The Kindle Fire HD Versus The Nexus 7

Certain animals are purportedly attracted to shiny things. Magpies. Ferrets. Maybe we can add humans to the list – we’re part of the animal kingdom after all.

And when it comes to shiny things, gadgets are at the top of the list. Tablets, for one, are some of the most attractive gadgets that catch the attention of humans these days. The iPad is arguably the best tablet one can own, but there are a handful of alternatives that are not too shabby.

Kindle Fire HD Versus Nexus 7

Enter Amazon’s Kindle Fire HD and Google’s Nexus 7, which are being pitted against each other for good reason. If you’re trying to decide between these two tablets, here’s a quick comparison of the key features of the the Kindle Fire HD and Nexus 7.

Size/Display

In my opinion, the size of these two tablets is one of the biggest reasons to consider purchasing one. They’re both equipped with a 7-inch screen, and they both sport a resolution of 1280×800. The difference lies in the weight. The Kindle Fire HD weighs in at 395g, while the Nexus 7 is only 340g. Be honest, though, that does not really make much of a difference, does it?

OS and UI

The Nexus 7 has a clear advantage in this respect, as it comes with the latest Android version. The Kindle Fire HD, on the other hand, runs on Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0) and uses a lot of overlays. This also translates to a marked difference in speed, where the Nexus 7 outdoes its competitor.

Connectivity

Both tablets use a micro-USB connector, have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, but they both don’t support 3G. The Kindle Fire HD has an ace up its sleeve with its HDMI Out connector, which the Nexus 7 does not have.

Apps

Obviously, they have different app stores – Google Play for the Nexus 7 and Amazon for the Kindle Fire HD. The Nexus 7 wins this race, with lots more of apps in Google Play. There really isn’t much to discuss here, except that, if you are a voracious reader and that’s what you’re going to do mainly, then you will not be disappointed with the Kindle Fire HD.

Price

Both tablets start at $199, which is definitely a good price for a tablet. For higher specs, you’ll have to dish out more.

The Verdict

On most points, the Kindle Fire HD and the Nexus 7 are neck to neck. I think that the deciding factor will be the availability of apps and games. Having said that, I’d place my money on the Nexus 7. Additionally, if you place a premium on looks, I would have to say that the Nexus 7 is the obvious choice.

[Image via Pocket Now]