Nexus 7 vs Kindle Fire HDX: 5 Key Differences

The new Nexus 7 is readily available and at the moment doesnt have any real competition. This week though comes the new Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7-inch tablet, available as of Friday, and the iPad Mini 2 is on the horizon. Now that Amazon is finally getting its new tablet in the hands of buyers, we wanted to run down a few key differences.

There is plenty that separates these devices, but well be highlighting a few key differences that we feel are most important. Amazon has tons of benefits, as does the Nexus 7 from Google and ASUS, and now that both are available youll want to know what to expect. Everything from software, hardware, operating system, and even LTE support is all mentioned below. Not to mention that stiff competition in the pricing category as well. Which is best for your dollar? Read on to find out.

On its third evolution the Amazon Kindle Fire HDX is late to the game when compared to Googles Nexus 7, but theyve added plenty of new features and improvements that should have consumers excited. Some want a reading device, others want to game and multi-task on their tablet, so its all about personal preference.

Hardware

The new Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 7 comes with a 1920 x 1200 full HD display, one which promises to be easier on the eyes and have some unique lighting features to keep that battery charged longer. With 17 hours of battery and a claim of 11 hours of mixed usage the Kindle should keep you plenty busy. The Nexus 7 comes in with the same type of brilliant display, and while we havent reviewed the Kindle Fire HDX yet, we came away extremely impressed with the Nexus 7.

The other important aspect of hardware, design aside, is the specs under the hood. If youre going to be playing Asphalt 8: Airborne, watching 1080p videos, streaming Netflix and more youll want the best specs possible. Amazon actually wins this battle, by offering the latest Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor from Qualcomm with 2GB of RAM. Compared to the slightly aging quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro inside the Nexus 7. Amazons rocks a 2.2 GHz speed, while the Nexus 7 comes in at only 1.5 GHz.

Overall the processor wont matter too much, but the Snapdragon 800 is extremely efficient and sips on battery, so youll likely be getting more usage time out of the Kindle Fire HDX than with the Nexus 7. That aside performance should be plenty smooth on both devices, even though the operating systems are extremely different. Android is at the core, but Amazon has it unrecognizable.

In terms of the hardware design, the Nexus 7 has to be the winner here. While Amazons slate is thin, lightweight, and shaped to be comfortable to hold, that rear design isnt too pretty. Googles elegant matte black design is sleek and clean, vs some goofy angles, oddly placed rear buttons, and speaker grills that looks like vents on the HDX 7.

Software

Obviously with the Google Nexus 7 youre going to get the latest and greatest Android OS, no matter what. Google will keep the Nexus 7 up to date as fast as any device on the market, and Android 4.4 KitKat should be here any day now. The biggest difference between these two devices is software. You know what youll get and what to expect with the Nexus 7, with the Kindle Fire HDX however, its a different ballgame.

The latest Fire 3.0 OS runs on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, but youd never tell by looking at it. Just like previous releases Amazon has completely stripped it down, skinned every aspect, and designed it around their suite of applications and services. Amazon has one idea in mind, make the ultimate consumption device. Everything from games, Amazon Instant Video, and of course all the Kindle reading features, this is all about the consumption experience. Yes theyve integrated some Cloud Print options and are trying to be more active in a creation side, but we all know this is aimed at people that want a simple device to enjoy.

Read: Nexus 7 Review (2013)

Our Nexus 7 review goes over some of the Android OS, but at this point if youve ever used an Android device or tablet theres no surprises here. Those considering a Kindle Fire for the first time however, its much different. Much like the suggestions on Amazon.com, the Kindle Fire HDX will have suggestions and ads on the lockscreen and other areas. This is mandatory unless you buy a more expensive ad-free model. Its only $15 more, but thats something to consider.