Tips & more

Amazon Fire or Apple iPad? Don't compare specs, compare platforms

iPad or Fire - compare platforms not specs

Every time a new tablet model is released, many users start looking for side-by-side charts that would help them compare full tech specs.

It’s the wrong attitude. Comparing tech specifications should be the last step of the decision process. The first thing you should do is find out which tablet (and – what’s most important – its ecosystem) suits your needs more.

When the new Amazon Fire HD 8, 10th-generation, model was announced, I wrote a post for Ebook Friendly, where I try to convince readers that starting iPad vs. Fire comparison from tech specs does not make too much sense.

Before getting to tech specs, you should ask yourself a question: which kind of tablet do I need? And, in most cases, this question ends in asking: what platform do I want to use?

In other words, a decision between iPad and Fire is a decision between Apple and Amazon. What has to be compared is not specs of particular models but features and conditions of platforms they are connected to.

Below, you will find a comparison of Apple and Amazon ecosystems that come with related tablets. Once you decide that it’s Amazon that you want to stick to, a more natural choice is to go for the Fire tablet. If you are ready to switch from your current digital content provider to Apple, you should invest in the iPad.

Amazon Fire vs. Apple iPad – general features

Feature Fire tablets iPad tablets
Operating system FireOS iPadOS
Connected platform Amazon Apple
microSD slot Yes,

up to 1 TB

No
Preferred mode Horizontal Portrait
Blue light filter Yes Yes
File manager Yes Yes
Cellular variants No Yes
Alexa Yes,

integrated

Yes,

via Alexa app

Alexa hands-free Yes No
Siri No Yes,

integrated

Kindle books Yes,

integrated

Yes,

via Kindle app

Other ebook stores No Yes, via apps:

Nook, Kobo, Google, Apple, more

Kindle Unlimited Yes,

integrated

Yes,

via Kindle app

Amazon Prime Yes,

integrated

Yes,

via Kindle and Prime Video apps

Google services Limited,

via browser or web-based apps

Full,

via Google apps

Video providers Yes,

Prime Video, Netflix, HBO Go, Hulu, Netflix, more

Yes,

Prime Video, Netflix, HBO Go, Hulu, Netflix, more

Price range $50-300 $300 & more
Recommendation box

Top gifts for geeks to get in 2023

Based on recommendations from top tech sites and customer reviews.

• • •

Vintage composition book iPhone case

Vintage composition notebook iPhone case

This unique, intensive, pseudo-marbling composition notebook pattern with a preworn label is available on the latest iPhone cases in several colors, including green, brown, and purple.

Zazzle

• • •

Innovative 5-in-1 power bank with AC plug

Innovative 5-in-1 power bank with AC plug

This 10000mAh smartphone-size power bank comes with USB-C port, LED display with a battery capacity, three built-in cables, and a foldable AC plug. You can plug the power bank directly to the wall socket for fast charging.

Amazon

• • •

Military-grade portfolio tablet case bag

Portfolio tablet case with accessories compartment

This customer favorited case bag from Tomtoc is compatible with all tablets up to 11 inches. It has passed the Military Standard Drop Test, and comes with an internal mesh pocket for accessories. Available in over ten colors.

Amazon

More gifts for geeks