Battery life: 6 weeks Storage: 16GB Display type: Pearl e-paper Battery life: 11 hours continuous use Storage: 16GB or 32GB Display type: IPS 1024x600 Fire tablets, however, are more general-purpose devices that are similar to the best tablets (opens in new tab). They’re akin to an iPad in the sense that you can use them to browse the internet, play games, download apps, make video calls, watch TV and more. Oh, and they’ll let you read books too, if you like. Not sure which is right for you? We’ve put together this guide to compare the Kindle vs Fire ranges in detail, from display tech to functionality and even the built-in lighting. Read on to find out which is right for you. The sales period has also begun with some huge Black Friday Kindle and Fire deals, so take a look at our roundup of the top deals below to bag a bargain.
Black Friday Kindle deals
It’s hard to justify splurge purchases, even when they’re educational. That’s why it’s best to wait until the Black Friday sales period to score yourself a bargain on a Kindle. Each model is discounted, putting some at under $100. It’s also a great chance to upgrade to a more premium model at a lower cost. We’ve searched the web for the best prices so you don’t have to, so take a look at our roundup to find a Kindle that works for you.
Kindle vs. Fire: Display
Fire tablets incorporate polarising filters into their screens which help mitigate the issue, but there’s a limit to how effective this is. However, it’s much less of a concern on Kindle tablets, which use e-ink paperlike displays. E-paper screens are matte, not glossy, and this means they won’t unpleasantly reflect external light. For pure reading, they’re a lot more comfortable and pleasant to look at for long periods. It may all sound at this point as though Kindle tablets are simply better across the board. But remember that Kindles are only capable of displaying text and static images in monochrome. Fire tablet displays can play video in full colour. So, to sum it up simply – Kindle screens are much better for reading, with less glare and sharper text, and Fire displays are much better for absolutely everything else.
Kindle vs. Fire: Lighting
Like all tablets, the Kindle Fires are backlit, which means that the display is created by shining lights from behind the screen towards your eyes. The colors are far crisper, and you can use the device at night without any problem. These types of screens are better for watching videos but when reading books, the direct lights can strain and dry out your eyes.
Kindle vs. Fire: Media
By contrast, the Kindle is designed for one thing and one thing only - reading books. It’s really good at it though. You’ll have access to thousands of books, magazines, and newspapers but you won’t be able to access photos, videos or other kinds of digital media. Comic book fans can use either the Kindle or Fire tablet to read their favorite comics, but the Kindle’s screen technology only supports grey scale images. If color is important to you, then a Fire tablet is the way to go.
Kindle vs. Fire: Apps
By contrast, the Kindle e-readers do not have any additional apps. While they do have a built-in dictionary, you won’t be able to run any social or media apps from the device. Some people prefer the fact that e-readers do not have any distracting apps that might draw them away from their reading.