It’s holiday season, and it’s really tough to decide which tablet to buy–an iPad 2 or a Kindle Fire? And, if you are not done shopping for your tablet because you are torn between the iPad 2 and the Kindle Fire, we can help you with your dilemma by comparing the two tablets side by side.
Some people out there buy Apple because of the brand and quality, but others prefer the Kindle Fire because of the low price. How do these two tablets differ? And, which one might be a better choice for you? Read on to find out.
Dimensions
Most people are more inclined to choose the iPad 2 because of its sleek design and its wider display (9.7 inches) making it better than the 7-inch display of the Kindle Fire. However, if you want a tablet that is easy to carry around and would definitely fit in your bag, you should go for the Kindle Fire. Although the iPad 2 is actually heavier and wider than the Kindle Fire, it is actually thinner than the Amazon tablet. In terms of weight, the iPad 2 is clearly the heavier tablet because it’s larger and it’s made of metal materials. The Kindle Fire is lighter and is easy to carry in one hand because it is smaller.
Display
One of the most important aspects that a buyer should know when buying a tablet is the display, since it is essentially the highlight of a tablet. The iPad 2 has a 9.7-inch IPS display with 1024×768 resolution, while the Kindle Fire has a 7-inch IPS display with a 1024×600 resolution. The iPad 2 is perceived by many as better, but if we consider that the iPad 2 has a larger screen, it practically displays fewer pixels per inch of screen than does the Kindle Fire at that resolution.
Specs and Performance
There is not much difference between the two tablets as far as their processors and RAM are concerned. Each one uses a 1 GHz dual-core processor with 512 MB RAM onboard. Such configuration allows users to enjoy these tablets without experiencing lag especially when playing games that are pretty heavy.
In terms of storage, both the Kindle Fire and the iPad 2 have no SD card slot for storage expansion. This is really a setback for the two tablets. However, if you want more memory, you can choose among the 16 GB, 32 GB, and the 64 GB models of the iPad 2.
On the other hand, the Kindle Fire’s 8 GB of internal storage is compensated for with Amazon’s offer of cloud storage through Amazon Prime (for video streaming), Amazon Cloud (for documents), and Amazon MP3 (for music). The Kindle Fire’s 8 GB of internal storage is generally enough for average users and casual gamers, but it may not be enough for heavy gamers.
As for power, the iPad 2 also has relatively longer battery life than the Kindle Fire. Amazon’s estimate for the Kindle Fire’s battery life is lower than the iPad 2′s–and that’s with Wi-Fi off on the Kindle Fire. The iPad 2, in contrast, lasts a few hours longer–and with Wi-Fi on. Thus, in terms of battery life, the iPad 2 seems to have an upper hand.
Another plus point for the iPad 2 is that it has cameras–both a rear-facing and a front-facing camera. The Kindle Fire simply doesn’t have any.
Which Is Better?
Compared to the Kindle Fire, the iPad 2 is relatively better with its larger display, longer battery life, and the cameras onboard. Yet, it is also heavier in terms of price–starting at US$500. That’s where the Kindle Fire trumps the iPad 2. Amazon’s tablet is priced at the sweetest point–US$200–without sacrificing the most essential features in a tablet. Thus, with its price vis-a-vis its features, the Kindle Fire is actually a great deal.
For those who have the cash, the iPad 2 is probably worth its price. But, to those on a tight budget and who badly need a tablet for general use, the Kindle Fire offers a good balance between features and price.
Which tablet is better suited to your needs?
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