
The Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 is Amazon's best tablet yet, with an excellent screen and camera, but it only suits people heavily invested in Amazon.
8.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
27/11/2013
Full review · Appstore-only tablet
Verdict
The Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 is a light tablet with a strong screen, but its restricted Amazon Appstore won't suit Android power users.
8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
28/11/2013
Full review · Amazon-first tablet
Verdict
The Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 is well suited to Amazon films, books and music, but not to serious work or favourite Android apps.
8.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
07/11/2013
Lab test · Family tablet
Verdict
The Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 is the best large-screen tablet for people who avoid technology, but it is far less flexible than the iPad Air.
8.0
zdnet.com
✓ explicit
24/01/2014
Hands-on test · Business reader
Verdict
The Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 has impressive hardware, but its small app store and Amazon focus make it best for buyers already in Amazon's ecosystem.
9.0
newatlas.com
≈ estimated
23/01/2014
Hands-on test · Big-screen tablet
Verdict
The Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 is a light, sharp, long-lasting tablet for Amazon users, but with no Google apps, Gmail fans should look elsewhere.
8.3
cnet.com
✓ explicit
30/10/2014
Hands-on test · Family tablet
Verdict
The Fire HDX 8.9 is a sleek, movie-friendly family tablet with Dolby Atmos sound, but random crashes and a stubborn pop-up dent its polish.
8.0
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
10/12/2014
Lab test · Display and battery
Verdict
The Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 has an excellent display and very long battery life, but its restricted app store makes it a content tablet, not a true Android one.
8.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
21/11/2014
Full review · Media tablet
Verdict
The Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 is a strong tablet for video, with some of the best tablet speakers, but it is still not the best Android tablet.
8.0
alphr.com
≈ estimated
18/11/2014
Full review · Big-screen tablet
Verdict
The Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 is a light tablet with an excellent display and battery, but its camera is weak and it is tied closely to Amazon.
forbes.com
22/12/2013
Not graded yet
7.2
netzwelt.de
✓ explicit
21/11/2013
Lab test · Amazon tablet
Verdict
The Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 is a light, sharp tablet for buyers already in Amazon's shops, but it lacks a memory card slot and an HDMI port.
9.0
spiegel.de
≈ estimated
18/11/2013
Review · Media tablet
Verdict
The Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 suits people who mainly watch, read and shop with Amazon, thanks to its light body and sharp screen, though its app choice is small.
9.0
futurezone.at
≈ estimated
29/11/2013
Lab test · iPad Air rival
Verdict
The Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 is a good, cheaper alternative to the iPad Air for buyers who accept fewer apps and no Google Play store.
8.0
computerwoche.de
✓ explicit
28/03/2015
Lab test · Large-screen tablet
Verdict
The Fire HDX 8.9 matches top tablets on screen, battery and speed, but its Amazon-only ecosystem limits what you can do with it.
8.0
connect.de
≈ estimated
09/12/2013
Test report · Amazon tablet
Verdict
The Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 is a fine tablet for anyone already buying books, music and video from Amazon, but it is restricted for everything else.
7.0
stadt-bremerhaven.de
≈ estimated
09/11/2014
Hands-on test · Amazon tablet
Verdict
The Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 is a light tablet with an accurate, bright screen and smooth performance, but its visible touch sensors and Amazon-focused software are drawbacks.
7.0
frandroid.com
✓ explicit
03/02/2021
Full review · Amazon-only tablet
Verdict
The Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 has a sharp screen and good build, but its heavily Amazon-focused software suits only buyers who stay in Amazon's shops.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 4G (2GB + 32GB)

  • High-resolution 2560 x 1600 display (339 ppi) with excellent color accuracy and viewing angles
  • Remarkably lightweight and slim design, weighing only 374g/13.2 oz
  • Strong quad-core Snapdragon performance that handles gaming and multitasking smoothly
  • Excellent battery life, often lasting 10+ hours of video streaming
  • Impressive audio quality with loud, clear stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support
  • Innovative 'Mayday' button provides instant, 24/7 video tech support from Amazon experts

What customers don't like about Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 4G (2GB + 32GB)

  • Lack of access to the Google Play Store, limiting the selection of apps and games
  • Highly restrictive Fire OS offers very little user customization compared to stock Android
  • No microSD card slot for expandable storage, forcing users to pay more for higher-capacity models upfront
  • Rear 8MP camera performance is mediocre, especially in low-light conditions
  • Lock-screen advertisements ('Special Offers') require an additional fee to remove
  • Heavy reliance on the Amazon ecosystem makes it less versatile for users not subscribed to Prime

Verdict

The Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 4G (32GB) is a high-performance tablet featuring a stunning 8.9-inch display with a 2560 x 1600 resolution at 339 ppi and a powerful 2.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor paired with 2GB of RAM. Its main pros include an exceptionally lightweight and slim design, long-lasting battery life of up to 12-18 hours depending on usage, and advanced features like the 'Mayday' live tech support button and Dolby Atmos-enhanced audio. However, significant cons include the lack of a microSD card slot for expandable storage, no native Google Play Store access (limiting app selection to the Amazon Appstore), and a highly restrictive Fire OS interface that pushes Amazon-centric content.

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