The sub-$100 tablet market is fiercely competitive, offering options for casual users, students, and those seeking a dedicated media consumption device. We pit the Allview Viva 1003G, running a standard Android build, against the Amazon Fire HD 7, powered by Amazon’s Fire OS, to determine which provides the best experience for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Amazon Fire HD 7 is the better choice. While the Allview Viva 1003G offers a more open Android experience, the Fire HD 7’s optimized software and slightly more powerful CPU configuration deliver a smoother, more responsive user experience, especially for media playback and Amazon’s ecosystem.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August. Released 2019, August | 2014, September. Released 2014, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 246.2 x 171.7 x 10.7 mm (9.69 x 6.76 x 0.42 in) | 191 x 128 x 10.6 mm (7.52 x 5.04 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | No |
| Weight | 479.4 g (1.06 lb) | 337 g (11.89 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~216 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~70.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 7.0 inches, 142.1 cm2 (~58.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core (2x1.5 GHz & 2x1.2 GHz) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT8321A (28 nm) | - |
| GPU | Mali-400 | - |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 4.4 (KitKat - customized), Fire 4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | VGA |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | No |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 (SlimPort) |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, gyro |
| | - | Text-to-Speech English-language content reader |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 400 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 11 h | Up to 8 h |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, White, Cobalt, Magenta, Citron |
| Models | - | KFASWI |
| Price | - | About 120 EUR |
| SAR EU | 1.05 W/kg (body) | - |
Allview Viva 1003G
- Open Android ecosystem with Google Play Store access
- Potentially lower cost (depending on retailer)
- Standard Android experience without Amazon bloatware
- Less optimized software experience
- Slower CPU clock speed
- Slower charging speed (10W)
Amazon Fire HD 7
- Optimized Fire OS for smooth performance
- Faster CPU cores for improved responsiveness
- Tight integration with Amazon services
- Restricted ecosystem (Fire OS)
- Amazon bloatware and advertising
- Limited customization options
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to deliver a premium display experience. Given the lack of display specifications for the Allview Viva 1003G, we can assume it utilizes a standard IPS LCD panel common in this price bracket. The Amazon Fire HD 7 also features an IPS LCD, but its strength lies in Amazon’s software optimizations for color and brightness. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning. Color accuracy will likely be basic on both, suitable for casual viewing but not professional work.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is not a strength of either device, and detailed specifications are lacking. Both tablets are likely equipped with basic cameras suitable for video calls and occasional snapshots. Focusing on megapixel counts would be misleading; image quality will be heavily influenced by sensor size and image processing, neither of which are detailed in the provided data. Expect limited low-light performance and generally soft images from both.
Performance
The performance gap is subtle but significant. The Allview Viva 1003G’s Mediatek MT8321A, built on a 28nm process, features a quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU clocked at 1.3 GHz. The Amazon Fire HD 7 employs a quad-core CPU with a split configuration – 2x1.5 GHz and 2x1.2 GHz cores. This suggests a more powerful burst performance capability on the Fire HD 7, particularly for tasks that can leverage the faster cores. While the MT8321A is power-efficient, the Fire HD 7’s CPU architecture likely provides a noticeable edge in responsiveness and app loading times. The 28nm node of the MT8321A will likely result in slightly higher thermal output under sustained load compared to a more modern process node, though both devices are unlikely to experience significant throttling.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. The Allview Viva 1003G’s 10W wired charging is relatively slow, suggesting a longer charge time. Without knowing the battery capacity of either device, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement. However, the Fire HD 7’s optimized software and potentially more efficient CPU configuration could translate to slightly better real-world battery endurance, even with a similar capacity. The slower charging speed of the Allview Viva 1003G will be a drawback for users who need quick top-ups.
Buying Guide
Buy the Allview Viva 1003G if you prioritize a fully open Android experience with access to the Google Play Store without Amazon’s restrictions. This is ideal for users who sideload apps or require specific Android features. Buy the Amazon Fire HD 7 if you prefer a streamlined, content-focused experience, heavily integrated with Amazon’s services like Prime Video, Kindle, and Audible, and value a polished user interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will I be able to install apps like Netflix and YouTube on the Allview Viva 1003G without issue?
Yes, the Allview Viva 1003G runs a standard version of Android and has full access to the Google Play Store. You should be able to install popular apps like Netflix and YouTube without any compatibility issues. However, performance may vary depending on the app’s optimization.
❓ How much Amazon bloatware is pre-installed on the Fire HD 7, and can it be removed?
The Amazon Fire HD 7 comes with a significant amount of Amazon bloatware, including apps like Amazon Shopping, Kindle, and Prime Video. While you can disable many of these apps, complete removal is generally not possible without rooting the device, which voids the warranty and is not recommended for most users.
❓ Is the Amazon Fire HD 7 suitable for playing casual games?
The Amazon Fire HD 7 is adequate for playing casual games like puzzle games, card games, and simple arcade titles. However, it will struggle with more demanding 3D games due to its limited processing power and graphics capabilities. Expect lower frame rates and potentially longer loading times.
